Create your own ceremony
Build Your Ceremony Menu
Here is a menu of wording options for all the elements of a ceremony that I have gathered from many resources. Using this unique menu, you can create your own ceremony or customize one of my ceremonies.
All can be edited to reflect religious or non-religious ceremonies, interfaith, same sex parents, adoptions-whatever you wish. All wording can be tailored to suit your taste. Feel free to mix and match too.
Poems may be substituted for prayers. All ceremonies can be personalized to your wishes. For example a couple may want to include siblings, extended family or add a unique element such as a tree planting ceremony, butterfly release or other. See my ADD On Elements for examples
I am also happy to incorporate any religious customs or traditions you would like.
You may find this worksheet helpful when using my build a ceremony menu
Click on "Download File"
Here is a menu of wording options for all the elements of a ceremony that I have gathered from many resources. Using this unique menu, you can create your own ceremony or customize one of my ceremonies.
All can be edited to reflect religious or non-religious ceremonies, interfaith, same sex parents, adoptions-whatever you wish. All wording can be tailored to suit your taste. Feel free to mix and match too.
Poems may be substituted for prayers. All ceremonies can be personalized to your wishes. For example a couple may want to include siblings, extended family or add a unique element such as a tree planting ceremony, butterfly release or other. See my ADD On Elements for examples
I am also happy to incorporate any religious customs or traditions you would like.
You may find this worksheet helpful when using my build a ceremony menu
Click on "Download File"
Greeting
Option 1
Welcome family and friends to this very special day! Today we celebrate the birth of this child _________. Every person born into this world represents something new, something that never existed before, something original and unique (*) Today we give thanks for _____ presence among us. Today we will bless ____for in her we see infinite potential. She represents the light of the world. She is our future. Only _____ months old and already she has made this world a better place._____ and ___ are grateful for your presence here today to celebrate, welcome and most importantly to participate in the blessing of their child.
(*Quote by Martin Barber)
Option 2
On behalf of _____ and ___ I would like to thank you all for joining them on this joyous Occasion. A child has been born to ___ and _____ . Today before God, before parents, grandparents, godparents, family and friends we will bless and welcome this newly arrived soul into our midst. It is a special day in which her parents introduce her to her extended family, friends, as well as the community that she will live and grow up in. Today we will give thanks for the gift of this precious child. She is our hope. She is our future.
Your presence at this celebration today is greatly appreciated, as your continued support in _____ life will be welcomed and appreciated. All of you are among the most amazing treasures that life has given them, all of you are those that they can call family and friends.
There is one thing that we are certain of: the more love this child receives; the more he will be able to give love to other. The more people that make up his world, the richer his world will be. Each of you have unique gifts and offerings we hope that you will share with this child. It is said that it takes a village to raise a child. Look around you. You are looking at (child’s name) village.
Option 3
On behalf of ____ and ___ I would like to extend a very warm welcome to this naming ceremony, which has been created with much planning, thought and love. With great honor I have the pleasant duty of officially naming ______and welcoming him into his community of family and friends.
Firstly, ____ and ____ would like to express their joy on ______’s arrival on the (Date here). They want to introduce him to the wider community of their friends and the world. They wish you all to share this joy. They would also like you to join with them in celebrating the official naming of their baby boy. Your presence at this celebration today is greatly appreciated.
Option 4 (Adapted from Rev. Macomb Bless this child)
Thank you all for joining ____ and ____ in the blessing of their child _____.
____ and ____ are so grateful for the great gift of their baby, as well as for the gift of family and friends. Every heart filled with love increases Gods presence. So please go to your hearts for this ceremony and open them as wide as you can. Fill yourselves with the glory of God , the beauty that is within you, and that which is all around you-everywhere . It is said: "The winds of grace are always blowing but you have to raise the sails".
Lets raise the sails as we come together now with a united purpose-a holy bond of intent-to give thank for the gift that is ____.
Today we will bless him and welcome him into our spiritual community , the spiritual community we call humanity, the mystical union of souls on earth.
A new child has come into the word. We rejoice for him, his parents, his grandparents, and for all of us who lives will assuredly be enriched by his arrival
Option 5 (Adapted from Rev. Macomb Bless this child)
Few things in this world are as important as raising children. In every age, every era, every time and place, children are our treasures, our future, our immortality—the vital link in the chain of humanity. It has been written : "A child is Gods opinion that the world should go on"
Is there anything in life that gives us more hope than the birth of a child?
Is there anything that motivates a parent more to live-to push on than his or her child?
____ was born to ___ and ___ on (Date of Birth) and we rejoice!
It is for these reasons that we feel the need to formally cerebrate this new life in our midst with a ceremony.
Today we will welcome his arrival into our community with heads bowed in gratitude.
We bless ____ for in him we see infinite potential and we place out greatest hopes. He is our future
Option 6 *Nice for a beach ceremony (Adapted from Rev. Mccomb Bless This Child) I used this opening on the beach-of course the first sentence is optional:
Welcome friends and family to this beautiful setting, beside the vast Atlantic Ocean, with the
sky our only ceiling and the horizon our only walls.
