Christening - BIG family, small budget!

milliejon

Our son's christening is on 6th May (bank holiday weekend). Our local pub hasn't called back in over a week about whether we can hire the room. I suspect that they're still undecided what they're doing that weekend.

I think we've decided to have the party at our house. On the invitations, we're going to say that we're having "Traditional Afternoon Tea" with cucumber sandwiches, scones and cream, and cakes and no booze.

What do you think?

renowen

Hi
I love the 'afternoon tea idea' but ive just written my guest list and I have over 40 prospective guests and thats just nearest and dearest! (told you I had a big family!) and ther is no way I could fit even half that in my house!

Spoke to the landlord at my local who is happy for us to take over the pub LOL Not charging us anything (I guess they figure they will make money on drinks)
They did ask me if I was bringing food and I said just a cake which they were fine with - so ive knocked my party cost down to just the cost of the cake and a few decs/paper plates etc :beer:

One question - is there any football being played on the 15th April? One thing the landlord said was that if there is then pub is more likely to be busier cause locals come to watch the matchs in the pub.

Thanks for the advice

milliejon

There is football on according to the BBC website:

Sunday, 15 April 2007
Chelsea v Man Utd, 13:30
Everton v Charlton, 15:00

I've just heard from the pub around the corner, and they want £50 for the room, and we can take our own food. We're inviting around 60 people and I won't fit them comfortably into our house, and I'll have to wash up 60 teacups!

I'm going to have a think about this. All the cleaning to do before and after, and then all the dishes, and making sure everyone is entertained! Hmmm might have to think hard about this!

renowen

£50 isnt to bad, I considered having it at my house and just inviting imediate family but like you said after all the cleaning before and after etc etc id rather pay the £50!

Bit miffed about the football - Im banking that because we are due to get there before kick off of the first match we might be ok - just have to see
Thats why I dont want to do food, then if it is too busy we can just leave and nothing gets wasted!

I havnt really got any other option tbh so thats the way it has to be :cool:

My mum brought round some paper plates left over from a party she helped organise and shes going to print off the invites I made at work so thats saves me a few pennies

katecheshire

When my friend got married in Germany after the wedding they just had cake (very yummy german creamy cakes mmm!) coffee and champagne/soft drinks.
which was great.
(had a full on buffet at night)

milliejon

We've decided on another pub. A real olde worlde pub. They don't charge for the room, although they do charge £5 per head for the food. So we decided to only pay for 20 people to eat, and hope that it stretches. Then my mum surprised me and said that she'd double the money. I honestly think it will be too much - but it's a lovely gesture.

bebebelle1975

When my little one was christened in spring 06 ,my family- in -law ,organized a huge bash at a hotel ,more like a wedding reception, ice swans,sit down meal . I kid you not (ok she's their only grandchild). Have you seen My big fat greek wedding (I hope they are not reading this):rotfl: total cost £1797.

We also had a little tea party at home the week after, with cake( Costco),a few sarnies, Twinings fruit tea's, coffee and £5 bottles of Cava (all Tesco)
I made old fashioned paper chains and gave guests bubbles with baby's name on printed with my PC, in swirly writing.Total cost £75.00

...guess which one we, and our friends liked better..thats right ,tea party won the vote


As long as you and your baby are happy ......the day will be great...no huge spend needed.

renowen

Quick Update

Invites posted - cost me the price of 8 2nd class stamps!
I made them on my pc and my mum printed them out onto card at work, she even swiped envelopes so they cost me 0p!

Done -

DD1 outfit -
Dress - 18.99p Ebay!
Cardigan - 4.00p Ebay!
Socks - 1.50p Woolworths
DD1 shoes - 10.50p


DD2 Outfit -
Dress, bonnet, shawl - FREE! (was mine )
Socks - 1.50p Woolworths
Shoes - 2.00p Primark
Frilly Knickers! - 3.50p Mothercare

After ceremony Venue - Free (local boozer)

Cake - 14.00 Tesco
Cake Topper - 10.50p Ebay
Cake Decs - 2.70p Sainburies

Paper plates and Napkins - FREE! (left over from party)
Initations - FREE!
Decs - 12.00p
Munch - 10.00p

Engraved Bracelets for the girls gift - 36.50p
Personalised Candle for godparents - 6.00p

Church - 30.00

Total spent - 150.00p aproximately

ramellous1

Good luck on your christening. We are having one for our daughter on the 15th April as well. We only have a 2 bedroom house and are inviting 20 guests back to the house for a drink and some buffet type food. I am hoping it is a sunny day and we could have a few deck chairs outside and the few kids coming can run around. We live 20 yards from a pub so I assume there may be a little migration happening after a while :beer:

renowen

Well it as last sunday and it went really well!

The gte together at the pub after was great, lovely weather as well so we could use the garden.

In total whole thing cost us 150 pounds (not including drinks we bought)
But it was worth it people seemed to have a good time and girls were really well behaved!

When I find some pics where I dont look like a whale LOL I'll put them up if anyone wants my too .

Thanks for all your help everyone