Naming Frequently Asked Questions

No, they’re quite different.

A christening is a religious ceremony that takes place within the Christian faith.

A naming ceremony is non-religious and completely personalised. There are no set words or traditions to follow, which means we can create something that reflects your family’s beliefs, values and personalities.

Some families choose a naming ceremony because they don’t follow a particular faith. Others simply want the freedom to create a celebration that feels relaxed, joyful and centred around their child.

Whatever your reason, your ceremony will be written especially for your family.

Yes, and that’s one of the lovely things about choosing a celebrant.

Your ceremony can take place almost anywhere that’s meaningful to you. I’ve worked with families who have celebrated in beautiful gardens, village halls, hotels, beaches, woodland settings and family homes.

Some families even combine the ceremony with a relaxed garden party or picnic afterwards, allowing everyone to spend time together celebrating this special milestone.

The location becomes part of your family’s story, making the day even more memorable.

Absolutely.

Naming ceremonies aren’t just for babies.

Many families choose to hold a ceremony for toddlers, older children, adopted children, stepchildren or siblings who have recently become part of the family.

Sometimes families weren’t able to celebrate when their children were younger, while others simply feel that now is the right time.

There really isn’t an age limit. What matters is celebrating the love, belonging and connection within your family.

Yes, and I always encourage it where appropriate.

Welcoming a new child into the family is something that affects everyone, especially brothers and sisters.

There are lots of lovely ways to involve them, whether that’s helping with a symbolic ceremony, reading a poem, making promises to their new sibling or simply taking a special role during the celebration.

Including siblings often helps them feel just as important as the newest member of the family, creating memories they’ll treasure for years to come.

Absolutely.

Many families choose Guide Parents, Supporting Adults or Mentors instead of traditional Godparents.

These are the special people you’ve chosen to be positive influences in your child’s life as they grow.

During the ceremony, they can make their own promises to encourage, support and cheer your child on through life’s adventures.

I love this part of the ceremony because it’s a beautiful reminder that raising a child is often something shared by a whole community of family and friends.

Definitely.

One of the things I love most about naming ceremonies is how inclusive they can be.

Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends can all be involved if you’d like them to be. They might read a poem, share a few words, make promises to your child or take part in a symbolic ceremony.

The ceremony can be as intimate or as inclusive as you wish. Together we’ll create something that reflects the people who matter most to your family.

Yes.

Many families enjoy adding a symbolic element that everyone can take part in.

Popular ideas include a wishing tree, where guests write hopes and wishes for your child, a memory box to collect special messages, candle lighting, planting a tree or creating a keepsake that your child can treasure as they grow older.

If you have your own ideas, I’d love to hear them. If you’re not sure where to begin, I’ll happily suggest some beautiful ways to make your ceremony even more meaningful.

Please don’t worry.

Very few families contact me knowing exactly how they want their ceremony to look.

That’s where I come in.

I’ll guide you through the whole process, asking gentle questions about your family, your child and the atmosphere you’d like to create. Together we’ll build a ceremony that feels natural, relaxed and completely personal.

There are no right or wrong answers. We’ll simply create something that feels like you.

Most naming ceremonies last between 20 and 40 minutes, although there’s no fixed rule.

Some families prefer a short and simple ceremony, while others enjoy including readings, music, symbolic rituals and contributions from family members.

We’ll create a ceremony that fits comfortably into your day and keeps everyone engaged, including any little guests who may have shorter attention spans!

Whatever feels comfortable and appropriate for the celebration you’ve planned.

Some families choose smart clothes similar to a christening, while others prefer a relaxed garden-party feel with summer dresses, shirts and sandals.

There really aren’t any rules.

Your naming ceremony should reflect your family and your style, so wear whatever helps everyone feel happy, relaxed and ready to celebrate.

Every naming ceremony I create is completely bespoke, so my fee includes far more than simply leading the ceremony on the day.

It includes getting to know your family, planning the ceremony together, writing a completely personalised script, unlimited support throughout the planning process and delivering your ceremony with warmth, care and professionalism.

For my current pricing, please get in touch or visit my Naming Ceremony page. I’ll be delighted to answer any questions you may have.

We’ll arrange a relaxed conversation, either in person, by telephone or online, whichever suits you best.

I’ll listen to your ideas, answer your questions and explain how the whole process works.

Once you’ve decided to book, we’ll work together to create a ceremony that’s every bit as unique as your child and your family.

From our first conversation to the day itself, I’ll be there to guide and support you every step of the way.

I’m based in beautiful Sidmouth on the East Devon coast and regularly conduct naming ceremonies throughout Sidmouth, Exeter, Exmouth, Honiton, Budleigh Salterton, East Devon and across the South West.

I’m also very happy to travel further afield if you’d like me to be part of your family’s celebration.

Wherever your ceremony takes place, my aim is always the same – to create a joyful, heartfelt ceremony that welcomes your child with love and leaves your family with memories to treasure for years to come.