It’s great to be able to celebrate in these trying times. It’s lovely to mark a rite of passage. These are reasons enough to celebrate a Naming ceremony. (Not to say that we should not embrace other ceremonies, liked mixed-faith services, Vow Renewals, Handfastings etc.)
Who Needs a Name?
A naming ceremony can be held for anybody, including an adult. Someone may be joining a family; they may not have had any kind of ceremony (eg christening) earlier on in life, but want one now; or a non-religious naming simply wasn’t an option back then.
It’s more commonly thought of as applying to children, though. Again, it is an exciting alternative to the Church service. You can be creative and involve family members and even friends.
How to Mark the Event?
Have a chat with your celebrant, and you can see what is available to you. You probably don’t want a long service, as the star of the show may turn grumpy!
You can have what you want included, though.
Why not include music, if you want that? You may choose readings from favourite authors/poets, You can involve special people as readers. There may be rituals that you choose to include. You can have some wine or bread (but don’t give any to the baby!). Why not have a Petal Shower?
One nice touch is to include any godparents, and they can make a formal promise to do their best for the child. In fact, the whole gathering can be invited to say something of that kind.
Remember, you don’t need to worry about any legal readings etc. – this ceremony is purely voluntary. You can hold it wherever you want (at home, in a hotel, in a garden, etc.) and can be as big or small as you want it.
Your celebrant will be glad to tell you more.