Choosing a dress for a baptism should be a memorable and meaningful occasion. Getting baptised is a ceremony that possesses a lot of meaning to both the child and the family. Because of this, you want to make sure that everything is right for that special day. Some families will have a variety of christening gowns at their disposal, which have been passed down from generation to generation. Naturally, these garments hold special significance to the family. For other families, however, choosing a new dress could be the beginning of a new family tradition. If you’re preparing your young child for their baptism, here are several things you need to consider when evaluating christening gowns for the special occasion.

What is the significance?

A baptism is a religious ceremony that occurs in most Christian denominations. It is often a very private and intimate family occasion. The sprinkling of water on the child’s forehead symbolises the purification of the soul and admission into the Christian Church.

The colour

Most christening gowns are white or a light shade. However, some faiths don’t enforce this colour requirements. In this case, some dresses feature mint green, pale peach or a light pink shade on the garment.

The fabric

The fabric is a very important consideration. You want to ensure that your child is comfortable throughout their baptism. Cotton, linen, silk and other natural fibres are very breathable and are generally the most comfortable for the child. Cotton and silk christening gowns are perfect for those hot days, so if you live in a hot climate, cotton and silk are the way to go. Alternatively, if you’re expecting the day to be cold, you can always purchase a baptism blanket, which will help keep your baby warm if it gets a bit chilly.

Accessories

If you want your child’s baptism dress to look as good as possible, you should certainly consider adding some nifty accessories. You should consider the following:

• Socks
• Slippers or shoes
• Bracelets
• Hats
• Bibs

The main thing you need to remember when adding accessories is colourings. You need to make sure that any accessories complement the colour of the dress. Therefore, light shades are generally preferable, since it is far easier to incorporate accessories that suit the aesthetic.

Can boys wear christening gowns?

Traditionally, baptism dresses are worn by both boys and girls. There are plenty of christening gowns available that are designed to be unisex; meaning they can be worn by both boys and girls. Often, these unisex dresses come with a bonnet (for girls) or a hat (for boys).

Styles

There are plenty of styles available, so it’s up to your personal preference. Do you want your baby to wear something that your mother or grandmother wore, or would you prefer your child to be dressed in something more modern? There is no right or wrong answer. At the end of the day, you want your baby to look beautiful and gorgeous in their photos. You don’t want to be looking back at photos of your child’s baptism and be ashamed or annoyed at the dress you chose. You’ll start thinking about all the christening gowns you could have picked. Just pick the one you’re most satisfied with and have no regrets.

Cost

The cost for a baptism dress can vary quite significantly, ranging from around $50 to well over $500. Regardless of your budget, there is certainly a dress in your price range. If you want a good price or deal, make sure you start shopping about a month before the ceremony. This will give you time to shop around and check out any new deals available. Giving yourself more time to shop is also beneficial as it means you won’t have to worry about shipping times if you order from an online retailer of christening gowns.