Christening Gowns

Things to Consider

Before you go shopping for a christening gown, ask yourself a few questions to help you narrow your search:

• What type of ceremony are you having? Do you want the ceremony to be traditional or do you want something with a more modern flare?

• What color do you want the gown to be? Of course white is the standard color for a christening gown, but other colors are becoming more popular. If you want to stray from white, investigate the symbolism behind different colors in your faith and choose accordingly.

• What is the weather likely to be in your area on the day of the ceremony? Warm and sunny? Snowy and cold? Choose a gown that will keep your child comfortable.

• What kind of accessories, like blankets and jewelry, will you need?

• Last but definitely not least, what is your budget? There are christening gowns out there that rival wedding prices in cost, and it’s easy to get carried away. Set yourself a ceiling price, and stick to it.

Once you know the answer to these questions, you are ready to go shopping. When you’re looking at gowns, pay special attention to the fine details. Make sure the quality is top notch and everything lies correctly. Also consider the fabric of the gown; don’t get anything that is likely to be itchy or uncomfortable for your child.

Where to Get Your Gown

One of the first places you might want to look for a gown is within your own family. Is there a gown used in other family christenings that could be passed down to your child? If you decide to go with a family gown, make sure you check the fit well in advance of the ceremony so there are not surprises on the big day.

If you’re buying a new gown, there are plenty of online resources for you to shop. Try some of these shops, where you’ll find a great selection:

• Baby Heirlooms
• One Small Child
• The Perfect Pear
• Baby Blessings
• Christening Essentials – This site is a good choice for both christening gowns and gowns for Bris ceremonies.
• Sunday Best – This site specializes in English and Irish gowns.

If you don’t want to shop online, department stores like JC Penny, Macy’s, and Sears also carry christening gowns. Your local religious merchandise stores, like Family Christian and Lifeways are also great resources.

Additional Christening Clothes

In addition to the christening gown itself, you will need to get socks, shoes, and a hat or bonnet for your child. Girls will also need a slip for under their gown. Since many people have a Christening Party after the ceremony, you might want to consider buying a special outfit to change your child into for the celebration.

Storing your Gown

If you want to keep your gown for siblings, or even your children’s children, you will need to store it properly. After the ceremony, get the gown cleaned as soon as possible. Even if you don’t see any stains the gown, that doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Invisible dirt stains can damage the material over the years and cause uneven yellowing. For the best results, have the gown dry cleaned with a fresh or soluble solvent. Point out any stains to the cleaner so they can give them special attention. Have your dry cleaner pack the gown in a commercial storage box, but do not have them vacuum seal the package. Store the gown lying flat and check its condition on a yearly basis.

For more information on proper storage, click here.

Closing Thoughts

Christening ceremonies are second only to wedding ceremonies in some families, and they can bring just as much stress. Don’t overanalyze the gown shopping process - remember to step back and enjoy the day, and the beautiful gown you have chosen.

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