(Parents name) are so grateful for the gift of their baby (child’s name) as well as the gift of
family and friends. Every heart filled with love increases Gods presence. So please go to your
hearts for this ceremony and open them as wide as you can. Fill yourselves with the glory of
God the beauty that is within you and that which is all around you-everywhere! To quote a
spiritual leader “The winds of grace are always blowing. But you have to raise the sails”
Let's raise the sails now as we come together in a united purpose- a Holy bond of intent. To give thanks for the gift that is (child's name). Today we will bless her/him and welcome her/him into our spiritual community, the spiritual community we call humanity, the mystical Union of souls on earth. A new child has come into the world. We rejoice for her, her parents, her grandparents, (her sister/brother) and for all of us whose lives will surely be enriched by her arrival. Every person born into the world represents something new, something that never existed before, something original and unique.
Option 7. Another one good for the beach-of course the fist line is optional
We are gathered here amid the beauty of Gods magnificent creation, where the sun meets the sky, the sky meets the water and the water meets the land, to celebrate the birth of ______ daughter of _____ and ______We are here to welcome, her and pray for her. You have all been invited because as family and friends, your prayers and future involvement in the life of this child are requested and blessed by God himself. We join together our thoughts and sincere goodwill asking that peace might embrace this family and an arc of Gods light surround this child for all her days.
Option 8.
The purpose of this baby blessing is to consciously sanctify the entrance of a soul into the world that this soul might walk through life remembering his/her true essence. Today we give thanks for the miracle of new life, the life that is (child's name). Today we also acknowledge the sacred role of (child's name) parent’s grandparents and godparents as guardians of her an unconditional love, acceptance, and wisdom to this new generation. Finally, we acknowledge and honor the interconnectedness of this child with the larger community and indeed with all of creation with hearts filled with joy and gratitude, we formally celebrate ( child's name) presence among us.
**Interfaith couple may want to add this wording to one of the greetings:
Option 1 ( This first option is from the writings Pastor Marie April Gismondi from the Church of Ancient Ways churchofancientways.org )
___ comes from a wonderful family of two different and distinct religions. _____ and ___have come together to share the best of what each has to offer, appreciating their differences, and confirming that love, - which is spoken of in all religions, - is our true home. Out of these two families, a new family has been created.
___ and ____ look forward to raising ____to understand and celebrate both of their religious traditions. There are many paths to becoming a good person, with a strong internal moral compass and a joy of living. It is such an exciting time and place we live in. _____ is free to learn from and embrace all sides of the spiritual paths that have come together, and will make her who she is. So not only is this a joyous occasion, but a spiritual one, as well.
Option 2
_____ will grow up with the knowledge of two distinct religions, each with their own beautiful traditions and for this he is twice blessed. _____ and ___have each selected elements that honor their spiritual and personal beliefs and that reflect who they are as a family, and we have woven them into this baby blessing ceremony.
Welcome family and friends to this very special day! Today we celebrate the birth of this child _________. Every person born into this world represents something new, something that never existed before, something original and unique (*) Today we give thanks for _____ presence among us. Today we will bless ____for in her we see infinite potential. She represents the light of the world. She is our future. Only _____ months old and already she has made this world a better place._____ and ___ are grateful for your presence here today to celebrate, welcome and most importantly to participate in the blessing of their child.
(*Quote by Martin Barber)
Option 2
On behalf of _____ and ___ I would like to thank you all for joining them on this joyous Occasion. A child has been born to ___ and _____ . Today before God, before parents, grandparents, godparents, family and friends we will bless and welcome this newly arrived soul into our midst. It is a special day in which her parents introduce her to her extended family, friends, as well as the community that she will live and grow up in. Today we will give thanks for the gift of this precious child. She is our hope. She is our future.
Your presence at this celebration today is greatly appreciated, as your continued support in _____ life will be welcomed and appreciated. All of you are among the most amazing treasures that life has given them, all of you are those that they can call family and friends.
There is one thing that we are certain of: the more love this child receives; the more he will be able to give love to other. The more people that make up his world, the richer his world will be. Each of you have unique gifts and offerings we hope that you will share with this child. It is said that it takes a village to raise a child. Look around you. You are looking at (child’s name) village.
Option 3
On behalf of ____ and ___ I would like to extend a very warm welcome to this naming ceremony, which has been created with much planning, thought and love. With great honor I have the pleasant duty of officially naming ______and welcoming him into his community of family and friends.
Firstly, ____ and ____ would like to express their joy on ______’s arrival on the (Date here). They want to introduce him to the wider community of their friends and the world. They wish you all to share this joy. They would also like you to join with them in celebrating the official naming of their baby boy. Your presence at this celebration today is greatly appreciated.
Option 4 (Adapted from Rev. Macomb Bless this child)
Thank you all for joining ____ and ____ in the blessing of their child _____.
