Get together after baptism?

celestialnyte

DH and I are going to have LO baptized and dedicated when his parents are here, somewhere between 1-2 months old. EVERY baptism I've ever gone to has had a get together after it. DH and I live in a 2 bedroom apartment, and his parents will be staying with us while they're here. I don't think it's very practical to have the get together in our apartment - there isn't a lot of room, not a lot of sitting space, only 1 bathroom ...

 That being said ... is having a baptism get together at a restaurant or something else tacky? Or should I be looking into other venues?  When we do it, people will be coming from at least an hour away, and I'm not sure that having a "just come to the baptism without a get together" would be appropriate, either. 

I could ask my parents if we could use their house, as it is about 500 yards from the church that we're going to be at, but I don't want to do that except as a last resort (I don't want to take advantage or anything like that.)

Suggestions? Thanks!

cmchristian

I would explain to your parents your situation and ask them if it would be ok.  You could also see if you could use the church also.  I know my church empties out after their last service.

celestialnyte

cmchristian:

I would explain to your parents your situation and ask them if it would be ok.  You could also see if you could use the church also.  I know my church empties out after their last service.

The church has no 'get together' space. Its literally just the church ... with a small lobby in the front by the front doors. 

Josie22

Every after baptism get together I've ever been to has been at a restaurant. Usually in a banquet/private area. The food has been provided by the parents.

octwed07

If people are coming from an hour away, i would probably host a little something I'm sure they'd want to chat with you and see the baby.  Does your church have a hall that you could use?  if not, i'd definitely ask your parents, since they live so close it would be so convenient and your guests wouldn't have to drive too far.  Maybe just ask your parents to have it at their place, but you'll take care of all the food arrangements? If you're under a tight budget, i'd just have some light appetizers, cake, coffee/iced tea.  

tcu_2003

I would ask your parents, or use a restaurant.  I just went to my cousins's new baby's baptism last weekend and they had the get together after the baptism at her in laws house as it's 3 blocks away from the church, and could much more easily hold everyone than their house could.  No big deal - her in laws were happy to open up their home, and my cousin and her husband provided the food, drinks, cake, etc. so it wasn't too much extra work for her in laws.

jamiah18

I dont think having it at a restaurant would be tacky. In my area, that is actually pretty standard.  I also like the idea of having it at a restaurant or hall bc then your entire family could be at the baptism without having to have someone at the house preparing the food. I've been to one baptism party at a house and bc everyone was at the baptism, the food took two hours to prepare and the guests were getting antsy. That might not be a reflection of having a house party and could just be poor planning in general, lol. My advice is do whatever is easiest and most convenient for you:)

MrsC968

I think having the reception at a restaurant is totally fine. Maybe bring up the subject with your parents about how your apartment is too small and you were considering having it x,y,z. Maybe they will offer their house without you having to ask.

emoxymoose

I don't think it's taking advantage of your parents to have the get together at their house as long as you help get things ready and clean it up afterwards. I mean, that's what parents are for, at least I know mine would love to help host a party for their grandchild.

JessieCupcake

There's nothing wrong with having it in a restaurant. I may end up doing that too because I live in a small apartment.

If your parents let them use their house that would be great. It's not taking advantage. Just let them know that you will clean up afterwards.  

giggles0918

I've seen get togethers at a restaurant afterwards.  I dont' think it's tacky and will probably be what I will do as well.

I think having it after at a restaurant would be fine. Is there a room at your apt that you can use?  I know mine usually had a party room or something else you could rent - that way you can lower the cost and you'll still be at your "place" in a way?

Sawyerplus1

We've just done small get togethers at our home afterwards. And we lived in a small apartment at the time. But we only invited immediate family and grandparents and god-parents (who happen to be immediate family). Anyway, all told it was around 20 people, so it was cramped but worked. We served a light lunch and had a little visit, no big party or anything. 

I think explaining it to your mom and asking to use her home would be fine. But so would a restaurant (though I suspect that's the more expensive option).

BR

Does your apartment complex have a clubhouse with a room you can rent?  Or is there a park nearby that you could do it in?  If not, a restaurant is perfectly fine.  Or your mom's house...I would mentionit to her.  If family is coming from far away, I would definitely host a little something, but it doesn't have to be anything big or expensive.

alisonann15

When my niece was baptised we out for brunch afterwards at a restaurant. Not tacky at all. We will be probably have our party at my dad's house. I don't think that would be taking advantage of your parents.