Your Celebrant for Joyful North East Naming Ceremonies
A Loving Welcome and Sense of Belonging
Naming ceremonies have been an important rite of passage in different cultures and faiths for centuries. A modern, celebrant led naming ceremony for a baby or child provides an alternative for a religious service in a place of worship, but it is no less heartfelt. Naming ceremonies can acknowledge people with a special in role the person’s life. These may be parents, siblings, friends, and, if you choose them for little ones, guide-parents. Guide-parents are highly trusted friends or family who agree to be supportive and caring role models.
Naming ceremonies are not just for babies and children. Adults may have and important reason to celebrate claiming a new name or reclaiming an old one. Whoever it is, the naming ceremony celebrates the person at the heart of the ceremony and the story of how they came to be named.
I’m Kate Mukungu, an independent celebrant naming ceremonies celebrant covering Newcastle, Gateshead, South Tyneside, North Tyneside, Sunderland, Co. Durham and Northumberland. It would be my pleasure to joyfully present your baby, child or indeed you, to be welcomed by family, friends and community.
“Kate was very open to our ideas for the naming ceremony and also made some amazingly thoughtful suggestions.. She looked after our Guide Parents and baby’s siblings too! Kate is incredibly warm, genuine and passionate about her role and we highly recommend her celebrant services.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Naming Ceremonies
Is a Naming Ceremony the same as a Christening?
I get asked this question a lot. A christening is a Christian religious sacrament, usually conducted in a church by ordained clergy, and involves baptism into the Christian faith. Godparents at a christening are typically required to be baptised Christians themselves.
A naming ceremony is different in important ways. It can be non-religious, partially religious, or blend multiple cultural and faith traditions. The focus is on initiating the child into the family and community rather than into a particular faith path.
A celebrant led naming ceremony can be held anywhere; in your garden, a community venue, a hotel, a function space, or anywhere that holds meaning for your family.
Can You Help Make our Child’s Naming Ceremony Reflect Our Family?
Yes indeed! A naming ceremony is ideal for many families, especially those of mixed heritage, different faiths, or no faith. By designing the ceremony around the family the child is given the perfect welcome into their individual support network.
I have worked with families made up of different structures and from cultures and communities. I am part of a beautifully blended family myself, so I am well placed to help you celebrate what is unique about your family. I will not make assumptions about what you need. Instead, I will find out what works for you.
After getting to know you we can choose the ceremony structure, music and content that hold most meaning for you. Together we will create a joyful ceremony as distinct as your family.
Can You Help Me Arrange a Renaming Ceremony for Myself?
Yes. Our name represents our identity and how we are known by the world. The transition from one named identity to another is certainly worthy of a ceremony.
I understand you may want to arrange a renaming ceremony for one of many reasons. Whether you are reclaiming your former name following divorce or choosing a new name as part of gender affirmation, I would love to collaborate with you. I respect that your ceremony should be as unique as the purpose behind it.
Inviting those who love you to bear witness to your transition is a deeply personalised process. I won’t make any assumptions about what you need. By focusing on how you want to connect with your network of support in the ceremony, we will find the approach that works for you. Together we will get the tone and content just right.
How Much Does A Naming or Renaming Ceremony Cost?
I would love to create a personalised naming or renaming ceremony with you. I will collaborate with you on each element of the script ensuring you have a completely personalised experience. The level of input and direction you will have can add to you feeling completely at ease as you welcome a new life / lease of life.
Starting from £275 this includes:
Up to two planning meetings with you before the ceremony (face to face or online) so we can get the content just right
Writing a bespoke ceremony script, including personalised readings
Communication throughout the process by telephone, email or WhatsApp so you know everything is as you want it
Revisions and changes whilst preparing the script
Attendance at and delivery of the ceremony
Travel within thirty miles of South Shields. If further, travel costs are changed at 45 pence per mile. Additional transport required (boat, train, plane, etc) will be charged accordingly.
Optional commemorative naming certificate and presentation script
Additional Charges: Some symbolic rituals such as a sand ceremony, may incur additional charges. This will depend on the overall amount of time required to plan and deliver the ceremony. We can discuss this as we collaborate.
Contact Kate about your Ceremony
If you would like to talk about a naming ceremony for your child or for you, please do get in touch. Whether you have a clear vision or are wondering where to start, I'll listen carefully and help you create a ceremony to treasure. Initial conversations are always free and come with no obligation.
