Baptism is a big day. Friends and family are invited to church and party. The perfect excuse to gather those you never have time to meet but also a day that requires preparation and reflection. Whether baptism is based on tradition or religion, it is good to know the meaning.
What does baptism mean? The baptismal ceremony itself is religious and follows a strict order. With baptism, one is admitted into the fellowship of the Christian Church. The rite may differ depending on which part of the Christianity the child belongs to. Tradition goes back to Jesus. Jesus himself was baptised by John the Baptist and commanded his disciples to be baptised.
Baptism is a symbol of death (from the old life) and resurrection (to the life with Christ). The child is freed from sin and is protected by God. Infant baptism is combined with giving the child a name. The naming looks different in different religions.
Muslims are not baptised but the child must confess his faith through a creed before two witnesses.
In Buddhism, there is no baptism, but parents take their newborn children to monasteries to bless them.
In Protestantism, people usually gather after church. If it's a quick get together, or a big party, depends on family and tradition.
Why invite to a christening party? Now we will celebrate that the child is baptised. And take the opportunity to do it properly when friends and family are together. Or if you are not religious - that the child has been given a name. The party becomes part of the ceremony and contributes to a day to remember.
Who organises the baptism party? Although many baptisms take place later in life, it is rarely the baptised person who invites and prepares. The invitation can come from anyone but normally from the parents.
Planning for the christening party is a must, regardless of whether there are five guests or 150. Start with the venue for the event. Make sure the place is available before proceeding with the preparations.
Even if the invitation cards for the baptism have not been sent, the host will need to know approximately how many will come. Attach an RSVP-card to the invitation to confirm the number of guests or access the tracking page if inviting online.
The theme of the party and the number of guests decide whether the party can be held in the church premises. Perhaps a restaurant or independent venue is better suited.
Save on the party bus and try to find a party place next to the church. Do not forget to check if the premises are child-friendly. If the season allows, an outdoor baptism party can solve all problems.
Choose a christening invitation that conveys the right mood and creates expectations. If a small number of guests come, the home is usually the easiest choice.
Food. Or not. Hire a chef or go shopping for cinnamon buns. The level of ambition for food at the baptismal party can be set at all levels. The food is adapted to the party theme, number of guests and time of day. If table placement becomes too cumbersome, a buffet can be the solution. The buffet food can be eaten standing up and is a natural environment for mingling. Christening parties tend to include all ages and the drink-table should be adapted accordingly. Why not a bonfire for the adults that can easily be turned into an elegant cocktail. If the event takes place in the afternoon, do not miss the chance to offer an unforgettable christening cake.
Do not get stressed by dress standards. When writing attire on the invitation, keep in mind that most people will go straight from church to the party. If the christening party has a theme, there must be time to go home and change. And what should the baptised wear? Grandma's yellowing christening dress or whatever suits the day.
Each family sets its own rules, but keep in mind that it should be practical. If the following party includes tapas and sticky sauces, durable clothes can be a good advice.
The baptism, and the party afterwords, will result in a thousand photos and the child's attire has a certain significance. Bring a set of replacements.
Set the mood already on the christening invitation card. Prepare a suitable environment. Fill the rooms with balloons, a poster with the child and all the party accessories you can think of. Do not forget the name of the newly baptised on the poster. It is the details that make the party. Mount lighting along the wall and at the buffet. Light windows and doors in a way that creates atmosphere. Flowers bring dead surfaces to life. Take advantage of boring spaces for the bar, changing table and play with corners. Decorate with suitable accessories.
Long time no see. Many of the guests have not met in years. Install seating areas with accompanying pictures of the newly baptised. Make it easy to leave gifts. A carpet on the floor and a visible sign "Gifts - Thank You - The Name of the Child" may suffice. The home has its benefits. The same decoration tips for a rented location apply if you have the christening party at home. Candles and children are bad combinations. Take the opportunity to put away delicate items and hide food and drinks that you want to keep to yourself. Write clearly on the christening invitation that the party takes place at home. In winter, it may be appropriate to have a shoe brush at the entrance.
How do you entertain children and parents at the same time? Start by placing coloured blocks and crayons on a low table and the first hour is saved. Hire a children's entertainer and the foundation for a relaxed christening party has been laid. Although a selfie box can be boring for frequent party lovers, it is still just as popular. The pictures become a memory for life. A Polaroid camera where you set up photos during the party, works with everyone. A professional photographer gives the best end-result but is not as fun. Today's main character is given. Like a guest book, guests can write wise words for the baptised to take with them into the future. Then hide the book and give it as a gift when she/he turns 18. Along with the Cognac bottle from uncle Tom. If a professional photographer, and other tips that require time and money, feel over-ambitious, an idea might be to combine the christening party with the first birthday. It is likely that the same people will be invited to both. But make it clear on the invitation what is being celebrated. Guests save on a gifts and come to the party a little happier.
But are gifts really necessary? The child probably thinks that the packaging is as fun as the content itself. If you want to make a big splash, and also be remembered - buy a piece of jewelry. Works for both girl and boy. Clothes are always a good gift. Given that they fit and match with the mother's taste. Gift Cards are boring but perhaps the most practical christening gift. Books, toys and a day at an amusement park work if the child is a few years older. In many countries, the host gives small gifts to each guest when he or she leaves. Preferably a detail that brings to mind the baptised and another way to make the day of baptism unforgettable. Polaroid cards from the party or baptism are easy. But a children's box, candles or personalised small gifts also work.
Do not forget to send Thank You Cards for the baptism and the party. Feel free to order with a design that matches the christening invitation. The easiest way is to start from a template for all invitation cards for the baptism and any after-party.
Baptism is not only a great day at church but can also be the event of the year when combined with an unforgettable celebration.