Below we've listed some of the questions people ask about namings. If yours isn't here, please do contact us.
What happens at a baby naming?Each ceremony will be different but might typically involve some kind of pledges / commitments from parents, the formal naming of the child and the appointment of ‘guideparents’. Many families also choose to formally acknowledge the role of grandparents and siblings.
What sort of people have baby naming ceremonies?
Anyone and everyone who wants to mark and celebrate the arrival of a child but does not want to do it with within the context of a religion.
Our families come from a wide variety of backgrounds but what they all have in common is the simple desire to have a personal, heartfelt and non-religious ceremony to welcome their child.
Where are naming ceremonies be held?
Wherever suits you! Many namings are held at home or in gardens, some in venues such as hotels, village halls or pub function rooms. We're also taken some lovely ceremonies in public places such as parks and on top of hills!
How long do the ceremonies take?
This varies according depending on what the family wish to include in terms of readings and promises, but they generally last between fifteen minutes and half an hour.
How much does it cost?The exact cost depends on the amount of
travelling involved but as a general guide prices for 2011 and 2012 are:
£175 - Cheltenham and Gloucester
£185 - wider Gloucestershire (within half an hour's drive)
£200- Bristol.
The fee is fully inclusive and covers:
- an initial meeting (usually at your home) to discuss your requirements
- the drafting and editing of the ceremony
- our attendance on the day itself
- a copy of the script to keep
- all travel
- in common with all BHA celebrants, a 10% donation to the British Humanist Association, a registered charity.
My child isn't a baby any more. Are these ceremonies suitable for toddlers and beyond?
Absolutely! Because our ceremonies are tailor-made, there isn’t an upper age limit. Toddlers and older children make for quite different ceremonies than baby namings – and often more participative ones! – but they are every bit as joyful and significant occasions. The oldest child we've taken a ceremony for so far was 10, but there's no reason why we couldn't create something appropriate such as a 'coming of age' ceremony for an even older child, for example.
Won't my other child(ren) feel left out?
A naming ceremony is the celebration of a new addition to a family, and so older children are crucially important. We can suggest various ways of actively involving siblings depending on their age and preferences (e.g. young children might like to present the baby with a special painting, older siblings might be happy doing a reading or song). Older siblings' contributions have a funny way of making them the star of the show!
Can I have a joint naming ceremony for more than one child?Yes. Naming siblings together can make for a wonderful, whole-family celebration.We’ve conducted a number of ceremonies for siblings; not just twins but children of differing ages too.
We'd like to invite other children to the ceremony. Will it be suitable for them?
Humanist naming ceremonies are a celebration of all children as well as the individual child, and so it gives extra meaning if there are little people among the guests! We can suggest ways to meet these younger guests’ needs and / or how to involve them in your ceremony.
I've got a religious aunt / uncle / grandma and am worried about them being offended...
Most families contain members with different views
on faith and we aim to create a ceremony that brings everyone together,
not divides them.
At its heart, humanism is a belief in the ability and potential of all human beings. Our ceremonies are joyous celebrations that acknowledge the responsibilities inherent in raising a child and no one has yet had a problem with those values!
In some circumstances it might be appropriate to include a short time for guests’ private thoughts so giving any religious guests the chance for silent prayer should they wish.
Is there an equivalent of ‘godparents’?
Whilst the term ‘godparent’ is not appropriate for a non-religious ceremony, many parents greatly value their child having a named adult(s) with whom they will have a special relationship as they grow up. Many families therefore choose to appoint ‘guideparents’, ‘guardians’ or even ‘oddparents’ (!) at their child’s naming, with these adults often formally committing to the child’s welfare and upbringing through promises made in the ceremony.
How much work is to organise a Humanist ceremony?Organising a naming involves a certain amount of planning, but we're well-trained and experienced so will guide you through the process so that together we construct a ceremony that is perfectly fitting for you. You can then relax and look forward to the big day!
I’m definitely interested. What next?
That’s great to hear. First, please email us to discuss your plans and possible dates.
Once we've confirmed our availability and the charge, we can arrange a family meeting to
discuss your ceremony and get planning. We will also be able to advise on a number of practical issues (e.g. poems, how to involve older siblings etc.). After
discussing your
requirements and preferences, we'll produce the first draft of the script.
They'll be plenty of time for reviewing this before the ceremony itself.
You might want to get a copy of the BHA’s New Arrivals book to get some ideas about what you would like your ceremony to include. This book is useful as it gives sections from real ceremonies
that you might like to pick and choose from.
