Christening event ???

melanzana

Where I am it's a dress up occasion. Not as formal as a wedding of course, but well turned out is the norm!

As for presents, if not the godparents or immediate family, a small gift of a little silver item, or a nice little cuddly toy etc. are acceptable here.

System

Kept this information back, just out of interest, but we are both god-parents.

Kynthia

I held a baptism for my daughter a couple of years ago. It was a specific baptism service at the church followed by a buffet back at the house, so fairly traditional but not extravagant. I think that's fairly normal but you do hear if some that splash out likes it's a wedding with a fancy venue and others who treat it like a party with disco and booze. So outfits need to match the type of occassion and for mine most people were smart/formal but not as fancy as a summer wedding.

As for gift I'd ask how old the baby was. We were given some gifts that were more for a newborn rather than an 8 month old so consider that. Plus not everyone has to buy a keepsake as we have lots of silver picture frames, bangles, money boxes, and a certificate holder that I now feel we have to display somewhere for years. Yes a couple are lovely, as is getting a lovely inscribed bible, some hard backed books and a china plate set, but getting multiples can be difficult. It's perfectly lovely for some more practical gifts to be given too, such as clothes, toys, toddler cutlery (one of the few gifts we actually used a few months later and was also pretty), unbreakable dinner sets, egg cup, vouchers or tickets to a local family attraction. However gifts aren't expected and always appreciated, but I think knowing that not every guest needs to give a keepsake might be useful for some.

bouncydog1

We had a formal, private christening at our local church, followed by a reception at home. Everybody was formally dressed, but we are traditional for some things. Gifts for DD ranged from photo frames, money, premium bonds, savings certificates, cash, traditional silver wear etc. All of the cash went into a savings account where it still sits towards her house deposit!

I'm sure any gift chosen with thought will be appreciated - you have obviously been invited for you, not how you dress or what you give. Enjoy the occasion - you can always leave early!

System

Well a new suit bought today has sorted me out, next...........................

Tiddlywinks

I still have the premium bonds and the silver teething rings etc bought for me for my christening over 50 years ago.

hazyjo

I don't think there's anything wrong with strapless dresses... I'd wear one with a shrug/cardi, and it would most definitely be long. Maybe a little short cocktail dress might not be that appropriate! Wouldn't expect men to wear ties these days.


I would always give a gift. There are some nice things on ebay (ignore all the tut!). Try filtering with these:


'Christening gift' in search box (add 'silver' if you specifically want it)
UK only
up to... whatever price suits you? I'd spend up to around £20 max, probably more like a tenner if something was actually worth more and I got a barg.


I've bought nice boxes before - personalised memory/keepsake box type thing.


Maybe a nice box set of classic kids books - or a personalised book with their name in a story. Difficult with babies though I suppose.


Jx