Naming Ceremonies at Stratton Court Barn: Bluebell Ceremonies talks us through how it works
I've been doing happy dances these last few weeks, hearing how many of my previous couples are expecting additions to their families in 2o2o. There is nothing quite like a shared love and responsibility to cement your love and connection to each other!
As I'm always working on an excuse to see you all again, I've taken this opportunity to connect with Ann at Bluebell Ceremonies. She specialises in Naming Ceremonies, and I couldn't think of a happier reason to see you come back to Stratton Court Barn with your family and friends. So what is a Naming Ceremony, and how does it work? Ann has put together an A-Z guide for us, so please have a read below!
We can offer Sundays throughout the year for naming ceremonies, and will offer a special discount for our past and present Stratton Court Barn couples.
NB. A personal note from Karin: A "new addition to the family" is a phrase used here to include, but not exclusively mean, a newborn baby sharing your genes. I strongly believe that any minor that you take under your wing - by giving birth, adopting, fostering or just the kid next door you keep an eye out for - are equally worthy of a celebration.
A – Z Checklist from Bluebell Naming Ceremonies
Congratulations! - you’ve had a baby, or maybe adopted. Now the dust has a settled (just a little!)
and you’re getting accustomed to life as a family, it’s a wonderful time to celebrate with a naming
ceremony. If life feels a bit chaotic, don’t worry, we’ve got an A – Z checklist to make sure you’ve got
everything covered (even if you’ve got your t-shirt on back to front!).
A - Announcement
Let everyone know your happy plans by sending out a save the date message a couple of months in
advance if possible.
B – Blooms
Whatever your vibe for the day, flowers are a gorgeous addition to your naming ceremony. Browse
inspiration galleries, Pinterest and magazines to seek sensational floral ideas for your day.
C – Celebrant
You can conduct your own naming ceremony or work with a celebrant to create a personalised event. A
celebrant will guide you through the process, provide inspiration and deliver a beautifully crafted script
on the day. Contact Bluebell Naming Ceremonies for specialist advice
D - Décor
However you want to decorate your surroundings, a few thoughtful extras can transform your setting.
Keep things simple if space is limited or if you really want to push the boat out, consider an event stylist,
for a super-polished look.
E – Eats and treats
Choose catering that suits your budget and style for the day. Picnics and BBQs are wonderful for outdoor
ceremonies, canapes and fizz are perfect if it’s an afternoon event indoors. Don’t forget the cake - lemon
drizzle or red velvet? What’s your favourite?
F – Family and friends
This is what this day is all about. Ask for help if you need it and get ready for a lot of hugging and a few
tears.
G – Get everyone involved
Getting loved ones involved on your day is what makes it so personal. Grandparents, sponsors and
readers will have a special role to play, but guests can also take part by making a group promise or
leaving messages of support on a wishing tree.
H – Have fun!
Children are central to your naming ceremony, so why not embrace the fun and lay on some family-
friendly activities. From giant-sized Jenga and bubble blowers to bouncy castles and fairground swings.
I – Invitations
There’s nothing quite like receiving an invitation in the post, but if you’re pushed for time there are
plenty of gorgeous digital options too. Your friends and family will be there for you, however they hear
the news!
J – Joyful gifts
Gifts for sponsors and grandparents are a lovely way to say thank you. Candles can be lit during the
ceremony and given as gifts to celebrate the special role they will play in your child’s life.
K – Keepsakes
An order of service makes a beautiful keepsake, especially if it includes copies of readings and promises, or guests can be given packets of wildflower seeds or little pots of bulbs to plant at home.
L – Light a candle
Lighting a candle creates a beautiful moment of reflection during your naming ceremony. Light one for
your child and ask guests to light theirs from a single flame until the room is filled with flickering light.
M – Mix it up
If you’re a couple with contrasting faiths and cultures, don’t worry, there are no rules. You can include
both religious and non-religious content, plus all kinds of traditions. So if you’re Swedish Buddhists, bring
on the smorgastarta (savoury sandwich cake) and chanting!
N – New beginnings
However your family is formed (adoption, birth, or blending two families) a naming ceremony marks the
start of an exciting new chapter in your life. Planting a tree acts as a powerful symbol of growth and
potential.
O – Outdoor naming ceremonies
Rural and woodland settings are wonderful locations for naming ceremonies. They provide a connection
to the natural world and create a relaxed and informal atmosphere, which is perfect for family gatherings.
P – Promises
Oh heck, there’s going to be some tears! But this is probably the most important moment in your
ceremony. This is where parents, sponsors and family members pledge to guide the child they love
throughout their life. These words are deeply personal, so give them careful thought or ask your
celebrant for help.
Q – Questions...to help you plan
There’s really only one. What’s the feeling that you want for your event? This will help guide decisions
on location, styling, numbers, catering and the ceremony itself. Have fun, it’s going to be beautiful.
R – Readings
Readings really add colour to your ceremony. They can be funny and witty or thoughtful and reflective.
Choose readings that make you smile. If you’re brave enough, try writing something yourself. My Mum
read the poem I wrote for my daughter, as I thought I might cry!
S – Sponsors
Sponsors and Guide Parents are the equivalent to God Parents. They help to watch over your child as
they grow, acting as a sounding board, a role model (hopefully!) and a loving presence in their life.
Choose treasured friends or family for this important role.
T – Themes
Themes are a great way to bring together creative ideas. If family fun is your inspiration, then how about
Alice in Wonderland?, with decorations in vibrant colours and a vintage tea party after the ceremony.
U – Unity ceremony
These are lovely moments which symbolise togetherness. A sand ceremony is a perfect way to involve siblings and other children. Different coloured sands are poured into a single holder to signify the unity of family life.
V – Venue
A naming ceremony is a unique and heart-felt occasion, wherever it takes place. It can be where you got married, a woodland glade, the garden of your family home or a traditional village hall. Choose a
location that reflects your personalities, budget and style for the day.
W – Wishes and thoughts
Wishing trees, prints and jigsaws make wonderful alternatives to traditional guest books and can be
framed to remember all the special people in your child’s life.
X – Xs, hugs and tears
There’ll be plenty of these throughout the day, so be sure to have a great photographer on hand to
capture these beautiful moments.
Y – Your story
Your ceremony should tell the story of your family. If you’re writing your own script, think about the
things that have lead up to this day. If you’re working with a celebrant, spend time talking about what
makes your family tick. From the challenges that you’ve overcome to the moments of laughter, these are
experiences to share and celebrate.
Z – Zero hero
If you’re interested in keeping your impact to a minimum, hire decor, source natural and local materials and choose a venue that takes care of its resource use. Yours could be the first uber-stylish, zero carbon naming ceremony!
Contact:
Anne O’Brien, Celebrant, Bluebell Naming Ceremonies
07788 757822
