How to Style a Baptism Party

If you’re in need of baptism party ideas to help create a special and memorable event for your loved one, then you’re in the right place!

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Our Catholic family takes sacrament parties seriously! We love to do it up and make a fuss. Maybe yours is the same, but you’re not quite sure where to start? The Pope may not be coming, but you still want your baby’s baptism party to be spectacular, right? Especially if you’re planning a baptism party for an infant, you likely are feeling overwhelmed. Having a newborn is hard enough – but then add throwing an event on top of it – that’s a recipe for parental meltdowns!

I’d love to share with you some things that have worked well for our sacrament parties to help alleviate some of your stress. So, if you’re looking for simple yet meaningful baptism party ideas, keep reading! I’m sharing all my top baptism party decor and tips.

This post is all about baptism party.

Baptism Party Decor

Let’s start with baptism party decorations. You can find the links and descriptions to each item shown below the image. Don’t forget to Pin for future reference! To Pin, just hover over the image and look for the Pin button to appear!

Baptism Party Invitations: Rather than sending a text, send a “real” invitation to your baptism party. As a busy mom, you’ll love that Minted will print addresses on your invite envelopes for a small fee! That means all you have to do is add a stamp and mail! PLUS they offer coordinating return address labels and thank you cards – to really up your invitation game!

2. Baptism cake topper: Top your baby’s baptism cake with a pretty “God Bless” pick. I love that the dove coordinates with the dove on the party invite! [image credit: Personalized and MBM]

3. Balloon arch: This gold and white balloon garland DIY kit will highlight your baptism cake table. No helium needed!

4. Baptism banner: Hang a “God Bless” banner under the balloon garland to tie your baptism party decorations together.

5. Plates/Cups/Cutlery: You’re busy. So getting a bundle of coordinating baptism party supplies in a few simple clicks will save precious time! This set of white and gold accented pieces is convenient – but doesn’t skimp on style.

6. Gold stripe napkins: Add another hint of metallic to your baptism party with these simple gold stripe napkins from Meri Meri, one of my absolute favorite party supply brands!

7. Ribbon: Rather than use a cutlery caddy, tie your utensils together in sets using this pretty gauze ribbon and place the sets in a basket. An easy, thoughtful details to add to your christening party!

8. Flowers: Baby’s breath is trending in event styling. Honestly, floral arrangements don’t get easier than this! So it’s great that it’s on trend AND super simple. Basically no arranging is needed, and these pretty buds still makes a charming baptism centerpiece statement.

9. Centerpiece vase: With all of the gold and white, this baptism party needs something earthy. This distressed, textured vase fits the bill. After your event, you can easily use these in your home decor!

10. Tablerunner: Gauze table runners add an etherial element to baptism tablescapes. I really love the peaceful, modern look of this neutral tone.

11. Tea lights: How pretty are these fluted tea light holders!? I have the larger version and adore it. You can use battery powered flameless candles instead of real if safety is a concern.

Baptism Party Ideas

After planning baptism parties for my three daughters (plus two first communions and one confirmation so far!), I have a few tricks up my sleeve that I’m so excited to share with you!

1. Religious Family Memorabilia

Chances are, you have a few special religious items around your house. Think family Bible, rosary, or crucifix. Gather those items, and use them as part of your baptism party decorations.

You can create a small vignette with all of them times. Or you can sprinkle them throughout the party.

I tried out this idea at my daughter’s confirmation dinner. In this example, I used the cake table as a space to feature a couple meaningful heirlooms.

Get grandparents and godparents in on it and ask if they have anything special to add to the display. I wish I had done this and imagine it would have sparked all kinds of amazing conversations and family story telling!

2. Family Photography

Connect your baby’s baptism to the past by showcasing family photos of other baptisms. Maybe it’s your other children’s baptisms, your own, grandparents, or other family members. Whatever you can track down!

A visual representation of generations making this all important commitment is a beautiful thing.

One of my favorite frames to use at parties for photos or signage is the Ikea Ribba. The thick frame allows it to stand up on its own without a kick back easel thing. (You know what I mean, right?)

Line up your family christening photos in frames on a mantle or console table. This is also the perfect backdrop for those special religious items!

3. Family Blessings

Dedicate a small area of your baptism party for family and friends to write a message to the newly baptized on a blank notecard. They can jot down a simple message of encouragement, something they treasure about their faith, or quote a favorite Bible verse. The cards can be sealed only to be open at their confirmation – or some other designated time.

Situate this activity is a somewhat private space, if possible – for those who may feel bashful or protective about their message. Offer a small basket for people to place their completed cards in. And keep plenty of pens nearby – since they have a tendency to grow legs!

I did this at all of my daughter’s first birthday parties (for time capsules), and wish I would have done the same at their baptisms!

4. Christening Favors

Sending your friends and family home with a small Catholic token of the thanks for attending your event is always a good idea. For a baptism party favor, you can easily gift a prayer candle, a small prayer card, a finger rosary, or a saint pocket coin. Pick a saint or prayer that has a special meaning to your family.