Christening timing, costs and what to write

Most UK christenings happen between three and twelve months old, booked six to eight weeks ahead with the parish. The service itself is short; the planning around it is what takes time.

This guide covers the timeline from first phone call to thank-you notes, what each part actually costs in 2026, and the wording that works in the card depending on whether you're a guest, a grandparent or a godparent.

If you only need the card, skip to the wording section - everything there is written to be copied out by hand.

Timing: when it happens and when to book

• Age: most babies are christened between three and twelve months. There's no upper limit - older children and adults are baptised too.
• Eight to twelve weeks before: speak to the parish office. Popular churches book Sundays out months ahead, especially in summer.
• Six weeks before: pick godparents and ask them properly, in person or by letter, not by group chat.
• Four weeks before: send invitations with a finish time on them, and confirm the church's photography rules.
• Two weeks before: order the cake, confirm numbers, and buy the card so you're not writing it in the car park.
• On the day: the service runs 20 to 40 minutes, usually straight after or within the main Sunday service.
• Within two weeks after: thank-you notes, especially to godparents and anyone who travelled.

Costs: what a UK christening runs to in 2026

• The service itself: free in the Church of England. A donation of £30 to £100 is usual and always appreciated.
• Christening gown or outfit: £25 to £150 new, or nothing at all if there's a family gown.
• Cake: £45 to £120 from a bakery, or £15 in ingredients plus a topper if someone in the family bakes.
• Venue for the party: a village or church hall is £15 to £40 an hour; at home it's the cost of the food.
• Catering for 30: £120 to £300 buffet-style, or £60 to £100 if you do sandwiches, quiche and cake yourselves.
• Decorations: £20 to £50 covers a banner behind the cake table, a table cloth, confetti and a topper.
• Photographer: £150 to £400 for two hours. Two briefed relatives with phones is the free version and works.
• Total for a typical 30-guest UK christening: £350 to £900, most of it food and venue.

What guests and godparents spend on the gift

• Guests and friends: £10 to £25 - a card plus a keepsake is the standard.
• Wider family: £20 to £40, usually something dated and framed.
• Godparents: £50 to £150. This is the gift the child still owns at eighteen.
• Grandparents: £50 to £100, very often opened as savings rather than wrapped.
• Money is completely normal. Say in the card what it's for, or it just gets absorbed.
• Check with the parents before opening a savings account so nobody doubles up.

What to write: from a guest

• Congratulations on Ava's christening. What a lovely day - thank you for having us there.
• Wishing Noah a happy christening day and a lifetime of love, laughter and good people around him.
• So pleased we could be with you today. Here's to Isla, christened and thoroughly spoiled.
• Congratulations to all three of you. A beautiful service and a beautiful little boy.
• Happy christening day, Freya. May you always be as loved as you are today.

What to write: from a godparent or grandparent

• Today I promised to look out for you, and I meant every word of it. Love always, your godmother.
• On your christening day: you'll never have to wonder whether you're wanted. You are, enormously.
• To our grandson on his christening day - the first of many days we'll be at the front for.
• Whatever you grow up to believe, know that a room full of people once stood up for you. Happy christening day.
• I'll keep this letter for you until you're eighteen. Today you were christened, and I couldn't stop smiling.

Wording rules that make the card a keepsake

• Write the full date under your signature. It's what turns a card into a record.
• Use the baby's name at least once - it dates the card to them, not to the occasion.
• Keep it to five lines. These cards get read aloud at the party.
• Write to the parents if you're a guest, and to the child if you're a godparent.
• Not religious? "Wishing you a wonderful day" is warm and needs no blessing.

Shop christening cards

Cards for the day

Blank inside, posted first class the same working day.

How to write it so it lands

• Buy the card a fortnight early - the good ones sell out in spring and summer.
• Ask the vicar where you may stand for photographs before the service, not during it.
• Put a finish time on the invitation so the party doesn't outlast the baby.

Where to shop next

• Religious milestones hub
• Religious milestones explained
• Milestone collections
• Christening timing, costs and wording
• Baptism timing, costs and wording
• Communion timing, costs and wording
• Confirmation timing, costs and wording
• Naming ceremony timing, costs and wording
• What is a christening?
• Christening party ideas
• Christening gift ideas
• Christening cards
• Christening gifts
• Godparent gifts
• Christening decorations
• How to make a balloon arch
• Photo booth prop ideas

Frequently asked questions

How much does a christening cost in the UK?

A typical 30-guest christening comes to £350 to £900. The Church of England doesn't charge for the service, though a £30 to £100 donation is customary; the rest is food, venue hire, cake and decorations.

What age should a baby be christened?

Most UK christenings happen between three and twelve months, but there is no deadline. Older children and adults are baptised regularly.

How far in advance do you book a christening?

Eight to twelve weeks is sensible, and longer for a summer Sunday at a popular parish church.

How much do you give for a christening gift?

Guests £10 to £25, wider family £20 to £40, godparents £50 to £150 and grandparents £50 to £100, often as savings.

What do you write in a christening card?

Name the baby, add one line of congratulation and one good wish, then sign with the full date. Guests write to the parents; godparents write to the child.