Once the excitement of the baby’s birth has passed and all the discoveries between mother and child fill the days of the first months of the new routine, it’s time to think about the baby’s baptism, that is, if this is part of your family’s traditions and beliefs. Some questions come up first, such as: should you throw a baptism party or not, who to invite, what is the ideal outfit for baptism, which party favor to choose. But above all, start by reflecting on the true meaning of baptism. Then, feeling confident about your intentions, move on to the next steps.

Meaning of Baptism

Baptism is a religious ceremony, present in various faiths1. In the Catholic church, it represents the first of the sacraments, considered a rite of passage. The child receives a blessing, symbolized by the holy water the priest pours on their head, marking the beginning of their life within Christianity. In other religions, baptism takes place at different stages of life, waiting for the age of understanding so that the person can confess their faith and their desire to lead a life obedient to God. Whatever your religion or belief, baptism is always a very special moment that deserves to be planned with a lot of love and care.

Baptism Preparations

First, you need to choose the date and time for the baby’s baptism and which church will host the ceremony. Decide if you will have a party after the baptism, and then think about the guests, party favors, what the baby will wear, and most importantly, who will be the godparents. Choose as godparents people with whom you have deep affinity and involvement, because you will be giving them a great responsibility! Think carefully and make the invitation as soon as you decide, so they will also have time to prepare and participate in everything. Oh! As soon as you choose the church, check if there is a requirement to participate in a preparatory course for parents and godparents, so you won’t be caught by surprise and can organize yourself properly according to plan.

When to Baptize the Baby

Usually, baptism in the Catholic church is held before the baby turns one, which makes it easier, since a younger baby is generally calmer during the ceremony, which lasts about 40 minutes. However, some people prefer to wait a bit and celebrate together with the first birthday, making one party for both occasions. If you choose this, consider some important tips we’ve highlighted in this article, which will certainly help you plan and manage all the arrangements for the birthday and the baby’s baptism, since it will be a double celebration! As with any celebration or ceremony, the most important thing is to prioritize family time, the baby’s well-being, and, whether you throw a double party or not, to capture every detail that marks this special milestone.

Who to Invite to the Baby’s Baptism

The baby’s baptism is a ceremony held at the church, and usually only godparents, family members, and close friends are invited. After the baptism, parents often prepare a small party to celebrate with those closest to them.

How to Organize a Baby Baptism Party

It’s common for the baby’s baptism to take place in the morning, which makes it easy to plan a lovely breakfast, a more intimate brunch, or a lunch. But if you love parties and never miss a chance to throw a great celebration, don’t worry—there are plenty of ideas to have an amazing baptism party and celebrate in style, without losing the delicate essence of this religious moment. If the baby’s baptism is held within the first few months, as expected, before deciding whether to have a baptism party, remember that soon you’ll need to plan the first birthday party. Postponing the baptism until closer to this date isn’t a problem, and you can join both celebrations into one party.

Tips for Organizing the Party

If you want, and are able, to have a separate party for each occasion, that’s great too. Here are some tips that will help you list all the important points to organize a beautiful party.

  • If you combine the baptism party with the birthday, be careful with the decoration you choose. Go for more delicate themes.
  • Use personalized invitations for the occasion. If you are gathering only godparents and family, you may choose to send an informal invite instead.
  • If the religious ceremony is early in the morning, a brunch is a good option for the celebration.
  • If the baptism ends near lunchtime, serving a meal is very appropriate. It can be at the parents’, the godparents’, or the grandparents’ house. Choosing a nice restaurant is also a great option.
  • A cocktail-style party is perfect for a more intimate gathering, with pleasant conversation and a family atmosphere.

The decoration for the baby’s baptism party should be more discreet, with delicate themes relating to the religious ceremony. A simple table decoration for the guests, flower arrangements, and an elegant dessert table for the cake and treats are enough to complete a beautiful baptism celebration. The most common colors for these decorations are white and other light tones. Offer a party favor to your guests. Simple or elaborate, there are countless options for every taste and budget.

Baptism Party Favors

This is the time to get creative! After all, the party favor will serve as a keepsake of this important occasion in the life of the child being baptized, and is a way to thank the godparents, friends, and family for being part of this moment. Even if you don’t throw a party, it’s a nice gesture to give a small favor, which can be handed out at the end of the religious ceremony. There are many traditional options for party favors at these events, like rosaries kept in delicate boxes, bottles of holy water, prayer booklets, small soaps, and “bem-batizado” cakes. Although common, these are great ideas and remain the top choices. But there’s nothing wrong with wanting to innovate and offer a different kind of favor, such as chocolates, personalized candles, scented sachets—really, you can use any ideas you would choose for birthday favors as well. If you’re crafty and have manual skills, you can use EVA, felt, and other affordable craft materials to create amazing baby baptism favors. Always think about angel, cross, or rosary themes and choose softer colors.

Baptism Outfits

There are many types of baby baptism outfits designed for this occasion. The traditional “mandrião,” a kind of baptismal gown, is ideal for children up to one year old, and is suitable for both girls and boys. These gowns are often family heirlooms, passed down from generation to generation. If the child is older, it’s best to choose formal clothing, preferably in white, which symbolizes peace and purity, closely linked to the symbolism of this celebration. Girls can wear a delicate white dress—it can even have some details in other light shades. Boys can wear pants, a shirt, or even a neat little romper, which looks super charming. Many moms keep the baby’s baptism outfit as a keepsake. If that’s your wish, take extra care in choosing the look. Oh! It’s traditional for the godparents to give the baby’s outfit, so if your chosen godparents want to do so, talk to them about your preferences and graciously accept their gift. With or without a party, celebrate the baby’s baptism with much love and harmony among your family and friends. It is truly a beautiful event and deserves wonderful moments to be remembered. Also read: How to Choose the Godparents for Our Children’s Baptism? Photos: Charmedstar07, MiguelRPerez, TattyOttani