Planning For Your Tot's Christening – A Guide
Welcoming a new little human into the world is such a special time. And for many Aussie families, planning a christening (or baptism) is a beautiful way to celebrate their child’s arrival, faith, and community. Even if it’s your first bub or your fifth, planning a christening can feel a little daunting at first, because it needs to be as meaningful as possible. Us parents at Marmalade Lion understand this. We’ve put together a friendly guide to help you plan your tot’s big day with love, intention, and just the right amount of sparkle.
What’s a Christening – Or Baptism?
A christening (or baptism) is a religious ceremony where your child is welcomed into the Christian faith. It often involves water being gently poured over your bub’s head by a minister or priest, and godparents making promises to help guide them in life and faith. It’s a meaningful moment for many families, regardless of how religious they might be.
In Australia, christenings are commonly held in churches – but some families opt for private ceremonies or more relaxed settings. The vibe and formality really depend on your beliefs, your church, and what feels right for your family.
Step 1 – Choose the Church and Book the Date
Start by choosing the church where you’d like the christening to take place. If you’re already part of a parish, have a chat with your local priest or minister. If not, you might need to contact a few local churches and find out what’s required. Some churches prefer to christen children of regular parishioners, while others are happy to welcome new families.
Once you've found the right fit, book your date. It's a good idea to plan at least a couple of months in advance, especially if you're eyeing a popular time of year like spring or around Easter.
Step 2 – Pick the Godparents
This part is both lovely and meaningful. Godparents are chosen to support your child’s spiritual journey and be a positive influence in their life. Traditionally, there are two godparents (usually one of each gender), but some families choose more. Just make sure whoever you pick understands the role and is happy to be involved.
It's also worth checking with your church – some require godparents to be baptised themselves, or even practising Christians. So best to ask the question early on.
Step 3 – Sort Out the Christening Gown or Outfit
Time to talk baby fashion. The traditional choice is a long, white christening gown – often passed down through generations. But these days, it’s totally fine to go with something a little more modern, as long as it’s respectful and appropriate for a church setting – comfortable wear for the baby in soft colours.
If you're planning a more relaxed or outdoor ceremony, a sweet little outfit like a romper or dress with a cardigan can look just as lovely. And don’t forget a spare change of clothes – just in case of spills, spit-ups, or mid-ceremony nappy disasters.
Step 4 – Plan the Ceremony and Reception
Once the date’s set, you’ll want to think about the flow of the day. Some christenings happen during a regular Sunday service, while others are private. Chat to your minister about what’s included, how long it takes, and whether you can include any personal touches like readings or music.
After the ceremony, most families host a get-together to celebrate. This could be a sit-down lunch, a backyard BBQ, or a simple afternoon tea. It doesn’t have to be fancy – it’s really just about bringing everyone together to share the joy.
Think about your guest list and choose a venue that suits the size and vibe. If you're hosting at home, it can be more relaxed (and budget-friendly), but a café or local hall means less cleanup at the end of the day!
Step 5 – Invitations and Keepsakes
Once the big details are locked in, send out your invites. You can go traditional with printed invitations, or modern and easy with digital ones. Include all the key info – date, time, location (of both the church and the after-do), dress code (if any), and RSVP details.
It’s also lovely to think about keepsakes – for your child, your guests, and the godparents. A personalised candle, a photo of the day, or a sweet thank-you card with a handprint from bub can all add that special touch. Many families also get a christening certificate or memory book to capture the details of the day.
Step 6 – Capture the Moments
This is a big milestone in your child’s life – so make sure someone’s on photo duty! It doesn’t really matter if you hire a photographer or ask a friend with a good eye and a steady hand, having those moments captured will be something you treasure for years to come. In case it’s a friend, just make sure they’re willing to be on duty during the ceremony.
If you’re planning something more intimate with just a few family members, even a few candid snaps on a phone can do the trick. Just make sure someone’s looking out for those key moments – the water, the hugs, the cake!
Step 7 – Relax and Enjoy the Day
After all the planning, it’s easy to get caught up in the little details. But the most important thing is to…….enjoy the day. There may be tears (from bub or you), spilt drinks, and someone will probably forget something – but it’s all part of the fun. Just make sure the most important things are not forgotten.
Focus on the love, the connection, and the meaning behind the moment. Whether you’re religious or not, a christening is a celebration of your child, your village, and the hopes you hold for their future.
Planning a christening doesn’t have to be overwhelming – it just needs to be meaningful. With a bit of preparation and a lot of heart, it can be a day full of wisdom, love, and joy. Keep it simple, make it personal, and don’t forget – the day is really about your little one and the people who’ll help guide and support them through life. Everything else is up for improvising.
