A christening is one of the most significant milestones in a child's early life — a spiritual and family celebration that deserves careful planning and a smooth, unhurried day. This christening run sheet template covers the complete event arc from pre-ceremony family arrivals and group photos through to the christening ceremony itself, the portrait session outside the church, and a warm reception lunch where family and friends can celebrate together. The schedule is designed to take the pressure off parents on the day — when everyone knows where to be and when, the focus can stay where it belongs: on the baby and the family moment being celebrated. Adapt the timing and venue details to suit your church, reception space, and guest numbers.
| Time | Task | Responsible | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09:00 | Venue reception setup — tables, floral arrangements, christening cake display | Venue Staff / Florist | Reception Venue |
| 10:00 | Catering team arrival — welcome drinks and canape preparation | Catering | Reception Kitchen |
| 10:15 | Photographer arrives at church — venue and decoration detail shots | Photographer | Church / Chapel |
| 10:30 | Immediate family arrives at church — pre-ceremony portraits begin | Photographer | Church / Chapel |
| 10:45 | Guests begin arriving at church and are seated | Ushers / Family | Church / Chapel |
| 11:00 | Christening ceremony begins — conducted by celebrant or priest | Celebrant / Priest | Church / Chapel |
| 11:30 | Ceremony concludes | Celebrant / Priest | Church / Chapel |
| 11:35 | Group and family portrait session outside the church | Photographer | Church Grounds |
| 12:15 | Guests make their way to the reception venue | All Guests | Transit |
| 12:30 | Welcome drinks and canapés served on arrival | Catering | Reception Foyer / Garden |
| 13:00 | Guests seated for lunch | MC / Host | Reception Dining Room |
| 13:10 | Host or MC welcomes guests and introduces the occasion | MC / Host | Dining Room |
| 13:15 | Entrée service | Catering | Dining Room |
| 13:45 | Godparent speech and toast to the baby and family | Godparent | Dining Room |
| 14:00 | Main course service | Catering | Dining Room |
| 14:50 | Christening cake presentation — candles, cutting, and photos | Catering / Host | Dining Room |
| 15:05 | Dessert and tea/coffee service — guests mingle freely | Catering | Dining Room / Lounge |
| 15:45 | Host thanks guests — informal farewell and departure begins | Host | Dining Room |
| 16:00 | Guests depart — venue pack-down begins | Venue Staff | Reception Venue |
Confirm the ceremony duration and any specific requirements with your priest or celebrant at least four weeks before the event — some churches have strict timings around other services that will affect your schedule.
Build 30–45 minutes for the post-ceremony portrait session and allow extra time if you have large family groups to coordinate — family photos with a baby take longer than expected.
A midday start for the ceremony (11am) with a 12:30pm reception arrival is the ideal format for a christening — it suits the baby's routine, avoids early starts for travelling guests, and finishes at a comfortable afternoon hour.
Collect all dietary requirements when you send invitations and pass them directly to your caterer at the time of booking — with a family event, dietary variations are common.
Allow a generous informal period at the end of the reception for family members to hold the baby, take personal photos, and reconnect — this is what guests remember most about a christening.
A christening ceremony usually runs between 20 and 45 minutes depending on the church denomination and whether it is a standalone ceremony or incorporated into a regular Sunday service. A private ceremony booked separately from a regular church service is the most flexible option and typically runs 25–30 minutes. Confirm the exact duration with your celebrant or priest when you make the booking.
A seated lunch is the most popular and practical format for a christening reception — it accommodates guests of all ages, creates a structured time for the godparent speech and toast, and allows the baby to be passed around and admired in a relaxed setting. A cocktail-style reception with canapés and drinks is a lighter alternative, but a seated format tends to feel more celebratory and inclusive for a milestone occasion.
Most christenings range from 20 to 60 guests — immediate family on both sides, close friends, and godparents. Smaller, more intimate christenings of 15–25 guests are increasingly popular as they allow for a more personal celebration. Scale your venue and catering to your confirmed numbers at least two weeks before the event.
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