Baptism and christening party ideas

Baptism is a sacred way of welcoming a newborn into both the family and the church, marking one of the most meaningful milestones in a child’s life. To help you honor your child or godchild’s special day, we’ve put together a thoughtful guide filled with baptism party ideas and christening celebration ideas—plus beautiful religious invitations you can use to gather loved ones for the occasion. 

Traditionally, a baptism party takes place shortly after the baptism—much like a wedding reception follows a wedding ceremony. The timing will depend on the availability of your family, your church, and your reception venue. Since these gatherings are often more intimate, the length of the party can be as short or as leisurely as you like, with the span of a relaxed meal serving as a helpful guide when setting your schedule.

While the words “baptism” and “christening” are often used interchangeably, they technically refer to different moments within the same sacred event. A baptism is one of the seven sacraments in the Catholic Church, signifying a person’s entry into the faith and often involving water and the inclusion of their name in the ceremony. A christening, on the other hand, is the naming ceremony, where the child is formally presented to the church by their given name. Since these two ceremonies typically occur on the same day, many families choose to host one combined celebration—making the same baptism party ideas and ideas for a christening reception work for either event.

From choosing a meaningful theme and planning the menu to finding the perfect baptism invitations, the following ideas will help you create a beautiful, heartfelt celebration that your family and friends will always remember.

Baptism party activities

 

Whether you’re the parent or the godparent of the baby of the hour, take a look at these seven baptism and christening party entertainment ideas you can incorporate into your little one’s baptism party to ensure an unforgettable and moving celebration. 

1. Save some of the sacrament

Bottle a small portion of the holy water that’s used to baptize your baby to save as a keepsake. This holy water can be a lifelong reminder of the first of many sacraments taken throughout your child’s life.

2. Create a photo album

Be sure to take plenty of pictures during the event. Later, you can use these photos to create a special photo album that you and your child can look back on when the time is right.

3. Collect heartfelt messages

Ask each of your guests to write a message for your child to read on their sixteenth birthday. They can choose to share their favorite Bible verses, important life lessons, or helpful advice.

4. Share prayers and blessings

Have guests share what’s on their hearts as you all lift up your newest member in prayer. Record their responses so you can look back on them for years to come. 

5. Plan games for kids

If other young children will be at your baptism party, try to have some activities planned to keep them entertained. Some ideas include: 

• Classic games: Hide and seek, scavenger hunts, and capture the flag are timeless favorites. 
• Water games: If you’re holding your baptism party in the summer and have outdoor space, consider planning for water balloons, water guns, and slip and slides. 
• Card games and board games: Choose kid-friendly options, such as Go Fish, Checkers, or Connect Four.

6. Plan games for adults

Why let the kids have all the fun? Plan some entertaining games for your adult guests, too, such as:

• Guess who: Ask everyone to bring a baby picture of themselves, and see how many partygoers can correctly match up the infant to the adult. 
• What’s in a name: For this game, everyone is assigned another person’s name to research. Before researching the name, guests should try to make an educated guess as to what it might mean. After researching, guests can announce their findings. 

7. Picnic on the lawn

Spread out in the backyard or on the church lawn with light bites, blankets, and family. The following food options are ideal for an outdoor picnic: 

• Finger sandwiches: Finger sandwiches allow for plenty of snack-sized variety (and besides, they’re just really cute). Serve your guests options like tomato and mozzarella, cucumber and cream cheese, and tuna salad. 
• Olive and cheese plates: Green and black olives served alongside cheese and a few different kinds of crackers can make for an irresistible spread. We recommend having at least one hard cheese and one soft cheese to choose from. Almonds, jam, apple slices, and toasted baguettes are also welcome additions. 
• Fruit plate: Set out a serving platter of fresh fruit, including grapes, melons, and strawberries. You can even arrange the fruit into the shape of a cross to keep things festive and on theme.

Baptism party themes

 

An ideal theme for any baptism party is one that complements the central cause for celebration: the baby being baptized! There are plenty of adorable and easy-to-execute ideas and themes to choose from, such as:

8. Storybook friends

From Peter Rabbit to Winnie the Pooh, beloved childhood characters make a charming backdrop for your celebration. Choose one character or mix a few for a playful, nostalgic feel. Incorporate them into your invitations, cake design, or table décor, and opt for soft pastels to keep the look sweet and timeless.

9. Timeless faith

For a more traditional approach, draw inspiration from classic religious motifs like crosses, angels, and doves. Gold accents, white florals, and elegant typography on your invitations create a graceful, reverent atmosphere. This theme works beautifully in church halls, private homes, or formal reception venues.

10. Blossoms and blessings

Fresh flowers and soft greenery make for a light, joyful setting that feels both natural and celebratory. Use floral garlands, bud vases, or botanical table runners, and choose invitations adorned with watercolor blooms. This theme works equally well for indoor brunches and outdoor garden gatherings.

11. Double the blessings

If you’re baptizing twins, celebrate the day by doubling all of your décor in a cute and intentional way, and dressing your little ones in matching outfits. Use mirrored place settings, two-tier cakes, or twin-themed invitation designs to highlight the joy of welcoming both children into the faith on the same day.

Baptism party decorations

 

Depending on your theme, you’ll definitely want to make wherever you’re celebrating—whether it’s your home or a rental hall—look festive. Here are some baptism and christening party decoration ideas for making the party come to life. 

