Celebrating New Beginnings with Joy
Life with a New Addition
"Life with a new baby (or small hurricane disguised as a child) is already a juggling act involving nappies, suspicious stains, and the eternal mystery of vanishing tiny socks."
So when it comes to the naming ceremony, I'll keep it simple, personal, and full of joy without adding anything to your already never-ending to-do list. I'll write the words, guide the flow, and help you celebrate this little human in a way that feels right for your family (even if someone throws a tantrum or needs a nappy change mid-ceremony – it happens!).
All Kinds of Naming Celebrations
-
Baby Naming Ceremonies
Welcoming new arrivals into your family and community with love, laughter, and promises of support from those who matter most.
-
Adoption Celebrations
Marking the beautiful moment when the chosen family becomes forever family, celebrating the journey that brought you together.
-
Blended Family Ceremonies
Honouring stepchildren and creating new family bonds, acknowledging all the love that makes modern families work.
-
Adult Name Celebrations
Whether it's a legal name change, chosen name, or cultural naming tradition, celebrating identity at any age.
-
Coming of Age Ceremonies
Marking important transitions – turning 13, 18, 21, or any milestone that deserves recognition.
What Makes These Ceremonies Special
-
Everyone's Included
Siblings who might feel left out, grandparents with important roles, friends who've become family, and yes, even beloved pets can all be part of the celebration.
-
Meaningful Promises
Instead of religious vows, we create personal promises from family and friends about how they'll support this child as they grow.
-
Joyful Traditions
From tree planting to time capsules, candle lighting to handfasting (family version), we'll choose symbolic elements that feel meaningful to your family.
-
Practical Magic
I understand family life. Ceremonies are timed appropriately for little ones, with backup plans for everything from weather to meltdowns.
Naming Packages & Pricing
Naming Ceremony Package
What's Included:
- No-obligation discovery meeting
- Initial planning meeting (in person or online)
- Fully personalised script and ceremony structure
- Guidance on symbolic elements (tree planting, candle lighting, time capsules)
- Practice session for family and friends taking part
- Calm, professional presence on the day
- Ceremony Keepsake Pack including printed certificate, readings, and ceremony script
Symbolic Elements I Love Including
Tree Planting: Growing something beautiful that will develop alongside your child Time Capsules: Messages and mementos for them to open on their 18th birthday Candle or Lantern Lighting: Each guest lights a candle representing their wishes for the child Family Handfasting: Binding your family together with beautiful ribbons Wish Stones: Guests hold stones during the ceremony, then place them in your garden Memory Books: Creating a keepsake filled with wishes and advice from loved ones
I'm passionate about creating unique symbolic elements that reflect your family's specific interests, cultural background, or values.
How We'll Create Your Celebration
-
Discovery Call
A relaxed chat about your family, your child, and what kind of celebration feels right. You can ask any questions about my approach and style.
-
Family Questionnaire
I'll send questions to help me understand your family story, your child's personality (even babies have personalities!), and your hopes for the ceremony.
-
Planning Together
We'll meet to discuss who you'd like to involve, any cultural or family traditions to include, and the overall tone you're hoping for.
-
Script Creation
I'll craft a ceremony script that tells your unique family story and celebrates this new chapter. Unlimited revisions until it feels perfect.
-
Supporting Your People
If family or friends are taking part, I'll offer practice sessions to help them feel confident with their contributions.
-
The Celebration
I'll arrive early to set everything up and coordinate with anyone else involved, ensuring a smooth, joyful ceremony.
Perfect Venues for Family Celebrations
-
Manchester's Family-Friendly Spaces
Ordsall Hall (Salford): A gorgeous Tudor manor with gardens and indoor/outdoor spaces
Heaton Park: Stunning parkland with pavilions for larger gatherings
Science & Industry Museum: Great for families who love discovery
-
Historic Venues with Character
Portico Library: Perfect for book-loving families Victoria Baths: Unique industrial heritage setting The Monastery Manchester (Gorton) A breathtaking former Franciscan church turned venue – historic, spacious, and child-welcoming.
-
Home Celebrations
Many families prefer the comfort of their own space, garden, or local community centre. I'm equally happy creating beautiful ceremonies wherever feels right for your family.
Celebrating Diverse Families
I'm passionate about creating inclusive ceremonies that honour all kinds of family structures:
Single Parents: Celebrating your choice to expand your family LGBTQ+ Families: Honouring the unique journey that brought your child to you Multicultural Families: Weaving together different cultural traditions and languages Blended Families: Including children from previous relationships in meaningful ways Chosen Families: Recognising that families are built on love, not just biology.
What People Say About Kate
Kate has brought an energy that has made a real impact on our community.
Every event she hosts reflects her unique style – thoughtful, inclusive, and always tailored to the audience. She consistently creates fresh, relevant content and ensures that every attendee feels welcome and valued.
Kate is an extremely enthusiastic and talented woman, a fantastic public speaker, and a great advocate for women in technology.
Her ability to bring people together, build lasting relationships, and inspire confidence and creativity in others is astounding. Kate's clear about doing the right thing and making sure things are fair for everyone, she constantly champions equality and it is refreshing to see a down to earth, Northern woman being so successful - a real role model for others!!
Kate......everything about her is positive, driven, motivated
Well what can I say about Kate......everything about her is positive, driven, motivated, she takes ownership of everything and delivers. She’s a great public speaker and fellow board member and I value her skill set, energy and absolute laser focus! Thank you Kate!
Kate’s enthusiasm, passion, energy and advocacy brings a light to every meeting and conversation she joins
We had the pleasure of working with Kate during our Women of the Channel event in London. Kate’s enthusiasm, passion, energy and advocacy brings a light to every meeting and conversation she joins. The Channel Company is proud to be a part of the Engage Your People mission and we can’t wait to see the great things that continue to come from Kate!
Ready to Celebrate a New Beginning?
Whether you're planning ahead or need something arranged quickly, I'm here to help you create a naming ceremony that's full of love, laughter, and joy. Every family deserves to celebrate their new beginning in a way that feels authentically theirs.