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Having a new baby in the family is very fulfilling and exciting. Of course, to moms like me who loves to organize family gatherings and parties, baptisms and birthdays and other baby occasions are ways to "show-off" ideas and actually making it happen.
Just like organizing and planning our wedding, I had so much fun and stress at the same time planning for our Inigo's baptism. I only had 3-weeks to organize the event and yet, I am happy with how the day went.
Here's how my planning went:
1. Inform your church. Before, members of the Catholic church can choose which church they want their children baptised until recently, a memo was released ordering the strict implementation that baptism should be held where your parish is. For example, if you live in Alabang, you can only have your child baptised in the parish of Alabang.
2. Pick your baptism date. Most of the catholic churches administers baptism every sunday but you have an option to have a special or private baptism at your preferred day and time. For us, we opted to participate in the mass baptism because the priest is not available to administer the baptism on feb23 hence choosing feb24 mass baptism schedule.
3. Determine your guests and Godparents. This will determine your budget when it comes to food and other stuffs like giveaways/souvenirs. We had apprixmately 150 guests so that's where we based our budget.
4. Look for reception venue and caterer. This is the next logical thing to do after accomplishing 1,2 and 3 tasks. It would be better if the reception venue is near the church so as to save guests time and effort going to the place. As for the catering service, look for one who is reputable in delivering good, tasty, and yummy food as this will only be your guests' concern since usually, there is no program involved in a baptism reception unlike in weddings and birthdays.
5. Shop for the stuffs. Next is shopping for baby's christening clothes and other baby needs such as white hanky, white cap or bonnet, etc. Also, scout for stuffs needed in decorating the reception venue like, balloons, table centerpieces, cakes, tarpaulin, giveaways/souvenirs, etc. Better if you incorporate a theme which will help you decide and give idea on how to decorate your venue. Inigo had the Little Prince theme. The colors are yellow and royal blue. We put in his tarpaulin the little prince character and so in the invitations. We had cupcakes as giveaway to kids which had a crown as the topper.
6. Distribute invitations. A week before the event is the ideal time to distribute invitations so that guests don't forget the date (most of the time, guests forget the event if invites are given too early) and at the same time, give them ample time to look for a perfect present for your little one. Baby registries are now available in selected baby shops which you would want to take advantage of. We have registered in Rustan's and MaxiStores. This is also the perfect time to inform your chosen godparents that they are indeed chosen.
7. Attend your seminar. The catholic church requires that parents and two godparents attend a seminar or a lecture prior to the event. Usually this happens on the day of the baptism, an hour before the event.
8. Enjoy the event and celebrate the christianity of your child. As parents, we should not forget to celebrate the real essence of baptism which is welcoming our child to the world of christianity. Let us remember that our responsibility of bringing up our child in our faith only starts in the day they were baptised.
I and Daddy Ian are truly praying that our Inigo will grow up to be God-fearing and has faith in the Lord.
