Finalization/Baptism Celebration

PSU-NCBride

Art's post about showers/open houses got me thinking.?

We have already had (1) work baby shower and (2) open houses after Holden was born both thrown by our families. We definitely don't need any more parties, gifts, etc.

However, it is looking like we will finalize the end of October, beginning of November and we would like to baptize him around that time. I'm torn a little and need some feedback. I really don't want to overdo the whole party thing but also know that his Forever Day will be one of the most important days of our family's life.

We were thinking about doing a bit of an off the wall baptism. The minister who married my husband and I lives a few hours away and we would really like him to baptize our son. I'm pretty sure he would travel to us and do it. He's close friends with the family. We'd like to also have some sort of celebration at the same time. It will be starting to get chilly here so I haven't worked out the logistics of that yet. I might just rent this cute chapel here in town.

Anyway, the question is about who to invite. I'm already planning a huge blowout for his 1st birthday in April so I don't want to overload people. Just family a few close friends and his godfather? Not many of our friends have kids and we've never been to a baptism other than our own that I remember.

A small ceremony and lunch at our home with the guests. Does that sound normal? ?

Dr.Loretta

Yeah, that sounds totally fine.

GLynn2009

That sounds good.

hersheykiss

E's baptism had about 20 people there, including us. We all met at the church and then I invited everyone back to our house for a small reception. I had sandwiches, salad & dessert set out and people stayed about an hour. Nothing big or fancy, just close family and her godparents.

silliestbunny

You know your friends......and I bet most are so happy and excited for you that they wouldn't think twice about another celebration.

Although I tend to usually go by the "rules", when babies are involved, I think some of the rules are dumb.  Those that are close to you want to celebrate.  I wouldn't invite coworkers unless they are personal friends.  The invitees will probably know what you need or not need.

Amy720

When we got Ben dedicated at church, we invited of course--grandparents, my brother and SIL and my DH's sister and BIL and nephews.  I also invited my aunt and uncle and cousins.  We just got some sandwiches to eat after the ceremony and then just fellowshiped for a few hours at our house.  Anyway, I don't think you can ever have too many parties...LOL!

kmkaull

PSU-NCBride:

A small ceremony and lunch at our home with the guests. Does that sound normal?  

This is exactly what we're hoping to do.  Q's adoption will be finalized in late Nov/early Dec.  We will have him baptized  a week or two after.  Lunch with just family and godparents at home after.

My struggle is what to do about his birth mom and her mom.  I know they would love to attend the baptism, but inviting them to the lunch doesn't feel right.

sh4602

for vinnie's baptism we had about 28 people at our house. this was when he was 3 months old. our finalization was in may just about 9 months later so we had a big 1st birthday party in july.

PSU-NCBride

Thanks ladies. I agree about parties. I love planning them. I need more friends to get married or have some babies so I can plan things for them too!?

Art Teacher

I wrote a reply to you, but now it's gone...very weird!

Anyway, I just said that I think the party with family and a few friends that are close is fine.  Sounds nice!

I love planning parties, too -- wish I could have more of them!