____ and ____ are so grateful for the great gift of their baby, as well as for the gift of family and friends. Every heart filled with love increases Gods presence. So please go to your hearts for this ceremony and open them as wide as you can. Fill yourselves with the glory of God , the beauty that is within you, and that which is all around you-everywhere . It is said: "The winds of grace are always blowing but you have to raise the sails".
Lets raise the sails as we come together now with a united purpose-a holy bond of intent-to give thank for the gift that is ____.
Today we will bless him and welcome him into our spiritual community , the spiritual community we call humanity, the mystical union of souls on earth.
A new child has come into the word. We rejoice for him, his parents, his grandparents, and for all of us who lives will assuredly be enriched by his arrival
Option 5 (Adapted from Rev. Macomb Bless this child)
Few things in this world are as important as raising children. In every age, every era, every time and place, children are our treasures, our future, our immortality—the vital link in the chain of humanity. It has been written : "A child is Gods opinion that the world should go on"
Is there anything in life that gives us more hope than the birth of a child?
Is there anything that motivates a parent more to live-to push on than his or her child?
____ was born to ___ and ___ on (Date of Birth) and we rejoice!
It is for these reasons that we feel the need to formally cerebrate this new life in our midst with a ceremony.
Today we will welcome his arrival into our community with heads bowed in gratitude.
We bless ____ for in him we see infinite potential and we place out greatest hopes. He is our future
Option 6 *Nice for a beach ceremony (Adapted from Rev. Mccomb Bless This Child) I used this opening on the beach-of course the first sentence is optional:
Welcome friends and family to this beautiful setting, beside the vast Atlantic Ocean, with the
sky our only ceiling and the horizon our only walls.
(Parents name) are so grateful for the gift of their baby (child’s name) as well as the gift of
family and friends. Every heart filled with love increases Gods presence. So please go to your
hearts for this ceremony and open them as wide as you can. Fill yourselves with the glory of
God the beauty that is within you and that which is all around you-everywhere! To quote a
spiritual leader “The winds of grace are always blowing. But you have to raise the sails”
Let's raise the sails now as we come together in a united purpose- a Holy bond of intent. To give thanks for the gift that is (child's name). Today we will bless her/him and welcome her/him into our spiritual community, the spiritual community we call humanity, the mystical Union of souls on earth. A new child has come into the world. We rejoice for her, her parents, her grandparents, (her sister/brother) and for all of us whose lives will surely be enriched by her arrival. Every person born into the world represents something new, something that never existed before, something original and unique.
Option 7. Another one good for the beach-of course the fist line is optional
We are gathered here amid the beauty of Gods magnificent creation, where the sun meets the sky, the sky meets the water and the water meets the land, to celebrate the birth of ______ daughter of _____ and ______We are here to welcome, her and pray for her. You have all been invited because as family and friends, your prayers and future involvement in the life of this child are requested and blessed by God himself. We join together our thoughts and sincere goodwill asking that peace might embrace this family and an arc of Gods light surround this child for all her days.
Option 8.
The purpose of this baby blessing is to consciously sanctify the entrance of a soul into the world that this soul might walk through life remembering his/her true essence. Today we give thanks for the miracle of new life, the life that is (child's name). Today we also acknowledge the sacred role of (child's name) parent’s grandparents and godparents as guardians of her an unconditional love, acceptance, and wisdom to this new generation. Finally, we acknowledge and honor the interconnectedness of this child with the larger community and indeed with all of creation with hearts filled with joy and gratitude, we formally celebrate ( child's name) presence among us.
**Interfaith couple may want to add this wording to one of the greetings:
Option 1 ( This first option is from the writings Pastor Marie April Gismondi from the Church of Ancient Ways churchofancientways.org )
___ comes from a wonderful family of two different and distinct religions. _____ and ___have come together to share the best of what each has to offer, appreciating their differences, and confirming that love, - which is spoken of in all religions, - is our true home. Out of these two families, a new family has been created.
___ and ____ look forward to raising ____to understand and celebrate both of their religious traditions. There are many paths to becoming a good person, with a strong internal moral compass and a joy of living. It is such an exciting time and place we live in. _____ is free to learn from and embrace all sides of the spiritual paths that have come together, and will make her who she is. So not only is this a joyous occasion, but a spiritual one, as well.
Option 2
_____ will grow up with the knowledge of two distinct religions, each with their own beautiful traditions and for this he is twice blessed. _____ and ___have each selected elements that honor their spiritual and personal beliefs and that reflect who they are as a family, and we have woven them into this baby blessing ceremony.
Invocation
This is the opening prayer that asks God to be here and bless this ceremony- for non-religious you can use a poem.
Option 1 (Unitarian prayer)
Let us pray,
Heavenly Father, we ask for Your Blessing here today. Protect our family and community and surround us with your infinite unconditional love. Keep us mindful that the miracle of new life is both a gift and path back to you. We ask that our sense of community be strengthened by what we are about to witness here today. Amen.
