How to Arrange a Christening or Baptism

A christening is one of those occasions that sounds simple until you start planning it. Who do you call? Do you need to be a churchgoer? How many godparents are required, and what do they actually do? This guide walks through the christening arrangements step by step for a Church of England baptism, with practical tips on timing, preparation and the day itself. Individual parishes have their own routines, so use it alongside a conversation with your local vicar.

Christening or baptism: is there a difference?

In everyday speech the words are used interchangeably. Strictly, baptism is the sacrament, in which a person is welcomed into the Christian Church with water and prayer. “Christening” is a more traditional word that often refers to the baptism of a baby, and sometimes includes the naming. A Church of England baptism can be for a baby, a child or an adult.

Step 1: Contact your parish church

Start by contacting the church in the parish where you live. Many churches have a baptism coordinator or the vicar handles requests directly. If you do not know your parish, our guide on finding your local parish church shows how to check.

When you get in touch, you can say:

• The name and age of the child or adult to be baptised.
• Your address.
• Whether you have links with the church.
• Your preferred timing.

You do not usually need to be a regular churchgoer. In the Church of England, parents and carers are welcome to ask for baptism for their children, and the church will generally want to help. Some parishes will ask you to come along to a few services or to a preparation session, to understand what baptism involves. If you live outside the parish, you may need to discuss options.

Step 2: Understand what baptism means

Baptism is a religious act, not simply a naming ceremony. During the service, parents and godparents make promises on behalf of a young child. They are asked to turn away from evil, to turn to Christ, and to help the child grow in the Christian faith. These are serious statements, and the vicar may want to talk through them with you to make sure you are comfortable.

If you or your family are unsure about belief, say so. Many vicars welcome honesty and will help you decide whether baptism, a service of thanksgiving for the gift of a child, or a different celebration suits you better.

Step 3: Decide on a date and type of service

Baptisms may take place in different ways:

• During a regular Sunday service. This is common and emphasises that the child is welcomed into the whole church community.
• In a separate afternoon service. Some churches hold baptisms once a month or at set times.
• At a special service for the family only, in some cases.

Ask the church what is on offer. Popular times can fill up, particularly around Easter, so it is worth asking early. If you are planning a party afterwards, keep that in mind when choosing a date.

Step 4: Choose godparents

Godparents, also called sponsors, make promises at the baptism and are expected to support the child and the parents in the Christian life. In the Church of England the guidance for babies is typically that there should be several godparents, with at least some being baptised Christians (and, in many cases, confirmed). The exact guidance is set out in church rules and your vicar can explain.

What godparents do

• Pray for the child.
• Be a role model and friend.
• Support the parents.
• Help the child learn about the Christian faith, if they choose.
• Attend the service and take part by making promises.

Choosing wisely

Pick people who care about the child and are likely to stay in touch, not simply the people who would be offended not to be asked. Think about their ability to take part in the promises honestly. If a close friend or relative is not a Christian, ask the vicar whether they can attend and support in other ways, even if they cannot be a formal godparent.

Can parents also be godparents?

Typically no. Parents make their own promises, and godparents are additional supporters. Your vicar can clarify.

Step 5: Preparation and meeting the vicar

Most parishes will invite you to a baptism preparation session or arrange a meeting. This is a chance to:

• Learn about the service and what will happen.
• Ask questions about faith and the church.
• Discuss practicalities such as numbers, seating and photography.
• Meet the people who will be involved.

Some churches also invite families to a follow-up in the weeks after, such as a baptism anniversary service or a baby and toddler group.

Step 6: Practical details

What to wear

Many families choose a traditional christening gown or outfit, sometimes passed down through generations, but anything clean and comfortable is fine. Since water is used, a change of clothes for the baby is wise. Parents and guests generally dress smartly but comfortably.

What to bring

• Your baby or child, naturally.
• A change of clothes and nappies.
• A towel or cloth in case of splashing.
• Any items you plan to use, such as a shawl.
• Candle: many churches give a baptism candle, but ask.
• Any forms the church asks you to complete.

