Christening and baptism invitation wording (with examples)
What goes on a christening or baptism invitation, how to name the godparents, when to send it, gift etiquette, and wording for traditional and modern families.
The short version
- The parents usually invite, naming the child and sometimes the godparents.
- Include the church and time of the service, and the place and time of any gathering afterwards.
- Send invitations three to four weeks ahead, earlier if family travel.
- Follow your church's customs; ask the priest or minister about anything you are unsure of.
A christening or baptism invitation comes from the parents, names the child, and gives two sets of details: the service (church, date and time) and any celebration afterwards (place and time). Many families also name the godparents, as a way of honoring them. Customs differ between churches and traditions, so treat the examples below as a starting point and ask your priest or minister about anything specific.
What should the invitation include?
- The child's full name
- That it is a christening, baptism or naming day
- The church, its address, the date and the time of the service
- The place and time of the gathering afterwards, if there is one
- The godparents' names, if you would like to include them
- An RSVP date
When should you send it?
Three to four weeks before, or six to eight weeks if family will travel. Christenings are often arranged a few months after the birth, so a short save the date by message to grandparents and godparents is kind as soon as the church confirms the date.
Traditional wording
Emma and James Porter invite you to the christening of their daughter, Grace Elizabeth. Sunday, April 11, at 11 AM, St. Mark's Church, 4 Church Lane. Lunch to follow at The Old Mill. Godparents: Sophie Carter and Daniel Bennett. Kindly reply by March 28.
Modern wording
We would love you to join us as Noah is baptized. Sunday, April 11, 11 AM, St. Mark's Church, then lunch in our garden. Please let us know by March 28 if you can come. Emma, James and Noah
Naming day (non-religious) wording
Please join us to welcome Lily Rose into the world at her naming day celebration. Saturday, May 15, from 1 PM, in our garden. Food, cake and lots of cuddles. Reply by May 1.
What about gifts?
Guests often bring a small gift, traditionally something lasting (a silver keepsake, a children's Bible, a book) or money for the child's savings. You do not need to mention gifts on the invitation. If you would rather have none, a gentle line such as "no gifts, please; we just want you there" is fine.
Can the invitation be digital?
Yes, and for families spread across towns or countries it is often the easiest way: guests open a link, see both addresses on a map and reply in a tap. We design christening and baptism invitations to order for $49, and you see the finished invitation before you pay.
Name the child, name the people who will stand beside them, and tell everyone where lunch is.
Common questions
What do you write on a christening invitation?
The parents' names as hosts, the child's full name, that it is a christening or baptism, the church with date and time, the place and time of any celebration afterwards, optionally the godparents' names, and an RSVP date.
When should christening invitations be sent?
Three to four weeks before, or six to eight weeks if family will travel.
Should godparents be named on the invitation?
It is optional but common, and a nice way to honor them. Check with them first.
An invitation designed for your occasion
We design it for your event, with replies collected online, for $49 once. You see it finished before you pay.
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