Baptism or Naming Ceremony: A Practical Guide, Ideas and FAQ

For many families, a baptism or naming day is one of the first big “family moments” with a new baby. Some choose a traditional church baptism (often called a christening in parts of the English-speaking world), while others hold a non-religious naming ceremony — but the shared goal is usually the same: a day that feels warm, meaningful, and manageable.

That’s why most people search for the same practical answers: Who do we invite? What food works best? How long should it last? What do we write in the invitation? What gifts are normal? This guide gathers the most common questions and the simplest ideas that work in real life.

Baptism vs naming ceremony: what’s the difference?

Baptism / christening is a religious ceremony (typically in a church) where the child is baptised. In the Church of England tradition, godparents/sponsors make promises during the service and support the child’s faith journey.

A naming ceremony is a non-religious way to welcome a child into the family and community. Humanist naming ceremonies (common in the UK) are described as personalised, non-religious ceremonies with no legal status, and they can be held almost anywhere.

In practice, the celebration afterwards can look very similar: family, food, cake, photos, and gifts. The main difference is the ceremony and values behind it.

FAQ about baptism and naming ceremonies

When do people usually hold a baptism or naming ceremony?
There’s no single rule. Many families choose a date once they feel a bit more settled with routines — and for church baptisms, available service times often influence the date. For non-religious naming ceremonies, there are generally no timing restrictions.

Who do you typically invite?
Usually close family, godparents/guide-parents, and close friends. A good rule is to pick a guest count that fits your energy — newborn life is already full.

Do you need godparents?
For many church baptisms, godparents are part of the tradition. For example, Church of England guidance explains the role and expectations (including that godparents are baptised, and often confirmed).
For naming ceremonies, “guide-parents” or supportive adults are optional and can be included in whatever way you prefer.

Where can you hold the celebration afterwards?
Common choices: at home, a hired room, a restaurant/café, or with family. Most people decide based on three things: space, food logistics, and whether there’s somewhere quiet to step away with the baby if needed.

How long should the day last?
Ceremonies are usually relatively short, and many families plan the celebration afterwards as a daytime event of a few hours — it tends to match the baby’s rhythm and keeps the day easier to manage.

What food works best?
The most practical option is food that’s easy to serve and easy to eat: brunch or lunch, buffet, sandwiches/salad, and then coffee/tea + cake. Daytime food keeps things relaxed and reduces hosting stress.

Do we need a programme or entertainment?
Usually not. These days work best as warm, unforced gatherings. If you want one personal touch, choose something small: a short welcome/thank-you, a guestbook, or a simple photo corner.

What should we write in the invitation?
Keep it clear and practical:

date and ceremony time
location (church/venue) and where you meet afterwards
practical notes (parking, allergies, baby-friendly access, approximate finish time)

Is it normal to include a wish list?
Yes — many guests appreciate guidance. If you don’t want “things,” you can ask for experiences, a contribution to savings, or a shared gift fund. If you do want items, include options across price ranges.

What gifts are considered “normal”?
Common gifts are keepsakes: a children’s book with a message, a photo album, something personalised with the child’s name, cutlery, or a small piece of jewellery/pendant as a lasting memory. If you’re collecting jewellery wish ideas, it can be practical to point guests to a retailer like A-Hjort so they can find a style and budget that fits — without the gift needing to be “big.”

What if you are a godparent — should you give a special gift?
There’s no universal obligation, but many godparents choose something symbolic or lasting: a book with a note, a keepsake, a pendant/jewellery item, or a contribution to savings — depending on family tradition.

Ideas that keep the day warm and manageable

1) Simple plan that nearly always works: easy food + built-in breaks
Aim for “soft logistics”: straightforward food, coffee/cake, and natural moments where parents can step away with the baby without it feeling disruptive.

2) A time-window drop-in after the ceremony
If your network is large, set a clear window (e.g., 2–4 hours). Guests can come and go, and you avoid the pressure of hosting everyone at once.

3) One memory element — just one
Pick a single keepsake idea: a guestbook with one-line messages, a photo corner, or small “notes to the baby” cards. Low effort, high emotional value.

4) Make the invitation extra clear
Most stress comes from confusion: seating, food format, how long it lasts, whether prams are easy, etc. Clarity up front makes the day calmer.

5) Baby-friendly details that save energy
A simple spot for prams/coats, a small kids’ corner if children attend, and permission for the day to be a bit messy — it helps everyone relax.