Christening Thank You Messages: UK & Australian Examples
Table of contents
- 1.The British and Australian christening tone
- 2.Messages for godparents (10 examples)
- 3.Messages for grandparents (8 examples)
- 4.Messages for the vicar, minister or priest (6 examples)
- 5.Messages for friends and the wider family (10 examples)
- 6.Messages for guests who could not attend (6 examples)
- 7.Continue reading
1. The British and Australian christening tone
Christening thank-you messages in the UK and Australia share a distinctive voice: warm but reserved, gracious without gushing, specific without sentimentality. Where American baptism cards lean into phrases like "beyond blessed" or "our hearts are so full", British and Australian cards favour understated gratitude — "We were so touched", "It meant a great deal to us", "Thank you for being there".
British spelling applies throughout: honour, favour, christened, baptised, neighbour, programme. Use full names with titles for the older generation ("Dear Aunt Catherine" rather than "Dear Cathy") and reserve nicknames for close family. Closings like "With love", "Yours fondly" or "With our warmest thanks" are preferred over "XOXO" or "Hugs".
2. Messages for godparents (10 examples)
- Dear Charlotte and James,
Thank you both for standing as Oliver's godparents on Sunday. We could not have chosen anyone we trust more to walk alongside him. The silver christening cup will sit on his bedside table for years to come. With our love, Sophie & Tom. - Dearest Aunt Margaret,
Becoming Florence's godmother on her christening day was the gift she will treasure most. Your handwritten prayer card has already been framed beside her cot. With grateful thanks. - Dear Henry,
Thank you for being such a steady godfather to Arthur — and for the beautiful leather-bound Bible. We were so touched by your words at the reception. Yours fondly, the Wilsons. - Dear Eleanor,
We cannot quite believe how lucky we are that you said yes to being godmother. Lily's christening would not have been the same without you. The engraved bracelet is exquisite. - Dear Edward and Beatrice,
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for accepting the role of godparents and for the generous contribution to William's education fund. He is fortunate indeed. - Dear Imogen,
What a joy it was to have you stand for Hugo at his christening. The hand-painted nursery print you commissioned will hang above his cot forever. Thank you, dear friend. - Dear Patrick,
Being godfather is no small commitment — thank you for taking it on with such warmth and good humour. Theodore is lucky to have you (and your wicked sense of humour) in his corner. - Dear Annabel and David,
We were touched to bits to have you both as godparents on Charlotte's day. The Christopher medal will be a keepsake for life. With our love. - Dearest Cousin Rose,
Becoming godmother to little Maeve completes our family in a way I cannot put into words. Thank you for the silver photo frame, which now sits in her nursery. With love always. - Dear George,
Thank you for being such a thoughtful godfather to Felix. Your toast at the lunch had us all in tears (in the best way). The bound copy of the family tree was the loveliest of gifts.
3. Messages for grandparents (8 examples)
- Dearest Grandma and Grandpa,
Watching you hold Beatrice during her christening was the moment of the day for us. Thank you for everything you do — and for the family christening gown, beautifully restored. With all our love. - Dear Nan and Pop,
Henry would not be the happy little soul he is without you both. Thank you for travelling down from Yorkshire for his christening, and for the silver rattle that was once his great-grandfather's. - Dear Granny and Grandad,
Your generosity on Phoebe's christening day was overwhelming. The premium bonds will mean the world to her one day. For now, the cuddles she had with you on Sunday are what we'll remember. - Dear Nana,
Edith's christening was made all the more special by your presence. Thank you for the gold cross — it is a piece she will wear at her own children's christenings, I am certain. With love. - Dear Grandpa,
The hand-bound photo album you put together for Sebastian's christening day reduced us both to tears. We will treasure it always. Thank you for being the patriarch this family relies on. - Dearest Mum and Dad,
We could not have got through the run-up to Olivia's christening without you — the catering, the flowers, the steady hands. Thank you, with all our hearts. - Dear Grandma and Pa,
Travelling all the way from Perth for Jasper's christening was no small thing. Thank you for being there, and for the engraved kookaburra spoon — quintessentially Australian and quite perfect. - Dearest Nana,
Aurelia's christening would not have been complete without you. The hand-knitted shawl in the old family pattern made my eyes sting. Thank you, with so much love.
