How are you going to celebrate your new baby and welcome her or him into your family and community? There is an alternative available for couples who prefer not to have a religious ceremony – a Naming or Name-giving ceremony conducted by a celebrant. This personalised ceremony can be held in any location the parents choose – a park or garden, in a home, at a hall venue or restaurant, wherever suits your plans. Baby can be welcomed in to the family or the wider friendship group in a beautiful ceremony that reflects the beliefs and wishes of the parents. It can be relaxed, simple, fun and memorable and is a great way of celebrating with those who have been a part of this next milestone in your life, becoming a parent. When a baby is born, along come all the sleepless nights and there is little time to stop, reflect, thank and celebrate, all of which you can do with a welcoming or naming ceremony. Traditionally they take place within the first year, however in saying that some incorporate it with the first birthday but there are no rules with this, you might decide to have a naming day for all your children or all the grandchildren recognising the completion of your family or the family at large.If you want to you can include some religious content such as a prayer or blessing. Older siblings can participate in various ways, the parents might choose friends or family members to be mentors/guardians/guide parents/godparents/ fairy godmothers to the baby. Music and poetry or stories can be included as well. There are many ideas of fun inclusions within an naming ceremony some of which are listed below.

Releasing colourful balloons representing character traits of all the grandchildren or siblings and child (if from a big family)
Wishes read out by friends and family at the ceremony or tied to a tree or placed into a time capsule or book.
Tree Planting representing growth and change
Butterfly Release representing new beginnings
Fingerprint or hand print ceramic tile or family fingerprint tree

I look forward to creating and delivering a beautiful and memorable ceremony to welcome your baby into the world. Get in touch at www.nzweddingcelebrant.co.nz

Welcome baby – naming ceremonies