Child naming/welcoming ceremonies

In Covid times, much of the focus has been on the Wedding industry, given the lack of clarity on what is and isn’t possible. But it has not just been weddings that have been impacted by three successive lockdowns (remember when we thought it would be 12 weeks about a year ago now?!). Many families have welcomed children into them in the 12 months since the events industry was halted to stop the spread.

“But”, I hear you ask, “how do we officially mark this if a religious ceremony is not for us?”

Well, the answer lies in Naming and Welcoming ceremonies. These ceremonies are a great choice for the family in the 21st Century.

It’s an exciting time, having a child enter the family. They might be a first born, or 3rd born, fostered, adopted or indeed the joining of a blended family unit/stepfamily (typical tropes of evil stepparents/stepsiblings begone - there’s no stereotyping here!). And if you want to mark that, there are lots of creative ways for you to do so, with an Independent Celebrant (i.e. ME!). You can have close friends and family members do a reading, you can write some meaningful promises to the child/children and you can have supporting adults also make promises to care for and nurture them throughout their lives - much like the role of godparent in traditonal Christenings or Baptisms.

This is also where unity ceremonies really add flourish to the day (and I have a regular series on these coming to the blog soon to explore this some more!). A sand ceremony for example would sit very well, where the family would all take part and have a beautiful colourful keepsake of the day at the end. Unity candle lighting can be good too (though we recommend the adults do this one!). Music can play a part, a favourite toy, or cartoon that reflects the child Perhaps. You can be assured these ceremonies will not be forgotten (and hopefully the younger members of the audience will be engaged too!).

And those are just ideas for starters. Your Naming Ceremony will be fun filled and colourful, and will be remembered by all ages.

So if you want to know more, please drop me a line either in the comments, on social media (@bcbceremonies on Facebook and Instagram) or reach me via the website. I want to talk about YOUR event - let’s make some fun plans for after lockdown!