Question 1

Where do Namings take place?

Accepted Answer

A Naming Ceremony can be held anywhere you like.  A room in a pub, a village hall, a community centre, a hotel, the local playground  - the possibilities are endless, and depend on your budget and what's available locally.  Lots of families like to have their Naming Ceremonies at home, or in the garden, if they've got the space.  I'll come to wherever you choose.

Question 2

Can we have non-religious Godparents?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!  Most parents choose some friends or family members who are particularly close, to play a special role in their child's life.  You can call these 'Guideparents', 'Special Friends' or even 'Oddparents', as one family decided to do.  Each of these special people will make their own, personal promise to your child during the ceremony.

Question 3

Can we involve other people in the Naming Ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Yes, of course.  You, as the child's parents, will be involved, but we can also involve anyone else you want to be part of the ceremony - grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, friends..... They might want to do a reading, sing or play music, or say a few words.  And there are lots of rituals we can include if you want to involve everyone present.  We could make a picture, with each person adding their finger, or hand prints, or colouring part of it in. We could make a wish tree, or box, so that everyone writes their hopes for your child.  Or a sand blending ritual.  I can give you lots of ideas so that you can choose what feels right to you.

Question 4

How long will the ceremony last?

Accepted Answer

Because there are often other children at a Naming Ceremony, and they don't tend to want to sit still for long, I try to keep the actual ceremony fairly short - around 20-30 minutes.  But I like to keep things as informal as possible, so that everyone has a happy, relaxed time.

Question 5

What is the fee?

Accepted Answer

My fee for a Naming Ceremony is £280.  This covers all my expenses, including travel and coming to visit you as a family to plan the ceremony.

FAQs