Ceremony Checklist
Compliments of Christening Essentials

Whether your religious traditions include a Christening, Baptism, Blessing, Bris or Naming, a little advance planning can eliminate a lot of stress and make your baby's special day one to cherish.  Please feel free to print this checklist.

1.   Ceremony Location____________________________________________

2.   Date ____________________     Time _____________________________

3.   Contact officiator _____________________________________________

4.   Select Godparents and/or guardian.

Update your will or trust to include provisions for your child. Discuss your expectations of them.

5.   Reserve facilities for celebration.

Allow plenty of time for ceremony and transportation.   

Facility _______________________   Time  _____________
# Guests ________

Guest List    Invitations    Menu    Decorations    Favors

6.   Photographs

Do yourself a favor. Ask several friends or family members to take a variety of   picture types. This way you are sure to get some good candid shots. You will be so busy getting yourself and the baby ready that day, you'll probably forget the camera (or the film) anyway and you can always do a more formal portrait if desired on a less hectic day.  

  Persons assisting with photographs:   

Digital_________________     Prints__________________   Video ________________

7.   Make arrangements necessary for any out of town guests.

 Considerations when choosing your
Baby's Clothing Set

Dress, Gown, Outfit           

a) The most important part of the Christening gown or Christening outfit should be planned for well in advance in order to have correct style and size availability. 

b) Of paramount importance is the comfort of the child. If the fabrication is soft, the baby is more likely to cooperate during the ceremony, enabling the experience to be a pleasant one for all.

c) As most babies are unpredictable when it comes to drooling or spitting up, it is important to consider the wash-ability of the set. An enzymatic cleaner is recommended for hand washing special occasion clothing.

Bonnet or Hat  

Is a bonnet or hat included with your Christening Set? Do you wish to preserve the hat? A soft liner cap is advisable to protect the bonnet from oil, water or perspiration. Because a baby's head often perspires, a simple white headband may be advisable for use during the celebration following the event.

Change of Clothing  

One aspect of the baby's special event that is often overlooked until it is too late is a special change of clothing allowing you to protect the ceremonial clothes from additional soil. If you plan to preserve the clothing, it is advisable to remove it as soon as possible after the ceremony. Changing your baby into a special celebration set will allow your baby to be as comfortable as possible which will allow you to enjoy the rest of the celebration with family and friends.

Remember a Happy Baby = a Happy Mom.

Additional Accessories Designed to Enhance Baby's Special Celebration

Shoes  

Matching shoes are available with or without a variety of religious and cultural symbols, i.e. Cross, Shamrock or Star of David.

Socks  

Socks may be plain or decorated with lace and/or a symbol and should match as closely as possible the color of the gown. If off white socks are unavailable, white cotton socks may be tea-dyed to match off- white gowns. Don't panic over this item. If you are using a gown or long set it will most likely be unseen.

Bib 

The bib is one of the most important accessories to purchase. You have made an emotional as well as physical investment in the ceremonial clothing. A bib will help to protect the bodice from protein (drool, formula, breast milk etc.) which has a tendency to show up as yellow stains years later.

Blanket

Consider the climate control (air conditioning or heating) of the event location. A baby's body is more susceptible to temperature changes than that of an adult or older child. It is advisable to have a lightweight blanket or shawl available in case of need. There are many such items available, which will coordinate with your ceremonial clothing.

Scripture 

A special bible or set of scripture for your baby's instruction or (later) wedding keepsake makes a nice addition or gift. These are available in organza gift bags or vinyl bags.

Candle  

For use during the ceremonial prayers associated with a Christening or baptism.

Towel 

A special towel to be used to wipe the water or oil from the baby's head after the ceremony.

Certificate 

Beautiful commemorative Baptism Certificates, suitable for framing are a wonderful keepsake for your child.

Memory Book 

A special place for pictures of your baby's special celebration day along with all the details will be cherished for years to come.

Picture Frame

A Picture of the special event makes a nice gift for you, grandparents or those participating.       

Christening to Wedding Keepsakes

Bracelet

A Christening bracelet that becomes a part of the wedding bouquet or garter will become a treasured item.

Boutonniere

A special gift for a baby boy that may become part of a wedding bouquet or attached to a wedding garter in years to come.

Bonnet and Hankie

Christening Bonnet turns into a trousseau hankie. Mother's hankie also included.

Headband 

Christening headband which may someday be used as a garter belt at your daughter's wedding.

Mother's Hankie  

May we suggest a hankie for the mothers, grandmothers and godmother, as a Christening often becomes a very emotional event. The hankie may also be used later during the child's wedding for "Something old, Something New".
 

Don't forget - Camera, film or the baby!