Is your child’s christening fast approaching? Stay organized in your preparations by following this checklist:
- Decide on a preferred time and date (as early as possible)
- Reserve your church or venue (1-2 to months prior to the christening)
- Talk to the religious official who will perform the christening to find out about any practical things you need to know
- Make a list of people to invite, keeping in mind the size of the venue and being careful not to exclude anyone
- Start shopping for or making your child’s christening wear—the earlier, the better
- Decide where to have the afterparty—either at a family home or at another venue reserved well in advance
- Design or purchase invitations and send them out to everyone on your invite list (one month ahead of the christening)
- Make sure the gown or other outfit you choose fits and is in perfect condition (two weeks ahead of time)
- Get in touch with a photographer to work your event, or assign someone in your family to be the official photographer
- Gather all the supplies you need for the afterparty (the week before)
- Prepare the food and refreshments for the afterparty, and consider whether you want to include any entertainment
- Prepare the thank-you cards for your attendees, especially those who give gifts
- Consider how you’re going to be storing the christening gown for use by future generations
If you have completed all these steps, you’re ready for your child’s christening.
