If you’re trying to plan for your babies christening or baptism, it can be overwhelming to say the least. To make things worse we’ve been dealt with a global pandemic that has interrupted every single planned event for 2020.
To try and attempt to make things a little easier, we’ll break down some important things to remember when planning your little ones big day.
OUTFITS. What would you like your little one to wear? Keep in mind some ceremonies can be lengthy for bubs, so while it might be tradition in your family for that long, vintage gown to be worn by each child, it’s up to you to decide if it’s possible for bub to be comfortable as well. At least take a change of nice clothes as another option if you can sense that bub is starting to get irritable. Some parents also like to pick out a nice outfit they can each wear before the day. If you get stuck on what to wear, generally anything that is smart casual will be acceptable.
GODPARENTS. Depending on the church, one or both of your chosen godparents will need to be of the same religion, or at least of one religion, and will need the documentation to prove this. It will make it easier for everyone if enough time is given to allow for any paperwork to be located if they don’t have it on hand. Perhaps you could come up with a unique way of asking them to be the appointed godparent. Choose someone who shares the same beliefs, who can later help to share these with your child. It might upset someone who thought they would naturally be your choice, but it is a decision that is yours that cannot be changed later in life.
VENUE. A church yes, but make sure to research what ceremonies the church will perform. For instance, an Anglican church varies slightly to a Baptist church. Once you have decided on one, you will need to book a date and have a meeting with the priest or the person conducting the service. If possible, take bub along, they might feel more comfortable with a familiar face on the day. Some churches will hold your ceremony as a separate service, but most will include them as part of the main service on a Sunday. These can get booked out quickly, so try to do this early on.
INVITES. Because of the traditional nature of a baptism or christening, a lot of people opt to go for elegant printed invites instead of anything online. They can also be as simple as you like. Invites can be easy to create with a little know how, or you can choose a template online that will do the work for you. If you do order them online, just do so in advance so there’s time for any shipping mishaps. On your invite include the time, location, dress code, RSVP, whether it’s a Christening, Naming Day or Baptism, if there’s going to be anything held elsewhere after the ceremony and if your guests should bring gifts.
THE ELSEWHERE. Decide whether or not you will hold a party or a get together for after the ceremony has finished. If you don’t want to have this at your home, you might need to book a venue, depending on how many people you are catering for. You will also need to be prepared with decorations if the venue will allow it, and perhaps an outfit change for bub, you could also find out if there’s anywhere suitable for bub to have a nap if they’re no longer in a pram. You could also organise to have a cake, and decide whether you will have nibbles for guests, or full meals.
PHOTOGRAPHER. You’ve gone to so much trouble organising the day, making sure everything is perfect down to the last detail. It would be such a shame not to have it captured by a professional. They will have the ability to be at the front and centre of all the action. Your family will still want to, and can take photos, but it can be hard to get the shot if they have people sitting in front of them, and you don’t really want them getting up and down from their seats. It will also allow for them to be fully present, soaking in each valuable moment of the day.
We hope this helps. It can be daunting planning for something you haven’t done before, but take comfort in the fact that most of the people you will encounter have, and will more than likely put any doubt at ease. It only happens once in bubs life, try to soak it all in.
