The Christening of a new born baby is a very special occasion, here are a few of BBbonbons ideas and tips on organising your Christening Party.
Booking the Service
Once you have decided to have a christening, the first step is to talk to your local celergy. You will need to find out whether a special service needs to be arranged or whether the christening will be part of a main church service. Some churches may ask few questions apart from which day you’d like the ceremony on and the names of the godparents, while others will want more details about your own faith, baptism and those of the godparents. Some may request that you participate in a pre-christening course. Six week after the baby is born, is considered the norm for a christening, but really it’s entirely up to you.
Choosing Godparents
Traditionally, godparents were chosen for their own strong Christian beliefs, so that they could help guide the growing child in his faith. While this is still preferable in the eyes of the church, in reality, these days godparents are chosen more because they are close friends of the parents or are family members. However, for the sake of your child, it is worth taking time to choose a godparent carefully. If you are choosing friends, think about what role you would like them to play in your child’s life. Are they likely to still be friends of yours in 10 years time? Are they going to offer you and your child support if needed?
It is traditional to have one godmother and one godfather, although it is up to you how many you have.
The Christening Gown
Both girls and boys traditionally wear a long white or cream christening gown. It’s wonderful if you have a family gown that has been passed down through the generations. If you don’t, you could either try to find one in a shop that sells vintage or antique clothing or buy one new. Many large department stores will sell appropriate clothes for christenings. Alternatively, try one of the many websites that sell everything related to christenings.
The Service
If the christening is being held especially for you rather than as part of a main service, ask everybody to turn up at least 10 minutes before it’s due to begin. Yours may not be the only event at the church that day and the vicar will need to keep to schedule. Everyone will gather around the font, with the parents and godparents at the front. A service sheet will be handed out with the words the godparents need to say usually printed in bold. The whole christening should only take 20-30 minutes.
Remember that even in summer churches can be pretty cold, so make sure your baby is warmly dressed. It may also be wise to take a spare set of clothes in case of an accident.
The ‘After’ Party
You might want an afternoon tea reception of sandwiches and cakes. However, if friends and family are coming from far afield, it might be a good idea to offer something more substantial. Plan your menu so that most things can be cooked in advance, frozen and just heated up on the day. If catering yourself, ask family and friends to help. Or, if you can splash out, consider caterers or a local hotel. If entertaining at home, a bouncy castle or a magician is a good idea, to entertain your younger guests. Pink or blue christening decorations are fast becoming the norm, with bunting, balloons and napkins, readily available online. The giving of Personalised Christening Favours are a delightful and inexpensive little way of thanking your guests for their gifts and their presence. Personalised Favours which include a little thank you note, also save you having to send out thank you cards later.
Baby girls Christening Favours @ www.bbbonbon.ie
Baby Boys Christening Favours @ www.bbbonbon.ie
Don’t forget:
To invite the priest/vicar as a way of saying thank you for the service!
To order a christening cake from you local bakery. Many high street supermarkets also offer off the self christening cakes.
To charge camera/camcorder the day before.
To have a great time and enjoy!
As always, we would love to hear your ideas and tips. Please leave your comments in the box below.