I’ve been conducting non-religious naming ceremonies since 2014. We’ll find exactly the right mix of words, music, tradition, novelty, old and new to reflect you, your life with your child, and your hopes and thoughts about their life ahead. And we'll get as many friends and family involved as you like.
Sometimes it's about bringing together all the people who have been a support to you so far, and saying thank you. Or maybe it's about marking the fact that it was difficult getting to this point, so needs celebrating. Or maybe it's just about giving a proud welcome to the newest member of your family. Often it's a bit of all of the above.
I love:
- Getting to know you properly. Above all, that's what makes for a lovely ceremony. I don't have children myself (we can talk about that if you like!) so it's a particular privilege to be invited to play such a special role for another family.
- Writing something that your child will be able to look back on when they're older, and be amazed or even a little bit moved to think of everyone gathering together all those years ago in their honour.
- Hearing about all the random little quirks that make your life together what it is. Life isn't made of huge moments and lavish experiences - it's made of small daily details, household traditions and little moments of joy.
I take a pride in:
- Understanding that you're in a chaotic time. You've probably got at least one small child (perhaps very small). You might be on parental leave or about to go back from it. Your life has definitely changed massively recently. Namings, and the time planning them, are defined by glorious chaos and disorganisation, and I'm fine with that!
- Being relaxed about things on the day. There are lots of factors to contend with - nap times, food times, several other guests probably being small children, relatives travelling in... it's unlikely all to go exactly to plan. I can't take away all the stress from you, but I can promise you that I will help counteract that. I will arrive in plenty of time... but I really won't mind if nobody else does.
- Still being in touch with a great many families months or years after their ceremony. Let me know how you're all getting on!
People have been kind enough to send testimonials over the years. But rather than just telling you I’m brilliant (everyone’s testimonials do that!) I hope these give you a sense of what my approach is like.
