Weddings
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Christenings and naming days
Bar and bat mitzvahs
Reunions
Celebrations of life
Any other gatheringHow to plan a christening or naming day: a practical guide
Planning a christening while running on four hours’ sleep is a particular kind of challenge. The service is the easy part: the church or your celebrant has done it many times. The rest, from godparents to the party to getting relatives across the country on the right Sunday, is where it helps to have a plan. I’ve been a godparent twice and organised the party once. Here’s what I’d tell a friend.
Christening or naming day
A christening, or baptism, is a Christian service that welcomes a child into the church. A naming day is a non-religious ceremony, often led by a celebrant, that does much the same for the family without the religious promises. Both are lovely; choose the one that reflects what you believe, and don’t worry about what the grandparents think. They’ll come either way.
When to have it
There’s no set age. In the Church of England a person can be baptised at any age, though many families choose the first year, when the baby is still small enough to hold through the service. Contact your parish two to three months ahead, since many churches hold baptisms only on certain Sundays.
The service itself is free in the Church of England, although a donation is welcome. Celebrants for naming ceremonies charge a fee, so ask for a quote.
Choosing godparents or guide parents
The Church of England traditionally asks for at least three godparents, and they should be baptised themselves; your vicar will tell you exactly what they need. For a naming day you can have as many “guide parents” or “mentors” as you like, with no requirements at all.
Choose people who will still be in your child’s life in fifteen years, not just the people you’re closest to this year. Ask them in person, and give them a way to say no easily.
The party afterwards
Most families have lunch or afternoon tea afterwards: at home, at a pub, or a local hall. Keep it to a couple of hours, since babies have their own schedule. Plan food that suits older relatives and younger cousins alike, and make sure there’s somewhere quiet for a feed or a nap.
- A cake with the baby’s name and date
- A guest book or cards with wishes for the future
- Photos of the family generations together
- A time capsule to open on an 18th birthday
Invitations and replies
“Please join us for the christening of Isla Rose Morgan on Sunday 7 June at 11am, St Peter’s Church, Harrogate, and afterwards for lunch at The Bay Horse.”
For a naming day: “We’d love you to join us to welcome Arlo to the family, at his naming ceremony on Saturday 20 June, 2pm, in the garden at home. Tea, cake and lots of cuddles.”
Send invitations six to eight weeks ahead. If relatives are travelling, put directions, parking and nearby places to stay on one simple page, and collect replies there so you know how many to feed.