This video from Humanists UK gives a great sense of what a humanist naming is all about.

Although each ceremony is a unique there are some common elements that many people choose to include:

• Introductory words
• Parents’ commitments to the child
• Guideparents’/mentors’ (godparent equivalents) commitments to the child
• Roles for grandparents and/or extended family
• Readings
• Music
• Naming the child
• Toasts
• Symbolic gestures such as sand blending, candle lighting, ribbon tying etc.

The important thing is that your ceremony is authentically yours.

Ceremonies typically last around 20-25 minutes. That’s long enough to include the important aspects, but short enough that the children present don’t become bored and agitated.

Ceremonies can take place anywhere, but there are some considerations regarding comfort, noise, weather etc. Talk to me about your potential venue choices.