Who Can Perform a Baby Naming Ceremony?

A baby naming ceremony is a great alternative to religious naming ceremonies that allows parents to show off their bundle of joy in front of friends and family. During this special occasion, parents invite their loved ones to help celebrate the new family member and declare their love and support for the baby throughout their life.

Why Do Parents Conduct a Baby Naming Ceremony?

Baby naming ceremonies are gaining rapid popularity in the UK thanks to an increasing number of people looking for non-religious ways to welcome a new baby. Naming ceremonies play a critical role in helping parents welcome and celebrate the arrival of a new baby; without the rituals associated with christening, baptism, and other religious baby welcome ceremonies. 

Naming ceremonies are appropriate for children of any age, not just new-borns. Parents can use such ceremonies to welcome adopted children and step children into the family. For those using a surrogate, it can be a beautiful way to enjoy a special moment, especially if you did not feel it appropriate to have a baby shower.

Still, such ceremonies carry a lot of weight and can help parents, the extended family, and the community in general come together and welcome a new member. It takes a village to raise a child. Naming ceremonies, essentially, help identify the specific village that will take part in raising the child.

Who Can Perform a Naming Ceremony?

Naming ceremonies have no legal basis nor are they religious. Since it’s not an official event that requires someone who holds special qualifications such as a priest or vicar, anyone can perform the ceremony as long as they have the blessings of the parents. Some parents choose to organize the ceremony themselves and make it simple, meaningful, and an intimate affair.

Other parents choose to hire the services of a licensed celebrant to take advantage of their experience in making the ceremony more meaningful and memorable. Celebrants with the necessary training and accreditation from a reputable institution have what it takes to perform any kind of ceremony including officiating a lovely naming ceremony. 

What Happens at a Baby Naming Ceremony?

A baby naming ceremony contains the following main features:

• Preparing it with Parents
• Making it Child Friendly
• The Ceremony Itself
• The Cake 
• Party After 

The idea is to give the parents an opportunity to confirm the baby’s full name and share why they chose it, if they wish. Parents make their promises and pledges to the child and commit to being good parents. Having grandparents make their promises as well is optional as is having other adults make their commitments. A trained celebrant who knows the basics and has officiated other events can help the parents create the perfect naming ceremony and guide them on what to add to the main features to make the day meaningful.  

Train as a Celebrant Today

Officiating any event calls for passion and loads of love towards seeing the ceremony become a success. If you love the idea of helping parents celebrate the special day that is a baby naming ceremony, consider taking the  ICPC | NOCN Accredited Residential Celebrant Training (internationalcollegeofprofessionalcelebrants.org). For more information on what it takes to officiate a baby naming ceremony, call us on 033 33 404 434 or email us at [email protected].