Preparing for your child's baptism involves considerable time and effort. Making preparations need not be stressful. The first thing you need to do is identify what are the christening essentials. Once you have established the important things, you can start working on each one in an organized manner.
Here are some vital things to take into consideration when preparing your child's christening:
Church
Choose a church where your child will have his baptismal rites. Many parents often choose to have their child's christening in their parish church. It is better to select a church that is not too far from your home. Avoid subjecting your baby to long hours of driving. Coordinate with your church regarding church requirements. Check available baptismal schedules and choose the most suitable date.
Christening dresses
There are many beautiful christening dresses to choose from. There are simple ones and there are christening gowns that are elaborately embroidered from top to bottom. There is nothing wrong in choosing a lovely christening gown as long as it is gentle on your child's skin. There are some fabrics that are pleasing to the eyes but harsh on the skin. Prioritize your child's comfort in selecting a christening gown.
Guest list
List down the names of family and friends that you intend to invite to the special occasion. Include the names of godparents in your list. If you are working on a tight budget, it is advisable to invite only your closest relatives and friends.
Reception venue
It is a common practice to have a baptismal reception after the baptismal rites. The reception can be done at home; however, some parents prefer a bigger place to accommodate the guests. The celebration can be in a restaurant, a private party place or a village clubhouse.
If you're going to have the reception in a restaurant, you can coordinate with the manager for menu arrangements. Check if they have special packages for special occasions. If you decide to hold the celebration in a private party place or village clubhouse, you can choose a caterer to handle the food preparations. Some caterers can also provide chairs, tables and center pieces.