How to Plan a Summer Christening 

Formally dressed little girl holding stuffed animal playing with balloons outside.

Summertime is a popular time for christenings. Warm weather and outdoor events make it the perfect season for welcoming a new member of the family. If you’re planning a summer christening, there are some things you need to know in order to make sure everything goes smoothly. In this blog post, we will discuss how to plan a summer christening outdoors, what kind of attire is appropriate for a summer christening, and other important details. We hope that this information will help make your outdoor christening celebration a success!

Determining the Right Time of Summer

Many summer outdoor events are planned around the weather, in particular the heat. While the summer heat can be harsh, it doesn’t have to prevent you from enjoying time outside. If you are planning an event, such as a childs baptism, it is important to consider the time of day and the location.  

Planning an event in the early part of the season is a good way to beat the heat. You can also choose a location that provides shade, such as a park with mature trees, or an outdoor venue with awnings or umbrellas.  

Another option would be to have the baptism indoors during the hottest part of the day then have the celebration outdoors early in the morning or later when the sun is setting. By taking some simple steps, you can enjoy all that summer has to offer without suffering from the heat. 

Picking the Perfect Outdoor Location 

When you’re planning a summer christening, one of the most important things to consider is the location. You’ll want to find a spot that’s both beautiful and meaningful.  

  • The park might be a good idea if you’re looking for a scenic setting.  
  • If you have a large backyard, that could be perfect for hosting a more intimate gathering.  
  • Consider renting out a summer home or someone else’s house.  

Many people have their baptism ceremony at their local church and then hold a party or reception at a separate location. No matter what location you choose, just make sure it’s one that will create lasting memories for you and your guests. 

Letting your Guests Know What to Expect 

Even the best-laid plans can go awry, and summer entertainment is no exception. If you find yourself in a bind and are unsure of how to proceed, the best thing to do is communicate openly and honestly with your guests. 

A christening party may have to be moved indoors if the weather doesn’t cooperate, or a naming ceremony might need to be postponed due to a sudden rainstorm. Whatever the case may be, your guests will appreciate your transparency and will be more understanding if they are kept in the loop.  

Planning an infant baptism is tricky when a baby is so young, so just remember to keep each guest in mind (as they will for you) and inform them when there is a change of plans. If you’re ever in doubt, remember that communication is key when it comes to summer entertaining.  

Preparing for the Weather 

While the weather is usually perfect for outdoor parties, there is always the chance of rain. Here are some things to do in preparation in case it rains: 

  • Check the forecast for the days leading up to the event and be prepared to change the venue if necessary. 
  • Set up tents or canopies in case of showers. 
  • Prepare flooring to protect guests from getting muddy or wet. 
  • Have a backup plan for food and drinks in case grilling is not possible. 
  • Have a contingency plan for entertainment in case outdoor activities are not possible. 

With a little planning, you can be prepared for anything the summer weather might throw your way. If there is even a slight chance of rain, don’t hesitate to pack an extra christening outfit for your child and even an outfit for you too! 

Christening Party Dress Code 

A christening party is a beautiful way to celebrate your new arrival and can be a fun, relaxing affair for all involved. However, as the host, it’s important to make sure your guests are aware of the dress code so that everyone is comfortable and dressed appropriately.  

If you’re not sure what the attire should be, consider the setting of the christening and the time of day. A daytime christening in a church might warrant more formal attire than a backyard barbecue christening in the evening. 

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what will work best for your event. Once you’ve settled on the attire, be sure to include it on the invitation or let your guests know in advance so that everyone can enjoy the occasion without any fashion mishaps. 

Choosing Summer Decorations 

Decorations can be daunting if you don’t know where to begin. When deciding what decorations to use for the christening party, there are 3 key factors to keep in mind: 

  • Which theme suits my child best? 
    • There are so many adorable themes to choose from! Don’t forget their favorite colors, books, or toys to help your decision. 
  • What colors should I use? 
    • Keep the theme in mind when choosing, but since this is a summer baptism, the colors should also be vibrant and happy. Think orange, yellow, green, pink… 
  • How much do I have to spend? 
    • Before planning too far, make sure you create a budget for the christening party so that you don’t go overboard. Break it down into sections to help determine how much can be spent on the decorations.  

Once you have decided on a theme, colors, and budget, begin shopping for the perfect pieces to make your reception stand out! 

Read More: Get Inspired By These Baptism and Christening Decoration Ideas 

Serving a Summer Menu 

If you’re planning a christening party, you’ll want to serve light, refreshing snacks that won’t weigh your guests down. Some snack ideas for an outdoor christening include: 

  • Fruit platter – with lots of bright colors and tasty treats, your fruit platter is sure to be a hit 
  • Veggie platter – a healthy option with the choice of adding a dip or spread for added flavor 
  • Cheese board – filled with a variety of cheeses and meats, nuts, olives, etc. No one will be able to resist your charcuterie board! 
  • Sandwich platter – a hearty option for a lunchtime menu to please your guests 

These are only a few options to include so be sure to find your family favorites to mix and match for the perfect summer menu. Also, don’t forget about guest food allergies or preferences including: 

  • Vegan/Vegetarian  
  • Gluten Intolerance 
  • Nut/Shellfish Allergy 

Providing a variety of options ensures that there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With a little planning, you can easily put together a spread that will please your guests and make the day truly special. 

Sending Invitations 

A baby’s baptism is one of the most important memories of their childhood, so it is vital to communicate with your family to make sure all schedules line up, including the grandparents, godparents, and any other important people in the child’s life. Invitations are crucial when planning a summer christening, but it can be made easier if you follow these steps: 

  • Decide who is invited 
    • Typically, the people invited to a child’s baptism are the parents, siblings, grandparents, and godparent(s), as well as any other close family or friends 
  • Create the invitation  
    • While creating the invitation, don’t forget to make it match the theme of the party and include the location, time, date, and rsvp number. 
  • Send them out in advance 
    • Be sure to give your guests plenty of time to add your child’s christening to their calendar by sending out the invitations 4-6 weeks in advance. Then sit back, relax, and wait for those reservations to come in! 

Read More: Baptism Invitations Guide with Resources 

Summer Christening Clothes & Accessories for Baby 

As you can see, there are many things to consider when planning a summer christening. By following these tips, you can be sure that your event will be beautiful and memorable. Christenings are special occasions that deserve to be celebrated in style! Bebe Couture understands how important it is to make sure your baby looks perfect on their big day. That’s why we offer outfits, accessories, and gifts that are sure to make your summer christening celebration extra special. Browse our collection today and find everything you need to create a perfect summer christening for your little one. 

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