Party planning for your baby’s special day.
No sooner had the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge revealed the name of their new baby, Princess Charlotte, than bookies were taking bets on when and where her christening would be. While most parents celebrating a new arrival with family and friends won’t have the eyes of the world on them, the occasion is no less special. Whether you are planning a traditional christening or a naming ceremony, here are a few pointers to help make sure it’s a memorable day for you and your family.
Choosing a venue
Once you’ve chosen your Godparents or mentors, and checked when they are available, the next step is to find a venue. Princess Charlotte’s christening will most likely be held at the Chapel Royal in the grounds of St James’ Palace, the same as her brother, Prince George’s christening before which the royal couple held a very informal tea party at Kensington Palace. For many people the venue for the ceremony will be a local church. Unless there is a church hall available for hire, this usually means finding a separate venue, as the royal’s did, for the christening party. It is important to choose somewhere close to where the ceremony will be held. If you are inviting families with young children it is a good idea to choose a venue with plenty of space, and ideally provide some kind of entertainment or a separate area where children can play. Many people will bring gifts for the baby, so it is also good to check in advance if the venue has a secure area to store any presents so you can give all your attention to enjoying the day.
What to eat?
The timing of the ceremony will largely determine the type of menus you consider when choosing catering for the party. Tea parties are very popular for afternoon ceremonies, like the royal party for Prince George, while a fork buffet or family lunch is more suitable following a morning ceremony. It really depends on who you are inviting and how far they have travelled, because after a long journey people will need, and may well expect, something substantial to eat.
The christening cake has traditionally been the top tier of the parental wedding cake, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge saved the top three tiers of their 11-tier wedding cake for Prince George’s special day. Stored this way the icing will need to be re-done, but once defrosted the cake should be as good as it was on the day. This tradition, however, is less common these days. If you are planning on buying a new cake, either fruit or sponge works well, and there are lots of decorations to choose from. Opt for something you like, but make sure you’ve got the basics – white icing, and the baby’s name and date of the occasion.
Giving the right impression
The invitations might go out a month or so ahead, but they are still an essential part of making sure your day goes smoothly. The invitation gives guests an idea of what to expect from the day and you should ensure that any important information is clearly visible. Don’t forget to include, times; directions; details of refreshments; any dress code, and a date by which to RSVP with a contact address and telephone number. Also, remember to invite the vicar, priest, or whoever is leading the ceremony, as a thank you for the service.
The star of the day
All eyes and cameras will be on your little one, so you want the baby to be dressed for the occasion. It is expected that Princess Charlotte will wear the same christening gown as her brother George, which was a replica of the gown worn by 60 royal babies, going back to Edward VII in 1841. The original Spitalfields silk-satin gown, with cap sleeves, a lace overlay and a bow at the neck, was last worn in 2004 by Lady Louise Windsor, daughter of the Earl and Countess of Wessex. If you are looking for similar heirloom clothing, then quality is key. It’s important that your child is comfortable, so choose natural, breathable fabrics such as silk, organza, linen, cotton or gabardine. Remember too that babies grow fast, so it’s usually best to leave purchasing the baby’s clothes until nearer to the day.
Capturing the moment
Videos and photographs are all part of creating a lasting memory of the day. You might like to hire a professional photographer. However, you need to check in advance if photos are allowed during the ceremony. Some churches don’t allow this, so check and make sure that the guests are aware what is permissible on the day. Many people opt for family or friends to take photographs at the ceremony and party, and then stop off at a nearby photography studio before or after the service for a formal family photo.