Being invited to a christening is nice, but it can give a feeling of dread to those involved. You may not want to go, worry about what to wear, or whether it’s important to buy a gift. This guide is going to cover all of that, so you know exactly what to do when you’re invited to a christening!
Decide What You’d Like to Do
Decide what you’d like to do. Bear in mind that if you’ve been invited to the christening, then of course it is appropriate for you to attend. If you weren’t wanted there, you wouldn’t have been invited. Also, it doesn’t matter what religion you are so long as you are respectful of the service. If, for whatever reason, you don’t want to go, simply explain to the hosts that you appreciate the invite but you have other plans that can’t be changed. If you genuinely have something else to do, then just tell them the truth and they should understand.
Wear Appropriate Attire
Wearing appropriate attire to a christening is a must, after all, it’ll be held in a church. Some people have a party afterwards, so you might be able to get away with being a little more dressy. However, you shouldn’t show off too much skin. Mini dresses and skirts are not recommended for a christening. Tops that show off cleavage should be avoided too. You don’t need to wear a full nun’s outfit, but you must dress appropriately. Consider it similar to a wedding or another religious service. You should look your best but appropriate at the same time.
Buy a Gift
It’s usually good manners to give a gift when you attend a christening. Taking it into the actual service with you may not be a good idea, so either give it before or after. If a party is being held afterwards, there may be a table where you can place your gift. Bear in mind you don’t need to spend a fortune to buy a decent gift! If you’re a godparent or an immediate family member, buying a nice gift could be advisable. Christening silver looks great and can be kept forever. However, you could also buy a book, a piece of art, or something personalised. You could even make something yourself if you like to craft. Maybe the host would prefer help with the party food rather than a gift? Think of the things you’re good at and offer a service if you don’t have a large budget! It’s quite different to buying birthday gifts. Some people like to stick with a religious theme, but it isn’t necessary.
Be Respectful During the Service
During the service, you must make sure you’re respectful. This means no talking, and you must pay attention. Try to follow the service as closely as you can, even if you’ve never attended one before. Afterwards, make sure you thank the hosts for inviting you.
Now you know how to handle that christening invite, you should feel more at ease. Good luck!
