The addition of a new family member is a joyous and exciting time
Generally the addition of a new family member is the result of the birth of a new baby but there are numerous other ways in which this can occur. It can also occur through adoption, merging of families, the discovery of a long lost family member or indeed the arrival of a new furbaby into the family. Regardless of the way in which it occurs it is a joyous occasion filled with love and it should be celebrated.
There is no right or wrong way to have a naming ceremony. They can occur at any age. While some parents take the more traditional route of having the naming ceremony early in the baby’s life, others prefer to wait. Many combine it with the child’s first birthday while others prefer to wait until their family is complete and then have a single ceremony for all their children.
Sometimes the child joins the family at an older age through adoption or family merges and the family want to welcome the new addition into their circle. Sometimes the baby has not yet arrived and the couple want to have a pregnancy or gender reveal. The options are limited only by your imagination and we can tailor a ceremony together that suits your individual circumstances.
The ceremony generally recognises the lifelong rewards and responsibilities that welcoming a new family member brings and we will reflect this in the words and the actions that you choose. All the people who will be involved in the mentoring and guidance of the child throughout their lives should be acknowledged including grandparents, great-grandparents and godparents where they are appointed.
As an authorised celebrant, I will provide you with suggestions for readings, poems, music and rituals that you may wish to choose. I will work with you to write the ceremony you want for your child. I will provide you with a commemorative Naming Certificate and can also provide certificates for grandparents, godparents and any other party.
During the ceremony, those taking part will be asked to declare their commitment to the child and their future wellbeing. Any particular inclusion that you would like to have can be part of the script.
Where possible, a birth certificate should be provided to ensure that the naming of the child is correct. Any changes to birth names must be dealt with through a legal process through Births, Deaths & Marriages in Brisbane.