Option 2
Let us begin with a prayer of thanks:
Dear God,
Bless this beautiful baby boy/girl
May his/her heart be loving and giving
May his/her hands be busy as he/she learns and grows
May his/her eyes take in the beauty all around him/her
May his/her ears hear what is good and true
May his/her mouth sing with rejoicing
May his/her feet walk on life giving paths which lead to love and truth
May his/her mind be full of hope and forgiveness
May his/her days be filled with love and happiness
Amen.
Option 3
God, for the joy of this occasion we thank you. For the meaning of this special day we thank you. For this important moment in (Baby’s name) life we thank you. For your presence here and now and for your presence at all times, we thank you. Amen.
Option 4 (Irish Baby Blessing)
May all the blessings of our Lord touch your life today.
May He send His little angels to protect you on your way.
Such a miraculous gift, sent from above.
Someone so precious to cherish and love.
May sunshine and moonbeams dance over your head.
As you quietly slumber in your bed.
May good luck be with you wherever you go.
And your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow.
Option 5
Heavenly Father we thank you for the gift of this child.
We pray for his/her life and well-being.
We pray for his/her parents, that they may be filled with the spirit of the Lord.
May they receive your strength by which to hold this child.
Your love by which to raise her/him
And your grace by which to guide this family now and always, Amen
Option 6 Psalm 100
Serve the Lord with gladness
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, in all lands far and wide
Serve the Lord with gladness
Come before his presence signing.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he that made us, And not we ourselves: We are his people, And the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, And his courts with praise
Be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the Lord is good: his mercy is everlasting; To all generations Amen
Option 7
Dear ____ May you know that each sunrise is a promise of a new beginning.
May no storm last so long as to shadow your spirit.
May you hear God's voice in the wind and in the sound of your own laughter.
May you see God's face in every person you meet, in every flower, and in every living thing
May you know that you are never alone, that you are guided by an eternal force, loving and powerful beyond measure.
May your days be good and long upon the earth. Amen
~For non-religious let’s begin with a Poem or Reading >
Option 1 (Unitarian prayer)
Let us pray,
Heavenly Father, we ask for Your Blessing here today. Protect our family and community and surround us with your infinite unconditional love. Keep us mindful that the miracle of new life is both a gift and path back to you. We ask that our sense of community be strengthened by what we are about to witness here today. Amen.
Option 2
Let us begin with a prayer of thanks:
Dear God,
Bless this beautiful baby boy/girl
May his/her heart be loving and giving
May his/her hands be busy as he/she learns and grows
May his/her eyes take in the beauty all around him/her
May his/her ears hear what is good and true
May his/her mouth sing with rejoicing
May his/her feet walk on life giving paths which lead to love and truth
May his/her mind be full of hope and forgiveness
May his/her days be filled with love and happiness
Amen.
Option 3
God, for the joy of this occasion we thank you. For the meaning of this special day we thank you. For this important moment in (Baby’s name) life we thank you. For your presence here and now and for your presence at all times, we thank you. Amen.
Option 4 (Irish Baby Blessing)
May all the blessings of our Lord touch your life today.
May He send His little angels to protect you on your way.
Such a miraculous gift, sent from above.
Someone so precious to cherish and love.
May sunshine and moonbeams dance over your head.
As you quietly slumber in your bed.
May good luck be with you wherever you go.
And your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow.
Option 5
Heavenly Father we thank you for the gift of this child.
We pray for his/her life and well-being.
We pray for his/her parents, that they may be filled with the spirit of the Lord.
May they receive your strength by which to hold this child.
Your love by which to raise her/him
And your grace by which to guide this family now and always, Amen
Option 6 Psalm 100
Serve the Lord with gladness
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, in all lands far and wide
Serve the Lord with gladness
Come before his presence signing.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he that made us, And not we ourselves: We are his people, And the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, And his courts with praise
Be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the Lord is good: his mercy is everlasting; To all generations Amen
Option 7
Dear ____ May you know that each sunrise is a promise of a new beginning.
May no storm last so long as to shadow your spirit.
May you hear God's voice in the wind and in the sound of your own laughter.
May you see God's face in every person you meet, in every flower, and in every living thing
May you know that you are never alone, that you are guided by an eternal force, loving and powerful beyond measure.
May your days be good and long upon the earth. Amen
~For non-religious let’s begin with a Poem or Reading >
Dedication Of Name
Option 1 (This is adapted from a traditional Jewish blessing for baby naming ceremony)
Officiant:
In every birth, blessed is the wonder.
In every creation, blessed is the new beginning.
In every child, blessed is life.
In every hope, blessed is the potential.
In every transition, blessed is the beginning.
In every existence, blessed are the possibilities.
In every love, blessed are the tears.
In every life, blessed is the love.
There are three names by which a person is called:
One which her father and mother call her,
And one which people call her,
And one which she earns for herself.
The best one of these is the one that she earns for herself.
To be named is to have an identity. By giving our child a name we welcome him/her to the realm of individuals. A name can reflect our heritage, honor family and sometimes reflect our personality.
As ___ grows she will acquire her own names and titles, some may even reflect her unique traits and personality. Her parents have given her a name to begin her journey.
