Christening celebration ideas

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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.

Shop christening cards

Cake toppers and decorations

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

How to write it so it lands

• 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.

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

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.