Congratulations! – you’ve had a baby, or maybe even adopted. Now the dust has a settled (just a little!) and you’re getting accustomed to life as a family, it’s a wonderful time to celebrate with a naming ceremony. If life feels a bit chaotic, don’t worry, here’s an A – Z checklist to make sure you’ve got everything covered (even if you’ve got your t-shirt on back to front!).
A – Announcement
Let everyone know your happy plans by sending out a save the date message.
B – Blooms
Whatever your vibe for the day, flowers are a gorgeous addition to your naming ceremony.
C – Celebrant
Work with me to guide you through the process and deliver a beautifully crafted script on the day. Here’s how to get in touch.
D – Décor
Thoughtful extras can transform your setting. Keep things simple if space is limited or push the boat out with an event stylist.
E – Eats and treats
Choose catering that suits your budget and style. Picnics and BBQs are wonderful for outdoor ceremonies, canapes and fizz are perfect for afternoon events and don’t forget the cake!.
F – Family and friends
This is what this day is all about. Ask for help if you need it and get ready for a lot of hugging and a few tears!.
G – Guide parents
Guide parents are the equivalent to godparents. They help to watch over your child as they grow, acting as a loving presence in their life. Choose treasured friends or family for this important role. For fun ways to ‘pop the question’ try here.
H – Have fun!
Children are central to your naming ceremony, so why not embrace the fun and lay on some family-friendly activities. Giant-sized Jenga anyone!?.
I – Invitations
Whether it’s traditional invitations in the post, or contemporary digital options – your friends and family will be there for you, however they hear the news!.
J – Joyful gifts
Gifts for guide parents and grandparents are a lovely way to say thank you. Candles can be lit during the ceremony and given as gifts afterwards.
K – Keepsakes
An order of service makes a beautiful keepsake, especially if it includes copies of readings and promises; or guests can be given wildflower seeds or bulbs in pots to plant at home.
L – Light a candle
Lighting a candle creates a beautiful moment of reflection. Light one for your child and ask guests to light theirs from a single flame until the room is filled with flickering light.
M – Mix it up
If you’re a couple with contrasting faiths and cultures, don’t worry, there are no rules. You can include both religious and non-religious content, plus all kinds of traditions.
N – New beginnings
However your family is formed (adoption, birth, or blending two families), planting a tree is a powerful symbol of growth and new opportunities.
O – Outdoor naming ceremonies
Rural and woodland settings are wonderful locations for naming ceremonies. They provide a connection to nature and create an informal atmosphere – perfect for family gatherings.
P – Promises
Oh heck, there’s always a few tears when parents, guide parents and family members pledge their love and support. I can help with lots of ideas for the style and format and we can create promises that are just right for you.
Q – Questions…to help you plan
There’s really only one. What’s the feeling that you want for your event?. This will help guide all your decisions. Have fun, it’s going to be beautiful.
R – Readings
Readings really add colour to your ceremony. They can be funny and witty or thoughtful and reflective. Choose readings that make you smile (my favourites are here) or if you’re brave enough, try writing something yourself. Go on – you can do it!
S – Special moments for everyone
Guide parents and readers will have a special role to play on the day, but guests can also take part by making a group promise or leaving messages of support on a wishing tree.
T – Themes
Themes are a great way to bring together creative ideas. If family fun is your inspiration, then how about Alice in Wonderland? – with decorations in vibrant colours and a vintage tea party after the ceremony.
U – Unity ceremony
These are lovely moments which symbolise togetherness. A sand ceremony is a perfect way to involve siblings and other children. Different coloured sands are poured into a single holder to signify the unity of family life.
V – Venue
A naming ceremony is a unique and heart-felt occasion, wherever it takes place. Choose a location that reflects your personalities, budget and style for the day.
W – Wishes and thoughts
Wishing trees, prints and jigsaws make wonderful alternatives to traditional guest books and can be framed to remember all the special people in your child’s life.
X – Xs, hugs and tears
There’ll be plenty of these throughout the day, so be sure to have a great photographer on hand to capture these beautiful moments.
Y – Your story
Your ceremony tells the story of your family. I’ll spend time talking to you about what makes your family tick. From the challenges that you’ve overcome to the moments of laughter, these are all experiences to share and celebrate.
Z – Zero hero
To help keep your impact to a minimum, hire decor, source natural materials and choose a venue that takes care of its resource use. Why not be a net-zero naming ceremony!.
Get in touch for inspiration and advice on naming ceremonies throughout Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and Northamptonshire. Let’s create a beautiful family event together.
Bluebell Ceremonies – Creating beautiful, bespoke ceremonies to celebrate the special moments in your life.
Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire and the Cotswolds.
