Saying "Hello!" at a Naming Ceremony in Dorset

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smiling baby at a naming ceremony

Moments to say "hello!"

A naming ceremony is a wonderful way to celebrate the moment when you officially say, “Hello and Welcome!” to a new member of your family.

It is an opportunity to celebrate their arrival, acknowledge their uniqueness, pledge your support and love to them for the future and create a cherished moment for your family and friends.

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what is a naming ceremony?

Naming ceremonies are often thought of as a ceremony to welcome a new baby into the family as an alternative to a religious ceremony. However, I’m hear to shout out loudly and proudly that they can be so much more than that.

Celebrating the arrival of an adopted child, the blending of two families or publicly acknowledging a change of name can be a wonderful moment for you all.

Holding a ceremony that focuses on an individual and celebrates their name, position in the world and their being as a person is a wonderful way to bring your nearest and dearest together recognising the special bond you have together. It is the perfect way to join together as you share values, make promises and look to the future while acknowledging the past and road taken to get to this point.

"There is power in a name. It is through names that we bring all things into this world, and when they leave, it is names we carry with us, so they are never truly gone."

Justin Cronin

Knowing who chose your name and why is an important part of who we are and it can often make a fascinating story. Being able to share these stories in your naming ceremony is a special moment made even more special by including the perfect rituals, readings, poems and music for your celebration. I can help you do exactly that because I get how important this moment is.

 

Celebrate your Naming Day your way

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Having a Renaming Ceremony

For some people the name given to them at birth doesn't truly reflect their authentic self and so they may choose a new one. A renaming ceremony to celebrate this decision is a perfect opportunity to confirm their identity and truth with their nearest and dearest.

I am passionately respectful and inclusive in all that I do as a LGBTQIA+ ally and a mum of a child who claimed a name for themselves in their twenties. I understand how powerful it can be to choose a name that truly reflects the person they are in their heart.

I would be honoured to help you reclaim your name after a difficult time, to mark your new beginning.

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why choose me

I remember the many conversations my husband and I had when we were choosing the names for our children being quite lively. Trying to combine names with liked, with family traditions and the surname ‘Griffin’ wasn’t a quick decision, especially not when my family are known for shortening names, we knew that we had to like that version, too.

As an independent celebrant I am able to work with you as we create a naming ceremony that is perfect for you. You may want to involve your family and friends in the welcome, say a prayer or blessing, add in a ritual or two, listen to some music, share a story or even have a sing-a-long – it’s up to you and all possible. Whether it’s Humanist, secular, inclusive, zany or intimate in style – let’s get planning together!

By choosing me as your celebrant, I will be there to help you create the perfect naming ceremony for your baby, child or yourself and together we can create a “Hello” moment to remember forever.

So what will happen if you choose me?

Prices start from £350

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    First, we will meet to have a chat to start to get to know each other, so that you can be sure that I am the celebrant for you and talk about your plans for your naming ceremony (this can be done virtually if you prefer). I will ask you lots of questions and answer any you may have too. We will even start to share a few ideas for creating your perfect naming ceremony.

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    If you decide that I am the celebrant for you, I will send you a booking form and ask for a deposit to secure your date so that we can then get to work on crafting your perfect naming ceremony.

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    I promise that I will listen to you and hear what you are saying as I produce a draft script. I will help you to choose the words, music and rituals that are perfect for saying hello. You will have a chance to discuss the draft script with me and we can alter things as necessary. You will have many chances to discuss the draft script with me; I want you to be delighted with it.

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    Your family and friends have been a hugely important part of yours and/or your child’s life and I will help you weave them into your ceremony in any way you wish.

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    On the day of your naming ceremony, I will ensure that I am ready to deliver your unique ceremony, help calm your nerves, greet your guests and lead a ceremony that is full of warmth, smiles and moments to cherish forever.

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    Please contact me for a no-obligation chat so we can talk about how we can create your perfect naming ceremony.

“The perfect name will arrive in the air one day. Take it, own it, love it as yours” Creating Cherished Moments for Your Naming Day Together

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