Each ceremony is crafted by myself after consultation with the family. Generally it will start with an introduction, and a brief explanation on the reasons that a naming ceremony has been chosen.

The parents may choose to acknowledge the role of others in the life of their child - grandparents, older siblings, other relatives, or friends. Perhaps one of those people will be asked to present a reading to the guests. A naming ceremony is very much a time at which the involvement of different people in the life of the child is recognised.

If Godparents, Guardians or Mentors are to be appointed this is formally done within the ceremony, and those people receive a certificate of appointment.

Each child or person named receives a Certificate.

When the names are officially bestowed upon the child, there may be an explanation given of the reasons for selecting the chosen names, or a particular meaning attributed to the names.

A reading may follow or a song and at completion of the ceremony, the celebrant, the parents, and godparents (or guardians or mentors) will sign the naming certificate.

The naming may be accompanied by different rituals, such as :
• the lighting of candles
• anointing with oils
• sprinkling with water or
• sprinkling with rose petals.

Naming ceremonies may also involve activities such as :
• planting of trees
• sealing a time capsule
• contributing to a memento box, or
• releasing balloons (remember the environment if you release balloons)