Budgeting: How to plan a christening or naming ceremony budget
A christening budget, or a budget for a naming ceremony, covers the ceremony itself, an outfit, a gathering afterwards and sometimes gifts for godparents or guests. In a worked example, a day for 25 guests costs about 500, and a simple gathering at home keeps it affordable.
By Wealtie Team · 3 min read
Key takeaways
- A christening or naming ceremony budget covers the ceremony, an outfit, a gathering and gifts.
- In a worked example, a day for 25 guests costs about 500.
- A gathering at home or in the place of worship's hall is often much cheaper than a venue.
- Guests typically give a small, meaningful gift rather than an expensive one.
How do you plan a christening budget?
Decide on the size of the celebration, then set an amount for each part. A christening, baptism or naming ceremony welcomes a child into a family and community, and it's often followed by a gathering with relatives and friends. The ceremony itself is usually modest in cost, and most of the spending comes from the celebration afterwards.
Traditions differ between faiths, communities and families, and many families hold non-religious naming ceremonies instead. Adapt the plan to what the day means to you.
What does a christening cost?
Here's a worked example for 25 guests, in round numbers that work in any currency:
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Food and drinks | 250 |
| Cake | 60 |
| Outfit | 50 |
| Venue for the gathering | 80 |
| Decorations and extras | 60 |
| Total | 500 |
Your figures depend on the number of guests and where you hold the gathering. Holding it at home can remove the venue cost entirely.
What does the ceremony itself cost?
Often very little. Many places of worship don't charge for the ceremony, though some ask for a donation or charge a small fee, especially if you're not a regular member. Ask in advance so it isn't a surprise. A non-religious naming ceremony led by a celebrant usually has a fee, so get a quote early.
Photographs
Many families want photos of the day. A friend or relative with a good camera or phone can take them as their gift, which costs far less than a professional photographer. If you do book a photographer, ask for a short package covering only the ceremony and the first part of the gathering.
How do you keep the gathering affordable?
Keep it simple. Choosing a time between meals, like mid-afternoon, means guests expect lighter food. A lunch or afternoon tea at home, or in the hall of the place of worship, is often much cheaper than a restaurant. Food that can be made ahead, like sandwiches, salads and a large cake, feeds a crowd for less. Relatives are often happy to bring a dish, and many families make the gathering a shared effort.
How to host dinner on a budget has more ideas for feeding a group.
Choosing the cake
A cake is often the centrepiece. A homemade cake, or a plain bakery cake decorated at home, costs much less than a custom design. If a relative enjoys baking, they may be glad to make it as their gift.
What about the outfit?
A christening outfit is worn once, so there's no need to spend much. Many families use an heirloom gown passed down through generations, which costs nothing and carries meaning. Borrowing from friends or buying second-hand works well too. For older children, a smart outfit they can wear again for other occasions is a practical choice.
How much should guests give?
Most guests give a small, meaningful gift, and 20 to 40 is a common range for friends and wider family. Godparents often give something more lasting, and some choose a gift the child can open on a later birthday, like a letter or a book to read when they're older. Popular ideas include:
- A keepsake, like a silver spoon or a photo frame
- A children's book with a handwritten message
- A contribution to the child's savings
- A plant or tree to grow with the child
If you're a guest on a tight budget, a heartfelt card is entirely appropriate. How much to spend on a birthday gift covers gift amounts for other family occasions.
Gifts from the family
Some families give small favours to guests or a gift to godparents. These are optional, and a thank-you card after the day is just as appreciated.
How do you plan for a year of baby costs?
A christening often comes in the first year, alongside many other new costs. The baby shower budget covers an earlier celebration, and saving a little each month for the christening means the day doesn't land on top of everything else. A sinking fund is a simple way to do this.
Many families find the first year brings more celebrations than they expected, from the christening to a first birthday, so planning them together helps you decide where to spend and where to keep things small.
How do you track christening costs in Wealtie?
Add a savings account for the day and move money into it each month as a transfer, which isn't counted as spending. On the day, log costs in an events category in your expense categories, so you can see what it came to. A monthly limit in the budget tracker keeps the rest of the month on track.
Questions people ask
A worked example for 25 guests comes to about 500, covering food and drinks, a cake, an outfit, a venue and extras. A gathering at home costs less.
Most guests give 20 to 40, and godparents often give something more lasting. A heartfelt card is fine on a tight budget.
Often very little. Some places of worship ask for a donation or a small fee, and a celebrant for a naming ceremony usually charges.
Hold the gathering at home or in a hall, make food ahead, bake the cake and borrow or reuse an outfit.
This article is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Your situation is your own; check the numbers that apply to you before you act on them.
