WWYD? Baptismal Gown

cocojack10 · May 2010

My wedding gown is still sitting in its same state since after the wedding in the garment bag. I dont' know what to do with it. It was a very economical gown, so I doubt I'll get anything for it it at a consignment, or reselling it.

So, I was thinking of making the baby's baptismal gown... but now there is 2. I'm pretty sure there is enough material for 2 gowns, but then in the future, only one gown will be used.

FIL is going to Spain this week, and wants to buy the babies something, and he was thinking of bringing them their baptismal gowns (they have gorgeous things there). Possible issue (more personal than anything else) 1) how about if I don't like them? I can't return them! 2) it is something sentimental IMO and I wanted to be involved in choosing them (or at least DH if he were going on the trip).

I already gave FIL the heads up on my plan, and he was annoyed b/c now he doesn't know what to bring back babies! I was thinking of maybe a nice blanket or pretty white outfit? I DON'T KNOW! LOL I wish MIL were going so she can help choose... men are clueless at times.

Suggestions?

GenaAndJosh · May 2010

Honestly, we had the same issue with the 'coming home outfit'. DH and I just simply stated, a few times, that we will be purchasing the outfit outselves.

If this is something that you want to do, then go right ahead. He can be annoyed all he wants, but you are still the parents!

MrsJOSEnADRI · May 2010

I agree! There are so many beautiful things to choose in Spain maybe you can suggest a few things, like blankets, outfits for their first bdays, etc., and just emphasize that you really want them to wear a sentimental piece like outfits made from the fabric of your wedding gown. At least, men get over things like this quick, lol.

mrsjessnjorge · May 2010

I like the idea of using your wedding gown, but like you said, in the future only one will be used. So IDK if it's worth making them. I hated the gown we used for Nico's baptism but it's like 60 years old and has been used by everyone in my DH's family. So I had no choice. At the end of the day, it was nice to have something of sentimental value even though I would have never, ever chosen that.

How about you have your FIL bring you back some nice outfits that the kids can change into after the actual baptism? That way you still get to chose the gown.

Snshine · May 2010

I looked into having my wedding dress made into a baptismal gown and it was crazy expensive! I never imagined it would be so much more than buying a new one. That being the case I wanted to get something new just for the occasion. I certianly saw some I did and didn't like but it was a baptism gown, something only worn once that you can't generally see all that well anyway. My mom asked to get Kate her gown and I agreed, I didn't think it was a big deal and she generally has good taste. I told her I wanted something simple and on the plain side. I happen to really like what she picked but because it was from her it was special. I (personally) would feel the same way if my FIL was going to Spain and wanted to get my children their gowns but everyone is different about these things. It may also be that Kate is a second child and I was more practical that the first time. IDK, but there's my 2 cents.

(Kate's dress is here - https://dawnandwalter.com/wordpress/?p=1231 - if you're interested)

cocojack10 · May 2010

Dawn, Kate's dress is gorgeous! Very pretty. Where is it from, if I may ask?

My cousin converted her wedding dress to a first communion dress for her daughters and the lady only charged $100, which I thought was very reasonable.

I do like Jess' idea of getting an "after ceremony" outfit.

I'll have to talk to Dh further in detail. I had originally wanted to use the gown BIL has used on his children but 1) he only has one gown, and 2) our children may just get baptized together!

chunky777 · May 2010

I have to agree with you about FIL buying things. My father & fil are clueless about purchases except those that involve TV's. LOL So I would suggest a nice white blanket you can use at the baptism and keep for the baby to use. Also, if he really wants to get them something, why don't you show him ideas of what you want, but I think that's pushing it a bit. Btw, Spain has BEAUTIFUL things for babies.

mjz · May 2010

I agree with you. I think it's a great suggestion for FIL to get white blankets the babies can use during the baptism. That way he still gets to contribute something special for the baptisms, but you're getting the sentimental value and ability to ensure you get something you like.

miamicubajam · May 2010

Jackie, we had told DH's best friend that we would love to give his daughter, her baptism outfit and the parents were thrilled.

