The people you choose to be your child’s godparents are very important. Godparents are like another set of parents for your child in case something happens to you. These people can also help you out with many parental duties and be mentors to your children.
It’s a big ask, and knowing how to ask such an important question is something you should seriously consider. That is why you’re here right?
Here are 10 creative and effective ways of how to ask loved ones to be godparents to do your family the honor of saying yes. Here’s also what to bear in mind when you ask:
How to ask loved ones to be godparents: Things to pay attention to before asking
The first thing you should think about is if these people are responsible enough to care for your child.
Are they financially and mentally stable? Do they have the same values as you do? Would they even say yes? If the answers to all of these questions are “yes,” then here are the things you should consider:
When is the best time to ask?
You can ask at any time, and it’s all up to you. However, it’s best to ask before something like a baptism, which typically requires the godparents to be present.
Photo by Elena Koycheva on unsplash
Etiquette:
01You should always try to ask in person if possible because things like texting and emailing can seem impersonal. However, life is unpredictable, and it might be necessary to communicate via text or email if the person is in another country or too busy for you to set up a meeting.
02If you are asking a couple, you should be sure to ask both of them at the same time. If you only want one person of the couple to be a godparent, you will need to make it clear. However, don’t do it in a way that seems awkward or rude. For instance, if you want your male friend to be your child’s godfather, but don’t want his wife to be the child’s godmother, you can say, “I want you to be his/her godfather, and my good friend Julie will be his godmother. I hope that’s not awkward for your wife.” That way, you won’t have to say that you don’t want your friend’s wife to be the other godparent.
03Do not ask in front of a crowd, especially if you aren’t sure that the person will accept. If it is your best friend, then you know he/she will likely accept the offer in a heartbeat. However, if you aren’t that close, putting someone on the spot may make him/her feel pressured into accepting a responsibility that he/she doesn’t want.
04Do not ask someone else to ask the desired person in your place. That’s simply unfriendly.
How to ask loved ones to be godparents with your own words
If you’re thinking of ways to ask the desired people to become godparents to your children, then there are many creative ways to do it.
Here are five ways of how to ask loved ones to be godparents with a personalized touch:
01A card
Now, we don’t mean a Hallmark card with a generic phrase on how to ask loved ones to be godparents. In this case, we mean a custom card with your personalized message.
You can print a card at home if you have a printer, order a blank from Amazon, or make one yourself. You can make one out of colored paper or blank leaves if you have artistic skills.
This card can include a picture of the baby or just be the words you want to say. Here’s an example of a personalized card for potential godparents:
“You’ve been by my side through my ups and downs, and you have coached me through my pregnancy. I would love if the most caring and trustworthy person I know would do the same for my baby. Will you be her godmother?”
Image from freestocks.org under pexels license
02A heartfelt letter
A heartfelt letter is a good way of how to ask loved ones to be godparents. This letter should include why you have selected the person, what you expect from that person, and how excited you are about having that person in your corner.
The letter can be handwritten and personally delivered to the potential godparents, or it can be mailed. It can also be sent via email.
This is a good idea because the potential godparents will likely appreciate the fact that you took the time to personally write them a letter. They will appreciate that it’s full of heartfelt words. The letter will show them that you trust them to help care for your children.
Here’s a sample letter that you can use as inspiration:
“The years that we spent together in college and all of the years after that have made me realize how much of an asset you are in my life and how much of a light you are in a dark and uncertain world. You are my best friend, and I wouldn’t trade you for any amount of money in the world.
I knew I’d ask you to be my child’s godmother before I got pregnant, before I met my husband, and before it was even time to think about having babies.
You are the most caring and the most fearless person I know. You are always willing to stand up for yourself and others, and you sure look good doing it!
You are someone I’d want my baby to look up to, and I know for a fact that you would be willing to help me mold him/her into a smart, responsible adult.
Hearing “Yes” would mean the world to me. When my son/daughter is old enough to understand, it will mean the world to him/her too. So, what do you say?
Will you be my child’s godmother?”
Photo by acworks author on photo-ac
03A contract
This may seem weird at first, but you’ll want to hear us out because it is a great idea! You’ll be making an offer that the person or couple can’t refuse!
Now, it’s up to you to decide if you want to type it up or write it yourself. If you decide to type it up, you can make it look like a real or formal contract, using clauses and spaces to sign if he/she agrees or they agree.
You can take it up a notch by dressing in formal attire and pulling it out of a briefcase when it comes time. This will be something that you’ll both remember forever and laugh about when it comes up in conversation in the future.