Officiant: To parents
What name have you chosen for your child?
Father: “We have chosen the name ___” (You may want to say meaning of name)
Mother: “We have also chosen the name _____, (You may want to say meaning of name)
Option 2
Officiant:
What name have you chosen for this child?
Parents answer: ______ _____
So be it. We christen you ______ ______ in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. I christen you that you may know the pure and holy spirit of God, your eternal source of faith. May you come to know God within your heart all the days of your life and express your highest potential in Christian service.
Option 3
Names are important; it is by our name that each of us is acknowledged as an individual and called to live our own unique lives.
Officiant to Child: Now in the presence of loved ones, we give to you the name (Parents can say name or Officiant) _________.
Officiant:
Let it become a name honored and respected for wisdom and good deeds. _________, we commit ourselves to the unfolding of your promise, may you walk the path of goodness, beauty, and truth. Do justly and love mercy, and be humble before the mystery of life and the grandeur of the universe into which you have been born.
May God's blessing rest on you now and always.
Officiant:
In every birth, blessed is the wonder.
In every creation, blessed is the new beginning.
In every child, blessed is life.
In every hope, blessed is the potential.
In every transition, blessed is the beginning.
In every existence, blessed are the possibilities.
In every love, blessed are the tears.
In every life, blessed is the love.
There are three names by which a person is called:
One which her father and mother call her,
And one which people call her,
And one which she earns for herself.
The best one of these is the one that she earns for herself.
To be named is to have an identity. By giving our child a name we welcome him/her to the realm of individuals. A name can reflect our heritage, honor family and sometimes reflect our personality.
As ___ grows she will acquire her own names and titles, some may even reflect her unique traits and personality. Her parents have given her a name to begin her journey.
Officiant: To parents
What name have you chosen for your child?
Father: “We have chosen the name ___” (You may want to say meaning of name)
Mother: “We have also chosen the name _____, (You may want to say meaning of name)
Option 2
Officiant:
What name have you chosen for this child?
Parents answer: ______ _____
So be it. We christen you ______ ______ in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. I christen you that you may know the pure and holy spirit of God, your eternal source of faith. May you come to know God within your heart all the days of your life and express your highest potential in Christian service.
Option 3
Names are important; it is by our name that each of us is acknowledged as an individual and called to live our own unique lives.
Officiant to Child: Now in the presence of loved ones, we give to you the name (Parents can say name or Officiant) _________.
Officiant:
Let it become a name honored and respected for wisdom and good deeds. _________, we commit ourselves to the unfolding of your promise, may you walk the path of goodness, beauty, and truth. Do justly and love mercy, and be humble before the mystery of life and the grandeur of the universe into which you have been born.
May God's blessing rest on you now and always.
Parental Vows
Intro Option 1
Officiant to Parents:
_____ and ___ Parenthood will bring you the greatest joys and the greatest worries. It is at once the most rewarding yet challenging of all jobs. The role of parent adds profound meaning and purpose to our existence. As (child's name) parents' you will be their most important role models. It is your responsibility to care for, nurture and provide for her and to create a foundation of support, love and respect so that she can stand on her own two feet when the time comes. So it is only right that this ceremony includes your promises to your daughter as she grows.
**You may choose all of these promises to be included in your ceremony of just your favorites. Feel free to mix and match/combine as well.
Officiant:
1). ___ and _____ will you promise to love, nurture, and support _____, and to create a healthy environment so that she may grow on her specific path? If so, please answer “We will.”
Parents: We will
2). Do you promise to see her and honor her as a unique individual and to give her the freedom to live the life that is calling her.
Parents: Yes.
3). To teach _____ right from wrong, to enable her to make her place in society as a kind and caring person?
Parents: Yes.
4). To teach her the virtues of honesty, integrity, kindness, gratitude, discipline, courage and responsibility
Parents: “Yes.”
5). To teach _____ to celebrate diversity, never ever being aware of prejudice. Knowing no boundaries, to be loving of all that surrounds her in her life, and celebrate the similarities and differences in our world?
Parents: Yes.
6). To teach her to show mercy to all living things and the value of giving?
Parents: Yes.
7). To take from this earth only what she really need so that there is enough for others?
Parents: “Yes.”
Officiant to Parents : May Gods infinite love, strength and wisdom be with you in this amazing role. (child’s name) is blessed to have you as his/her parents
***
Intro Option 2
_____ and ___ Parenthood will bring you the greatest joys and the greatest worries. It is at once the most rewarding yet challenging of all jobs. Parents have a special kind of love in their hearts; it is a love without end. As _____ parents you most of all will be his caregivers and providers, his teachers, advocates, organizers, cheerleaders and champions. So it is only right that this ceremony should include your promises to your son as he grows into manhood.
___ and _____ will you promise to love, nurture, and support _____, and to create a healthy environment so that he may grow on her specific path? Will you tech him right from wrong and to conduct your own life so that by both word and example, ______ may learn right from wrong, enabling him to make his place in society as a kind and caring person? Will you strive to do this to the best of your ability? If so, please answer “We will.”
