Invitations for the christening

A christening is, in the British Christian tradition, the first great family gathering centred on a new child. It usually takes place in the first months or the first year, at a service in the parish church — sometimes during the main Sunday service, sometimes at a dedicated ceremony. Parents, godparents and the close family gather first at the church and then around a meal. An online christening invitation makes it easy to collect replies and pass on the details, especially to godparents and relatives travelling from further afield.

In Britain you would typically invite 15 to 40 people: godparents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and sometimes the parents' friends with their own children. The Church of England usually asks for at least three godparents, and that they themselves be baptised; the vicar will often arrange a short preparation meeting beforehand. It pays to sort the arrangements out with the church early, as christening dates can be booked a month or more ahead, and some parishes group christenings on set Sundays.

The invitation should give the parents' names and the child's name, the date, the time, the church and what follows the service. For a lunch at home, in a restaurant or in a hired hall, give the address and the time. Many parents add a word about gifts. Grandparents are often telephoned personally, while a simple link by text or email does for the rest of the family. A photograph of the child in the header is endearing, though some prefer a plain template with just the name.

The digital format is quiet and quick. You send the link to the godparents, grandparents and the aunt who lives abroad in a single gesture. Replies count themselves, and a Google map guides everyone to the church. Some parents add directions from a nearby hotel for guests coming from afar.