Bridal Club Magazine
Christening and Baby Naming invitations
Christenings
Invitations to Christenings have traditionally been
informal in all but the most exalted circles. However, todayfamilies and friends
tend to be 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.