It is such a joy to celebrate the arrival of new life into the world. Many cultures around the world welcome babies with elaborate ceremonies where music is a critical element. In the contemporary naming ceremony, families like to create a special event to welcome their new addition. This might be in a church or chapel, amongst nature or in the family home. Beginning and ending the ceremony with a song or music is a great way to bring people together to focus on the precious new life to be welcomed.

After the ceremony a short set of light, bright music can be a lovely background to guests mingling and sharing food and drinks.

We suggest the following service for naming ceremonies:

• one or two songs during the ceremony followed by 45minute set of live music (duo, trio or quartet)

Some song suggestions to get you started:

Wonder (Natalie Merchant)

God Bless the Child (Billie Holiday)

Isn’t She Lovely (Stevie Wonder)

A Little Ray of Sunshine (Brian Cadd)

Blue Skies (Irving Berlin)

What a Wonderful World (Nat King Cole)

My Girl (The Temptations)

Beautiful Boy (John Lennon)