Invited to a Christening

sexymouse

Thank you for all of the ideas above. I do know the family well (went to school with Mum), and they aren't remotely religious (first daughter had a naming ceremony due to this), so the Christening came completely out of the blue now they have a second daughter. I think they may be getting them Christened due to some of the grandparents' beliefs, but can't be sure. Anyway, the motives behind it are none of my business, and it's nice that they want to share this time with us. We did give both the babies presents when they were born.

Think I will get them both a small pendant or similar that they can either put on a charm bracelet when they're older or wear on a chain.

Now need to raid my wardrobe and see what I can wear (I'm 8 months pregnant, so finding it hard to find something that is smart and fits).

Newly_retired

Are you sure this is a Christening this time?
if so, it will be in church, possibly part of a main service, maybe including communion.
it could last an hour as there will be hymns, prayers, readings, a sermon as well as the short ceremony.
The seats may not be very comfortable for 8 months pregnant! Churches vary enormously and the one I went to this monring had the most comfotable seats I've ever sat in in a church.
Perhaps try to avoid sitting too near the front, then you can see what others do about standing up, sitting down etc.
Hopefully it will be a meaningful occasion for everyone.
I expect you will want to dress smartly but the regular church people may not - it varies. It's not a night out, after all.
Enjoy the occasion and the party after wards.
Oh and a card and present would be acceptable, especially something the child will enjoy when older eg a book.

sexymouse

Yes it's definitely a Christening this time in a church. Luckily it's at lunchtime (12) and there will be a buffet afterwards in the church hall. I think I'll try to sit near to the exit if possible as that way I can pop outside or to the toilet if I need to for any reason. Will ask the parents if it will be part of a church service or not - it is on a Sunday, but do church services normally go on that late in the day? Where I live, the church bells ring quite early in the morning.

ETA: Just looked at the church website, and it looks like the parents have gone for the private ceremony after the normal church service, which they say only lasts around 15 minutes.

rachbc

i've been to ceremonies that are part of the main service and private ones. i find the ones that are part of the main service really difficult - i have no belief but feel really disrespectful to those that do sitting in their church refusing to sing the the songs, say the words or put money in the bag!!

i always take a card and small gift - something that will hopefully last - a book is always a good choice. the most recent one we went to we got a children's encylopedia but have also gone for complete Winnie The Pooh collection

Lynn11

As most people say silver stuff ends up in the drawer. Both of my kids have been christened but we go to church fairly regularly. Daughter got lots of silver like bracelets - wore a bit but when really young would continue to take these off so stopped wearing so would not lose them but she can keep them, we had photo frames, several banks which you have quite a bit. Son - recent in March got practical presents, like winnie pooh big book of stories, china set of cup, plate etc when older, baby treasure box as did not have one, outfits and handprint set etc.

Hope you manage to get something but we did not get any christening cards.

mrcow

time2deal wrote: »

I have a feeling that silver gifts are appropriate if you are close to rhe family. Like a silver rattle or bell. john lewis has a range I think.

Please just don't.

It's useless old tat. I got loads when mine were christened and I have no idea what to do with any of it.

I got THREE silver birth certificate scroll holders for one child. Seriously - what sane person uses a birth certificate holder? Answer: No one.

I also got abot 8 silver baby photo frames. Fine, but just not my taste. They are still all in the box.

Go for either an age appropriate gift or vouchers.

Gillyx

We were a christening recently, I didn't go for silver stuff as I knew it'd be thrown in a drawer somewhere never to be seen again.

We gave a few books, a jacket for this coming winter, and a pull along toy duck that quacks :rotfl: I know they will probably all get used

tea_lover

Gillyx wrote: »

a pull along toy duck that quacks :rotfl:

I want one!!

zcrat41

I went to a christening recently. Have to say, it was quite smart. Think wedding outfit without a hat.

Even for a service especially for the child it's normal to have a couple of hymns and a sermon. I'd be surprised if it was only 15 mins - that'd be a quick dunk and not much else!

Christening presents I have bought in the past:

Plastic plate/bowl/mug/spoon with a farming theme for a farming family

Silver photo frames (not twee baby ones, nice ones that can be used for all manner of pics)

Childrens bible

Leather embossed personal bible (but I was Godmother for this one)

Case of port (brother child)

Hope you have a lovely day!

Gillyx

tea_lover wrote: »

I want one!!

We got it in the bargain toy section at Boots, was half price it has balls in his mouth that he eats up I think? Something a long those lines... They aren't traditional the couple, so we went with what we thought they'd use.