frequently asked questions

How long does the ceremony take?

This is entirely up to you as you have complete control over what is included. Some parents prefer a ceremony of about 10-15 minutes, while others prefer one that takes about 30 minutes and includes a number of special readings and / or rituals. One thing to keep in mind is that children, especially babies, can be unpredictable so it’s best to keep the ceremony under 30 minutes.

What is the suggested format of a naming ceremony?

My clients are provided with unlimited access to resource material, including an 84-page booklet to help plan a beautiful celebration. This details the suggested framework of a naming ceremony, together with an extensive selection of poetry and wording for each part of the ceremony, plus much more. This is available as a PDF file or hard copy.

Although every ceremony is individually created for each baby, I’ve included the suggested framework of a naming ceremony for you:

• Welcome and introduction
• Opening reading / piece of music
• Acknowledge of grandparents
• The undertaking for mentors
• Special ritual
• Parent’s dedication
• Naming your child
• Final reading
• Conclusion
• Signing the certificates
• Presenting your child to your family and friends

You are of course free to include as many other elements or rituals as you’d like. For example, remembering loved ones who have passed away or including other children in your ceremony. You are also welcome to celebrate your heritage and culture by incorporating any number of traditions into your child’s naming ceremony. I’d be happy to discuss your ideas and suggestions with you.

What is the best age to have a naming ceremony?

Although you can celebrate your child’s naming at any stage of their life, naming ceremonies are most commonly held when the baby is between 3 months to 2 years of age.

Does a naming ceremony have any legal status?

No, naming ceremonies are purely ceremonial. They are a public celebration of the love and commitment you, your family and friends have for your child. The ceremony is not legally binding on anyone who participates in it, nor are you able to use the ‘Certificate of Naming’ or the ‘Naming Register’ as proof of identification for your child.

Does a naming ceremony have any religious content?

Usually not as a naming ceremony is an alternative to a religious christening or baptism. However, it’s up to you as to what is included in your child’s naming ceremony, so if it is important to you or someone in your family, then I would suggest incorporating a religious element such as a reading from the bible or a prayer into the celebration.

Can we include other family members & friends in the ceremony?

Yes, your child’s naming ceremony is the perfect opportunity to affirm before family and friends the significant relationship certain individuals have with your child and your family. They can take on a number of roles, such as reading a special poem or participating in a ritual, through to the honoured position of your child’s mentor.

Is there a difference between a mentor and a godparent?

The title ‘god parent’ is generally associated with religious christenings or baptisms, however the titles of ‘sponsor’, ‘mentor’, ‘guardian’ ‘godparent’ and ‘supporting adult’ can be used interchangeably. For simplicity’s sake, I use the term mentor, but please feel free to change it if you’d prefer one of the other titles for your child’s naming ceremony.

How many mentors should we have and how should we choose them?

This is entirely up to you, however, most parents choose two people to act as their child’s mentors. The important thing is that you select each mentor, be it a family member or close friend whom you hold in high regard, on their ability to take an interest in your child's future and to provide love, support, comfort and guidance throughout your child’s life.

What is the best day of the week to hold the naming ceremony?

Although naming ceremonies are held on a weekend, the choice is yours. However, an important factor to consider in choosing a day is the availability of your celebrant. As most weddings are held on a Saturday, you might find that your celebrant’s Saturdays will be heavily booked, particularly during the traditionally popular wedding months of September to February. So, if you choose to celebrate your child’s naming on a Sunday you should find that your celebrant is less busy, giving you greater flexibility as to the date and the start time of the ceremony. However, if you would prefer to hold the ceremony on a Saturday, I would suggest booking your celebrant as soon as possible.

What is the best time of day to hold the ceremony?

As all babies have their own individual routines, this will depend to a great extent upon your child and his or her sleeping and feeding pattern, and whether they are at their happiest in the morning or the afternoon. Take note of when your baby is well rested, alert and happy. Other factors to consider include the travel time if your guests are coming from a great distance away; access to the venue if you are holding the ceremony in a restaurant or public area, etc, keeping in mind that the most important consideration in scheduling the ceremony is your baby.

Can we hold a naming ceremony for all of our children?

Yes. Although naming ceremonies are most commonly held to celebrate your baby’s safe arrival and to welcome him / her into your community of family and friends, children of any age can have a naming ceremony. As there are no age limits, we can celebrate the naming of all of your children in a combined naming ceremony.

Can we combine our wedding with our child’s naming ceremony?

Certainly. If you would like some suggestions on how to do this, please just ask. I’ll also be very happy to provide you with a discounted fee for service if I conduct both your marriage and your child’s naming ceremony. (A discounted fee also applies if you combine the naming ceremony with your renewal of marriage vows or a commitment ceremony).

other information:

• introduction
• inclusions
• the process of developing your naming ceremony