1. Begin with baptism-themed invitations:
- For customized invitations, there are a number of online sites that offer designs from the simple to the elaborate. Many allow you to upload a photo and create a photo card with your invitation. If you know the colors you wish to use with your decorations, use those in the invitations as well. This will help draw the entire party together.
- If you are creative and wish to make the invitations yourself, you can purchase a kit online or buy all the materials you need individually at a craft store (look for coupons in your Sunday paper to bring the cost down significantly). You'll want colored paper (glossy often looks more elegant), ribbon, envelopes, and stickers or embossments to seal the envelopes. Crosses, angels, baby feet, or even doves can be used as a theme, and matching stickers are easy to come by. (For a wide selection of sticker styles and colors, check out stickersgalore.com.)
- If you don't wish to order personalized invitations online or create your own, generic invitations can be purchased at local stores. You'll just need to write in the specifics of your party. (For one inexpensive option, search "baby baptism invitations" on target.com and you'll find invitations with matching thank you cards to send after the event.)
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2. Decorations set the mood for the celebration:
4 Steps to a Perfect Baptism Party
- Pastel colors accented with silver are frequently used for baptism parties. A search for "baptism tableware" will turn up numerous options for silverware, plates, cups, and napkins. You can then tie the napkins around silverware using colored ribbon to add more color.
- Table covers, streamers, flowers, banners, and balloons can also contribute to the color scheme and create a fun environment for the celebration.
- You can do double duty with your centerpiece and party favors by purchasing a Baptism Rosary Centerpiece. This centerpiece is actually comprised of individual rosary favors.
3. Food can come in a variety of options:
- First, decide if you'd like to serve a full meal, appetizers, or desserts. If you choose to have a meal, would you like people to sit down and be served, or would you prefer a buffet? Depending on what you choose, you may need place cards, people to serve the food, and a means to keep the food warm. You can rent buffet equipment from any party rental store in your area.
- Cakes and fruit punch are often a staple at baptism parties. You can order customized cakes at your local bakery. Cupcakes are also a fun and delicious option (don't hesitate to ask your supermarket bakery to bake and decorate them). Search online for wonderful 'fruit punch recipes' using that term exactly.
4. Make the moment last with baptism party favors
- You can provide meaningful favors that contribute to the religious and sacred nature of the event, such as rosary favors or baptism ornaments
- Edible favors, including photo cookies, decorated cookies with a cross or angel, and chocolate cross lollipops are fun for guests of all ages. You may choose to have them on the dessert table for guests to take as they leave, or they may be placed near the exit or on seats so everyone has access to them.
- A third option would be to make your own favors. Perhaps you'd like to go to a craft store and buy small wooden frames which you decorate yourself and fill with pictures of your child. Or make your own cookie favors, put them in a cellophane bag (found at any craft store) and tie with a pretty ribbon. The possibilities are endless.
Cassandra Biele is an event planner specializing in religious celebrations. She highly recommends the Baptism Favors offered at DivaEntertains.com