How to plan a christening: checklist for your child’s christening
When a new life enters this world, several milestones can be expected during the first few days, weeks and months, such as the baby’s first night at home, its first smile, its first steps and its first big celebration. For many families, their baby's first celebration is their christening. It is a way of welcoming your little treasure to the family, to faith and to life. However, you may have some questions about this kind of ceremony, such as how far ahead of time you should start planning, who the godparents will be, and the steps involved. This article will guide you through planning a christening and give you lots of practical tips and creative ideas.
Christening checklist: how to plan a christening
A christening is a significant family celebration that often has many wonderful moments. It is well worth taking a structured approach to preparing and planning your christening, so that you can enjoy the day without any hiccups. We'll show you how to plan a christening step by step, with all the important stages, tips and to-dos:
How to plan a christening: 8 weeks prior – date, venue & godparents
Christening checklist: choose a date and venue
The first step in planning a christening is to make some important decisions, such as when and where the christening should take place. Christenings usually take place in the church of your parish. However, if you would like to celebrate the christening elsewhere, consult with your pastor to find a suitable location (e.g. in the pastor's home, the grandparents' home or at another location that is special to you).
Especially in larger parishes, it is advisable to suggest a time frame rather than a fixed date. This makes it easier to find a date.
Christening checklist: choose the godparents and talk to them
Godparents are not merely guests of honour; they take on the responsibility to play a guiding role in the life of the child being baptised. Many parents choose two godparents from their circle of friends and family to share this responsibility.
Who can become a godparent?
Within the Catholic church, at least one godparent must be Catholic.
Within the Protestant church, it depends on the individual church regulations. Often, godparents from other denominations are also permitted.
As a rule, people who do not belong to a church cannot be registered as official godparents.
Important: Talk to potential godparents about your plans early on and get a copy of their baptism certificate and proof of church membership. You will need to submit these later, when registering for the baptism.
The godparents you choose, is a matter of the heart. Think about who you would like to accompany your child on their journey through life and provide them with advice and support.
How to plan a christening: 6 – 8 weeks prior – notify your parish
Christening checklist: when to notify your parish about the christening
As soon as the venue and date are set, you can register in person at your parish, preferably at least two months before your desired date.
You will need the following documents to register for the christening:
Birth certificate of the child
Parents' identity cards
Baptism certificates and, if applicable, marriage certificate of the parents
Baptism certificates of the godparents
Proof of church membership for parents and godparents
The church office or parish office will be happy to help you if you are unsure of exactly what you need.
How to plan a christening: 6 weeks prior – talk to your pastor
During the baptism interview, you will discuss the course of the ceremony together with the pastor. You can express your wishes, help to organise the baptism to a certain extent and discuss many important details together:
Questions that you can clarify during the baptism conversation:
What is your baptism quote? This verse from the Bible will accompany your child for a lifetime.
What music or songs are suitable for the christening? Whether traditional or modern, your choice will set the tone of the ceremony.
Can family and friends get involved? For example, by reading out a prayer or a blessing.
Are photos and filming allowed? If so, then clarify who will be doing this: a professional or a family member?
Christening candle and anointment? What is the procedure in your parish? Should you bring your own candle or does the congregation provide one?
Use the donations wisely. You can decide what to spend the donations on, such as for a charitable organisation or for your child's future education.
You are welcome to bring ideas, texts or a draft of how you want to structure the ceremony. This will make it easier to adapt the christening to your wishes.
How to plan a christening: 5 weeks prior – invite the guests
Now it is time to announce the big event. Inform your guests ahead of time about the date, time and place, with a homemade invitation by post or email:
Date, time and location of the christening
Meeting point and time of the after-party
Dress code (if desired)
If applicable, information on overnight accommodation for guests who have to travel
Creative ideas for DIY christening invitations
How to plan a christening: 4 weeks prior – plan the ceremony
After the christening, family and friends usually get together for a small celebration in honour of the little one. So, think about how you would like to end the day.
Christening checklist: important questions for planning a christening
Should the celebration be small and intimate or would you like to invite more people?
Champagne reception in the church? Make sure to ask ahead of time if this is permitted in your parishes.
Location & catering: whether at home, in a restaurant or in the garden, the main thing is that your child feels comfortable.
Celebrate in a child-friendly way: if you are expecting children to attend, it is best to set up a play corner or a colouring station so that they can have fun at the party.
Stick to your budget: decide in advance what you want to spend and keep an eye on your budget.
How to plan a christening: 2 weeks prior – finalise the details
Christening checklist: outfit for the child being baptised From classic christening dresses and formal outfits to cosy rompers with bows, go for comfort and style.
Find the perfect outfit for a christening
Christening checklist: decorations, candles, greeting cards & more:
Table decorations: determine the colour scheme and decoration concept (e.g. flowers, candles, Christian symbols)
Make place cards & menu cards or have them printed
Plan seating arrangements (particularly helpful for larger celebrations)
Prayer cards with a saying for all guests
Lay out a guest book or memory album for wishes and fond memories
Get party favours for guests (e.g. tea lights, seeds or candles)
Design a christening candle if necessary
Select music for the ceremony
Coordinate speeches or contributions (who will give a short speech or read a poem?)
Prepare a children's corner (organise small games, craft materials or books for the youngest guests)
Christening tips: more ideas for your christening ceremony
Are you looking for more ideas on how to make your christening party extra special? You'll find lots of creative ideas in the following articles, from the perfect christening outfit, DIY invitations and decorations to great gifts:
Christening tip: creative ideas for invitations to a christening
Invitation cards not only convey important information about the celebration, but they can also be a beautiful keepsake, especially if you have put a lot of effort into the design. Here you will find lovely DIY ideas for modern and classic christening invitations as well as tips on what information to include in the invitation.
Christening tip: personal & stylish table decorations
In this article, you will find stylish decoration ideas for your christening table. From fresh and spring-like to subtle and elegant, we’ll give you inspiration for colours, flowers, candles, symbolism and special details.
Christening tip: find the perfect outfit for a christening
We’ll help you find the perfect christening outfits, from classic to modern and tell you what to look out for when choosing an outfit. In addition, we’ll provide you with outfit inspiration for the little one being baptised as well as for the moms, godparents and guests.
Christening tip: make your own christening cards
A handmade greeting card says more than a thousand words. Here you will find beautiful craft ideas that you can make step by step. We also provide inspiration for what to write, which you can use to personalise and individualise your christening cards.
Christening tip: creative and personal christening gift ideas
Are you looking for a special gift for a christening? How about something homemade that shows how much the child being baptised means to you? Here you'll find creative christening gift ideas that even beginners can make in no time at all.
Christening tips: make your own christening candle
A christening candle is a significant element of the ceremony. In this article, you will find out how you can make a personalised candle for the christening using sheets of wax and wax pens. We’ll give you ideas and answer a few questions about appropriate sizes and designs for christening candles.
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References and further information
https://www.cachetkids.co.uk/blog/a-christening-checklist?srsltid=AfmBOoqHiL6rstbL0N6wgDUzj4jujRXUXVbcJ4bdy-V9qeL8Kb5XzayA
(last accessed on 14.07.2025)
https://justchristening.co.uk/2021/01/31/your-christening-checklist/
(last accessed on 14.07.2025)
https://wonderfulday.app/tools/baptism/checklist
(last accessed on 14.07.2025)
Image sources in chronological order in the text
Cover image: C&A
1st image in the text: C&A
2nd image in the text: Lifeisbeautiful – stock.adobe.com
All other images in the text: C&A