BabyGuideUK - Christenings and Baby Namings invitations

Christenings and Baby Namings invitations

Christening and naming ceremonies are essentially times when family and close friends get together. A party thrown to celebrate the occasion will probably have one of the widest age ranges - from the baby to grandparents and beyond. Christenings and naming ceremonies tend to be regarded as the time when a child is officially named, the only difference being that one is a religious ceremony, the other non-religious.

Christenings
Invitations to Christenings have traditionally been informal in all but the most exalted circles. However, today families and friends tend to busier and more spread out, and sending an invitation ensures your guests have all the information they need. It used to be obvious where the Christening would be held - first at the local church and then back at the parents' house. This can't be taken for granted any more - so invitations have really come into their own. They also indicate the importance of the event. After all, its usually the first major celebration of a baby's life!

Example

(Parents names)
request the honour of your presence at
the baptism of…
(baby's name)…
at (time)
on (date)...
at (venue)…
A summer tea will follow.
RSVP

We have been blessed.
Please join (parent and parent)
at the Christening of…
(baby's name)...
at (time)
on...
at…
Followed by drinks at…
RSVP

Naming

A naming may be a newer and less formal ceremony, but this does not mean it carries less weight for the parents or guests. A naming usually does not have any religious content, so if you are creating the text for your own event, you may want to omit any overtly religious references. In some cases, such as if you are having a local authority ceremony, any allusion to spirituality is not allowed.

Example

You are invited to join in the happiness of...
(parents' names)...
in celebrating the birth of
...(baby's name)...,
at (time)
on...
at...
RSVP

(parents' names) invite you to celebrate
the birth and naming of
...(baby's name)...
at (time)
on...
at...and afterwards at…
RSVP

Reply cards and envelopes

It's a good idea to include a response card to encourage your guests to reply. It's also helpful if you enclose a map of the venue to help the guests find their way.

Many people word their invitations to include an address for people to reply to, but a good way of getting responses quickly is to include a card that can be quickly completed and posted back to you. If you've got the spare cash, you could also include a stamped, self-addressed envelope - and then they've got no excuse! You can have small response cards printed with the invitations and then all your friends and family need to do is delete the appropriate word or words.

Example

M …………………………………………………………………..
will ……………….. attend
The favour of a reply is requested
before (date)

Acceptance
The favour of a reply is requested before (month before the Christening)
……………………………………. (Fill-in space for names of guests)
will ……….(Fill-in space provided for the inclusion of the word 'not') attend

Enclosures

Further information can be included such as parking directions and details of the nearest train, tube or bus stations. For those travelling some distance, you can include a list of local hostels, b&b's and hotels.

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Visit confetti.co.uk for more articles on baby names, baby namings and christenings.

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