Have you thought about having a baby naming ceremony for your new baby?
Baby naming ceremonies have become more popular in Australia in recent years, sometimes as a blessing or a celebration to hold instead of a traditional Christening or Baptism, and sometimes just because the new parents are so proud and happy and want to share the joy of their new baby with their family and friends.
What Is A Naming Day Ceremony?
A naming day ceremony is simply an opportunity to name, bless and welcome a child into the world. Holding a baby naming ceremony is a common practice throughout various cultures and religions around the world – most notably in the Jewish tradition.
This event is an opportunity for family, friends, and other loved ones to celebrate the new birth of a baby and officially assign them their name.
Baby Naming Ceremony Ideas
If you’ve decided you would like to have a baby naming ceremony for your new baby, we’ve come up with some unique ideas that can make a baby naming ceremony a more symbolic, interactive, and meaningful experience.
You can host a formal event, or keep it casual and breezy, it’s totally up to you, your style and whatever you think you are up to achieving in your, no doubt, sleep deprived state! Here are some great baby naming ceremony ideas to make your day really special:
1. Take photos for a baby naming ceremony scrapbook
A scrapbook makes a great memento for your child to look through when they grow older. You can take photos at your baby naming ceremony – with your guests, baby, and/or both – and preserve them for years to come.
You might even consider hiring a professional photographer to make sure all of the special moments are captured, or get a friend or family member to take charge of the photography for the day.
2. Create a memento out of pressed flowers from that day
Pressed flowers are a beautiful and natural way to encapsulate a memory. Either collect them yourself from the day of the ceremony or have each guest bring some flowers with them. Press them and frame them once they’re dry to preserve them. Your child will grow up and see how many people were there for them.
3. Sign a name certificate in front of guests
One of the most common naming ceremony activities is signing an official name certificate with your guests present. You can do this as you announce the name for the first time. It signifies a commitment to love and cherish your baby forever and is a fun way to reveal the name of your new baby to your guests.
Oh, and if you haven’t chosen your baby’s name yet, we’ve got some cool name ideas guides to help you – check out some hippie names here or some true blue Aussie names here.
4. Give out flower seeds or bulbs to guests as a symbol of growth
As a kind of party favour, give your guests flower seeds or bulbs when they depart. They can plant these when they get home, and when they sprout, they’ll be a reminder of the new life you’ve brought into the world.
5. Fill a time capsule to be opened when your baby is of age
A time capsule is a great, tangible way to include your guests at the ceremony. Each person can include an item that is meaningful to them and your baby. In 18 years, you and your baby can open it up and enjoy the memories and hopes enclosed.
6. Set aside time for toasts and speeches
Set aside time during the ceremony specifically for toasts and speeches, so that you don’t have to worry about running out of time. It will be more organised and give anyone who wants the chance to congratulate your family.
7. Set up a guest book to sign
A guest book is a classic tradition at many important events and ceremonies. Leave it out where everyone can see, and let each family member and friend leave a special note or wish next to their name. You can read this book in the future with your child.
8. Create a photo booth for guests to remember the day by
A photo booth is a more interactive way to collect photographic memories from the ceremony. You can hire or rent a photo booth service to make it easy, or create one yourself with some simple materials and an automatic/instant printing camera.
9. Read or write a poem in honour of your baby
Because the naming of your baby is so important and meaningful, you may consider reading some words that inspire you. A poem that signifies the wishes and dreams you have for your child is a great way to share your feelings with your guests.
10. Have guests bring appetisers or dishes
To ensure that everyone has something they enjoy eating, and make the ceremony easier on you, ask guests to bring food in true potluck fashion.
You can request that these dishes be traditional to your culture or religion, or let people bring their favourite items. Nothing says fun, family, casual Aussie party like a ‘bring a plate’ celebration!
11. Create a musical playlist with your guests
A special way to make your ceremony’s music more meaningful is to ask each guest to send you a song prior to the event. You can add these to a playlist for the day of, and play the songs that your family and friends want your baby to hear.
12. Create a video message for your baby
You might also consider creating a video that contains a short greeting or blessing from each guest in attendance. This is kind of like a virtual guest book that your child can watch when they get older.
13. Plant a tree to symbolise familial growth
Adding a tree planting event to your baby naming ceremony is an exciting way to express hope for the new addition to your family. And, you’ll get a brand new tree that you get to enjoy watching as it grows, just like your child!
14. Create an event theme
Create a theme for your ceremony by choosing specific flowers, colours, or decorations that remind you of your baby. The theme might even incorporate your baby’s name in some surprising way.
15. Allow time for prayers and blessings
Family members or invited religious officials may want a moment to say a prayer in honour of your new baby. Set aside time for this and make an announcement to your guests when the time comes.
16. Make a print of your baby’s hands and feet
Using non-toxic paint or ink, you can dip your baby’s feet or hands and stamp them on a paper or item of clothing. Then you’ll always have a memento to keep to remind you of just how tiny your baby was on their special naming day.
17. Sprinkle flower petals over your baby’s head
Some people sprinkle flower petals over their baby’s head at the ceremony to symbolise wishes for life and growth.
18. Share the meaning of the name with your guests
When announcing your baby’s name and signing the name certificate, it’s a good opportunity to share the meaning behind the choice. Whether religious or rooted in a story that moves you, share these details with family and friends.
19. Create a space for dancing and camaraderie
You can create an official dance floor if you have the means, or you can simply play music and encourage guests to dance. This is a celebratory time that should be filled with love and laughter.
20. Release lanterns with wishes for your baby’s future
One final symbolic activity is lighting paper lanterns and releasing them into the sky. Guests can write messages to your baby on the lanterns before lighting them, including wishes for your child’s future.
If your guests are stuck for ideas for what to write in their message, send them the link for this article full of baby naming ceremony wishes and quotes.
Planning a baby naming ceremony can be stressful, especially as you’re still getting to know your new baby and experiencing the sleeplessness that comes with new parenthood!
But, you can have a fun and meaningful day for your baby by keeping things simple and swiping a few of our baby naming ceremony ideas to make your day special.
However you choose to celebrate the birth and/or naming of your baby, we wish you well in the world of parenthood – welcome to the club, it’s such a fun club to be a part of!
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