A baptism, also called a christening, is an important time in the life of any person entering the Christian faith. A baptism ceremony is the perfect time to gather loved ones together in celebration of it.
In this article, we’ll provide tips on how to plan a baptism party including your venue, theme, menu, and invitations.
The church where the baptism takes place can often host a baptism reception and afterparty, but it’s not the only location to consider.
Other great places to host your baptism party may include a banquet hall, an outdoor pavilion or a favorite restaurant. Consider the number of guests you want to invite and the type of party you want to host – a potluck, a BBQ, or afternoon tea.
At St. Bonavenue, we offer a range of venue types that can suit parties of all sizes and themes, including Devereux Hall Courtyard, Marchiori Pavilion, Fairway Pavilion, Mathias Doyle Room and more.
Choose a ThemeThere are tons of adorable and easy-to-execute ideas and themes to choose from, such as:
In general, siblings, godparents, and grandparents of the baby are invited to attend. You can also extend the invitation to other family members and friends. But it’s totally up to you! Just make sure to check with the church and venue for any capacity restrictions.
Depending on the formality of the baptism, you may want to send out invitations. If you’re going this route, they should be out at least three to four weeks in advance of the baptism to ensure that people can arrange their schedule.
Set a MenuBaptism parties are often informal and relaxed, so you don’t have to plan a complicated menu. Instead, choose food and drink options that complement your style, theme and budget.
Platters with finger foods are always popular. If you’re hosting your event during breakfast or brunch, you can’t go wrong with continental breakfast favorites like croissants, pastries, mini quiche with coffee and tea.
Many families book a photographer for the baptism ceremony so why not extend the commitment to include the afterparty? It can be easy to forget to snap pictures during a very busy day.
This is the perfect opportunity to get beautiful photos of everyone with the newly baptized person, as well as group shots of people enjoying the celebration and close-up details of your beautiful theme.
Plan for Party FavorsIt’s often customary to send your guests home with a gift to thank them for their presence at the baptism – just like a birthday or wedding.
A common gift for a baptism party is a rosary. You could also give handmade soap or freshly baked cookies. If the baptism has a theme, you can leverage that and give a themed keychain, a small stuffed animal or packets of flower seeds.
Now you know how to plan a baptism party! But if it still seems daunting, St. Bonavenue can help. Our dedicated event management team can guide you every step of the way. We offer on-site catering, A/V services, and equipment rentals for a seamless event experience.
Talk to us about your event today! We will work hard to bring your unique taste, style and budget together for an event that leaves a lasting impression on your family!