christening/naming ceremony

We had a naming ceremony at my parents Unitarian chapel when little one was about 18 months old. We’re not religious and don’t belong to a church, but wanted to do something to mark the occasion. We’re only had family there and then we went for a meal afterwards, so it wasn’t like a christening and after party (although she did wear my christening dress from 30 years ago that had been made from the same fabric as my mums wedding dress). It was so lovely, we got to guide the ceremony exactly how we wanted. We didn’t have prayers, but we did have a song and readings from both grandmothers (poems, not religious).
We had a blessing with water too - on her head for wisdom and good judgement, her heart to show love and be loved, her hands for her work to make a positive impact in the world and her feet to guide her pathway in life. We could appoint ‘spiritual guardians’ too, rather than ‘god parents’.

We’re planning to have a christening a few months down the line but we’re only planning to invite the immediate family to the church and then likely for a meal. We both have large families so if we wanted to have everyone there would have likely done something like a bbq in the garden over summer instead (space and costs) x

I just had a christening for my 4 month old son. We had a church service invited my friends and family kept it small then booked a table at a restaurant to eat and cut cake and take pictures it was really nice saved money not doing anything big and it was no more than 4 hours altogether xx

I had a christening for my daughter when she was around 8months old I would have preferred it earlier but she was January baby and I wanted it to be warmer as I planned on doing something at home after and wanted to use the garden too as I have a big family

We are Christians but had our daughter dedicated (basically the same as a christening but without the baptism) so she is free to get baptised when she's old enough to make her own choice. Had a big bring and share in the church hall with all of the church and our friends/family after, which was a really lovely way to mark her welcome into the community

My daughter is christened. I’ve never heard of a naming ceremony x

I don’t know what I’m going to do. I didn’t have a baby shower because I don’t believe I should have organised my own and no one else bothered. But my mum I think felt bad in hindsight and offered to throw a small party when my baby (who is now 4 months old) arrived. Not heard any more about this. I’d love to do something with close friends and family.

But I think it’s a lovely idea. Naming ceremony or christening or whatever you want to call it, it’s all about celebrating the new life you are caring for. Go for it!