Naming Ceremonies Celebrant
Specialising in naming ceremonies for all faiths
Fusing Cultures, Traditions, and Values in a Naming Ceremony
As a couple you can have so much fun when creating your naming ceremony. There are so many opportunities for you both to include rituals from your faiths, including elements that reflect your personalities and we can include your child’s story.
The naming ceremony is about you both, your child and should be your choice.
Yet, this can also be a very difficult time with the expectations of religion and elders in the family telling you what you should do, what you can’t do and then what should be a happy time becomes very stressful.
Creating your unique naming ceremony
With me as your Independent Celebrant we can create your ceremony that tells the story of your child and their special role in your family. You will both share your hopes and dreams for your child, and may choose to include the significance of their name and why you chose it.
So what can we include:
A naming ceremony can be when a new child is born, an adoption has taken place or even when you foster a child.
We can share the journey, including the rituals you want, your family, friends can do a reading, and guide parents can share their promises to the child.
The family and guests can sign a naming certificate or book with a special message.
Creating a time capsule or memory box that family and guests can add to during the ceremony and each year after.
You can have live music that includes songs about celebrations and support. I work with D26 music
Together, we can work through your ideas and start to create your ceremony. If there are family members who do not understand what is happening, then let’s get them on a call and help them to understand. I will also provide you with a list of items that you need to source for the ceremony but if you do not have time we can agree how to get this done. You are never alone. I am on this journey with you to create your special Celebrant led Naming Ceremony.
Asian Celebrant – Sonal Dave
I am Indian, Born in Uganda and married to Dhani who is mixed Irish and Indo-Caribbean, making us a multicultural, multi-faith, multi-heritage, multilingual couple. This has given me the experience to live both the challenges and opportunities that this brings. In particular, the challenges with the expectations of religion, communities and family but the opportunities to live life the way we want making our own choices that feel right for us.
As your Independent Celebrant, I come to you with a love and passion to create and deliver your naming ceremony that is about your child and the support they have from family and friends.
As an experienced celebrant, with years of writing and officiating ceremonies, I will work closely with you to create your unique and personalised naming ceremony. I run through all the ways we can personalise it to give it an extremely meaningful feel whilst respecting any want for tradition in your culture, ethnicity or identity.
I speak English, Gujarati and basic Hindi, and I can sing mantras, hymns and songs.
What to Expect
Once the booking is confirmed and the paperwork and booking fee are sorted then I will send you a questionnaire to complete. Most couples do this together but you can do this separately as well.
Before Your Naming Ceremony
I will draft your very first version of your Celebrant Naming Ceremony, known as v0.1. This is your opportunity to check the structure, order and the wording, before I update the draft. There can be 2 or 3 versions before we get to the final one.
Before the naming ceremony, there will be some nerves and that is really ok. Remember that you are human and being nervous is ok. It is a special day that we have been planning for. You have shared so much with me to help me create your perfect naming ceremony and we have laughed, cried and remembered some great memories that have all helped us to get to your perfect ceremony. Remember, you have been part of creating your naming ceremony, so you know what is included.
On the Day
During the ceremony, you will be excited and still a little nervous. I will talk you through so you will know where to be at all times and what is happening next.
You will see your family and friends with you and in front of you, and they will all be smiling with you and at times crying tears of joy for you.
After the ceremony, the nerves will have gone, your shoulders will be relaxed and you will go and take some beautiful photos with family and friends who will be talking about just how beautiful and special your Celebrant led Naming Ceremony was and so happy that you were able to celebrate with family, friends, and even pets. If your child is young, you may then choose to put them to bed as you continue to celebrate.
You will also receive a copy of your ceremony as a keepsake to show your child in years to come.
Ready to Create Your Unique Naming Ceremony?
Step 1
Book a free consultation so we can discuss your perfect ceremony.
Step 2
We create the perfect ceremony script and plan for your ceremony.
Step 3
Relax and enjoy sharing your story with those closest to you.
Naming Ceremony FAQ
What is a celebrant?
An Independent Celebrant will conduct the naming ceremony. This is where together we can create a personalised ceremony that reflects your personality. You can include whoever you want, have live music, including your pets and so much more. It’s your day – your way, your choice.
How old should our child be for a Naming Ceremony?
A child can be any age for a naming ceremony. It can be shortly after birth; it can be as a young baby, a teenager or an adult changing their name.
Can we hold a naming ceremony for our adopted child?
Yes, you can have a ceremony for an adopted child as a celebration for them joining your family. You can also have a ceremony for children born through surrogacy or IVF.
What’s the difference between an Independent Celebrant ceremony and a Humanist ceremony?
Will you write the ceremony for us?
Can we write our own promises for our child?
Is there anything that has to be included in a service?
In a Celebrant ceremony, there is nothing that has to be included. It is your ceremony and your choice, so you can guide me as to what you would like to include and I can also make suggestions.
Do you cater for children from LGBTQ couples?
Do you create ceremonies for children from multi-faith couples?
Do you create ceremonies for children from couples who are not religious?
Do you create ceremonies for children from couples who are from the same religion?
Does it matter what faith, culture or traditions we follow for our child?
Do you need to meet us personally before the naming ceremony day?
How long is a Celebrant led Naming Ceremony?
Where can we hold our naming ceremony?
What Rituals Can We Include?
Can we have our Celebrant Naming Ceremony Abroad as a Destination Ceremony?
We are based out of the Uk, Can we come to the Uk for our Celebrant Naming Ceremony?
How far in advance should we book you?
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If you are interested in booking me or wish to enquire about any special requirements, contact me today.