Baptism Dress Code for Parents (2024)

Baptisms are special days for the entire family. They are the celebration of a precious little one being welcomed to a faith that has guided their parents through life, and perhaps their parents’ parents before that. The christening ceremony is always one for the picture books; therefore, there are a few reasons you should be dressed to impress. Here are a few do’s and don’ts parents and organizers may want to consider to master the baby christening dress code.

Can You Wear Jeans to a Christening?

Jeans at baptisms are a definite no. You'll want to skip the denim unless you're having a casual post-christening get together. Consider soft cotton if you're looking for comfort, but make sure your pants are well-tailored. For a fun and endearing way to support your little one on their big day, you can match your baby's christening dress to your baby girl’s, or to your son’s boys baptism outfit. Matching your christening wear as a family is often a popular option, because it helps create the striking, polished pictures you will love for the years to come.

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Can You Wear Sandals To A Christening?

The shoes you can wear to a christening depend on their design, and how dressed up, flashy or eccentric they appear. Men's sandals are often very “lax” and casual, while women's sandals can have more intricate designs, and offer a dressed-up allure. If you opt for sandals for the ceremony, you will need to make sure your toes are manicured, and that the shoe is made from a suitable, sturdy material such as leather.

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photos courtesy of @josephineacreativelife

Can You Wear Black to a Christening?

There’s no official rule against black at a christening. Generally, you’ll want to consider the atmosphere of the church you are attending to decide on how “grown-up” the baby christening dress code is. The more formally the guests are expected to be dressed, the blacker may pass. However, even when dressed in black, you'll want to leave space for a hint of color perhaps with a tie or shoes, tolighten the vibe of your look.

Can You Wear Leopard Print To A Christening?

When it comes to christening ceremonies, anything too flashy or attention-grabbing is often considered vulgar. You'll want to leave the gold accents, animal prints, and overly-revealing fabrics for the birthday parties or meetups with friends or colleagues. In a church, you'll need your chosen clothes and accessories to be traditional, elegant, and demure. If you're looking for something bright and “happy” that will not seem in bad taste, consider pastels such as pink, or a modern gray.

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photos courtesy of @josephineacreativelife,

ft.the Marita Collection

Your baby christening dress code is more relaxed than you might think; however, you'll want to stay away from options too casual or attention-grabbing for the church. For inspiration on matching your angel’s outfit to your own christening wear, consider our range of baby christening gowns or modern boys christening outfits.

  • Marjory J.

    We are catholic and our parish does baptisms on Easter sunday mass.It is a tradition for the girls,little girls,preteen and teen girls to wear a white,infant style baptism gown and bonnet with lace anklets or tights and white maryjane shoes and under their gown a white undershirt with a cloth diaper and plastic pants.They are like babies and show their purityby wearing the outfits for the day.

Baptism Dress Code for Parents (2024)

FAQs

What should parents wear for baptism? ›

Many baptisms are semi-formal to formal events, so dressing in attire that aligns with these levels of formality is often appropriate. This may include suits, dress pants, blazers, dresses, and dress shoes.

Do parents have to wear white for baptism? ›

Christening is a special occasion for both baby and parents alike. For many, it is an opportunity to welcome their child into the Christian faith. While there is a significant meaning behind wearing white, it is not a requirement, and you can christen your baby in whatever clothes you feel comfortable with.

What do older children wear for baptism? ›

What Should Children Wear During a Baptism? Children attending Catholic baptism ceremonies should typically wear their normal church clothing, although they may dress more formally for the occasion. Suits are not a requirement, but they are entirely acceptable. Boys suits are a popular choice for many.

What colour do parents wear to christening? ›

While white clothing is still considered to be appropriate, other colors are also acceptable. Black and navy are two of the most popular choices for adults attending a christening. It is important to avoid wearing anything that is too casual or revealing.

Do godparents pay for baptism outfit? ›

Usually, yes depending on tradition. In some cases, it will be a welcome gesture for the Godparent to purchase the Baptismal gown or outfit and be there at the ceremony to dress the baby. Even if a godparent doesn't purchase the baptismal outfit, it can be a nice gesture for one to be there to dress the baby up.

Do you give the parents a gift for baptism? ›

It's customary to give baptism gifts at the reception following the religious ritual, but you can also send your present to baby and their parents postevent—especially if you've been invited to the celebration but have to miss it.

What color should you not wear to a baptism? ›

Pastel touches or pastel outfits work well but avoid black and dark colors. You cannot go wrong with a traditional white christening gown for boys or a traditional white christening gown for baby girls too.

What to wear for an adult baptism? ›

Church, we practice baptism by full immersion in water – meaning you are going to get soaked! You will want to bring extra, dark colored clothing you do not mind getting wet. Most people wear dark shorts or pants and a dark t-shirt. You may want to bring sandals or flip flops to walk around in before and after.

Can you wear jeans to a christening? ›

While jeans are a staple in casual style, they are considered a bit too relaxed for christenings. Remember this is a time when conventional dress codes lean towards a more semi-formal. It's better to choose trousers or dress pants that elevate your ensemble in harmony with this special occasion's dignity.

Can you wear red to a baptism? ›

Subdued shades, such as burgundy or dark red, may be more acceptable for such an event than bright red. Second, if you are confident that such a dress is suitable for you and will present you well, it can be a good choice for a baptism.

What is the appropriate age for baptism? ›

But when exactly was that? The answer finally came when the Lord described how parents should teach their children about the gospel. He said, “And their children shall be baptized for the remission of their sins when eight years old, and receive the laying on of the hands” (Doctrine and Covenants 68:27).

What do you wear under a baptism robe? ›

The church will provide you with a t-shirt. You should also wear a pair of shorts or something that you feel comfortable in when it gets wet. It is best not to wear any light colored clothing or jeans.

What should the mom wear to a baptism? ›

For women, suitable attire includes a dress or skirt that falls below the knee, a blouse, and preferably a sweater or cardigan. Low-cut necklines should be avoided when attending a Catholic baptism.

Should parents wear white to baptism? ›

The short answer for this: yes, you can! White is a colour commonly associated with innocence, purity, and new beginnings, making it the perfect colour for a ceremony like a christening. White is a classic colour, one that is simple and elegant, making it a fitting choice for a christening.

What's the difference between a christening and a baptism? ›

While many Christians use these terms interchangeably, they have slightly different meanings. A christening is a ceremony in which a child is given their Christian name in the presence of the church, family, and friends. A baptism is a religious sacrament, or ritual, that initiates someone into Christianity.

What color should you wear when getting baptized? ›

As a symbol of purity, white has been the standard color for baby christening and baptism clothing for centuries to honor the Holy Spirit and God.

What do adults wear to their baptism? ›

You will want to bring extra, dark colored clothing you do not mind getting wet. Most people wear dark shorts or pants and a dark t-shirt. You may want to bring sandals or flip flops to walk around in before and after. Changing facilities will be available, and there will be a set time for you to change.

What not to wear to a christening? ›

Bottom Line. Whether you're looking for a baptism dress code for godparents or guests, it's important to dress respectfully and modestly. Do not wear excessively casual attires, items with offensive messages or images, attention-seeking attires or accessories, or anything too revealing.

What to wear when becoming a godparent? ›

A smart suit

It is entirely up to you whether you decide to go for a colour blazer and pants combination or want to keep it traditional with a white smart suit. Either way, you can enjoy the elegant and feminine looks of wide-leg pants that are super comfortable and a popular type of occasionwear for this year.

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