Naming ceremony preparation guide
Here's everything you need to know about what to expect on the day of your ceremony. After reviewing this information, you can complete the ceremony options form to share your preferences and personal additions.
Arrival
Directly before the ceremony your registrar will meet you at your venue for a brief pre-ceremony meeting, to review the proceedings and confirm any personal elements you've chosen, as per your options form.
To ensure your ceremony proceeds smoothly and on schedule, it's essential that you and your guests are ready to begin on time. Late starts risk a shortened ceremony or postponement to another day. Additional fees may apply if your ceremony is postponed.
Number of guests
Ceremonies at a Register Office
Each ceremony room has a strict maximum capacity, determined by fire regulations, which cannot be exceeded.
These capacities include everyone present except the registrars: the couple, all guests (including children of all ages), photographers, videographers and musicians.
Please ensure you are aware of the capacity of your chosen ceremony room. You can find our room capacities below.
Ceremonies at another venue
The maximum number of guests your venue can accommodate is determined by its safe capacity. Please check with your venue about their maximum capacity.
Photos and videos
Photos and videos are welcome throughout the ceremony, they are the perfect way to capture those special moments that will create lasting memories.
You may prefer to leave the photo and video taking to the professionals and have your guests be fully present in your ceremony. Let your registrar know and they'll make an announcement at the beginning of your ceremony letting everyone know it is an unplugged event.
Music
Music is usually played at three key moments: on your entrance, while you sign the commemorative certificate and at the end of the ceremony.
Register office ceremonies
If you are playing recorded music you must bring this with you on the day and ask one of your guests to be in charge of playing it. The register office has the following facilities.
- Bluetooth speaker
- CD player
- AUX port (must bring your own cable)
You are welcome to bring your own speaker, but please note you won't be able to plug anything into the mains.
Ceremonies at another venue
For ceremonies held outside a register office, discuss music arrangements directly with your venue.
Readings
A reading is a simple yet powerful way to create a special moment in your ceremony. They can provide a chance for you and your guests to pause and reflect on the meaning of family, and your love for your child.
This could be a poem, an extract from a favourite book or film, or perhaps something someone has written especially for you r child.
Asking a friend or family member to read will make the ceremony feel that bit more personal and is a lovely way of including them in the special day.
The placement of any readings within your ceremony can vary, depending on its content. You can discuss this with your registrar during the pre-ceremony meeting.
Guiding adults
If you've chosen Guiding Adults for your child, your ceremony can include a moment for them to affirm their love and support to your child.
You'll also have the chance to express your reasons for choosing them and the significance of their role, should you wish.
Promises
During the ceremony parents, and Guiding Adults will have an opportunity to make personal promises.
A number of suggested promises can be found listed on the options form, but if you prefer you are welcome to write your own.
Commemorative certificate
Included in your ceremony is a commemorative certificate for you to take home as a keepsake of the special day. This will be signed during your ceremony, which can make for a lovely photo opportuinty.
If you'd like to order additional certificates or any other commemorative products contact the Ceremonies Hub on 0345 60 80 198.
Ceremony options form
Your ceremony options form should be submitted to the Ceremonies Hub one month before your ceremony date, detailing all personal additions.
Complete the ceremony options form once you have finalised all your personal additions.
Questions
If you have any further questions, please contact us
Phone: 0345 60 80 198