|
|
Your Shopping Cart is Empty
|
|
|
Having a christening, baptism or naming day for your child and not sure exactly what to organise? Here are some things to think about...
- Choose a venue for the occasion. If you decide to baptise your child, you will need to decide on a church that you would like to hold the ceremony in and then contact them to see exactly what is possible and what is required of you. If you are having a naming or welcoming ceremony for your new baby, finding a celebrant to take care of proceedings is usually the first thing most parents set about doing. Then it is a matter on deciding where to gather for this special ceremony - it may be in a function room/venue, at your own or a family member's home or perhaps in a lovely park.
- You will probably need to gather some key items for the big day. If you're having a christening or baptism, your baby will usually be required to be dressed in formal attire. Traditionally, a christening gown or christening robe is worn. This may apply to both girls AND boys, depending on the church, the infant's age, your own personal preference and family traditions. There is a growing trend toward dressing baby boys in christening rompers, suits or baby tuxedos for the event. Then you might like to think about socks, shoes, a bonnet, cap or other hair accessories. Many parents also like to have a special christening bib handy, to protect the dressy christening outfit.
- A note on christening gowns: If your child is no longer a baby, a long gown is probably not going to be practical. For little boys, a suit or simply trousers and a dress shirt would be appropriate. For little girls, a pretty dress as opposed to a long gown is the option most parents choose.
- For a naming day it can be a little more flexible. As it is a special occason, why not dress your child in something a little 'dressier' than everyday wear? So a lovely dress for a little girl and some smart trousers and a formal shirt for a little boy might be suitable.
- For christenings and baptisms, you may be required to provide other important items such as a baptismal stole, a candle etc. This will depend on the individual church. Be sure to ask what is required of you before it is too late to organise these items, particularly if you would like to have something personalised (eg a specially decorated candle or embroidery on a stole).
- Consider some sort of gathering (reception) after the ceremony itself. Most families like to have a lunch or afternoon tea to celebrate a christening or naming day and catch up with family and friends on this special day. Again, this may be at a function venue, at someone's home or perhaps in a public place such as a park.
- You will need to officially inform everyone of the event, and it is common practice to send formal christening invitations or naming day invitations. These can be purchased in packs with space to fill in the important details or you might like to order fully personalised, custom-made invitations. Make sure you send christening invitations or naming day invitations at least three to four weeks before the event, and give your guests an RSVP date of a week or two before.
- Decorating the venue for your reception gathering after the christening, baptism or naming ceremony can add a lovely finishing touch to everything. You might like to have a colour scheme that is reflected not only in your decorations, but in the invitations and any other elements of the occasion that guests might enjoy. Many parents even like to have a cute theme for the day, and all invitations, decorations and so on, are related to this theme. Some ideas include - Vintage theme, Polka Dot theme, Nautical/Sailing theme, Butterfly theme, Ladybird theme, Rocket ship theme, Racing car theme, Aeroplane theme, and so on...
- Consider giving your guests bomboniere/favours to take home. This is a nice way to thank them for attending and if you choose a keepsake such as an ornament or a picture frame, they will have something to keep and will remember your special day for years to come.
Whatever you choose to do on the day, a christening, baptism or naming day is a very special occasion for all members of a family and their friends, that you are sure to remember for many years to come. At Very Special Celebrations, we can help you to choose all the important items required, and add all the finishing touches to your child's special day.
**This article is not to be copied or distributed without the permission of Very Special Celebrations**
|
