So your new little arrival is now with you!
You want to mark this huge difference in your lives........
Are you thinking that your only option is a Christening?
Well let's just press the pause button and stop there!
You may not consider yourselves to be religious or aligned to any particular faith. You may have found out that for whatever reason, your local religious institution will not conduct a Christening for you. But be very clear on one thing - you do have another option outside of the traditional route.
Baby Naming ceremonies, or as they're sometimes called Naming ceremonies, are a growing non-religious trend that are replacing the well known Christening ceremony. They're run in a very similar way .........but have lots of bonuses that make them the right 1st choice - rather than the default when all else fails!
They tend to last for about 20-30 minutes...just like a Christening.......and have a structure that looks something like this:
- A warm and engaging welcome to everyone, with a little bit of background of the family.
- Readings or poems that have a special meaning
- Time to formally name the baby and welcome them into life, the family and wider community.
- Special commitments or promises from the parent(s)
- Special commitments or promises from the Guardians, Supporters or God-parents (you can use whichever name you're most comfortable with)
- Exchange of any special gifts
- Giving of certificates
This is just a basic guide - but what goes into a Naming ceremony depends on what everyone wants in there. So you can be as intimate or as extravagant as you want to be! These ceremonies are personalised and wrapped completely around you and your child - and that's how it should be. Every child is unique.....and so too is every ceremony.
With Naming ceremonies, you get some great little extras:
- You have your own unique and individudal ceremony - you won't get asked to 'bundle' up with other families and be batched together!
- You get the chance to design and write your own special commitments to your baby that mean something to you - no reading from standard leaflets that are passed around at each ceremony and handed back at the end.
- You can hold the ceremony anywhere and anytime - in your own home or village hall in the evening if that suits!
Formally trained and certified Celebrants are available all over the country. Look out for someone who can show you a sample from a Baby Naming ceremony they've already run. And also look out for someone who doesn't work for your local Council but who is independent. Local Councils provide Baby Naming ceremonies but you'll probably be tied to using their licensed venues within restricted hours. Some will hold them in private venues but might make an extra charge to you. Some also charge extra for bank holidays and week-ends. Most if not all Civil and Independent Celebrants, can give you a lot more flexibility and practical support!
Just because you choose not to have a religious celebration doesn't mean you should do without a celebration.....you and your child deserve something special!
Go for a personalised and unique Baby Naming ceremony - make a difference to a little life.....and make it your 1st choice!