Well the god mother decided to make her a gown and didn't say anything. What they did was use her gown at the church, to make god mother happy and they changed her into the outfit we purchased for the family lunch afterwards. She had a fabulous photographer that took beautiful pictures in both amazing outfits. I say if you feel uncertain about what FIL might bring back, maybe you can use it to change the babies into. Just a thought though. You do what you feel would make you and DH happiest.GL

MellyMelB · May 2010

MrsJessNJorge:

How about you have your FIL bring you back some nice outfits that the kids can change into after the actual baptism? That way you still get to chose the gown.

I like this idea! I had my grandmother make Sophia's gown. And this baby will use the same one. I am actually keeping my wedding gown just in case one of my daughters is the sentimental type and wants to use it.

I think my total answer is that it depends on your FIL's taste. Also....if he picks something up that you like okay but is not perfect you can always have it/them altered slightly. Right now you do not know the sex anyway so it would have to be pretty simple and unisex and I am not sure how wrong he can go with that. Specify color, length, and sleeve type so he has something to work with. Tell him what to stay away from. That way he has something to start with. I actually think its an adorable idea for the grandpa to pick the gowns....as long as he follows your minimal specs.

cocojack10 · May 2010

MellyMelB:
MrsJessNJorge:

How about you have your FIL bring you back some nice outfits that the kids can change into after the actual baptism? That way you still get to chose the gown.

I like this idea! I had my grandmother make Sophia's gown. And this baby will use the same one. I am actually keeping my wedding gown just in case one of my daughters is the sentimental type and wants to use it.

I think my total answer is that it depends on your FIL's taste. Also....if he picks something up that you like okay but is not perfect you can always have it/them altered slightly. Right now you do not know the sex anyway so it would have to be pretty simple and unisex and I am not sure how wrong he can go with that. Specify color, length, and sleeve type so he has something to work with. Tell him what to stay away from. That way he has something to start with. I actually think its an adorable idea for the grandpa to pick the gowns....as long as he follows your minimal specs.

I did think about this too... showing him a few examples of outfilts I would like, so narrowing it down for him a bit. Need to think about it a bit more... but not too long; he leaves Thurs!

MariM · May 2010

You might think I'm nuts, but I'd just let him buy the gowns.

I spent so much time and MONEY searching for and buying the perfect gown and she wore it for such a short period of time, and honestly, all the detail I loved about it, you can barely see in pictures (AND I had a pro photographer).

Just tell him things that are non negotiables (for me, I didn't like those gowns that are suuuper long) and call it a day.

I think gowns from Spain are special!

cocojack10 · May 2010

MariM:
You might think I'm nuts, but I'd just let him buy the gowns.
I spent so much time and MONEY searching for and buying the perfect gown and she wore it for such a short period of time, and honestly, all the detail I loved about it, you can barely see in pictures (AND I had a pro photographer).
Just tell him things that are non negotiables (for me, I didn't like those gowns that are suuuper long) and call it a day.
I think gowns from Spain are special!

Mari, the more I think about it, the more I think I may just let him buy them! LOL

One less thing to buy and do when babies are here. I'm sure it will be gorgeous no matter what, and I can always save the wedding gown for the first communion, assuming I have a girl.

THANKS everyone for your input... much appreciated.

Snshine · May 2010

Kate's gown is from a little boutique in Palm Beach. It's very pretty but like I mentioned, you can't even tell from the photos (like Mari said). I say let him do it. Plus, because you don't know the gender, there is always room for alteration should you not like it and you can blame it on that. That being said, I think $100 to make your dress into gowns is a STEAL!

britishbride05 · May 2010

My sister got ours at Pottery Barn Kids.. it's beautiful, simple, silk, and no ruffles... exactly what i would've picked out myself. I didn't even know she was buying that... she surprised me at my shower with it! I would say let him buy it. Seriously, they wear the gown for the mass and then you change them. Save the money and spend it on adorable outfits from Janie and Jack when you can show them off and take pictures of them!

melly&jimmy · May 2010

I say let him get the gown from Spain. I am such a control freak - that when MH told me my MIL bought Chelsea's baptismal gown - he had preface it by saying, "Don't get mad..." After I turned steaming mad,,,I realized, I had to let it go. Seriously, they wear it for like one hour and there is a 50/50 chance you will love it. I did!

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