Personalizing Your Babys Christening

Make tradition your own

By Franco Barnowski

Christenings are steeped in tradition, but that parents can add their own personal touch to the event to make it more meaningful and memorable for everyone. Here are just a few ideas for parents who are looking to make their christening just a little different.

Christening gowns

Traditionally parents use a family gown or shawl, one they may have used themselves. But for a change, adapt material from your wedding gown to create a christening gown. Or use your veil as a shawl.

For a less formal day, use a themed baby suit; but tread carefully, your child in a batman cape probably won’t go down well.

Or use ordinary baby clothes with an extra ribbon, a religious symbol, or something meaningful to you, sewn on.

Location

Make the Church more personal - dress the church pews with brightly colored flowers, ribbons, and balloons, even confetti.
Have the reception at a restaurant that has suitable entertainment, such as a house band or singer.
Or hire a local historical site, a school or university hall where you attended, or somewhere associated with your career, to have the reception

If the reception is at home, decorate the rooms with balloons, banners and ribbons, hire a band in the garden, get photos of your child blown up and put on the walls.

Ceremony

Enlist family and friends in the service to add the personal touch and involve them.
Get a friend or relative to give one of the readings, or prayers.
If you have music, chose something respectful but that has special meaning for you.
If family members or friends have a musical talent get them to play or sing; it’s amazing how much better live music sounds.
Enlist a family friend who is a priest to conduct the ceremonies.

Cake

Try getting a decorated cake with an unusual design if you can for example, an open bible with your child’s name in the title page.
If cost is a factor why not get a basic cake and decorate it yourself?
Or if someone in the family or your friends can decorate cakes ask them to do it.

Christening Name

Find a name that symbolizes your child, has a special meaning, is ethnic, or one that you just like the sound of. There are lots of name books around, and on the Internet, but you’ll need to do choose a name well in advance!
Most of all use your imagination and go with your gut feeling! If it feels right, it’ll make the day special and memorable.

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