Christening Celebration Ideas: Party, Food and Decorations

A christening is usually a morning service followed by a lunch, and the whole thing is done by mid-afternoon. Most of the planning goes into the bit afterwards.

Below: how the day tends to run, food that works for a mixed-age crowd, decorations, gift ideas and card wording.

Keep it short. Babies, grandparents and toddlers all run out of patience at roughly the same time.

How the day usually runs

This guide suits busy parents who want to keep their baby's big day running smoothly and without unnecessary stress. Use this timeline when structuring your invitations so guests know exactly what to expect. A practical tip is to align the main events with your little one's natural nap times to ensure a peaceful celebration for everyone involved.

• Service at 11am or during the main Sunday morning service.
• Photos outside the church, ten minutes, no longer.
• Lunch at home, a hall or a pub function room from around 12.30pm.
• Cake and a short thank-you from a parent at about 2pm.
• Guests away by three, before the baby's had enough.
• Speak to the vicar early - some churches book months ahead.

Party and venue ideas

Finding the right setting suits families who want a relaxed space where guests of all generations can mingle comfortably. Use these ideas when deciding where to host your reception after the church service. As a practical tip, always check that your chosen venue has ample baby-changing facilities and easy pram access before making a final booking.

• Pub function room - no cooking, no clearing up, high chairs available.
• At home with a buffet, which suits smaller gatherings.
• Village hall if both families are large.
• Garden party in summer, with shade for the baby.
• Afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones and a cake.
• A quiet corner set aside for feeding and naps.

Food ideas

This selection suits hosts catering for an enthusiastic crowd of hungry toddlers, parents and grandparents alike. Use these simple catering suggestions when planning a stress-free menu that you can easily prepare in advance. A practical tip is to offer plenty of self-service options, allowing guests to eat at their own pace whilst you focus on the baby.

• Cold buffet made the night before: sandwiches, quiche, sausage rolls.
• Something warm for the older guests: soup, or a hot roast platter.
• Simple food for toddlers - grapes cut lengthways, plain sandwiches.
• Christening cake, often the top tier of the wedding cake if it was kept.
• Tea, coffee and a jug of something soft as well as wine.

Decorations

Creating a beautiful backdrop suits anyone looking to style a welcoming space that looks wonderful in family photographs. Use these simple styling touches when preparing the venue on the morning of the celebration. A practical tip is to stick to a simple, cohesive colour palette to make even the most basic room feel instantly elevated and celebratory.

• Soft blues, pinks or neutral cream and sage.
• One banner with the baby's name behind the cake table.
• A name cake topper instead of piped icing.
• A wishes tree or memory jar for guests to write in.
• A framed photo of the baby by the door.
• Table confetti and a small posy per table.

Gift and godparent ideas

These thoughtful suggestions suit godparents and close family members who want to present a meaningful token of this milestone. Use this inspiration when searching for a keepsake that the child will cherish as they grow up. A practical tip is to coordinate with other guests beforehand to ensure the family does not receive duplicate traditional presents.

• A keepsake box for the certificate, card and candle.
• A framed print with the christening date and church name.
• Silver: a bracelet, a christening spoon, a photo frame.
• A book with a message written inside the cover.
• For godparents: a card naming what you're asking of them.
• Money into a savings account, mentioned quietly in the card.

What to write in a christening card

Writing the perfect message suits guests who want to express their warmest blessings to the family on this special occasion. Use these heartfelt sentiments when you are sitting down to fill out your greeting card before the service. A practical tip is to write a draft on scrap paper first to keep your final card neat and beautiful.

• Wishing [name] a lifetime of love, laughter and happiness.
• Congratulations on [name]'s christening - a lovely day for a lovely family.
• With every good wish on your special day.
• So happy to be here for this. Lots of love.
• May [name] always be as loved as they are today.

Key things to remember

• Book the church early - some have waiting lists of several months.
• Ten minutes of photos outside, then move everyone on.
• Set aside a quiet room for feeding and naps.
• Finish by three, before the baby has had enough.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a christening celebration last?

The service is usually 30 to 45 minutes, and the lunch afterwards runs from about half twelve to three. Any longer and the baby, the toddlers and the grandparents all give out at once.

Who do you invite to a christening?

Godparents, close family and a few friends. It's normally a smaller guest list than a wedding or a big birthday, partly because church space is limited.

What do you give as a christening gift?

Something keepsake rather than practical: a keepsake box for the certificate, a framed print with the date and church, silver, or a book with a message inside the cover.

How much do you spend on a christening gift?

£20 to £30 is normal for friends in the UK; godparents and close family often spend more, sometimes putting money into a savings account instead.

Where to shop next

• Baby shower ideas
• Celebration cake ideas and toppers
• Celebration of life ideas
• Engagement celebration ideas
• Graduation celebration ideas
• Retirement celebration ideas
• 50th wedding anniversary ideas
• Anniversary celebration ideas
• Celebration quotes
• Housewarming celebration ideas
• Christening cards
• New baby cards
• Party supplies
• Birthday party ideas
• Christening decorations
• How to make a balloon arch
• Photo booth prop ideas
• Party Decorations
• Celebration Ideas
• Congratulations cards
• Wedding cards
• Thank you cards
• All guides

Cake toppers and decorations

Toppers, banners and confetti, designed in house and printed in the UK.