Planning a Non-Religious Naming Ceremony

Naming ceremonies offer a beautiful way to welcome a new child into the family and community without the religious connotations of a christening. They are a unique and personal way to celebrate the birth of your baby or child and they offer a chance to celebrate with family and friends even if you’re not religious.

Here’s a guide to help you understand and plan a celebrant-led non-denominational naming ceremony.

What Happens in a Non-Religious Naming Ceremony?

A non-religious naming ceremony is a personalized event that celebrates the arrival and naming of a child. It can include a variety of elements such as:

• Introduction: The naming celebrant introduces the purpose of the gathering and speaks about the importance of the occasion.
• Readings and Poems: Friends and family may share meaningful readings or poems that symbolize the values you wish to impart.
• Promises: Parents and chosen guardians (godparents or guideparents) make promises of support and care for the child.
• Naming: The child is formally named during the ceremony, and the meaning or significance of the name may be explained.
• Symbolic Actions: This can include lighting a candle, planting a tree, or creating a keepsake to celebrate the birth and symbolize the new life.

Read more: Modern Trends in Naming Ceremonies

Naming Ceremony vs Religious Christening

While both naming ceremonies and christenings welcome a child, they differ significantly:

• Religious Aspect: A christening is a religious sacrament within Christianity, often involving baptism and a commitment to raise the child in the faith. A naming ceremony is a secular alternative to a christening and can be tailored to reflect personal values and beliefs.
• Ceremony Structure: Christenings follow a set liturgy, whereas naming ceremonies are flexible and can be customized.
• Venue: Christenings usually take place in a church, while naming ceremonies can be held wherever you like – at home, in a garden, or a hired venue.

How Do You Plan a Simple Naming Ceremony?

Planning a naming ceremony involves several steps:

1. Choose a Date and Venue: Decide on a suitable date and location that is convenient for close friends and family.
2. Select a Celebrant: Find a professional celebrant in your area who can help you create a personalized ceremony and mark the occasion as you welcome your child into the world.
3. Create a Program: Work with your celebrant to outline the ceremony, including readings, promises, and symbolic actions.
4. Send Invitations: Inform your guests of the date, time, and location well in advance.
5. Prepare Speeches and Readings: Choose meaningful readings and prepare your own words for the ceremony.
6. Arrange for Symbols and Keepsakes: Decide on any symbolic actions or keepsakes you want to include, such as a memory book for guests to sign.
7. Consider Decorating the Ceremony Venue: Decorating your naming ceremony venue with balloons, flowers, family photos, or backdrops can make your celebration feel more personal and meaningful.

Read more: Naming Ceremony Guides

What Do You Say at a Naming Ceremony?

At a non-religious naming ceremony, the speeches and readings can be highly personalized, because you don’t have to follow a particular script. In fact there are no rules as to what you can and can’t say. Here are some common elements:

• Welcome Message: A warm welcome to guests, explaining the purpose of the gathering and expressing joy as you welcome the child to the world.
• About the Child: Words about the child’s arrival, the significance of the child’s name, and what they mean to the family.
• Promises: Parents and guideparents make promises of love and commitment, support, and guidance. You may invite family to make similar promises.
• Readings: Poems or passages chosen for their relevance and meaning.
• Closing Words: A final message of hope and blessing for the child’s future.

Can You Have Godparents at a Non-Religious Naming Ceremony?

Yes, you can have godparents, often referred to as guideparents, mentors, or supporting adults in a non-religious naming ceremony. In a traditional Christian christening, godparents play a vital role in guiding the child’s spiritual journey, witnessing the baptism, and supporting the parents in religious upbringing, while also committing to the child’s lifelong well-being. Conversely, in a non-religious context, godparents (often called guideparents or mentors) focus on providing mentorship, emotional support, and being positive role models, helping to instill cultural, ethical, and moral values, and offering a stable, supportive presence in the child’s life. Both roles emphasize commitment to the child’s development, with the key difference being the spiritual aspect in religious settings versus broader mentorship in non-religious ones.

Find a Celebrant for Your Naming Ceremony

Finding the right celebrant is crucial to creating a memorable naming ceremony. Here are some tips:

• Research and Recommendations: Look for celebrants who conduct naming ceremonies with good reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or family.
• Meet with Potential Celebrants: Discuss your ideas and see if they align with the celebrant’s style and experience.
• Check Credentials: Ensure the celebrant is professionally trained and accredited by a recognized organization.
• Review Costs: Get a clear understanding of fees and what services are included.

For a list of professional celebrants, visit our celebrant directory.

By understanding the options and steps involved, you can plan a unique and personal naming ceremony that celebrates your child’s arrival in a way that reflects your values and beliefs.