How to Plan A Naming Ceremony for Your Baby
Naming your child is one of the most personal decisions you’ll ever make. It’s wrapped up in love, family, identity, and hope for the future. So when it comes to celebrating that name and introducing your baby to the wider world, it makes sense to do it in a way that feels just as thoughtful. In this article, we will answer the question, How to plan a naming ceremony for your baby?
More Families Choosing Non-Religious Naming Ceremonies
More and more families in Scotland are choosing a non-religious naming ceremony instead of a traditional christening. Some are drawn to the freedom and flexibility.
Others want something that reflects their family as it is now modern, blended, adopted, chosen. No matter the reason, the heart of it is the same: to welcome a child into the arms of those who love them.
Personal and Real, Not Scripted
As a celebrant, I get to help families mark this moment in a way that’s personal and real. Not stiff or scripted — just full of warmth, joy, and meaning.
If you’re thinking about planning a ceremony for your child, here’s how to start if you’re unsure how to plan a naming ceremony that’s both personal and heartfelt.
Make It Personal Not Just Pretty
The best naming ceremonies don’t come from a template. They’re made from the tiny, powerful details that are unique to your family.
Sometimes it starts with a story, how your baby came into the world, or how their name was chosen. Other times it begins with a feeling: you want the day to feel gentle, joyful, full of love. That’s enough.
When I meet with families, I ask a few simple questions to help shape the ceremony. What does your baby’s name mean to you? Who are the people who’ve supported you through early parenthood? What do you want your child to hear and remember about this moment?
From there, we begin to build something honest and heartfelt. It might include a favourite reading, a promise spoken aloud, a quiet pause to acknowledge those no longer here. Nothing over the top. Just true to you.
Choose a space that suits your family
When thinking about how to plan a naming ceremony, one important decision is where it should take place. There’s no rule on where a naming ceremony should take place. It could be in your home, a friend’s garden, a cosy café, or a small local venue. Some families hire a village hall or book a private room at their favourite restaurant. Others keep it very small and simple, with just a few people gathered in the living room.
Think about what suits your energy and the number of people you want there. A big open space might be great if you’ve got lots of guests but a snug corner of your favourite restaurant or even a room at home can feel just as special.
Some parents want the option to include food and drinks afterwards. Others prefer a short, focused ceremony and a wander in the park.
There’s no pressure to ‘host’ anything. It’s about marking the moment, not entertaining a crowd.
Involve the people who matter
A naming ceremony is the perfect time to bring others into your child’s story. For some families, that means asking close friends to become guide/god parents, people who’ll be part of your child’s life as they grow, offering support, advice, and perhaps a bit of mischief along the way.
Others might involve grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings or chosen family. You could invite them to say a few words, read a short poem, or make a simple promise to your child. These promises don’t need to be formal or rehearsed. Something as real and relevant can carry so much meaning.
Older siblings or other children can take part too, sharing a drawing, telling a story, or helping to light a candle. It makes the ceremony feel full of life, not just words.
Shape the ceremony around your values
There’s no script we have to stick to, which means we can shape the structure around what matters to you. Some families like to include symbolic gestures, lighting a candle, planting a tree, or creating a keepsake with fingerprints or messages.
Others keep it simple with spoken words and quiet reflection.
Music can play a big part, too. You might want to include a favourite song from your early parenting days, or something that reflects your culture or background. There’s space for laughter, space for tears, and space for quiet if that’s what feels right.
At the heart of it all is your child’s and their name being said aloud, surrounded by love.
Write promises you’ll want to remember
One of the most moving parts of any naming ceremony is when parents speak directly to their child. These promises can be as short or as detailed as you like. Some parents write their own.
Others ask me to help shape them, using voice notes or scribbled thoughts we pull together into something that fits.
You might talk about what kind of parent you want to be. Or what kind of future you hope your child will have. Some promises are practical. Others are emotional. All are beautiful in their own way.
Here’s a gentle prompt if you’d like to begin:
- What do you want your child to know about the world?
- What kind of support will you always offer them?
- What do you love about them already?
- What do you hope they’ll always carry with them?
This is often the part of the ceremony that people remember most. It’s tender, it’s real, and it doesn’t need to be perfect.
Keep it relaxed and full of heart
There’s a lot of pressure in the early days of parenting. Planning a ceremony shouldn’t be one more thing on the list. It should feel like a moment to pause, breathe, and celebrate how far you’ve come.
If you’d like guidance on how to plan a naming ceremony that feels calm, meaningful, and true to your values, I can help with the wording, the structure, and the gentle support that makes it easier.
Whether you’ve got a clear idea or don’t know where to begin, we’ll shape it together.
I lead naming ceremonies across Glasgow and Edinburgh and throughout Scotland, for families of all kinds. Each one is different. Each one is filled with love.
If you’d like to chat about creating something special for your child, you’re welcome to get in touch to see if we are a good fit!
FAQ: How to Plan A Naming Ceremony
Q: How to plan a naming ceremony that feels personal?
A: Focus on what matters to your family. Start with your child’s story, choose a meaningful location, and include people who love and support you. Keep the ceremony heartfelt and flexible.
Q: What do you include in a naming ceremony?
A: Readings, symbolic gestures, promises, music, and contributions from loved ones. There’s no one-size-fits-all — it’s about what makes sense to you.
Q: Do you need a celebrant to plan a naming ceremony?
A: Not necessarily, but a celebrant can guide you in shaping the structure, crafting the wording, and helping you feel confident in creating a meaningful experience.