Christening invitation wording says who is being christened, when and in which church, where you will celebrate afterwards and when guests should reply by. Most families do well sending it three to four weeks before the service, once the date is confirmed with the parish. Below are 10 examples to copy, from formal to very personal.
What should a christening invitation include?
| Detail | Why | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Child’s name | The reason everyone is gathering | “our son Luke” |
| Date and time of the service | Confirm it with the parish first | “Sunday, May 9, at 11 am” |
| Church and town | Guests often travel | “St Anthony’s Church, Bristol” |
| Meal or party | Guests plan the whole day | “Lunch afterwards at…” |
| Reply deadline | Restaurants ask for numbers | “Please reply by April 25” |
| Godparents, if you like | A nice personal touch | “Godparents: Anna and John” |
| Who is inviting | The parents, or the child in jest | “Mary and Thomas” |
Formal wording
We joyfully invite you to the christening of our son [Name] on [Sunday, date], at [time], at [church name], [town]. Please join us afterwards for lunch at [restaurant, address]. Kindly reply by [date]. [Parents’ names]
We are grateful for the gift of new life. With that joy, we invite you to the christening of our daughter [Name], on [Sunday, date], at [time], at [church, town]. Please reply by [date]. [Parents’ names]
Together with parents [names] and godparents [names], [Name] will be baptised on [Sunday, date], at [time], at [church name], [town]. We would be glad to have you with us that day. Please reply by [date].
Warm and personal wording
Hi! I’m [Name], and my first big party is coming up. The christening is on [Sunday, date], at [time], at [church, town], and then we’re going for lunch at [restaurant]. Mum and Dad ask you to reply by [date]. I will probably sleep through half of it.
Since [Name] arrived, our home has been fuller and louder. Now we would like to share that joy with you. The christening is on [Sunday, date], at [time], at [church, town], and we’ll celebrate at our place afterwards, [address]. Let us know by [date] if you can come.
[Name]’s christening! [Sunday, date], at [time], [church, town] Lunch: [restaurant, address] Please reply by [date]. See you there!
Special situations
We would love you to join us for the christening of our child [Name], on [Sunday, date], at [time], at [church name], [town]. Please stay for a short celebration outside the church afterwards.
[Name] will be baptised on [Sunday, date], at [time], at [church name], [town]. We would be glad to have you there, and we will carry on around the table at [restaurant, address]. Please reply by [date].
Dear [Name], We would love you to be godparent to our [child’s name]. It means a lot that you are with us, and we would like you to be there for them too. We are planning the christening for [date]. Can we talk this week?
We have not heard from you yet about the christening on [Sunday, date]. We confirm numbers with the restaurant on [date], so please let us know. Your presence is the best gift. If you would like to give something, [Name] is saving for their first big adventure.
Ask the godparents in person before the invitations go out. What the parish asks of godparents, and whether any paperwork is needed, varies, so check with the parish office.
When should you send christening invitations?
An order that saves corrections. The timings are our recommendation:
| Step | When | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Agree the date with the parish | as early as possible | Everything else depends on it |
| Ask the godparents | before you book anything | The date has to suit them too |
| Book the restaurant | as soon as the date is confirmed | Weekends fill up quickly |
| Tell relatives who travel | 6–8 weeks before | A message is enough |
| Send the invitations | 3–4 weeks before | With a reply deadline |
| Reply deadline | 7–10 days before | As the restaurant requires |
What often goes wrong
- Invitations go out before the parish confirms. A change of time means a new message to every guest.
- The address of the meal is missing. Between church and restaurant, guests then call the parents.
- No time allowed for the baby. Plan for feeding and naps when you set the lunch time.
Church, meal and replies in one place
Sealdate is a digital invitation platform for every occasion. You can put this wording into one of our gentle christening invitations, add the church and restaurant with a map and send the link in a message. If the time changes, you correct it on the invitation and guests see the new one. It is free for up to 20 guests, with a sealdate signature. Without the signature and with unlimited guests it costs €19 one-time. To keep track of who has not replied, see our guide to a guest list without Excel. A first communion coming later? See first communion invitation wording.
Frequently asked questions
- What do you write in a christening invitation?
- The child’s name, the date and time of the service, the church and town, where you will celebrate afterwards and a reply deadline. If you like, add the godparents’ names and a short personal line.
- How far in advance should you send christening invitations?
- We recommend three to four weeks before the christening, with a reply deadline seven to ten days before. Tell relatives who travel six to eight weeks ahead.
- Who sends christening invitations?
- Usually the parents, in their own name or, in jest, in the child’s name. Ask the godparents in person before invitations go to the other guests.
- Are there requirements for godparents?
- That depends on the church and parish. Check with the parish office before you ask someone to be a godparent, and ask which documents are needed.
- Can a christening invitation be digital?
- Yes. A digital invitation is sent as a link and opens without an app. For older relatives, you can send it to another family member’s phone or add a short phone call.