Welcoming your baby into the world with a naming ceremony is increasingly popular. Here’s how to organise one for your baby.

What to know

Traditionally in the UK, a christening or baptism is the way many parents choose to welcome a new baby into the family and make their naming formal, usually with a party to follow.

However, for those of us who aren’t religious or don’t want to have a church-based ceremony for our baby, but would like to make an occasion of their arrival, there’s now an alternative: the naming ceremony.

Anyone can have a ceremony for their baby or child: you don’t need to have a partner or be married.

A naming ceremony is not just for babies. You could have one for your older child/ren, or include your older children in the ceremony for your new baby.

Naming ceremonies are unique and personal to you and your family, but they have no legal status and are unconnected to registering your baby’s birth, which is a legal requirement.

Where to have it

The ceremony can be held in any suitable venue, just like a wedding or any other party, or possibly at home*. A friend or relative, or you yourself can make a speech, announce the names you’ve chosen for your child/ren or say some special words to mark the occasion.

Alternatively, you can hold the actual ceremony at your local town hall, presided over by a local government official called a ‘celebrant’ (similar to a registrar). If you choose this option, you have to be the parent or legal guardian of the child being named. You can also arrange for the celebrant to conduct the ceremony at another venue so you can hold the ceremony and the party in the same place.

You’ll need to register your baby’s birth before a local government ceremony can be arranged, and the names used in the ceremony must be those on the birth certificate.

A local government ceremony will last about 20 minutes depending on how you want to structure it. You’ll then get a commemorative certificate as a memento.

 *Professional celebrants may not always be licensed to preside over naming ceremonies at your home. Check with your local registration office if the venue at which you’d like to have your ceremony has to hold a public entertainment licence. 

How much?

Costs of a local government ceremony with professional celebrant vary. Contact your local registration office to find out more. You shouldn’t have to pay extra for more than one child being named.

Venue costs will depend on the venue itself and the size of your party. Check a few out to compare costs. Try local primary schools, playgroups and similar as some hire out premises for parties. Or save money by holding the party at home or at a friend or relative’s.

How to organise a naming ceremony

A step-by-step guide to organising your baby's big day:

• Decide whether you prefer a local government ceremony or one that you arrange yourself. If the former, get in touch with your local registration office to find out costs and availability before you arrange a post-ceremony party.
• Decide who to invite: small and informal or a big do?
• Compare the cost and suitability of local venues and availability for the size of your party. Ask about catering costs and any extras.
• Sort out your invitations, think about transport between the ceremony and party venue of relevant.
• If you’re doing the catering, sort out your food and drink list, plus think about decorations or a theme.
• Think about what you or the celebrant will say at the ceremony - it can be as formal or informal as you like.  You could:
  • Announce your child’s name and explain why you chose it.
  • Read a special poem or story, or get everyone to sing a song.
  • Older children might want to read or sing something too.
• You might want to ask a couple of close friends or relatives to be supporting adults for your child (like godparents in a religious ceremony).
• Get your guests to sign a naming ceremony book where they can write a message to commemorate the day as a keepsake for your child.
• Ask a friend or relative to film the event or hire a photographer so you can concentrate on the ceremony. If you want a one-stop shop for naming and other ceremonies, try www.civilceremonies.co.uk.