Parents: “We will”
Officiant to Parents : May Gods infinite love, strength and wisdom be with you in this amazing role. (child’s name) is blessed to have you as his/her parents
(Optional reading) Officiant: I would like to share the beautiful advice for parenting as written by William Martin:
Do not ask your children to strive for extraordinary lives.
Such striving may seem admirable, but it is the way of foolishness.
Help them instead to find the wonder and the marvel of an ordinary life.
Show them the joy of tasting tomatoes, apples and pears.
Show them how to cry when pets and people die.
Show them the infinite pleasure in the touch of a hand.
And make the ordinary come alive for them.
The extraordinary will take care of itself.”
Officiant to Parents:
_____ and ___ Parenthood will bring you the greatest joys and the greatest worries. It is at once the most rewarding yet challenging of all jobs. The role of parent adds profound meaning and purpose to our existence. As (child's name) parents' you will be their most important role models. It is your responsibility to care for, nurture and provide for her and to create a foundation of support, love and respect so that she can stand on her own two feet when the time comes. So it is only right that this ceremony includes your promises to your daughter as she grows.
**You may choose all of these promises to be included in your ceremony of just your favorites. Feel free to mix and match/combine as well.
Officiant:
1). ___ and _____ will you promise to love, nurture, and support _____, and to create a healthy environment so that she may grow on her specific path? If so, please answer “We will.”
Parents: We will
2). Do you promise to see her and honor her as a unique individual and to give her the freedom to live the life that is calling her.
Parents: Yes.
3). To teach _____ right from wrong, to enable her to make her place in society as a kind and caring person?
Parents: Yes.
4). To teach her the virtues of honesty, integrity, kindness, gratitude, discipline, courage and responsibility
Parents: “Yes.”
5). To teach _____ to celebrate diversity, never ever being aware of prejudice. Knowing no boundaries, to be loving of all that surrounds her in her life, and celebrate the similarities and differences in our world?
Parents: Yes.
6). To teach her to show mercy to all living things and the value of giving?
Parents: Yes.
7). To take from this earth only what she really need so that there is enough for others?
Parents: “Yes.”
Officiant to Parents : May Gods infinite love, strength and wisdom be with you in this amazing role. (child’s name) is blessed to have you as his/her parents
***
Intro Option 2
_____ and ___ Parenthood will bring you the greatest joys and the greatest worries. It is at once the most rewarding yet challenging of all jobs. Parents have a special kind of love in their hearts; it is a love without end. As _____ parents you most of all will be his caregivers and providers, his teachers, advocates, organizers, cheerleaders and champions. So it is only right that this ceremony should include your promises to your son as he grows into manhood.
___ and _____ will you promise to love, nurture, and support _____, and to create a healthy environment so that he may grow on her specific path? Will you tech him right from wrong and to conduct your own life so that by both word and example, ______ may learn right from wrong, enabling him to make his place in society as a kind and caring person? Will you strive to do this to the best of your ability? If so, please answer “We will.”
Parents: “We will”
Officiant to Parents : May Gods infinite love, strength and wisdom be with you in this amazing role. (child’s name) is blessed to have you as his/her parents
(Optional reading) Officiant: I would like to share the beautiful advice for parenting as written by William Martin:
Do not ask your children to strive for extraordinary lives.
Such striving may seem admirable, but it is the way of foolishness.
Help them instead to find the wonder and the marvel of an ordinary life.
Show them the joy of tasting tomatoes, apples and pears.
Show them how to cry when pets and people die.
Show them the infinite pleasure in the touch of a hand.
And make the ordinary come alive for them.
The extraordinary will take care of itself.”
Godparents Charge/Promise
Option 1
Officiant:
Children need many resources of support and for this reason we have the tradition of appointing Godparents. Godparents are someone who promises to teach and guide the child spiritually. Someone who through both word and example will help this child know that he is a beloved child of god.
(Parents names) have ask ___ and ____ to take on this special role in _____ life
Officiant to Godparents:
To be a Godparent is a great honor and responsibility. (Parent’s names) have chosen you with great consideration and care. They trust you and hold you in the highest regard..
I now ask you, as Godparents to this child will you, to the best of your ability offer, love, guidance, counsel and encouragement to _____? Be her/his advocate and confidant for life and be someone she/he can turn to as a friend, who will love her/him unconditionally. Will you keep this child in your care and prayers always?
Godparents say: We will
Officiant to Godparents: May God bless you and grant you joy in the giving of yourself to this beloved child of God
Option 2
Officiant:
_____and _____, as Godparents to ______, God will give you the wisdom and ability to hold within your heart forever his spiritual welfare. You are charged with the responsibility of seeing to the spiritual welfare of this child should the need arise and it is you who stands as spiritual counselors.
Do you accept this duty and charge?
Godparents: respond: We do.
Do you promise to love, honor, support and encourage ______ throughout his life?
Godparents: respond: We do.
