Christening invitation wording — what to write and when to send it

A christening brings together two families, the godparents and the closest friends. The invitation is short, warm and above all clear, because many guests will come with children and will plan their day around the ceremony.

What to include

• The child’s name and, if it is a tradition in your family, the baptismal name.
• Who is inviting — usually the parents. The godparents can be mentioned with thanks.
• The ceremony — the church, the date and the time. Say how long it will last too, so that guests with small children know.
• The celebration afterwards — where and at what time. If it is at a different place, add both addresses.
• Reply by when, and whether to say how many children they are bringing.

Four ready-made texts

Classic

We would be delighted for you to join us at the christening of our daughter Olivia. Sunday, 12 April, 11:00, St Nicholas’ Church, Brighton. After the ceremony we look forward to seeing you at The Sea Breeze restaurant. Emily and James.

Short

Olivia will be christened on 12 April at 11:00 at St Nicholas’ Church. Come and share this day with us. Emily and James.

From the child

My name is Olivia and on 12 April I will be given my baptismal name. Mummy and Daddy invite you to be with us at St Nicholas’ Church at 11:00 and afterwards at the celebration at The Sea Breeze.

With the godparents

Emily and James, together with the godparents Sophie and Tom, invite you to the christening of Olivia. Sunday, 12 April, 11:00, St Nicholas’ Church. Please reply by 1 April.

When to send the invitation

Three to four weeks before the date. Christenings are often on a Sunday morning, and guests from another town need to organise their journey and a place to stay.

The questions parents ask themselves

Should we mention gifts? If you wish, one sentence is enough: “The greatest gift for us is your presence.” Avoid lists in the invitation itself.

Children at the celebration? Say it clearly either way: “Children are welcome” or “The celebration is for adults”. Ambiguity leads to awkward questions.

Do we need a dress code? Rarely, for a christening. If the venue calls for one, a word or two is enough: “formal” or “smart casual”.

What about guests who don’t use email? A digital invitation is a link, not a letter. You send it on WhatsApp or in a single message, and the guest replies from their phone.

In InviteCards every guest gets their own link. They reply with one tap, and you see in the dashboard who is coming and with how many children.

A christening invitation is at its best when it is short. Save the emotion for the day itself.