Welcoming a new baby into the family is one of the nicest reasons to gather everyone together. For some families that means a church christening. For others it's a non-religious naming day in a garden, a hotel or the function room of the local pub. Many end up somewhere in between.
Whichever you choose, the planning follows a similar pattern: decide on the ceremony, choose the people who'll play a special role, then plan the celebration that follows. This guide covers all three, plus invitation wording you can copy straight away.
Christening or naming day?
A church christening
A christening (or baptism) is a Christian ceremony that welcomes a child into the church. It's usually held during or after a regular Sunday service, or at a separate service arranged with the vicar or priest.
Things to know before you start:
- Speak to your local church first. Each church and denomination has its own approach. Some ask parents to attend services or a preparation session beforehand, and dates can book up.
- Ask about godparent requirements. Many churches ask that godparents are themselves baptised. Check this before you ask anyone.
- Ask what's expected on the day: timings, photography rules, how many guests the church can hold and whether you'll share the service with other families.
A naming day
A naming ceremony is a non-religious alternative. There are no fixed rules, so it can be as formal or as relaxed as you like. Some families hire a celebrant to lead it; others ask a friend or relative to say a few words. It can be held almost anywhere: at home, in a garden, at a hotel, in a village hall.
A naming day typically includes a welcome, a few words about the child and why their name was chosen, promises from the parents and from the guide parents, perhaps a reading or poem, and something symbolic such as planting a tree, signing a certificate or lighting a candle.
Neither is better. Choose the one that feels honest to your family. If one side is religious and the other isn't, a short church service followed by a relaxed party often keeps everyone happy.
Godparents and guide parents
Godparents (in a christening) and guide parents or "oddparents" (at a naming day) are the people you're asking to take a lasting interest in your child's life. That's worth thinking about carefully.
- Pick people who'll still be around in fifteen years, not just whoever you're closest to this month.
- Ask in person, privately. Not in a group chat, and not on the invitation. Give them the chance to say no gracefully.
- Explain what it involves. For a christening that may include promises made in church. For a naming day, tell them what you'd like them to say or do on the day.
- Numbers are flexible. Churches may have guidance on how many godparents to choose; for a naming day it's entirely up to you.
Timing
There's no right age. Many families hold a christening or naming day within the baby's first year, but plenty wait until a toddler can walk down the aisle, or combine it with a first birthday. Think about:
- Nap times: a late morning ceremony followed by lunch often works best for a young baby.
- Travel: give relatives coming from a distance plenty of notice. Two to three months is comfortable.
- Time of year: a summer garden party is lovely but entirely at the mercy of the weather. Have an indoor plan.
The ceremony, then the party
Most christenings and naming days follow the same shape: a ceremony of half an hour or so, then a celebration afterwards. Plan both together so guests know exactly where they're going.
11.00am — Ceremony at [church or venue]
12.00pm — Drive to [reception venue]
12.30pm — Drinks and lunch
2.00pm — Cake and a few words
4.00pm — Carriages (and a very tired baby)
For the party, a buffet or sharing lunch usually suits better than a sit-down meal, because guests with young children need to get up and move around. A few things that help:
- A quiet room for feeding and changing, close to the main space.
- Something for older children: a corner with colouring or garden games.
- Food for all ages, with clear labels. Ask about dietary needs and allergies when people reply.
- A short toast rather than speeches. A parent or godparent saying a few words is plenty.
- A cake, traditionally.
Invitation wording examples
Keep invitations clear and simple. Make sure it's obvious whether the invitation is for the ceremony, the party or both, and whether children are welcome.
Traditional christening
Emma and James Taylor
request the pleasure of your company
at the christening of their daughter
Olivia Grace
on Sunday 12 July at 11am
at [church name and address]
and afterwards at [reception venue]
Please reply by Sunday 14 June to [contact or link]
Relaxed naming day
We're having a party for our little one!
Please join us to celebrate the naming day of
Arlo
Saturday 5 September, 1pm
[venue and address]
Food, cake and a garden full of games.
Let us know if you can come by 8 August at [link]
From the baby's point of view
I've been here for six whole months and I'd love you to meet me properly.
Please come to my christening on [date] at [time], [venue].
Love, Freya x
RSVP by [date] at [link]
Combined with a first birthday
One year, one name, one big party.
Join us for Noah's naming day and first birthday
[date and time] at [venue]
Please reply by [date] and tell us about any dietary needs.
If you'd like each family to get their own invitation page with RSVPs, menu choices and allergy details collected in one place, you can build one free on Every Gathering and send it once you're ready.
Little things worth remembering
- Book a photographer early, or ask a friend with a good eye. Check the church's rules on photos during the service.
- Keep a note of gifts so you can send thank-you cards.
- Collect guests' photos afterwards. Grandparents will want copies of every single one.
One last thing
Your baby will not remember a moment of it. That's fine. The day is really for everyone else: the grandparents, the godparents, the friends who've waited months for a cuddle. Keep the ceremony meaningful, keep the party relaxed, and fit it around naptime wherever you can.