Officiant to Godparents:
May you always know how special you are to ___ and ____ that they would ask you to tend to the most precious thing that they have in this world
Option 3
Children need many resources of support and for this reason we have the tradition of appointing Godparents. These chosen people will have a special life long relationship with this child.
I would like to invite (Godparents names) to please come forward.
(Parents’ names) have asked you to take on the role of Godparents to (Childs name).
To be a Godparent is a great honor and responsibility. (Parent’s names) have chosen you with great consideration and care. They trust you and hold you in the highest regard.
As Godparents to (child's name) will you promise to love her unconditionally, be her friend, and inspire her, share yourselves with her? Will you nourish her soul and allow her to dream great dreams, help her to discover her own true self and let her know that she is never alone?
Godparents: We will
Officiant to Godparents: May you always be aware of the joy that you bring to this child and this family by taking on this special role.
Option 4
Godparents Charge & Promise:
Officiant:
A wonderful tradition in our culture on these occasions is the responsibility accepted by Godparents.
Godparents are those who promise they will be there to help the child grow spiritually. Theirs is a place in _____’s life almost like a guardian angel. The promise is one of a physical presence in her life as someone who she knows will always be standing quietly behind her, encouraging her to make good choices, and sharing with her the lessons they themselves have learned along the way.
Today _____ and ___ have agreed to become involved in _____'s life by promising to be there for her should she need support, wisdom, comfort and guidance.
They have been chosen by ___ and ____ because of their connection with them, and the family. The fact that they have been chosen by ____ and ___ is an indicator of their position of trust, and respect within this family.
Officiant to Godparents: Will you, to the best of your ability offer, love, guidance, counsel and encouragement to _____? Be her/his advocate and confidant for life and be someone she/he can turn to as a friend, who will love her/him unconditionally. Will you keep this child in your care and prayers always?
Godparents say: We will
Officiant to Godparents: May you always be aware of the joy that you bring to this child and this family by taking on this special role.
Officiant:
Children need many resources of support and for this reason we have the tradition of appointing Godparents. Godparents are someone who promises to teach and guide the child spiritually. Someone who through both word and example will help this child know that he is a beloved child of god.
(Parents names) have ask ___ and ____ to take on this special role in _____ life
Officiant to Godparents:
To be a Godparent is a great honor and responsibility. (Parent’s names) have chosen you with great consideration and care. They trust you and hold you in the highest regard..
I now ask you, as Godparents to this child will you, to the best of your ability offer, love, guidance, counsel and encouragement to _____? Be her/his advocate and confidant for life and be someone she/he can turn to as a friend, who will love her/him unconditionally. Will you keep this child in your care and prayers always?
Godparents say: We will
Officiant to Godparents: May God bless you and grant you joy in the giving of yourself to this beloved child of God
Option 2
Officiant:
_____and _____, as Godparents to ______, God will give you the wisdom and ability to hold within your heart forever his spiritual welfare. You are charged with the responsibility of seeing to the spiritual welfare of this child should the need arise and it is you who stands as spiritual counselors.
Do you accept this duty and charge?
Godparents: respond: We do.
Do you promise to love, honor, support and encourage ______ throughout his life?
Godparents: respond: We do.
Officiant to Godparents:
May you always know how special you are to ___ and ____ that they would ask you to tend to the most precious thing that they have in this world
Option 3
Children need many resources of support and for this reason we have the tradition of appointing Godparents. These chosen people will have a special life long relationship with this child.
I would like to invite (Godparents names) to please come forward.
(Parents’ names) have asked you to take on the role of Godparents to (Childs name).
To be a Godparent is a great honor and responsibility. (Parent’s names) have chosen you with great consideration and care. They trust you and hold you in the highest regard.
As Godparents to (child's name) will you promise to love her unconditionally, be her friend, and inspire her, share yourselves with her? Will you nourish her soul and allow her to dream great dreams, help her to discover her own true self and let her know that she is never alone?
Godparents: We will
Officiant to Godparents: May you always be aware of the joy that you bring to this child and this family by taking on this special role.
Option 4
Godparents Charge & Promise:
Officiant:
A wonderful tradition in our culture on these occasions is the responsibility accepted by Godparents.
Godparents are those who promise they will be there to help the child grow spiritually. Theirs is a place in _____’s life almost like a guardian angel. The promise is one of a physical presence in her life as someone who she knows will always be standing quietly behind her, encouraging her to make good choices, and sharing with her the lessons they themselves have learned along the way.
Today _____ and ___ have agreed to become involved in _____'s life by promising to be there for her should she need support, wisdom, comfort and guidance.
They have been chosen by ___ and ____ because of their connection with them, and the family. The fact that they have been chosen by ____ and ___ is an indicator of their position of trust, and respect within this family.
Officiant to Godparents: Will you, to the best of your ability offer, love, guidance, counsel and encouragement to _____? Be her/his advocate and confidant for life and be someone she/he can turn to as a friend, who will love her/him unconditionally. Will you keep this child in your care and prayers always?
Godparents say: We will
Officiant to Godparents: May you always be aware of the joy that you bring to this child and this family by taking on this special role.
