Christening planning
How to plan a christening the whole family will treasure
From the venue to the last gift for guests. We walk through everything that needs sorting and show you real service providers you can reach out to today.
A christening is both a spiritual occasion and a family celebration, bringing together parents, godparents and the closest relatives. It is often the first time a wider circle gathers to meet the baby, so even a quiet, cosy celebration takes some preparing.
This guide helps you work out what you will need, offers ideas for giving the day a warm, personal feel, and breaks the process down step by step. Next to each category you will find real service providers you can compare and contact right away.
What you will need
These are the key categories for planning a christening. Tap any of them to see the available service providers and prices.
Restaurants & Cafes
A restaurant or café with a cosy room suited to a small family circle after the ceremony.
Browse CategoryFull Catering
Full catering with a main course and snacks, tailored to your guest count.
Browse CategoryDesserts & Candy Tables
A dessert table with sweets and small treats that delight children and adults alike.
Browse CategoryFlorists & Flower Decorations
Floral styling for the room and tables in soft tones suited to a baby celebration.
Browse CategoryTable Styling
Table styling with themed decor and place cards that give the celebration a formal look.
Browse CategoryPhotographers
A photographer who captures the ceremony and the family together naturally, without posing.
Browse CategoryGuest Gifts
Small favours for guests as a keepsake of the baby's christening.
Browse CategoryInvitation Design
Invitation design that introduces guests to the mood and the details in advance.
Browse CategoryIdeas that make a christening special
Small details that give the day warmth and stay in the family's memory for years.
A wishes book for the baby
Place a beautiful book or cards on the table where guests can leave wishes for the baby. Years from now it will be one of the warmest keepsakes you have.
A photo corner with baby items
A small photo corner with the baby's toys or first shoes gives guests a chance to take heartfelt shots and adds to the mood of the day.
A symbolic moment in the ceremony
Lighting a candle, planting a tree, or a time capsule with a letter to the baby gives the christening a meaningful moment worth remembering.
A keepsake gift for the godparents
A small, personal gift for the godparents or older relatives shows appreciation for their role in the baby's life.
How to plan a christening step by step
A recommended order that keeps you on track and stops anything important slipping through.
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1
Agree the ceremony date
If the christening takes place in a church, contact the priest first and agree on a date. It will also set the schedule for the rest of the celebration.
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2
Choose the godparents
Talk to your chosen godparents about their role in the ceremony and the celebration so everyone is clear on what is expected of them.
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3
Book the venue and catering
Choose a cosy venue for a small family circle and agree on a menu that adults and children will both enjoy.
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4
Sort the styling and the gifts
Flowers, table styling, invitations and keepsake favours for guests. These details can be handled gradually over the final week.
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5
Align the day's schedule
Talk to close family about when the ceremony and the celebration will take place, so everyone knows the timing and nobody runs late.
Christening service providers
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Free planning tools
Practical tools that help you hold the budget and forget nothing throughout the planning.
Other celebration guides
Frequently asked questions
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