We have officially scheduled baby Marionberry's christening at the Catholic church, but I'm really unsure of the etiquette of christenings (as I'm the first to have a baby in my family) - especially when it comes to the celebration.
1. Who do we invite?
2. Is a party afterward required? If so, do you serve a full meal, hors d'oeuvres, desserts or what?
3. Is there anything else I should know?
Thanks for the help! And pictures of your own Christening events are appreciated too!
wonderful cherry / 21504 posts
We are keeping it small- immediate family, godparents and spouses, and that's it. It comes to about 13 ppl. We are having lunch after at a local restaurant- price fix menu with app and entree and I'll bring dessert probably.
I don't want to do anything big but do want to celebrate. And my family is coming up from 5 hours away so I have to feed them 
nectarine / 2085 posts
I think those things are all up to you! We had a very small private baptism for LO--godparent, grandparents, us, and the priest. We took everyone out for brunch afterwards. I think a party/meal out is entirely optional, but if you have one, I think it would be a nice gesture to invite the priest. 
nectarine / 2936 posts
A close friend didn't invite me to her baby's christening and I found out afterwards and was disappointed. I didn't need to be included in the family gathering after, but I would have liked to attended the service. I figured maybe things were done differently at her church than mine.
pomelo / 5000 posts
Congrats! I love christenings and dedications. So sweet. I think there isn't a standard etiquette and each church will vary based on usual levels of formality.
I would invite people you want to have a role in your baby's spiritual upbringing. For me, that would be immediate family and a few close friends.
Are you having godparents? That role means different things people, so I would clarify to the godparents what you hope that would look like.
Whoops--just read that it's in the Catholic church. That's a bit out of my domain, but maybe my tips apply?
Take pictures! Oh, ask if that's ok. Some churches have specific requirements and when pictures can be taken.
pomegranate / 3863 posts
We invited immediate & extended family. I don't think a party after is required but I think it is a really nice gesture to thank your family & friends for taking the time out of their lives to come and celebrate such a special milestone in your childs life. At the time of DS's baptism, money was tight for us so I wanted to just serve coffee and dessert. However, in the end we decided to serve some light food since it was early fall/later summer and could get away with salads and lighter fare. We also served lemonade, ice tea, wine & beer.
I think anything you serve will be appreciated by your guests and just serving appetizer type food or desserts would be okay. Just remember to relax and enjoy. It's such a special occasion 
wonderful pea / 17279 posts
The ones I have attended are really small: just the parents, grandparents, God parents. I would imagine adding aunts and uncles to the invite list would be nice. Post celebrations I have been to have been held at restaurants. The day always seems to be so hectic that hosting an invite at home is overwhelming for the parents.
grapefruit / 4085 posts
We did a small party afterwards at our house - immediate family and godparents. I ordered a hero, cake and had some pick-on things and a salad. Here's a pic
grapefruit / 4085 posts
We did a small party afterwards at our house - immediate family and godparents. I ordered a hero, cake and had some pick-on things and a salad. Here's a pic
pomelo / 5041 posts
Thanks everyone for all the help! I think we're going to keep it small - just immediate family and maybe a few close friends to our house for hdo's. I only have 3 weeks to pull this all together so I'm going to be busy! I love your display @fancyfunction!
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