Naming Ceremonies are celebrations, a way of welcoming a child and officially introducing him/her to family and friends. Many cultures believe a child isn't recognised as an individual until it has been named. Naming a child gives the child a family, heritage and a cultural, social and religious identity.

Naming Ceremonies are social ceremonies and therefore don't replace, or prevent, families from holding a Baptism/Christening at any time. Anyone, any age, can have a Naming Ceremony. The arrival of a new baby, uniting of step or adopted children within a family, are all great reasons to hold a Naming Ceremony.

Naming Ceremonies involve the important people in the child's life - family and special friends. Parents have the opportunity to ask other adults to play a supportive role to the child through to adult life (grandparents, godparents/mentors/supporters).

Poems, readings and quotes of personal significance can be used throughout the ceremony. Often a symbolic gesture is also made such as the lighting of a candle, releasing of balloons, planting of a tree, rose blessing etc. In addition certificates are presented to parents and other special people as a record of the occasion.

Naming ceremonies are a wonderful way to welcome your child and celebrate them as they begin their journey through life.

I pride myself on ensuring your Naming Ceremony is special, personal and memorable. The services I offer are different to many others as I believe the ceremony is yours, not mine, and everything is personalised to suit your needs and desires.

I meet with the family before the Naming Day to discuss their expectations; learn more about the child and what makes them an individual; and to understand and discuss the parent's requirements. I then use this information to write the ceremony and incorporate photos, stories/personal details into the ceremony and all materials I produce.

Accent on Names tailors each ceremony around the needs of the family. No two ceremonies are the same - just as no two children are the same.

Fee Structure

I offer three different packages to suit any budget.

A Bronze ceremony package ($220) includes:

• A one hour initial planning appointment at my home;
• Personalised ceremony written by Penny, incorporating information on the child and other information obtained from the family;
• Handmade Keepsake Order of Ceremony booklet designed by Penny, incorporating the ceremony and photo of the child;
• Modern Namegiving Certificate designed by Penny;
• Commemorative certificates designed by Penny, for special people involved in the ceremony (Grandparents/Godparents etc);
• Entry in official Naming Register;
• Professional officiating of ceremony;
• Provision of "Accent on Names" ceremony planning booklet including checklist, quotes and reading suggestions;
• Access via email and phone as required;
• Your choice of available day, date and time;
• Recommendation for other services (if required)

A Silver ceremony package ($275) includes:

• All Bronze package entitlements PLUS
• Meaning of Name Commemorative Certificate;
• Rose Petals for Naming/Blessing (4 litre bucket);
• Star Sign and Chinese Horoscope information booklet;
• Commemorative Candle including poem, photo, personal details;
• 2 x additional Keepsake Order of Ceremony booklets for Grandparents or Godparents etc. (3 booklets in total).

A Gold ceremony package ($360) includes:

• All Silver package entitlements PLUS
• Treasure box creation;
• Personalised stamps with a photo of your child for sending invitations out (20 stamps per sheet);
• Astrological chart about your child's life.

I enjoy putting all my energy into writing the ceremony, creating modern certificates; keepsake booklets; and other items. Most of all I enjoy learning about the child being named so I can capture their essence within the ceremony.

All ceremonies are tailored to suit your individual needs to ensure the day is EXACTLY as you wish. I do not provide you with a range of ceremony templates and ask you to pick out the bits you like.

Click here to read feedback from some of my clients.