Acknowledging Grandparents
Option 1
Officiant:
There is no other bond quite like that of a grandparent and their grandchild. Grandparents are a family’s greatest treasure, the founders of a loving legacy, the greatest storytellers, and the keepers of traditions that linger on in cherished memory. Grandparents are the family’s strong foundation. They have a special love that sets them apart from anyone else. They are always there to love you unconditionally, to listen when you feel like you’re not being heard, and to give advice that is always wise and pure of heart.
_____ is honored to have her grandparents (say all grandparents names) here today.
Officiant to grandparents: _____ and ____ are grateful to have you in their daughter’s life. May God bless you and may you always be aware of the very special bond between a grandparent and grandchild.
Option 2
There is no other bond quite like that of a grandparent and their grandchild. Grandparents are a family’s greatest treasure, the founders of a loving legacy the greatest storytellers, and the keepers of traditions that linger on in cherished memory. Grandparents are the family’s strong foundation. They have a special love that sets them apart from anyone else. They are always there to love you unconditionally, to listen when you feel like you’re not being heard, and to give advice that is always wise and pure of heart.
____ is honored to have (say grandparents names) here today.
Officiant to the grandparents: There is a blessing that says “May you live to see your children’s children” I can only imagine how blessed it must be to see your children’s children.
It is in honor of all family members past and present that we offer this quote by Alice Walker : “ To acknowledge our ancestors means we are aware that we did not make ourselves, that the line stretches all the way back, perhaps to God. The grace with which we embrace life, in spite of the pain, the sorrows, is always a measure of what has gone before”
On this special day we see a lineage of love passed from generation to generation. In Plato’s words: “Love is immortal”.
Grandparents, on your grandson’s blessing day, we honor you. We thank you.
Option 3 this option includes vows
Grandparents make the world...a little softer, a little kinder, a little warmer.
_____ is blessed to have her grandparents (Say all their names) here today
Grandparents your granddaughter/son will benefit from your wisdom and unconditional love. As well as that special spoiling that only Grandparents do.
It has been said " The Grandparents-Grandchild relationship is the only relationship in which people are crazy about each other simply because they're breathing,"
To quote the writer Alex Haley~ "Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children".
I would like to invite the Grandparent to please come forward and each place their hand on their grandchild and silently say a blessing on her/him
(Once they have blessed their grandchild they take their seats)
Officiant to Grandparents: May God bless you and may you always be aware of the very special bond between a grandparent and grandchild.
Often at this time a grandparent would like to come forward and read a poem or offer a prayer. See my collection of readings and poems.
Officiant:
There is no other bond quite like that of a grandparent and their grandchild. Grandparents are a family’s greatest treasure, the founders of a loving legacy, the greatest storytellers, and the keepers of traditions that linger on in cherished memory. Grandparents are the family’s strong foundation. They have a special love that sets them apart from anyone else. They are always there to love you unconditionally, to listen when you feel like you’re not being heard, and to give advice that is always wise and pure of heart.
_____ is honored to have her grandparents (say all grandparents names) here today.
Officiant to grandparents: _____ and ____ are grateful to have you in their daughter’s life. May God bless you and may you always be aware of the very special bond between a grandparent and grandchild.
Option 2
There is no other bond quite like that of a grandparent and their grandchild. Grandparents are a family’s greatest treasure, the founders of a loving legacy the greatest storytellers, and the keepers of traditions that linger on in cherished memory. Grandparents are the family’s strong foundation. They have a special love that sets them apart from anyone else. They are always there to love you unconditionally, to listen when you feel like you’re not being heard, and to give advice that is always wise and pure of heart.
____ is honored to have (say grandparents names) here today.
Officiant to the grandparents: There is a blessing that says “May you live to see your children’s children” I can only imagine how blessed it must be to see your children’s children.
It is in honor of all family members past and present that we offer this quote by Alice Walker : “ To acknowledge our ancestors means we are aware that we did not make ourselves, that the line stretches all the way back, perhaps to God. The grace with which we embrace life, in spite of the pain, the sorrows, is always a measure of what has gone before”
On this special day we see a lineage of love passed from generation to generation. In Plato’s words: “Love is immortal”.
Grandparents, on your grandson’s blessing day, we honor you. We thank you.
Option 3 this option includes vows
Grandparents make the world...a little softer, a little kinder, a little warmer.
_____ is blessed to have her grandparents (Say all their names) here today
Grandparents your granddaughter/son will benefit from your wisdom and unconditional love. As well as that special spoiling that only Grandparents do.
It has been said " The Grandparents-Grandchild relationship is the only relationship in which people are crazy about each other simply because they're breathing,"
To quote the writer Alex Haley~ "Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children".
I would like to invite the Grandparent to please come forward and each place their hand on their grandchild and silently say a blessing on her/him
(Once they have blessed their grandchild they take their seats)
Officiant to Grandparents: May God bless you and may you always be aware of the very special bond between a grandparent and grandchild.
Often at this time a grandparent would like to come forward and read a poem or offer a prayer. See my collection of readings and poems.