Planning a christening

I'm in the process of planning my DS's christening and I need some help. I need to order invites today and cannot decide on a time line. We are having a private ceremony at the church at 1:00 on a Saturday. What time should the party be? We are having it in our backyard and I just thought that 3:00 was too early because then we'd be eating at 4 and that just seems early for dinner. So I was thinking of doing 5:00 and eating at 5:30-6:00 but my sister thinks said that's too long of a time gap between the ceremony and party and what about those who are coming from long island (we live in queens) they cant drive back and forth. Do that many people really go to the ceremony? I thought usually just immediate family attends. I saw the time in between as an opportunity for my DH and I to set up the tables/chairs and get things ready (food is being catered) What do I do?

Re: Planning a christening

I would do it at 3 - 4 is not really all that early for dinner and I agree about there being no place for people to go in between.
We have the Church ceremony at 1:30 and are having the party at 3 p.m. - giving us a little time to take pics in between.
I would set everything up in the morning before the Church so you don't have to worry about anything.

Re: Planning a christening

I usually do mine immediately following....If you do have some guests that are taveling, you may be suprised who comes to the ceremony ( they may leave early to avoid traffic and attend and/or figure that since they are taking the trip why not just go to both kwim ?)

My DD's was at 1pm and the party was at 3pm

Re: Planning a christening

I think the earlier the better because it is a Sunday and your guests will probably want to get home. My church is at 2 and the party starts at 3:30.

Re: Planning a christening

Our party is immediately following. Our baptism is at 3 pm and it is private and the party will start around 4 but we can get there early if needed.