Hi, I'm Ian
As a parent, step-parent, godparent and grandparent I know each child is unique. The ceremony you use to name a child and to present them to friends and family should be equally unique.
Humanism is non-religious (not anti-religious) and has no fixed rules or dogma – beyond the desire that each of us should try to make the most of life and try to benefit other people and the world while we’re at it.
This means that there is no set format for a naming ceremony. Each has to be constructed from scratch to reflect the child, their family and their circumstance. And, as in anything involving children, the ceremony needs to be flexible, responsive to last minute changes (including nappy changes), and not too long.
I’m more than happy to discuss your thoughts by email or phone before you decide if you want to proceed.
The process starts with a family visit to discuss the key elements of the ceremony – and terminology (“supporting adult”, “oddparent” or “spareparent” for example). You may want particular family or friends to be part of the ceremony. You may want to mark the event in a special way (which can range from lighting a candle to planting a tree).
Based on this meeting I will draft a ceremony for you. This draft will probably go backwards and forwards between us a few times until we have created the ideal celebration for you.
On the day of the ceremony I will arrive in plenty of time, with scripts for each participant printed on card in a large, friendly font. We’ll check that everything is ready and everyone knows what they are doing.
I will host the ceremony and ensure all goes to plan, children and other events permitting.
Afterwards you will get a presentation copy of the ceremony to mark the event. Some people also like certificates for supporting adults/oddparents/spareparents which I am happy to provide.
Ian Willox
Where I work
Cotswolds, Oxfordshire and the adjoining counties. I am happy to go further afield - especially for weddings.
Fees from...
£280
How to contact me
ian.willox@humanistceremonies.org.uk
Phone
Website
HUMANIST CEREMONIES™ is the network of more than 550 celebrants, trained by national charity Humanists UK to a gold standard to provide memorable and meaningful humanist ceremonies to non-religious people. Operating throughout England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, we deliver authentic, tailor-made and heartfelt ceremonies for life’s key moments. They are always inclusive and welcoming, regardless of the beliefs of those attending.
You can trust Humanist Ceremonies celebrants: We are DBS-checked, fully insured, and regularly peer reviewed for quality assurance. We are committed to a code of conduct, and have a transparent and robust complaints process in the rare case of a problem. We all pay a monthly fee to Humanists UK to further support the work of the charity, and are part of a regional network for like-minded celebrants for support and learning.
Humanist naming ceremonies
A humanist naming ceremony is a joyous event, and the perfect opportunity to gather friends and family to welcome your child into the world, with no reference to religion. It focuses on the child, their future and the circle of love and support around them, offering a sincere and personal alternative to a christening or other religious ceremony.
