Naming & Welcoming
‘A name represents identity, a deep feeling, and holds tremendous significance to its owner.’
Welcome home...
Most of us are familiar with the concept of baptism and its equivalent within different religions, but what if you don’t hold those beliefs, yet still want to celebrate the arrival of a child and your choice of a name for them? A naming or ‘welcome to the world’ ceremony can be the perfect alternative to a religious service, as a way of bringing your family together, to welcome the child and to demonstrate your love for them. Such a ceremony doesn’t have to be just for babies, of course; you might prefer to wait until the child is old enough to participate more actively and to remember the significance of the ceremony in years to come.
For newly-adopted children, a ceremony like this can be a very special way of welcoming them into the family and demonstrating your commitment to them; something an older child will remember forever.
These ceremonies can take place anywhere you like: simply in your home or garden or in a more formal setting and can also incorporate the naming of godparents/guide-parents (or whatever you choose to call them). They can play an active part in the ceremony if you/they wish, by reading their own contribution (or something written for them), confirming their commitment to supporting the child through life.
The point of writing my name to you is that I see who you are, you see who I am... and that's what it's about.
A new chapter...
There are also many reasons why an adult might want to change their name. Whatever the reason, a new name is an expression of your personal identity and you may want to celebrate the start of this new chapter in your life in a more meaningful way than the simple filling-out of forms allows.
Whether your particular change is to do with gender identity/reassignment or because of the breakdown of family relationships, divorce/separation or simply because you never liked the name you were given, you are entitled to celebrate your decision and the new you!
I’ll work with you to create a bespoke ceremony, reflecting your thoughts and feelings about this important event in your life. We can involve family and friends as much (or as little) as you wish and include elements (music, readings, symbols, etc.) that reflect your personality and aspirations for the future.
I look forward to creating something exciting and completely unique for you – give me a call!
My Fee
£250
(50% deposit, to secure the date in my diary; balance to be paid a fortnight before the event).
- An initial planning meeting at your home or a mutually convenient location.
- Help with choosing music, readings and any special ceremonial elements.
- An initial outline, followed by (almost!) unlimited re-drafts of the ceremony script.
- Help with writing parents’/godparents’/guide-parents’ or other contributions if appropriate.
- Further e-mail/telephone/Zoom consultations, as needed.
- A printed copy of your ceremony script (if required).
The fee covers my travel within a 30 mile radius of Haywards Heath; for any greater distance, I may need to make a charge for the additional travel time involved.
Want to know more?
I would love to help start creating something really special for you.
