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for those baptizing their babies...question for a party...

SAMANTHAGPSAMANTHAGP
in 3rd Trimester

We're planning to baptize the baby about a month after he/she is born. I always thought that we would have a party after the baptism (nothing crazy fancy, just at home probably in the backyard under a canopy etc). My mother said that since we just had a baby shower (at a banquet hall, women only, from both sides of the family), it seems like we're looking for more gifts by inviting people to the baptism and then back to our home...

I was planning to cater and rent a tent with tables and chairs, but nothing super expensive like at a restaurant...

What do you think? I mean I understand where she's coming from with the gift comment (most people in our families will give about a $100), but I think people expect to be invited to the baptism. After this party we wouldn't have anything baby specific until a communion I guess?

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Re: for those baptizing their babies...question for a party...

  • Traycee1242Traycee1242 member

    We will be having a party as well.... providing food and drink, etc.

    Some people will give gifts regardless.. But I will put in the invitation a mention of "no presents please"... that way no one feels obligated.

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  • Natalie27Natalie27 member
    Being Orthodox, it's a big thing to have the baby christened. I would go ahead and invite both sides of the family and I agree with Traycee1242 of just saying no gifts please...if they bring them...they bring them...can't stop people from being nice.
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  • sxu0007sxu0007
    We are doing the same thing.  You are not looking for gifts, you are celebrating your child being free from original sin and all that jazz...if people do not want to bring a gift oh well...your mom needs to lighten up LOL
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  • KSimone619KSimone619 member
    We're baptizing about 6 weeks after, and having a party too.  I don't think it's asking for gifts at all.  It's a celebration of life and welcoming baby into the church!  It's not like a shower where people are expected to "shower" you with gifts...and if people don't feel like they should give a large gift, they'll give some $ or a picture frame, etc.
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  • CalinsBrideCalinsBride
    If they feel its too soon to bring another gift, they won't bring one. A baptism is a religious rite of passage, it isn't a gift-grabby occasion. If people feel that it is one, then they are missing the point.
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  • Bride7-7-07Bride7-7-07
    We plan to baptize our daughter about 3 months after she is born.  We are having a party after at our church.  My mother's friend will be catering a brunch for church members and anyone that attends the christening.  If people choose to give gifts, that is totally up to them.  We aren't expecting anything though.
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  • cswinklercswinkler member
    We will baptize the baby when he is around a month old.  Normally after something like that we have a small meal.  Nothing fancy - usually at someones house.  Our problem is all our brothers and sisters won't fit in our house.
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  • 1SwtWld1SwtWld member
    Agree with previous posters.  Gifts aren't necessary for a baptism, but a lot of people give them.  People will recognize it for what it is--a religous celebration.  Maybe don't invite the whole world and just invite immediate family and your closest friends (which is what we are doing).  Your mom is probably worrying too much about what others think.  It's their choice to give a gift or not.
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  • MelissaM9MelissaM9
    We are going to have a BBQ at our house following the baptism. As PPs have mentioned we are going to be putting something along the lines of "no gifts please" on the invitation. My family throws a party for almost everything so they would probably be offended if we didn't throw a party for the baptism. haha. I think a baptism is a great thing to celebrate - I say throw your party and have a blast.
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  • ChrysallysChrysallys member

    I wasn't even going to have any sort of party but then decided at most I'd have a cake and punch at my grandma's so my family could get together.

    People give $100? Seriously? Why? That's not what the day is about.

     

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  • Nicole&MikeNicole&Mike
    Whether you have a party or not people will give you gifts.  We had a party or reception whatever you want to call is after DD's baptism and will this time also.  I think people would think it is weird not to have a party actually.
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  • tboneangel87tboneangel87
    A baptismal party is perfectly acceptable. I would do it. If you don't want people to feel like they have to bring presents I think there is wording in an invite that means no presents but your presence or something. Anyway, GL
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  • audo22audo22
    I think how you word your invitiations could help with this concern.  Make sure that you express that this is a celebration of your child entering your church/religion and it's purposes of which ever faith you are.  We are Catholic, and typically our family will bring a religious gift (bible, crucifix, or rosary) or they will give the child a check or a savings bond.  State something about a celebration of faith rather than "join us for a party."  Good luck!
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