Spinnoff to Christening Gown Post

BlessedBMommy's post got me thinking even more and more about my own Christening situation.

Emily was 7 months old last month and we still haven't gotten her christened and haven't even started planning anything.

We just don't have the money for a party. Definately not to have it at a restaurant and we live in an apartment so we don't really have use of the backyard or space to do it inside so we can't do it here. I keep telling DH that we should just take the "Emergency money" out of savings to pay for it but he says no -- that the money is for emergencies and if something happens we won't have anything left -- and he is right, there really isn't all that much in there, and we'll probably need some of that money also next semester when I have to pay for tuition --- and that is NOT an option -- I only have one year left to complete my master's before my teaching license runs out.

I just don't know what to do. I was looking at sites and most places don't offer gowns in her size already, let alone waiting and needing a bigger size. And it just bothers me that we haven't had her baptised yet.

Should I just have it done and not have a party? The party is the big issue -- we just don't have the money. Or should we keep waiting until one day when we might have the money, knowing that that day could be YEARS away.

This is so upsetting to me. I wish there were some easy solution.

Re: Spinnoff to Christening Gown Post

I did a very small Christening for Jake for a couple of reasons. We didn't have the money for a big party, we felt like we had had too many parties in our honor in recent months (showers, wedding, etc), and because alot of our family is OOT.

So we just a had a small dinner with around 15 people at a restaurant. It was great because it was so much less stressful than a big party. Yes, some people in the family were upset that we didn't do a "real Christening" (as one of DH's cousin's so nicely put it), but so what? They are over it.

And it's true about Christening gown sizing. We baptized Jake at 7 months and it was getting difficult finding something that fit.

Re: Spinnoff to Christening Gown Post

It's a personal decision, when, where, etc... In my family it is tradition to Basptise ASAP. DD was 1 month as was I. She was the youngest at the church, all the other babies were a few months...

We have a HUGE family but everyone is scattered all over and we didn't want a whole big to do... We opted for immediate family back at our home and it was a great time Best of luck in whatever you decide!

Re: Spinnoff to Christening Gown Post

I think the idea for just immediate family at a restaurant is good. Or do you have a close family member (parents, in-laws, sibling) who is local and would let you have a party at their house? You don't need a huge party - the important part is the christening itself.

Re: Spinnoff to Christening Gown Post

I was going to say the same thing.....just have godparents and grandparents at a resteraunt. That is fine! As far as her outfit you can find a cute little white dress no problem we bought my sosn outfit on ebay....actually teh seller has a store it is where im getting FG dresses for my girls for our wedding VERY cheap and pretty! If u want the info sometime FM melissa!

Re: Spinnoff to Christening Gown Post

do it with no party.....my best friend did both of her kids with nothing but dinner with the grandparents and the god parents (who were her brother, his GF at the time, or other family). That's it....I wasn't even invited and I'm her best friend.

Plenty of people do it privately....no big stink made. We're doing a simple BBQ at home, but albeit, we're up to 26 people already and that's just family.

Re: Spinnoff to Christening Gown Post

We are doing just 35 people at a restaurant. Do what you are comfortable with. I've personally never liked "mini wedding" Baptisms. As far as dresses I've seen them go up to 2 years old.

Check out www.sundaybest.com

Re: Spinnoff to Christening Gown Post

I would do and have dinner with the immediate family

Re: Spinnoff to Christening Gown Post

This is just me and IMHO. The baptism isn't about having a party. A baptism is about bringing your child in to a religion. If you cannot afford a party but still wish to do a baptism, go ahead!

Look on ebay. I could forward you the person I used and had good luck with when I bought Gianni's.

Also, I just had an inexpensive place for our baptism because we don't live on LI and we just couldn't afford anything expensive. We had it as Asian Buffet Restaurant in Hicksville. If you want, I could PM you the details.

Re: Spinnoff to Christening Gown Post

Some people may find what i'm doing wrong but I really dont care. My husband is jewish and i am catholic and we arent doing anything for Jacob. He was circumsised in the hospital so no bris and I'm not doing a christening either. We both are not practicing (never go to church, he never went to temple or made a bar mitzphah).. I will be the one teaching my son about what I know as a catholic and my DH will teach what he knows about being Jewish. We will celebrate both holidays, and one day when he is older Jacob can do as he wishes as far as choosing.


As far as your situation goes i agree with having something small and immediate like a dinner in a restaurant. It really isnt about the party... and anyone who would think that is wrong. You have to do what is right for your family...Good luck!

Re: Spinnoff to Christening Gown Post

We JUST had Christopher's Christening yesterday. He's 9 months old. It was small. We had a party right in the church basement with heros and salads and cake. It was nice and relaxed and it didn't break our wallets. Christopher's wearing 12 months now and we were able to find a nice Christening outfit in BRU that was his size. I'm glad we did it.

Re: Spinnoff to Christening Gown Post

I would have the christening ..something will always come up when it comes to needing money. I would HAve a small lunch at home for just you and the close close family.

As for gowns don't worry fm me when the time comes. Greek people don't christen there babies sometimes till they are 2 years old. I know alot of places for gowns in her size.

Re: Spinnoff to Christening Gown Post

Melissa, if it were me, I would have the Christening with immediate family only & eat at a restaurant or at my mom's house.

Re: Spinnoff to Christening Gown Post

Re: Spinnoff to Christening Gown Post

Re: Spinnoff to Christening Gown Post

I too did a small baptism for my son - it was sooo nice. We just did our parents, siblings and godparents.....that was it. We had breakfast at my house and I made everything the night before and just heated it up when we got back.

Depending on how many you have you could fit them in your apartment or maybe ask your parents or DH's parents if you could use their house.

I think we spent about $250 tops for everything from Jack's outfit to food and gift for the church and we had PLENTY of food.

Re: Spinnoff to Christening Gown Post

I wouldn't wait - at this point I would do it and forgo the party.