Christening Toasts

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A christening is a quiet, moving family celebration. After the church ceremony, loved ones gather around the table, and this is where the first toasts to the baby, the parents and the godparents are raised. Christening toasts are usually shorter and warmer than wedding speeches, with more wishes of health, kindness and God’s blessing. Here are christening toasts from the godmother and godfather, from parents and grandparents, short toasts and tips.

More for the day: christening wishes, birthday wishes for a goddaughter, wedding toasts.

Toasts from the godmother

• Today I became a godmother, and it is a great honour. I promise to be there for you, to support you and love you, my little one. May God keep you safe and your life be bright and happy. To our little girl!
• Dear friends, thank you for your trust. I will always be a second mum and a faithful friend to your little one. I raise my glass to our godson’s health and your family’s happiness!

Toasts from the godfather

• My little godson, today you gained one more protector. I promise to teach you everything I know and always have your back. Grow up healthy, strong and kind! To my godson!
• My dear friends, thank you for the honour of becoming a godfather. I wish your child good health, a happy childhood and wise parents — and those are already here. To the little one!

From parents and grandparents

• Thank you all for being here today, especially the godparents, who agreed to be second parents to our child. To our godparents and to our baby!
• Grandson, today you were christened, and with all our hearts we wish you health, a kind heart and a happy life. May the Lord keep you. To our grandson!

Short christening toasts

• To the baby’s health and the parents’ happiness!
• May a guardian angel always be near. To the little one!
• To a new little person and the great love all around them!
• To the godparents — second parents we can always rely on!

How to give a christening toast

• At a christening, calm and gentle words fit best: wishes of health, kindness, faith and God’s blessing. Keep it short — the baby and mum may be tired. Skip loud jokes and long stories. If some guests don’t drink or the celebration is alcohol-free, a toast with juice works perfectly well.

Christening toasts in verse

Today we celebrate the little one,
A christening, a joyful day.
May angels guard you, little son,
And keep all harm and fear away!

Let’s raise a glass to our godchild dear,
May you grow healthy, strong and bright,
With loving parents always near
And godparents to guide you right!

Flowers and gifts for a christening

Traditionally the godmother gives the christening cloth (kryzhma) and the godfather gives a baptismal cross. Guests might bring a name-saint icon, a photo album or a children’s book. The baby’s mum will love a gentle bouquet in white or pastel shades — white baby’s breath is light, bright and suits the mood perfectly.

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See flowers in a box and soft toys.

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FAQ

Who gives the first toast at a christening?

Usually the parents thank the guests and godparents, and the first toast to the baby comes from the godmother, then the godfather.

Is alcohol a must at a christening?

No. A christening is a church celebration and many families keep it alcohol-free. A toast with juice is perfectly fine.

What do godparents usually give?

By tradition the godmother gives the christening cloth and the godfather a baptismal cross; an icon, a children’s Bible or a photo album are lovely extras.

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Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.