Christening Questions (kinda long)

i know it seems way too early to be thinking about this since im only 31 weeks. but heres the thing. We have to do it in Aug. since my brother will be up form out of state that weekend.

The baby will only be a month old If she comes on time. if she comes early great ill be a little more relaxed.

but i want to get the plans underway so that im not stressing totally when i only have a month to plan. so im starting now.

the thing is i have 120 people at LEAST thats just immediate family and super important friends that must be invited i like to keep things small but apparently its NOT HAPPENING for anything which is fine the more the merrier!

were assuming to use the firehouse (which FIL is a member of to help keep $$ on the smaller side) and use the lady that does the catering from there. also like this because its unlimited time and the 200fee for the place includes unlimited Soda and Water

heres a few ?'s
1. should i look else where maybe i can get a good deal someplace else or just stick with the firehouse?

2. Do i need to provide entertainmnt such as a DJ since there will be so many people including a bunch of kids?

3. Do i need to have favors?

Re: Christening Questions (kinda long)

I would do favors... something small even if they are just like cross choclate pops .. or get labels for choclate bars.. thats what I will prob do... as I have a lot of people that need to be invited and kids!!!! I may not get a DJ.. but I might.... not sure... we also need to keep costs down as I am going to look into VFW.... KOC.. and other places like that!!! If you have any luck please let me know where you look we can exchange info!!

Re: Christening Questions (kinda long)

We already have our baptism planned for August because my parents and the godparents live out of state. I also wanted it to be over the summer before I go back to work in September.

As for your questions, I would stick with the firehouse. You have a connection there and it sounds like a good deal. We are having ours at the Smithtown Elks Lodge. It is very close to our church and one of my co-workers recommended it to us. We were happy with the pricing as well.

As for a DJ, that is up to you. I guess it depends on your friends/family. Some people like DJs and music and some don't. We aren't getting one for ours but we won't have quite as many people as you. We will probably be around 75.

You don't need favors. Some people do them and some people don't. I will probably do favors and have a friend help me with them. But I am not sure what we will do yet.

Message edited 5/21/2009 1:42:58 PM.

Re: Christening Questions (kinda long)

Re: Christening Questions (kinda long)

This is JMO, but I think Christennings are over done a lot of times. We'll be having around 80 people (thats JUST close family and very close friends), we're using the church hall and having simple food (8 foot heros, a few salads, some soda, beer/wine, and a cake). We wont be doing favors and we're not getting a DJ. Again, JMHO, but its not a wedding. Its a religious event and really the only reason we're even doing the food and drinks afterwards is because people are driving a long distance to come and it would be rude not to feed them. I think getting a dj brings it to a whole nother level of party and can really get

Re: Christening Questions (kinda long)

Re: Christening Questions (kinda long)

Posted by HomeIsWithU

This is JMO, but I think Christennings are over done a lot of times. We'll be having around 80 people (thats JUST close family and very close friends), we're using the church hall and having simple food (8 foot heros, a few salads, some soda, beer/wine, and a cake). We wont be doing favors and we're not getting a DJ. Again, JMHO, but its not a wedding. Its a religious event and really the only reason we're even doing the food and drinks afterwards is because people are driving a long distance to come and it would be rude not to feed them. I think getting a dj brings it to a whole nother level of party and can really get

Re: Christening Questions (kinda long)

IMHO.....Christenings aren't a big wedding like deal to my family. I mean don't get me wrong, it's a really important event in our family & we have a big party but no DJ, no favors, that's just to much for me.

I would stick with the firehouse, people can entertain themselves. Is there an outdoor area?

Re: Christening Questions (kinda long)

Re: Christening Questions (kinda long)

favors should be done. Edible ones work well for christenings and are cheap. Either the chocolate lollipops or wrappers over the hershey's candy bar...

DJ is your choice... it is alot of people- is there a sound system there that you could bring some dance music cds and play it yourself? You'd only have to change it once an hour...

Re: Christening Questions (kinda long)

I prob wont get a DJ.. all the kids I figure can entertain themselves... ITA that it is a religous event... so to keep everything to a minimum.... And I certainly dont plan on it becoming a drinking fest either!!!! No alcohal maybe just beer and wine.... DS's godfather's wife's dad owns a restaurant so we will prob get trays of food from him.. almost for free and a few heros and salads too... I just also dont want to pay much for a hall.. I am def. not doing a fancy place at alll....

Re: Christening Questions (kinda long)

Re: Christening Questions (kinda long)

Re: Christening Questions (kinda long)

Posted by HomeIsWithU

Posted by DPerotti


I would stick with the firehouse, people can entertain themselves. Is there an outdoor area?

I agree with Devon on the outdoor area! Considering it will be August, you should have perfect weather for some touch football for the guys or just a nice hang out area for guests. If you have the outdoor space, bring a football or some other little things for people to entertain themselves with

Re: Christening Questions (kinda long)

I wouldn't do favors.. I didn't.. honestly, I think they are a waste. I did do small favor bags for the kids since there were quite a few, and I wanted something to keep them entertained. I also had a clown for the kids.

I would skip a DJ and just use your iPod...

Re: Christening Questions (kinda long)

We are doing ours in September and are doing it at the house. I'm due August 12th and have already reserved the Sunday.
We looked into a few places and honestly, having it at our home is the least expensive option. We are renting tents and tables and having it catered by a local place.
I've decided that instead of doing favors, we are going to make a donation to the March of Dimes and give out pins....I'd rather any favor money would go to a good cause.
And as far as the DJ, we are going with an Ipod and speakers........

Re: Christening Questions (kinda long)

31 weeks is not early! In my family everyone is Baptized within the 1st few weeks of Birth so never too early Firehouse souds good being you have a contact there. Chocolate crosses are always a nice favor. I wouldn't bother with a DJ...

Re: Christening Questions (kinda long)

I would skip the DJ but definitely get some sort of entertainment for the kids.

Re: Christening Questions (kinda long)

We've already booked our christening too since we are trying to plan around a lot of family schedules.

I would use the firehouse -- it just sounds really cool

I'm not doing favors unless they are edible but I haven't decided yet.

I am renting speakers and using an ipod for music. We are having it catered (italian food) and its a lunch after an 11am baptism.

HTH!!

Re: Christening Questions (kinda long)

I was just talking to Ryan about this the other day.

We will almost definitely be using the fire house. The Ei one has an upstairs party room and a bar and everything. Since Ryan is a member we will have no problem getting in there. (Veronica, let me know if you want to use it, too! I'm sure Ryan could "sponser" you).

As for the favors, I would definitely do something simple and edible. Not sure about the DJ though....