Confirmation invitation wording says who is being confirmed, when and in which church, where you will celebrate afterwards and when guests should reply by. A teenager is old enough for the invitation to come from them, so below you will find wording for that and from the parents. All 10 examples are ready to copy and adapt.
What should a confirmation invitation include?
| Detail | Why | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Name of the person confirmed | The reason everyone is gathering | “our Philip” |
| Date and time of the service | Check it with the parish | “Saturday, May 15, at 11 am” |
| Church and town | Relatives often travel | “St Michael’s Church, Leeds” |
| Meal or party | Guests plan the whole day | “Lunch at 2 pm at…” |
| Reply deadline | Restaurants ask for numbers | “Please reply by May 1” |
| Sponsor, if you like | A nice personal touch | “Sponsor: Anna” |
The age for confirmation varies by country, diocese and church. In the Catholic Church, the bishop or a priest he delegates usually confirms, so the date depends on the parish and bishop, not on the family. Find out the date from the parish before you book anything.
Wording from the parents
We joyfully invite you to the Sacrament of Confirmation of our son [Name] on [day, date], at [time], at [church name], [town]. Please join us afterwards for lunch at [restaurant, address]. Kindly reply by [date]. [Parents’ names]
Our [Name] is no longer a child, and we still can’t work out where the years went. Confirmation is on [day, date], at [time], at [church, town], and we’ll celebrate afterwards at [restaurant, address]. We would be glad to have you with us. Let us know by [date] if you can come.
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.” In that joy, we invite you to celebrate with us [Name]’s Confirmation, on [day, date], at [time], at [church, town]. Please reply by [date].
Wording from the teenager
Hi! I’m [Name], and I’m being confirmed soon. [Day, date], at [time], [church, town]. Afterwards we’re going for lunch at [restaurant, address]. I’d be glad if you came. Let me know by [date].
Confirmation is on [day, date], so we’re celebrating afterwards! From [time], [venue, address]. Food is sorted, and you bring the good company. Tell me by [date] if you’re coming. [Name]
At my Confirmation I’m taking the name [confirmation name], someone I want to follow. Come and be with me on [day, date], at [time], at [church name], [town]. Let me know by [date]. [Name]
Special situations
Dear [Name], My Confirmation is next year, and there’s nobody I’d rather have beside me as my sponsor. Would you do it? I’ll tell you the date as soon as the parish gives it to us. [Name]
[Name] is being confirmed on [day, date]. The service is for close family, and we invite you to the celebration afterwards: at [time], at [restaurant, address]. Please reply by [date].
Save [day, date]: [Name] is being confirmed in [town]! An invitation with all the details is on its way.
We have not heard from you yet about the Confirmation on [day, date]. We confirm numbers with the restaurant on [date], so please let us know. Your presence means the most to us. If you would like to give something, [Name] is saving for [what].
When should you send confirmation invitations?
The timings below are our recommendation. The first step is always the date from the parish.
| Step | When | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Find out the date from the parish | as early as possible | Often at the parents’ meeting |
| Ask the sponsor | as early as possible | Check requirements with the parish office |
| Book the restaurant | as soon as the date is confirmed | The whole group has the same day |
| Tell relatives who travel | 2–3 months before | Example 9 is enough |
| Send the invitations | 4–6 weeks before | With a reply deadline |
| Reply deadline | 10–14 days before | As the restaurant requires |
Tips for the invitation
- Ask the teenager. They are more likely to share an invitation they chose themselves.
- Say what happens when. The service and the meal are often in different places, so guests need both addresses.
- Check the parish rules. Ask about limits on seats in church and on photos, and tell guests in good time.
Service, meal and replies in one place
Sealdate is a digital invitation platform for every occasion. You can put this wording into one of our confirmation invitations, add the church and restaurant with a map and send the link in a message. Guests reply on the invitation and you see the numbers in your guest list. It is free for up to 20 guests, with a sealdate signature. Without the signature and with unlimited guests it costs €29 one-time. Got a younger child too? See first communion invitation wording.
Frequently asked questions
- What do you write in a confirmation invitation?
- The name of the person being confirmed, the date and time of the service, the church and town, where you will celebrate afterwards and a reply deadline. It can come from the parents or from the teenager.
- How far in advance should you send a confirmation invitation?
- We recommend four to six weeks ahead, with a reply deadline ten to fourteen days before. Tell relatives who travel two to three months ahead.
- How do I find out the date of confirmation?
- Ask the parish office or go to the parents’ meeting. The date depends on the parish and bishop, so check it before you book a restaurant or send invitations.
- At what age is confirmation?
- It varies by country, diocese and church. Your parish can give you the exact answer.
- Who can be a confirmation sponsor?
- The requirements depend on the church and parish. Check with the parish office before you ask someone to be a sponsor, and ask which documents are needed.