Whether you’re going for poignant or playful, it’s the special touches that make a baby naming ceremony memorable.
Welcoming your baby into her community through a baby naming is a big deal, especially for those closest to her. In her short life, this will probably be her biggest moment to date. If you’re reading this wondering what a baby naming is, it’s essentially a secular Christening. While traditional Christenings have a lot going for them, baby namings have the benefit of absolute freedom to do it your way.
For some this offers the opportunity to have a bit of fun, which doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the ‘official’ vibe. Small gestures can make a big impact without turning the event into a circus, but there’s no reason you can’t do that too! Let’s start with the number 1 fun way to make your baby naming memorable…
1. Themes
From circus-theme to The Lion King, celebrating within a theme can help to create a party vibe and keep things interesting for any kids (and adults) attending.
Taking these two themes as an example, in a circus theme you could hold it in a ‘Big top’, have jugglers or hula hoop dancers performing as your guests all enter and clowns (if you don’t find them too terrifying) entertaining the children during any interludes.
For a Lion King theme you could hold it in a garden or a zoo, have balloon animals made and all dress up. Just imagine holding up your lion costume-clad baby like Simba for the crowd at the end of the ceremony. Cue the photographer! It’ll be priceless.
2. A grand entrance
A grand entrance provides another great photo opportunity. Carry your baby flanked by their Guideparents/Mentors holding sparklers, balloons or trailing streamers.
If your baby naming is for a toddler why not have them transport themselves down the aisle on their own miniature classic car, a scooter or a space hopper. Warning - there will be audible gasps of “Awwwww”.
3. Raise a glass
One of the benefits of a baby naming as opposed to a Christening is that the adults can have a tipple at the same time. Why not top up everyone’s glasses before the ceremony begins and raise a toast to your special little person. Give the kids soft drinks so they can join in too.
4. Sing a rainbow
Music helps to set the tone of a baby naming. As well as thinking about some fun entrance and exit music, it’s worth considering including a nursery rhyme or children’s song for everyone to get involved with during the ceremony, especially if you know your baby’s favourite. It’s a really sweet addition to have all of the guests sing to your baby.
5. Make a wish
Baby namings are as much about your hopes and dreams for your baby as they are about introducing them to your community. During the ceremony why not ask the guests to write down their wish for your baby, put them in a time capsule, hang them on a tree or save them in a jar for you to read back to baby forever more.
6. Live sketch the day
Ever been at a conference and seen someone on the sidelines drawing sketches of all that’s being said? It may be more common in the corporate world but live sketching not only gives you something to keep at the end of the day, it’ll provide endless fascination for the guests, who can add their own touches after the ceremony to make it even more personal.
If you don’t have 20 spare feet of wall space you could have it professionally photographed to print at a more suitable size.
7. Get the guests involved
You know from sitting in meetings or lectures that being a passive attendee can become a snooze-fest. So keep your guests engaged by involving them.
Have your VIP guests say readings, sing songs, perform a dance - use whatever talents they have to add interest.
Depending on how well behaved a baby you have and how big a crowd, you could have all guests take turns holding her as you all sing her a lullaby, or you could walk her round as they do.
A nice way to help guests feel invested in the day and in the future of your baby is to have them unite in reciting a ‘promise’ to your baby.
8. Crown your little Prince or Princess
In a traditional baptism or Christening the baby’s head will be wet. While you can still do this in a baby naming you could do something alternative, like crowning them or marking their head with baby-safe paint or glitter.
9. Bubble release
There are a number of universal truths in life. One of these is that all babies love bubbles. And the fact is that most adults kinda dig them too. So set off your ceremony with a mammoth bubble release and watch the joy explosion commence.
Have some ideas yourself? Leave them below and I’ll share the best ones on our Facebook and Instagram accounts.
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