12. Color schemes

Typically, a celebration for a boy will feature blue and gold, while one for a girl will incorporate pink and white. Whatever you choose, you can display your color scheme with party supplies like cups, plates, napkins, hats, streamers, tablecloths, and invitations. 

13. Religious imagery

From doves to the cross to lions and lambs, there are plenty of religious images to make use of when decorating for your child’s baptism party. You can also find inspiration in a favorite Bible story or the story of your child’s patron saint.

14. Use text and photos

Decorate your venue with posters and fun lettering that feature favorite Bible verses, quotes, or the good wishes contributed by your guests. You can also print out photos of your child, frame them, and display them on tables and throughout the reception space. 

Baptism party food ideas

Like religion, food has the power to bring people together. When it comes to serving your nearest and dearest at your child’s baptism party, consider hors d’oeuvres and finger foods that encourage guests to mingle throughout the event. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

15. Bagel bar

If you’re hosting a brunch-style party, break out the cream cheese, capers, and smoked salmon, along with an assortment of sweet and savory bagels for your loved ones.  

16. Light bites

Set up a snack bar where guests can easily fix themselves a plate. By keeping it simple, you can offer a variety of options, including pretzels, chips and dip, vegetables and hummus, charcuterie boards, and mini quiches. 

17. Cake

Nothing says celebration quite like a baptism cake, so consider adding one to your baptism menu. You can even decorate your baptism cake with a meaningful Bible verse, quote, blessing, or cross design. Don’t forget the beautiful cake stand.

18. Potluck

If you’re feeling somewhat overwhelmed, you can ask your friends and family to pitch in by hosting a potluck party! Ask each guest to bring their favorite small dish, dessert, or drink to share with your loved ones (and take some of the pressure off of you). When you send baptism invitations with Paperless Post, you can include a Links Block with a link to a signup spreadsheet to ensure everything is covered! 

Baptism party venue ideas

 

Baptism celebration parties can be held almost anywhere that can accommodate your guests. However, it’s best to host the party close to where the baptism is being held. That way, your guests don’t have to worry about traveling far. Some options include: 

19. The church

What could be a more appropriate venue for celebrating the baptism of your child than your church? Have party guests join you in the fellowship hall after the morning service comes to a close. 

20. Your home or a friend’s home

Invite everyone to your home for an intimate celebration. If your home isn’t large enough to accommodate everyone, see if a close friend or family member can host your party—or check out our guide to hosting in small spaces for tips on making it work!

21. A restaurant

By holding your baptism party at a restaurant, you can sit back and enjoy the celebration. Let the staff take care of the cooking and cleaning. If you’re on a budget, see if the restaurant can provide a set menu with options that fit your finances.

22. Virtual baptism 

If loved ones can’t attend in person, consider streaming the ceremony so they can still be part of the day. Use Zoom or another video platform to broadcast the service, and follow it with a short virtual reception where guests can share blessings, well wishes, and prayers.

Baptism party invitations

 

Invitations set the tone for your baptism party and help guests prepare for this special day. Whether you choose a traditional religious design or something playful to match your theme, a thoughtful invitation ensures everyone feels welcomed and informed. Here are some tips for creating and sending your baptism invitations.

23. Compile your guest list

A baptism party should be as intimate as the baptism itself. Anywhere from four to ten people is appropriate, though this number is flexible. Typically, guests will include: 

• Godparents: Part of the essential cast of people in your newborn’s life, the godparents should be invited to the baptism and baptism party.
• Any immediate family: Siblings and parents can be invited, as well as anyone you foresee playing an active role in the child’s life.
• The minister: You can also invite the minister who performed the sacrament, but make sure it’s clear that nothing is expected. Every minister is different and will have different comfort levels when it comes to attending functions.
• Close family friends: Those who have supported you throughout your parenting journey or have a meaningful role in your life can be wonderful additions to the celebration.

24. Send invitations well in advance

Whoever you choose to invite, give them plenty of time to RSVP. Typically, between three to five weeks is appropriate. Keep in mind that not everyone will be able to join due to conflicting schedules. If you’re planning on hosting a small group, you can poll your guests ahead of time to see what date and time are best for everyone. 

25. Personalize your invitation

A baptism is a deeply personal milestone, so let your invitations reflect that. Add a recent photo of your baby using a Photo Block, match the design to your chosen party theme, or incorporate soft pastel colors for a timeless look. Including a favorite Bible verse, a short blessing, or a meaningful quote can make the invitation even more heartfelt.

26. Provide all the details 

When putting together your baptism invitations, make sure guests have everything they need to know:

• Names: Include the baby’s name and the parents’ names.
• Schedule: Use a Schedule Block to provide the location of both the baptism and the party, along with start times for each.
• Food and dress code: Share if a meal will be served and note any dress expectations (e.g., Sunday best, casual brunch attire). You can include this information in a Details Block. 
• Gifts: If you’re open to receiving gifts, include a Gifts Block with a small note or registry link. Phrase it graciously, such as: “Your presence is the greatest gift, but should you wish to bless [baby’s name] with something special, here are a few ideas.”
• RSVP request: Set an RSVP deadline to prompt guests to respond by a specific date, allowing you to plan accordingly.

Plan your baptism party with Paperless Post

 

An event as significant as a child’s baptism deserves an invitation created with care and love. With Paperless Post, you can customize baptism and christening invitations alike with personalized wording and unique designs to showcase the importance of your little one’s special day. Celebrate this special moment in your child’s spiritual life with an invitation your family will cherish.