4. Messages for the vicar, minister or priest (6 examples)
- Dear Reverend Patterson,
Thank you for the warm welcome you gave Albert into the parish on Sunday. Your homily on baptismal promises was thoughtful and gently funny — exactly the tone we had hoped for. With our gratitude. - Dear Father Mackenzie,
The christening service was as beautiful as we had imagined it might be. Thank you for the time you took in our preparation meetings, and for making Lily's day feel sacred and personal at once. - Dear Reverend Hill,
We are so grateful to you and to St Mary's for receiving Oscar with such grace. The whole parish made us feel at home. Please pass on our thanks to the choir as well. Yours sincerely. - Dear Vicar,
A short note to say how much Sunday's christening meant to our family. Thank you for the unhurried, prayerful service — and for remembering Sebastian's middle name (a small detail, but we noticed!). - Dear Reverend Adams,
Thank you for welcoming Penelope into the family of the Church. The blessing at the font moved us deeply, as did your gentleness with her older brother. Please accept this small donation to the parish flower fund. - Dear Minister Brown,
Thank you for officiating Harvey's christening with such warmth. The Uniting Church community here has been our extended family, and Sunday made that abundantly clear. With our gratitude.
5. Messages for friends and the wider family (10 examples)
- Dear Pippa and Toby — thank you so much for joining us at the christening and for the smashing Sophie la Girafe. Iris cannot put it down (literally). With love x
- Dear Aunt Veronica — what a treat it was to have you back from Singapore for Casper's christening. The embroidered keepsake box is far too beautiful for him to actually use, so it will live on his nursery shelf for now.
- Dear Mr and Mrs Atkinson — thank you for the kind card and the lovely silver christening spoon for Theo. We were touched that you made the journey on such a wet weekend.
- Dear Stephen — you outdid yourself, mate. The bespoke wooden alphabet blocks will live in the family forever. Thank you for being the best of friends and for the christening hand-me-up of Harry's little blazer.
- Dear Frances — thank you for braving the M25 with three children to be at Phoebe's christening. The hand-poured candle is exactly the kind of thing I would buy for myself if I were allowed.
- Dear Hugh and Camilla — thank you for the generous John Lewis voucher and for being there. The christening lunch was funnier with you at the end of the table.
- Dear Joan — the hand-knitted cardigan in cream merino has officially become Edward's favourite. Thank you for the labour of love, and for joining us at the christening despite the long drive from Cornwall.
- Dear Mr Patel — thank you for the lovely card and the kind donation to the parish. Your friendship since we moved to the village has meant more than you know.
- Dear Auntie Bea — the personalised cross-stitch with Matilda's name and christening date is framed in her nursery already. Thank you for hours of work and for a hug we all needed.
- Dear Sam and Lou — thank you for the splendid hamper from Fortnum's (Tom ate the shortbread before I saw it) and for celebrating Rosie's christening with us. With love and thanks.
6. Messages for guests who could not attend (6 examples)
- Dear Mrs Whitmore — we were so sorry you could not make the christening, but we appreciated your card and the lovely Peter Rabbit dish set. We'll bring Wilfred to visit you in the village soon.
- Dear Uncle Robin — thank you for the generous cheque and for your good wishes. We missed you on Sunday but understood completely. We'll send photos of the day in the post.
- Dear Granny Rose — though you could not travel from Melbourne, your presence was very much felt. Thank you for the engraved silver napkin ring. With our love across the miles.
- Dear Imogen — we know how poorly you have been, and the fact you sent a card meant the world. Lily-Anne's christening day was beautiful and you were thought of. Get well soon.
- Dear Cousin Will — sorry you missed the christening (the flight situation sounded a nightmare!). Thank you for the kind voucher towards Maeve's ISA. We'll save up a proper visit soon.
- Dear Mr and Mrs Thornton — though work kept you abroad, your generous gift arrived in good time. Thank you, and we look forward to Hugo meeting you when you next visit Cheshire.
Frequently asked questions
Both are used in British English, but "christening" is the more common social term for the Church of England (Anglican) ceremony — especially for babies. "Baptism" is technically the sacramental term and is preferred by Catholic, Baptist and evangelical churches. Australia mirrors UK usage.
Within a fortnight of the christening — etiquette guides like Debrett's recommend two weeks. For godparents, grandparents and anyone who travelled, send within the first week. Late notes (past 30 days) should open with a brief apology.
In the UK and Australia, yes — handwritten notes remain the polite default for close family, godparents and the vicar. Digital cards (Paperless Post, Greenvelope) are acceptable for friends and cousins but feel impersonal for grandparents.
A formal but warm note: thank the vicar by name (Reverend Smith, or Father Brown for High Church), mention something specific from the service (the homily, the welcome to the congregation), and acknowledge the support of the parish community.
In British and Australian tradition, godparents typically give to the child rather than receive a gift on the day. A small thank-you gift (engraved silver photo frame, leather Bible, hand-written card) from the parents is appreciated and increasingly common — usually £20–£60.
Anglican wording is warm but restrained. Reference the sacrament without heavy scripture, mention the parish community, and use traditional British closings ("With our love" or "Yours, with grateful thanks"). Avoid overly American phrasing like "blessed beyond measure".
Tone is nearly identical (British English spelling, restrained warmth) but Australian cards more often acknowledge guests who travelled long distances, mention the post-christening lunch ("the afternoon tea was lovely") and use slightly more informal closings.