Steps to planning the Christening.

1. Selecting a church is the first and most important step in planning your Christening celebration. Then choose the date and reserve the church and the reception site. It is very important to do that as soon as you choose a date. Also now would be the time to consider a photographer.

2. The second step is to select the baby's godparents. Tradition says these should not be members of baby's immediate family although it is certainly fine to ask your siblings or cousins or even parents to take this role, the purpose of godparents is to expand the baby's family circle and to include people with like beliefs to your own. Many people think of Godparents as the people who will raise your child in your absence, this is usually not the case. Aunts and Uncles already have a special role in your child's life, consider asking a close friend, they will be honored.

3. Meet the priest, minister or clergy who will be conducting the ceremony to prepare for the Christening. Discuss what will happen , he or she will likely require that you attend a class.

4. The next step is to find the baby's Christening attire. Tradition says the Godmother is supposed to buy the outfit and the Godfather is supposed to buy the cake. Choose something special that can be passed on.

5.Choose invitations. Consider something with your child's picture. This encourages people to save those precious invitations for years to come versus throwing them out. The invitations should go out at least 3-4 weeks before the baptism. This allows even far away family to make arrangements to be there for the event.

6. Now is the time to consider the ceremony details. Here are some things you may want to consider purchasing, and some special touches that will make your ceremony extra special. - a personalised candle,have a towel or cloth embroidered with the baby's initials. An order of service, include Baby's name, the meaning, the date, Parents and Godparents names. A special wish or prayer for their life .

7.Plan a simple party to take place immediately following the Christening or naming. You can hold the party anywhere, a restaurant, home, church hall. Decide on your decorations. Choose a colour scheme or a theme to work from. Consider making a photo book to have guests sign like a sign in book. You get to keep a beautiful photo album with all the well wishes and your guests can look through gorgeous photos of your precious baby!

8.Organise the Christening cake. One tradition is that the top tier of the wedding cake is kept for the first born child's Christening.

9.Make sure you collect samples of everything to put in a pretty box to save for baby. They will bring wonderful memories to look through for years to come!