What to Include in an LDS Baptism Program: A Simple Guide for Families
Planning an LDS Baptism Program Doesn't Have to Be Complicated
Preparing for your child's baptism is such a special experience ā but when you start thinking about the actual baptism program, it can suddenly feel like there are a lot of details to remember.
What goes in the program? Who should be listed? What order should everything be in? Should you include a photo or scripture?
The good news is that an LDS baptism program can be simple, meaningful, and beautiful without being complicated.
After creating many baptism program templates ā and remembering how overwhelmed I felt preparing for my own child's baptism ā I wanted to put together this simple guide for other families.
What Is an LDS Baptism Program?
A baptism program is a printed guide that helps family members and guests follow along during the baptismal service.
It commonly includes your child's name, baptism date, the people participating in the service, hymns, prayers, talks, and other important parts of the program.
But it can become much more than a schedule.
A baptism program can also be a wonderful keepsake your child can look back on years later and remember who participated in their special day.
What Should You Include in an LDS Baptism Program?
Every baptism may be a little different, so you'll want to coordinate the details of the service with your local Church leaders.
Your printed program might include:
- Your child's full name
- Baptism date
- Location
- Prelude music
- Welcome or opening remarks
- Opening hymn
- Opening prayer
- Talk on baptism
- Baptism ordinance
- Music or quiet time while changing
- Talk on the Holy Ghost
- Confirmation
- Closing remarks
- Closing hymn
- Closing prayer
- Postlude music
You don't necessarily need every one of these elements. Think of this as a helpful starting point, not a rigid formula.
Sample LDS Baptism Program Order
Here is a simple example you can adapt for your child's baptism:
Prelude Music
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Opening Hymn
Song: ____________________
Conducted by: ____________________
Opening Prayer
Offered by: ____________________
Talk on Baptism
Given by: ____________________
Musical Number or Primary Song (optional)
Baptism of [Child's Name]
Baptized by: ____________________
Quiet Music or Primary Songs
Talk on the Holy Ghost
Given by: ____________________
Confirmation of [Child's Name]
Closing Remarks
Closing Hymn
Closing Prayer
Offered by: ____________________
Postlude Music
Your own program can be shorter or include additional meaningful elements that have been planned for the service.
What Should Go on the Cover?
The front of the baptism program is where you can make it feel personal.
Consider including:
- Your child's name
- A favorite photograph
- Baptism date
- A meaningful scripture
- A simple phrase about baptism or following Jesus Christ
- Soft floral, watercolor, greenery, blue, pink, or minimalist design elements
Some families love a very traditional baptism program, while others want something that reflects their child's personality.
There really isn't one perfect design.
The most important thing is choosing something that feels right for your child and family.
Should You Include a Scripture?
A favorite scripture can be a beautiful addition to a baptism program.
You might choose one about:
- Baptism
- Following Jesus Christ
- Faith
- Covenants
- The Holy Ghost
- Becoming a disciple of Christ
You can also ask your child whether there is a scripture or Primary song that feels especially meaningful to them.
And don't feel like you have to fill every bit of empty space.
Sometimes a simple photograph, name, date, and meaningful phrase make the most beautiful cover.
Make the Program Personal
One of my favorite things about a baptism program is that it records the people who were part of the day.
Perhaps a grandparent gives a prayer.
A sibling participates in a musical number.
A beloved family member gives a talk.
Someone special performs the baptism or participates in the confirmation.
Adding their names to the program creates a little snapshot of the people who surrounded your child with love and support on that important day.
Don't Forget the Little Details
This is often where baptism planning starts becoming overwhelming.
You're thinking about the program ā and then suddenly remember towels.
And dry clothes.
And photographs.
And refreshments.
And who is giving the prayer.
And whether you remembered to tell Grandma what time to arrive. š
That's exactly why I created my free LDS Baptism Prep Checklist.
It organizes things you may want to think about before the baptism, during the program, and afterward, so you don't have to keep everything in your head.
š Get the Free LDS Baptism Prep Checklist
You can print it, keep it in your planning binder, or share it with family members who are helping.
Want more baptism planning help?
You can also read my post:
What I Wish I Knew Before My Child's Baptism (+ Free Checklist)
Should You Print a Baptism Program?
You certainly don't have to create an elaborate printed program.
But I love having one.
It helps guests follow the service, and afterward it becomes something tangible your child can save.
You might place it in:
- A baptism scrapbook
- A memory box
- A journal
- A photo album
- A keepsake binder
Years later, those little details ā the hymns, speakers, prayers, and names of loved ones who participated ā may mean much more than you expect.
Tips for Creating a Baptism Program in Canva
If you'd like to design your own baptism program, Canva makes it relatively easy.
Many folded baptism programs are created on a standard 8.5 x 11-inch page and folded in half.
A few simple design tips can make a big difference:
- Choose easy-to-read fonts.
- Make the text large enough for guests of all ages.
- Leave plenty of white space.
- Don't overcrowd the pages.
- Limit decorative fonts to one or two.
- Keep colors and design elements consistent.
- Double-check everyone's names.
- Print a test copy before printing all of your programs.
That last test print can save you from discovering a formatting problem on baptism morning!
Want an Easier Option? Start With an Editable Template
If creating a baptism program from scratch sounds like one more thing you don't have time for, an editable template can make the process much easier.
I've created a collection of editable LDS baptism programs in Canva that you can personalize for your child's special day.
You can customize names, wording, photographs, program information, and many of the design elements without needing complicated design software.
And because every child is different, I've created several styles ā from florals and soft watercolor designs to simple, modern, and photo-based programs.
š Browse My Editable LDS Baptism Program Templates
Most of All, Keep It Simple
It's easy to start worrying about making every detail perfect.
The perfect program.
The perfect decorations.
The perfect refreshments.
The perfect photographs.
But those aren't really what your child's baptism is about.
Your program is simply there to support a sacred and memorable day.
Create something you love. Ask for help when you need it. And then give yourself permission to enjoy the moment.
Years from now, your child probably won't remember whether every font matched or every little detail went according to plan.
They'll remember how the day felt ā and the people who were there to love and support them. š