Welcome to the world – celebrated your way
A naming ceremony
is a beautiful way to welcome a child into your family and community, celebrate their arrival, and surround them with love and promises of support.
Unlike christenings or religious ceremonies, naming ceremonies are completely personal to you – reflecting your values, your family structure, your culture, and what you want for this child's future.
I create warm, joyful naming ceremonies that celebrate your growing family whilst involving the important people in your child's life.
Who this is for
Naming ceremonies aren't just for babies. They're for any situation where you want to celebrate a person's name and welcome them into your community:
- New babies – an alternative to christening or a non-religious welcome
- Adopted children – celebrating them joining your family
- Older children – if you didn't have a ceremony when they were babies
- Transgender individuals – celebrating a chosen name
- Adults after divorce – reclaiming a previous name
- Blended families – welcoming stepchildren formally into the family
Any life transition where naming feels significant
If you want to celebrate someone's identity and surround them with love and good wishes, a naming ceremony might be perfect for you.
What's included
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An initial consultation
We'll talk about your family, your values, and what you'd like your naming ceremony to include.
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Detailed questionnaires
This helps me understand your family story, your hopes for the child, and what matters most to you.
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A bespoke ceremony script
I'll create a ceremony that reflects your family, includes meaningful readings or poems, and celebrates this new chapter.
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One symbolic ritual included
Choose from options like a unity ceremony, tree planting, time capsule, or something unique to your family.
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Guidance for supporting adults
If you're appointing guide parents, godparents, or supporting adults, I'll help them understand their role and can include promises or readings for them.
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Help with writing promises
Whether it's parental promises or commitments from supporting adults, I'll help you find the right words.
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Access to readings and poems
I'll suggest readings and poems, or help you write your own.
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Unlimited contact throughout
You can reach out whenever you have questions or want to discuss ideas.
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Ceremony delivery
I'll conduct your ceremony with warmth and joy, creating a memorable celebration for your family and guests.
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Presentation copy of the ceremony
A beautiful script for you to keep and share with your child as they grow.
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Travel within my service area included
Additional mileage outside my service area charged at 45p per mile
Prices start from £400
This includes everything listed above.
How we'll work together
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1. First conversation
We'll have a no-pressure chat about your wedding plans. This is your chance to see if we're a good fit.
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2. Booking
Once you decide to work with me, you'll complete booking forms and pay a deposit to secure your date.
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3. Planning together
You'll complete questionnaires and we'll have conversations about what to include in the ceremony.
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4. Ceremony creation
I'll craft a ceremony that celebrates your family and reflects your values.
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5. Review and refine
You'll review the ceremony and we'll make changes until it's perfect.
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6. Your celebration
I'll conduct the ceremony, then you'll celebrate with your loved ones.
The types of ceremonies I create
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Baby naming ceremonies
Welcoming your newborn or young baby into the world, often including the appointment of guide parents or godparents who'll support them as they grow.
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Toddler and child naming ceremonies
If you didn't have a ceremony when your child was tiny, it's never too late. These can be especially fun as older children can participate.
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Adoption celebrations
Marking the moment a child officially joins your family. These ceremonies acknowledge the journey you've been on and celebrate the family you've become.
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Blended family ceremonies
When families come together, a naming ceremony can welcome stepchildren and celebrate your new family unit. This might include the children making promises to each other or symbolic rituals that represent coming together.
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Chosen name ceremonies
For transgender individuals, recovering from divorce, or anyone reclaiming their identity – a ceremony that celebrates your chosen name and your authentic self.
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Cultural naming ceremonies
Incorporating traditions from your heritage – Caribbean naming traditions, African naming ceremonies, or blending multiple cultural elements.
Why choose me as your celebrant
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I celebrate all kinds of families
Single parents, same-sex parents, adoptive families, blended families, multigenerational families – all families are beautiful and deserve to be celebrated.
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I bring cultural awareness
As an Afro-Caribbean woman with an appreciation for diverse perspectives on welcoming new members to the family and celebrating new identities, I can help you incorporate cultural elements that honour your heritage. I'm also experienced in researching and respectfully including traditions from various cultures.
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I make ceremonies joyful and warm
Naming ceremonies should feel happy and hopeful. I bring natural warmth and positivity to every celebration.
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I include children meaningfully
If you have older children, I'll find ways to involve them that feel special and age-appropriate – whether that's readings, symbolic roles, or promises to their new sibling.
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I understand that families come in all forms
My own journey as a single parent who raised my son whilst building a career has taught me that there's no one "right" way to be a family. I celebrate the family you are.
Frequently asked questions
A christening is a religious ceremony within the Christian church. A naming ceremony is non-religious (though it can include spiritual elements if you choose) and is completely personalized to your family and values.
Ready to celebrate your family?
Let's create a naming ceremony that welcomes your child with love, joy, and promises of support from your community.