Re/Naming Ceremonies

Times have moved on from where a naming ceremony is purely based around a child’s christening. Our world has changed and as a celebrant, I am thrilled to work with you to create your own ceremony to mark the naming of a child, or a renaming of a young person or adult.

One of the loveliest things about being a celebrant is officiating at an event that officially welcomes a young one into the world. But it’s not just for newborns, many parents choose to have a naming ceremony when the child is a toddler or is old enough to know what is going on. The ceremony can involve everyone, family and friends and of course, those chosen people who have committed to being guide parents, something that would be referred to god parents in other ceremonies.

Indoors or outdoors, at your home or in a hired venue, obviously the choice is yours and I can guide you on this, informed by how you want the event to ‘feel’.

 

I can’t think of a better way to celebrate a young trans or non-binary child’s decision to change their name and for family and friends to hold a ceremony to mark that occasion. Many trans and non - binary young people explore a new name, they may even explore different names before they decide on one, the name that they feel truelly reflects their identity.

 

A renaming ceremony is more than just formally accepting a new name, it is a clear message to that young person that they are listened to, accepted and celebrated in their new identity. As a gay man who has worked extensively with people from the trans and non-binary communities, I feel I am in a strong position to work with
the young person (or adult!) and their families to plan a celebration that is appropriate and reflects everyone’s wishes and for it to be as private or public as people want. I am happy to talk to you initially about your ideas without cost.