Christening cake ideas

The cake is the most photographed thing at a christening, and the easiest place to overspend. A plain iced cake plus a topper does 90% of the job for a third of the price.

Below: designs, wording, sizes, toppers and real UK costs.

Cake designs that work

• Simple white iced round with a topper and fresh flowers. Never looks wrong.
• Two tiers, one plain and one patterned, in a single accent colour.
• Naked or semi-naked sponge with berries for a summer garden do.
• Cross, dove, cloud or star detail if you want a religious motif.
• Teddy or animal cake for a relaxed, child-led party.
• Cupcake tower with one small cutting cake - easiest to serve and no knife queue.

Wording for the cake

• "[Name]'s Christening" with the date beneath.
• "God bless [Name]".
• "Welcome to the family, [Name]".
• "Baptised [date]".
• Just the name. Toppers read better with fewer words.

Colours

• White with one accent - sage, dusty blue, blush or gold.
• Ivory and gold for a formal church do.
• Pastel rainbow for a relaxed hall party.
• Skip strong primary colours - they photograph badly next to christening gowns.

What size cake do you need

• 20 guests: one 8in round.
• 40 guests: one 10in round, or two tiers of 6in and 8in.
• 60 guests: two tiers of 8in and 10in.
• 80 guests: three tiers, or a 10in cutting cake plus 40 cupcakes.
• Always order for fewer than your guest list - half of them won't eat cake.

Dress a plain cake yourself

• Buy a plain iced sponge from a supermarket: £15 to £30.
• Add a cake topper with the name or occasion.
• Ring the base with fresh flowers or berries.
• Scatter table confetti around the board.
• Put a banner behind the table so the photos have a backdrop.
• Total: under £45 for something that looks bespoke.

What a UK christening cake costs

• Supermarket plain iced cake: £15 to £30.
• Supermarket decorated christening cake: £30 to £60.
• Independent baker, single tier: £60 to £120.
• Two tiers from a baker: £120 to £250.
• Cupcake tower of 40: £60 to £100.
• Order six weeks ahead for a baker, or two days for a supermarket.

Shop toppers and decorations

Cards for the day

Blank inside, posted first class the same working day.

How to write it so it lands

• Photograph the cake before the party starts, not after forty people have walked past it.
• Ask the venue for a cake table with decent light.
• Keep the topper afterwards - it goes in the memory box with the cards.

Where to shop next

• What is a christening?
• Christening gift ideas
• Christening gift ideas for a godson
• Christening party ideas
• Christening cake ideas
• Godparent proposal ideas
• Godparent gift ideas
• Baptism card messages
• What to write in a communion card
• Communion gift ideas
• Confirmation card messages
• Bar mitzvah gift ideas
• Holy Communion explained
• Christening cards
• Christening gifts
• Godparent gifts
• First Holy Communion cards
• Confirmation cards
• Christening decorations
• Christening celebration ideas
• How to make a balloon arch
• Photo booth prop ideas

Frequently asked questions

What size christening cake do I need?

An 8in round serves about 20, a 10in round about 40, and two tiers of 8in and 10in about 60. Order for fewer than your guest list - not everyone eats cake.

How much does a christening cake cost in the UK?

£15 to £30 for a plain supermarket cake, £30 to £60 decorated, £60 to £120 for a single tier from an independent baker and £120 to £250 for two tiers.

What do you write on a christening cake?

The child's name and the date is enough. "God bless [Name]" or "[Name]'s Christening" are the usual alternatives.

Do you sell christening cakes?

No - we make the toppers, banners and confetti. Buy a plain iced cake locally and dress it yourself; it costs a third of a bespoke one.