who is typically invited to a baptism?

Dh and I just went to SIL's this past weekend and they had over 130 people, in a country club and it was quite a loively affair.

Of course, this led to the discussion of "well, you guys are next, what are you doing for your baby's christening?"

I'm not Catholic, so I don't really know what is appropriate for a christening party. My family is Chinese and we would typically have something similar, its a "one-month" party when the baby is a month-old.

I figured the best thing to do is combine both into one and have a "one-month" baptism.

Now, I would typically invite out to first cousins since my family is pretty close. But we both come from large families, so at immediate family, we would have a total of 30 people, but with first cousins, this number jumps to 80/90.

And where are they typically held? obviously, there is already too many even with just immediate family for in someone's house.

i'm getting very nervous about the expense, but I think there is no better celebration than that of a newborn baby.

Your thoughts?

Re: who is typically invited to a baptism?

Personally, I will be inviting immediate family, aunts, uncles, cousins, our grand parents, and a limited number of very close friends. Our invite list is 75 people, although I know most won't be able to come because of school and such.

We are planning on having a dinner at a restaurant. Nothing crazy.

Some people do just immediate family.

Re: who is typically invited to a baptism?

In DHs family it is just immediate family members and very close friends. Granted he is 1 of 7 so the number gets up there with the kids and such...but typically around 40 people. I have a very small family.

Re: who is typically invited to a baptism?

For us, DH has a large closenit family so and I have a smaller one. We invite immediate family friends as well. We had 75 at DD#1 and will have the same for #2.

Re: who is typically invited to a baptism?

I am having a BBQ in my parents backyard.
I come from a big family- probably around 70 or 80 will be invited.

Re: who is typically invited to a baptism?

We will have family and close family friends. Probably around 30 people.

We plan to have the celebration at our home and invite the same people.

Message edited 11/7/2007 4:49:52 PM.

Re: who is typically invited to a baptism?

I think it really depends on what the parents want to do. I have been to some that were just immediate family and a few close friends and others that were huge bashes.

We haven't decided yet what we will do. We are in an apartment, so we will have it out somewhere, but just have to decide on whether we want to keep it small or not.

Re: who is typically invited to a baptism?

You can make it as big or small as you like.

We will be inviting friends and family, however the list is a little outta control, so we have some trimming to do.

Some people go all out for christenings, like they're weddings.....

It's up to your taste and budget!

Re: who is typically invited to a baptism?

We decided to have a big celebration for her Christening, so we are going to go all out, whole family (120 people) and we are looking into catering halls. We figured it was a big party for this or her first Birthday (we are not having her baptized til she is almost 7 months) and well, baptism was our final decision.