Celebrate in Northamptonshire Northants 2018 | Page 35

photos: www.emiliabrindisi.co.uk What is a Naming ceremony? The most precious people in a loving relationship are our children. Despite the mud on the carpet, fussy eating, loud music and increasing demands on mum and dad’s taxi service, we love them. What better way could there be to celebrate that love than to have a ceremony dedicated to them? Naming ceremonies are formal events that celebrate their existence be it by birth or as a new family member in their later lives. A Naming ceremony is, in every sense, an opportunity to welcome, demonstrate your love, care and support. As parents, a Naming ceremony can be used as a public or private declaration of how you will bring them up, how you will guide and support them and cherish their contribution to the family. It is also a unique opportunity for friends and other family members to take part and promise their support to your son or daughter’s future. The age of the children does not matter, you determine when you want to celebrate. A Naming ceremony can also be used as a formal welcoming event for adopted children and step children into a new relationship and form part of the family bonding within an extended family unit. Quite often, Naming ceremonies are booked alongside a civil marriage or civil partnership where the Naming immediately follows their own ceremony. This brings a much richer dimension to the day of celebration and commitment across the whole family. Can we choose our own ceremony content? • Yes, both you and your child can design your celebration from the options available and to tailor your ceremony so it becomes special for you all • Every Naming ceremony is different, so you can create something unique for you and your child to remember and treasure. What happens at a Naming ceremony? • The ceremony may be as simple or as grand as you like • We provide the framework for you to build a celebration event around you and your child’s requirements • The ceremony cannot have any religious content • Naming ceremonies do not have any legal standing. Who conducts the ceremony? • The ceremony will be led by a member of the ceremony team • The ceremony team does not act in any official or legal capacity • Our ceremony team are all trained to conduct different ceremonies in a professional and customer focused manner • This ensures your ceremony is an enjoyable and memorable occasion for you, your child and everyone else attending your celebration. How long does a ceremony last? • That depends on the content and the different options you choose • Why not look at our online planning form to see the options • After the ceremony the celebrations can continue as long as you like especially if the Naming ceremony is combined with a marriage or civil partnership. How do you book a Naming ceremony? • Any parent can make the arrangements. The parents do not have to be married or in a civil partnership • Anyone who has recognised parental responsibility or legal guardianship of the child can make the arrangements • Simply complete the online enquiry form on our website. 33