christening party

Tag: christening party

Phoebe Christening Collection - One Small Child

How to Plan A Christening

How to Plan A Christening | One Small Child

It’s coming up, where do you start? Today we’re re-posting our step-by-step guide detailing how to plan a christening or blessing, along with a convenient printable checklist for you (in two versions – one for Christening, one for Blessing):

How to Plan A Christening

Congratulations on your new (or soon-to-be) bundle of joy! Somewhere in the jumble of emotion, change, and busyness that is the first year of your baby’s life is a once-in-a-lifetime event: your baby’s christening or blessing.

The timing of your christening or blessing is largely up to you and is influenced by family circumstances, tradition, and religious affiliation. Whether you are blessing your newborn or baptizing your 18-month child, the planning process is the same. Here’s a basic checklist to get you started:

1-6 months before the event:
Step 1-When:
Contact the church or clergy member you wish to perform the ceremony. Determine what paperwork/preparation is required. Set a date.
Step 2-Who: Decide who you want to be in attendance. Who do you choose as Godparents to watch over your child’s religious instruction? Who do you want to stand in the blessing circle? Do you want a large or small gathering? Determine how many guests you will have.
Step 3-Visualize: This is the fun part! Will you have an all-inclusive at-home event, an intimate post-ceremony gathering at a restaurant, or a gala bash at a local reception venue? Whether simple or luxe, you need to consider what you want when it comes to location, decor, food, favors, music, clothing, and photography. Depending on who you want to work with, you may need to book services many months in advance.

3-4 weeks before the event:
Step 4-Invite: Order (or create) and mail christening invitations or simply make phone calls to those with whom you want to share this experience. Be sure they know when and where to show up!
Step 5-Shop: Ooh! Another fun part! {wink} Find the perfect christening/blessing gown or outfit, or make arrangements for a custom-made or family heirloom garment for your baby’s special day. Don’t forget to plan clothing for siblings and parents!
Step 6-Portraits: Schedule a portrait sessiontrust me, you don’t want to not have photos of your baby in his/her precious outfit! Whether you go for a formal studio session or a natural-light gig, have a list of shots you want the photographer to capture. If possible, allow enough time to have framed prints to display at your event.

2 weeks before the event:
Step 7-Finalize: Tie up all loose ends…check in with venues, food providers, photographers, etc.

The day before the event:
Step 8-Pack:
Gather up everything you’ll need for the big day: baby’s clothing and accessories, items to be used in the ceremony, cameras, decorations, etc. Pack the diaper bag. Press or steam baby’s finery as well as your own outfit. Finish up food and decor details.

Day of event:
Step 9-Relax:
 Take a deep breath and enjoy the companionship of your loved ones in celebration of this blessed day!

{Free Printable Checklist}

planning a christening checklist PDF
Christening Outfits   - One Small Child

Every Day is a Special Occasion

Christening Outfits | One Small Child

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about this idea: every day is a special occasion. It’s true–time is a gift we have only so much of, and when we take the opportunity to be aware of it, we find that there is value to be found in everything we do.

The ‘mundane’ things of everyday life are special. If I take the time to look out the window while I’m processing that never-ending pile of dishes, I can appreciate the beautiful world outside, and the miraculous changes of the seasons. If I stop whatever busy-work I’m doing when my seven-year-old demands attention and look her in the eye, I can feel the deep privilege it is to be her mother and marvel at the gorgeous child she is. If I put a little effort into going for a walk or creating artwork or reading with my children, we will not only learn together, but we will create memories. These are special occasions. Each one builds on the next to create the texture of a beautiful life.

With that in mind, we’ve been putting a lot of thought into highlighting ways you can celebrate your every day special occasions, as well as offering meaningful ideas you can use to make more significant events (such as christenings, blessings, baptisms) truly memorable. We recently produced a christening party photo shoot with some amazing collaborators. I’m looking forward to sharing the details with you, and hopefully helping you find mindful ways of incorporating little bits of yourself into the many special occasions that are part of your life. More to come!