Naming Ceremony FAQs

Naming ceremony FAQs: costs, timing and traditions

A naming ceremony marks a new baby with none of the religious wording - and because it isn't run by a church, almost every question is about who organises it and what it costs.

Below: UK costs in 2026, how the timing works, and the traditions families have built up in place of the church ones.

Naming ceremony cards and keepsakes

Blank-inside cards with no religious wording to cross out, plus candles, prints and coasters you can date.

A typographic music print featuring Taylor Swift Bejewelled lyrics on high-quality paper, unframed. Best Believe I'm Still Bejewelled By Taylor Swift Music Lyrics Print £8.00 Unframed wall art print featuring the text 'In A World Of Grey, Be A Flamingo' in colourful, vibrant lettering. In A World Of Grey, Be A Flamingo Print (A4 & A3) £8.00 A colourful typographic wall art print with the quote 'I work hard so that my dog can live a better life' in A4 or A3. I Work Hard So That My Dog Can Live A Better Life Print (A4 & A3) £8.00 A colourful fitness wall print illustrating the HYROX competition race format with running and functional workout steps. Hyrox Competition Race Format Print (A4 & A3) £8.00 All You Need Is Love / Love Is All You Need Print (A5 - A3) All You Need Is Love / Love Is All You Need Print (A5 - A3) £8.00 Look At The Stars Song Lyrics Print (A5 - A3) Look At The Stars Song Lyrics Print (A5 - A3) £8.00

Shop naming ceremony cards

Costs at a glance

  • Registrar-led ceremony: £150 to £250 depending on the council, more at weekends.
  • Independent celebrant: £150 to £400, including writing the ceremony with you.
  • Doing it yourself at home: free, and completely valid - there's no official requirement.
  • Venue: £15 to £40 an hour for a hall, nothing at home or in a garden.
  • Food for 30: £120 to £300 catered, £60 to £100 done yourselves.
  • Typical UK total: £250 to £900, or under £150 if you host it at home.

Timing at a glance

  • Age: any. Most families choose three to twelve months, but toddlers and older siblings are often included.
  • Ten to twelve weeks ahead: book the registrar or celebrant - summer Saturdays go early.
  • Eight weeks ahead: ask your guide parents and give them time to write anything they'll read.
  • Four weeks ahead: invitations, readings chosen, and the promises drafted.
  • Two weeks ahead: order the cake and buy the cards.
  • On the day: the ceremony runs 20 to 30 minutes, then straight into the food.

Traditions worth knowing

  • Guide parents, supporting adults or mentors take the godparent role without the religious promises.
  • Promises are written by the parents and read aloud - this is the heart of the ceremony.
  • Readings are usually poems or passages the family chose rather than scripture.
  • A candle-lighting, sand-blending or tree-planting is a common symbolic moment.
  • A guest book passed round means everyone leaves something written for the child to read later.
  • There's no certificate with legal force, though registrars and celebrants provide a commemorative one.

Cards for the day

Blank inside so you can write your own message. Posted first class.

Illustration of two large pints of stout next to a tiny baby stout with text "Two's a couple, three's a family". Two's A Couple, Three's A Family (Guinness Congrats On The New Baby Card) £3.87 Illustration of a smiling graduate in a cap and gown on a congratulations graduation card for him. Congratulations! You Did It Graduation Card For Him £3.87 Graduation card for her featuring a cheerful illustrated character wearing a black graduation cap and gown. Congratulations! You Did It Graduation Card For Her £3.87 Future Dad Fuel (Dad To Be New Baby Card) Future Dad Fuel (Dad To Be New Baby Card) £3.87 Practise Your Dad Jokes (Dad To Be New Baby Card) Practise Your Dad Jokes (Dad To Be New Baby Card) £3.87 Cheers M'dears Congratulations Card Cheers M'dears Congratulations Card £3.75 It's a Boy New Born Baby Duck Card It's a Boy New Born Baby Duck Card £3.91 It's a Boy New Born Baby Card It's a Boy New Born Baby Card £3.91

Keepsakes you can date

Candles, prints and coasters, designed in house and printed in the UK.

A typographic music print featuring Taylor Swift Bejewelled lyrics on high-quality paper, unframed. Best Believe I'm Still Bejewelled By Taylor Swift Music Lyrics Print £8.00 Unframed wall art print featuring the text 'In A World Of Grey, Be A Flamingo' in colourful, vibrant lettering. In A World Of Grey, Be A Flamingo Print (A4 & A3) £8.00 A colourful typographic wall art print with the quote 'I work hard so that my dog can live a better life' in A4 or A3. I Work Hard So That My Dog Can Live A Better Life Print (A4 & A3) £8.00 A colourful fitness wall print illustrating the HYROX competition race format with running and functional workout steps. Hyrox Competition Race Format Print (A4 & A3) £8.00 Pack of 6 Minimalist Wooden Drinks Coasters Pack of 6 Minimalist Wooden Drinks Coasters £4.50 All You Need Is Love / Love Is All You Need Print (A5 - A3) All You Need Is Love / Love Is All You Need Print (A5 - A3) £8.00 Look At The Stars Song Lyrics Print (A5 - A3) Look At The Stars Song Lyrics Print (A5 - A3) £8.00 Music Sounds Better With You Music Print (A5 - A3) Music Sounds Better With You Music Print (A5 - A3) £8.00

Where to shop next

Frequently asked questions

What is a naming ceremony?

A non-religious celebration welcoming a child into the family, with promises from the parents and guide parents in place of christening vows.

How much does a naming ceremony cost in the UK?

£150 to £250 for a registrar-led ceremony or £150 to £400 for an independent celebrant. With food and a venue, most families spend £250 to £900 - or under £150 hosting at home.

Is a naming ceremony legally binding?

No. It has no legal status and doesn't register the child's name - that's done separately at the register office. Guide parents have no legal standing either.

Who conducts a naming ceremony?

A council registrar, an independent or humanist celebrant, or a family member. There's no requirement to use an official at all.

What is a guide parent?

The non-religious equivalent of a godparent - sometimes called a supporting adult or mentor. They make a spoken promise to support the child as they grow.

What age should a child have a naming ceremony?

Any age. Three to twelve months is most common, but plenty of families hold one for a toddler, or include older siblings in the same ceremony.

How long is a naming ceremony?

Twenty to thirty minutes, including the promises and one or two readings.

What do you give at a naming ceremony?

The same keepsakes as a christening, minus anything religious: a dated print, a candle, an inscribed book, a keepsake box or savings. Guests spend £10 to £25.

Can you have a naming ceremony and a christening?

Yes, some families do both - a church service for one side of the family and a ceremony that everyone can take part in. Keep them on separate days.

What do you write in a naming ceremony card?

Welcome the child by name, say something to the parents, and skip the blessings. Blank-inside cards avoid printed religious verse entirely.