hopsa
Join game

How much does a baptism party cost?

Add up what parents typically spend on a baptism or christening: the party, the outfit, a church donation, and the extras. Alongside, we show what each godparent usually spends, so it is easier to agree on who buys what.

Prices updated: · United States (USD) · free, no sign-up

people

Including parents and godparents

Kids 4-12

usually half price

6

Kids under 4

usually free

2

base prices

Church and extras
$

Optional - parishes often suggest $25-100

Calculator result

Baptism party cost

$1,050

from $610to $1,800

paid by the parents

Party per adult
$25
Per guest
$40
Each godparent spends
$255
Gift about $150, a keepsake, and half of the candle and garment

Where the money goes

  • Party: adults25 × $25$630
  • Decorationsballoons, flowers, centerpieces$120
  • Christening outfitgown or white outfit, shoes, bonnet$90
  • Cakefor 20-35 guests$90
  • Party: kids6 × $13$75
  • Church donationoptional$50
  • Schedule the baptism with your church 1-3 months ahead. Many parishes ask parents to attend a short preparation class, and Catholic godparents may need a sponsor certificate from their own parish - ask them to request it early.
  • With a baby, plan a shorter party (2-4 hours) and a quiet spot for feeding or a nap.
  • Kids under 4 usually eat free - confirm it with the restaurant.

How we calculate

  1. We price the party per person: at home about $25, at a restaurant about $45, at a banquet hall, hotel, or country club about $70 per adult. Kids 4-12 usually cost half, little ones under 4 nothing. The area shifts prices (major metros about +35%).
  2. A church donation is optional - enter your own amount. Godparents often buy the baptismal candle and white garment; if you buy them yourselves, we add about $60.
  3. What each godparent spends (a gift, a keepsake, and half of the candle and garment) is shown separately - it is not part of the parents’ cost.

Cheat sheet: prices and good practice

Prices in 2026

  • Restaurant brunch or lunch: $30-70 per person
  • Christening gown or outfit: $40-200
  • Candle and white garment: $30-120
  • Cake: $50-150
  • Photographer: $250-700

Typical baptism gifts

  • Godparents: $100-250 plus a keepsake (cross, Bible, engraved silver)
  • Grandparents: $100-300
  • Aunt or uncle: $50-100
  • Friends: $25-50 or a small gift

Questions and answers

How much does a baptism party for 30 guests cost?

A brunch at home for 25 adults and a few kids usually runs about $1,050 with the outfit, cake, decorations, and a church donation. The same party at a restaurant is about $1,600.

What do godparents usually pay for?

Traditionally the baptismal candle and white garment, often a keepsake such as a cross necklace or a children’s Bible, plus a gift for the child - cash, or a contribution to a 529 college savings account. Two godparents often split the candle and garment.

Is there a fee for a baptism?

Usually not. Many churches suggest a donation of $25-100 or a stipend for the priest or pastor - ask the parish office.

Calculate next

Calculate everything at once in the planner All calculators in one budget, a checklist with due dates, a guest list and online invitations with RSVPs. Free. Plan your event

For the party itself

Games every guest plays at once

Couple trivia, awards and a finale on the big screen. Guests join with a QR code on their phones, no app to download.

Wedding games Free party games