Photographs and filming

Ask the vicar what is allowed. Many churches are happy for photographs, though some limit flash or ask you to take them at certain moments. Agree in advance who will take photographs so the family can take part fully in the service.

Music and readings

Ask if you can choose a hymn or have a family member read. See our guide on choosing hymns and readings for ideas. Many baptism services are short and include a few hymns, so check availability of an organist or musicians.

What happens in the baptism service?

The service may vary slightly, but a typical Church of England baptism includes:

1. Welcome. The vicar welcomes the family and the congregation.
2. Presentation. The child’s name is given and the parents and godparents are introduced.
3. Readings and short talk. A reading from the Bible and a brief reflection.
4. Prayers. For the child, the family and the church.
5. The decision. Parents and godparents answer questions affirming their faith and promises to help the child grow in faith.
6. Signing with the cross. The vicar may mark the sign of the cross on the child’s forehead.
7. The baptism. Water is poured on the child’s head, or the child is dipped in the font, with the words “I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
8. Giving of a candle. A lit candle may be given, symbolising the light of Christ.
9. Welcome into the church. The congregation welcomes the child.
10. Blessing and closing prayers.

The service often lasts around thirty to forty-five minutes, but this depends on whether it is part of a larger service.

Baptism for older children and adults

Older children and adults can be baptised too, and often make the promises themselves. Confirmation, which usually follows later, allows them to affirm those promises personally. If you or your child is older and would like to be baptised, contact the vicar to arrange preparation and talk about what is involved. Many parishes run baptism and confirmation courses.

Costs

In the Church of England, there is no fee for a baptism. However, you may be asked for a donation towards costs, or be charged for extras such as a certificate or flowers. Celebration costs, such as a party, are separate. Ask your church what is customary.

Common concerns

“We are not regular churchgoers. Is that a problem?”

Many families who ask for baptism do not attend regularly. A good parish will welcome you. The vicar will want to explain what baptism involves and may encourage you to visit before the day, but you should not feel turned away for not being a regular attender.

“We are not sure we believe everything.”

Honesty is welcome. Baptism is a serious Christian commitment, so vicars will want to be sure you understand it, but many will help you think it through, and some may suggest alternatives such as a thanksgiving service if baptism does not feel right.

“What if our baby cries?”

Babies cry; vicars have heard it all. It does not spoil the service.

“Can we do it in a different church?”

Possibly. If there is a church that has particular importance to you, speak to the vicar of your parish and the church you are interested in. Policies vary.

Timeline: a simple planning guide

When	What to do
As early as possible	Contact the parish church and ask about dates
2 to 3 months before	Choose godparents, attend preparation, confirm date
1 month before	Invite guests, confirm music and readings
1 to 2 weeks before	Confirm details with the church, check clothing and any forms
On the day	Arrive a little early, bring spare clothes and any items needed
Afterwards	Collect certificate, thank godparents, ask about follow-up events

These are suggestions only, not requirements.

Frequently asked questions

How old does a child have to be to be baptised?

There is no minimum age. Babies can be baptised, and older children and adults can be baptised after appropriate preparation.

Do godparents have to be baptised?

Church guidance generally expects godparents to be baptised Christians, and often confirmed. Ask the vicar about the rules and options.

Can we have a christening during a normal Sunday service?

Many churches do this, as it shows the child being welcomed into the whole community. Ask what your parish does.

Is a baptism certificate provided?

Yes, the church normally gives a certificate and records the baptism in its register. Ask about any charges.

How to Find Your Local Parish Church
Choosing Hymns and Readings for a Service

Conclusion

Arranging a christening comes down to a handful of steps: contact your parish church, talk through what baptism means, choose godparents, attend any preparation and plan the practical details. Your vicar will guide you, and a short, honest conversation at the start often smooths the way. Ask early, ask questions, and let the occasion be what it is meant to be, a warm welcome for a child into a community of faith and family.