Celebrating your Family

Where can I hold the naming ceremony?

The wonderful thing about a naming ceremony is that there are no rules! You can hold the ceremony anywhere you would like – your home, garden, village hall….anywhere.

How long is a naming ceremony?

The short answer is, not that long usually. Most naming ceremonies are around the half an hour mark, to try and enjoy a small window of calm and serenity before the party gets going, but they can be tailored to include anything you would like.

Can I combine my child’s birthday with a naming ceremony?

Of course. First birthdays are popular, but any birthdays are great. And the older they get the more they can understand the significance of the important people you are bringing to their life. In my opinion, they are never too young, or too old.

Can my older children be included in the ceremony?

Absolutely! Giving them roles is a great way to make them feel included in this family celebration.

They can make ‘promises’ to their brother or sister, perhaps do a reading if willing and able, present a special gift to their sibling, or take part in a ritual.

In fact, anyone can be included – grandparents, aunts, friends, uncles, pets! The choice is yours.

Can we have God Parents or Guide Parents?

Definitely. As it’s your child’s naming ceremony you can decide on what title you’d like to bestow upon them too, whether it’s a religious ceremony or not. A few examples are ‘God Parents, 'Supporting Adults', ‘Guide Parents’ and ‘Fairy God Mother’. My children have their ‘important people’ – whatever you say goes!

Can I include religious elements into the ceremony?

Yes, if you’d like to that’s no problem at all - perhaps a religious prayer or reading, a hymn or song. You can include anything you wish – remember, it’s your ceremony.

Do we receive a naming certificate?

Yes, absolutely. Your child will receive a naming ceremony certificate and a souvenir ceremony script of their special day.

Don’t worry about spiralling costs. I will provide you with a personalised quote based on our no-obligation chat about your ceremony and promise to be clear and upfront about anything that may be an additional cost.

In principle…

For naming ceremonies, £650

Celebrating your Dog, £450

Celebrating You and other milestones and big occasions, let’s talk

Includes

· An initial 30-minute chat, by phone or video call to understand what you are wanting to achieve and to check on availability
· A little homework (get-to-know-you and your family questionnaire)
· A video call or if possible, a face to face meeting to find out more about the kind of ceremony you would like, to offer help with choices of music, readings and any rituals, and to offer guidance on how to include and thank your important friends and family in the ceremony
· Writing of the ceremony script with tweaking rounds as needed to ensure it’s exactly what you want
· My attendance before the ceremony to check in with you and key members of your family to help the ceremony flow seamlessly
· My officiating the ceremony
· A printed copy of the naming ceremony certificate and script for you to keep as a memento
· Assurance that I am trained and accredited by, and a member of the International College of Professional Celebrants, recognised by the NOCN

Other

Speeches – Are you struggling with nerves and anxiety about the speeches? Don’t know where to start? I can help with the developing and writing of your speeches to ensure your comfort and ease with this memory making moment on this special occasion. Includes some of my top tips on public speaking, gleaned from years in the corporate world media training my clients.

£200 per person

Travel – there is no charge for travel within a 45 mile radius of my home in Henley on Thames; outside of this, travel is charged at the standard rate of £0.45 per mile.

Other reasonable travel and any accommodation costs if required are to be paid for on behalf of the Celebrant – thank you!