Afterwards, you can frame the signed contract, and you can each have a copy to hang up in your respective houses.
If you decide to handwrite it, you can do it like those silly notes that you used to write in high school. Do you remember those notes with the tick “Yes” or “No” to a specific question? You’ll both get a kick out of bringing back old tricks.
Image from energepic.com under pexels license
04Poem
A simple poem can do the trick, and you have the option of reading it aloud or having it sent to the desired recipient. This is a good idea because who doesn’t love cheesy rhymes? It’s way better than being boring and simply asking, “Will you be my baby’s godmother/father?”
Here’s a sample poem:
“Roses are red, Violets are blue, Michael and I sure can’t raise this baby without you two. So, do us the honor, Of being the god daddy and god momma, Change some diapers, give him a bottle, Read him a story, and help us to coddle.”
Inviting potential godparents to dinner is a good way to hear a “yes” and to share some intimate time with the “backup parents” before the baby arrives.
This will work whether you can cook or not because you can order takeout in the worst-case scenario.
To pull this off, you can serve a special meal or their favorite meal. It won’t necessarily be done to persuade them, but it’ll be done to make the dinner even more meaningful.
This is a good idea because it is taking place in the comfort of your home, and you’ll be able to express your feelings and reasoning behind such an important decision in a safe, welcoming environment.
The potential godparent(s) will also feel more comfortable to express themselves and their concerns, if necessary. Since this isn’t a public space and there’s no pressure to say accept the offer, the exchange remains between friends.
You can pop the question by raising a toast, putting it on dessert, or simply having the discussion when everyone has finished eating. You will know when the time is right.
photo by Juan Ordonez on reshot
How to ask loved ones to be godparents without saying anything
If you’re not the best with words, then you can use gestures and creativity to ask the person or couple to be the godparent(s). It’s easy, and we will show you how to do it.
Here are five ways on how to ask loved ones to be godparents without having to say a word:
06Fairy godmother pumpkin
Everyone knows the story of Cinderella, right? You can use this as a way to ask the potential godmother.
To do this, you’ll have to carve something into the pumpkin that will indicate what you mean. Then, you can have the pumpkin delivered to her house with a card that reads something like:
“Every Cinderella needs a fairy godmother.”
“Help me make my little pumpkin’s life magical by being her godmother.”
Who doesn’t love a free shirt? We can never have too many! So, you can use this as a way to ask the potential godparents.
There are many pre-made t-shirts with phrases for asking loved ones to be godparents online, and you can find many styles to choose from. If you feel like customizing it, then you can always get a blank t-shirt and make a personalized design.
This is a good option because the recipient will not only get a free t-shirt, but he/she will also be able to keep it in memory of the day that he/she was asked to be a godparent.
Photo by Drop the Label Movement on unsplash
08Let the baby wear it
If the baby’s already there, you can use this to your advantage when asking potential godparents to accept the role. All you have to do is get the baby an article of clothing with any of the following words or phrases:
“Insert name of potential godparent], will you be my godmother/father?”
“Godmother/father wanted. Contact my mom/dad for more details.”
“Want to be my godmother/father?”
This is a good idea because who can say “No” to a baby? Plus, it will be great for pictures!
Photo by Polina Tankilevitch under pexels license
09Baby box
One would think that because you’re the new parents, you’re the ones who are supposed to be getting baby boxes. However, the godparents should be included as well!
This baby box can include baby essentials, such as wipes, bibs, pacifiers, pampers, baby powder, and so on. It can be a large box with multiple items for future use, or it can be a small box with one of each item from the list. It can be decorative or not, but that’s all up to you.
If you have the box delivered, you can attach a note to it that explains the purpose of the gift. This note can read:
“Here’s everything that you will need to keep at home for when the baby arrives, godmom.”
“We sent you this box of baby essentials so that you’ll always be prepared. Welcome to the life of a godparent.”
Photo by The Honest Company on unsplash
10Something sweet
Something sweet can work for any situation. Many people have a sweet tooth.
You can prepare a little goodie bag with muffins, cupcakes, cookies or candies. Heck, if you want, you can include all four of these items! Finally, you can attach a note to this gift of goodies that reads:
“A box of sweets for the sweetest godmother.”
“Will you be a sweety and agree to be our baby’s godparent(s)?”
Photo by acworks author on photo-ac
Conclusion
You know how to ask loved ones to be godparents now, so the only things left to do are planning the surprise and choosing the right moment. Good luck with the ask for your baby’s godparent(s )!
