Baby Naming Ceremony vs. Christening

Christening ceremonies have risen into popularity again because of celebrity moms who choose to baptize their children. There is also an increasing number of parents who decide to get their babies baptized when they reach a later age. But for those who do not wish or are not able to have their children baptized immediately or at all, there are other options as well. Baby naming ceremonies is just one option that you can try.

There are a lot of reasons why most parents choose to have a baby naming ceremony. The first few months of raising the baby can be too hectic, leaving the parents with no choice but to hold off celebrations until things ease up a bit. So instead of a Christening, a Naming ceremony is given.

So what exactly is a baby naming ceremony and how does it differ from a Christening ceremony? Both ceremonies are similar in the sense that they are done to welcome the baby into the community. In Christening, though, the child is being welcomed into the Church community, whereas in the Naming ceremony, the baby is welcomed into your personal community of family and friends.

Specifically, in a Naming ceremony, the parents and supporting adults give promises of love and support for the baby, while in a Christening ceremony, the promises are about committing the baby to be raised in Christian faith. A priest, minister or pastor usually administers the celebration in the case of a Christening ceremony.

Baby naming ceremonies may be carried out almost anywhere, as opposed to Christening, which has to take place in a Church. The ceremony is performed by a celebrant who welcomes the child. You can also add in personal touches to the ceremony and make it more meaningful and special to you and those involved.

There are a lot of venues from which you can hold a Naming ceremony. Several restaurants, hotels, golf clubs, and other private establishments are approved to hold a civil ceremony, so you can have on at any of these venues.

Baby naming is an option if you do not plan to have your child Christened, or if you do not have the time to plan for a Christening ceremony.