Who should be invited to a baptism?

Question

I am a newmom and we are baptizing our little girl in May. I am not sure of the process. Who do I invite? Just immediate family members (both grandparents, the godparents, uncle and aunts)? Is everyone suppose to attend church with us before the baptism? Am I obligated to host a small gathering afterwards or is going to a resturant good enough?

I am Vietnamese, my husband is Lebanese, we are both Catholic. My brother's girlfriend is Italian and she told me that the godparents are the ones buying the outfit. My mom's coworker is also Italian and said when her grand-daughter was baptized, the parents bought the godparents a TV. and they all went out to a very fancy resturant. We were planning to just invite immidate families of both sides, attend church, then lunch then the baptism then I was thinking of going back to our house for snacks. My mother in law suggest to take everyone to a buffe. I guess I have a lot of planning and organizing to do.

It's not going to be very formal but should an invitation be sent out anyway? Or would a verbal one be good enough?

Everyone's answer is so great. I am not sure i can choose a best answer. Thank you everyone for your answers...I will eventually make a decision.

Answer 1

First of all -- there is a small donation to the officiating pastor for the Baptism.

You only need invite the close family nearby .. and the Godparents (of course). The ceremony is usually outside of the 'normal' weekly service ... so it is not something that will be long and drawn out.

You are NOT obligated to host a small gathering or any restaurant trip for those showing up for the baptism in any way. However, a cake and maybe some soft drinks are ok to bring (but ask the church first!). I am sure that they have an assembly hall where you could have that little 'cake and soft drink' reception afterwards for the about 30mins to 1 hr after the Baptismal Service.

Answer 2

There is no classical ettiqutte unless you are orthodox or old school Italian. Usually invitations go out covering church and parties but if your not into hosting a crowd I suggest inviting immediate family only. Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles, and of course Godparents. Dont feel obligated to do anything though. You can always do verbal invitations but remind those you invite that there will be no formal invitation. That could cause confusion.

Answer 3

Congradulations! Invite your acquaintances and kinfolk. there will be a musical quantity, and then a prayer, and then a communication approximately baptism. you have dressed on your white jumpsuit earlier the assembly starts off. After the communicate, the curtains are opened and you and the guy who will baptize you step down into the water. he will teach you what to do. After the baptism, the persons in the objective marketplace will watch a video or sing hymns till you dry off and dress, at which factor they are going to sing a remaining hymn and function a remaining prayer. somebody generally brings refreshments for an casual meet and large after the baptism. The Holy Ghost is generally conferred here Sunday after the baptism. The baptism and affirmation could desire to be in the comparable ward, so the information don't get blended up.

Answer 4

invite who ever you would like to join the experience. generally if it's a private baptism (my church did them during church service so the whole congregation was present) then you only have to have godparents and grandparents of the child and of course the parents. it sounds like a private baptism. i don't think they have to attend church prior. i didn't host any type of gathering or go to a restaurant. we did have a special social hour after church. they had a nice cake and finger foods. punch etc. nothing fancy. you could ask the church if you and the people you invite can have a gathering in their social hall following if you don't want to do anything extravagant.

Answer 5

Everyone like grandparents and aunt and uncles and godparents. You are not obliged to have a party, but you might like to have a little party with a cake or something. It is a big moment in your daughters life, and I am sure she will ask you about it, so you might want some pictures or a video to show her.

Answer 6

Yes, invite all that you mentioned. It is etiquette for everybody invited to go to the church with you. A small gathering at a restaurant is very nice. Be sure you plan on having all those who attend to go to the restaurant ... that might help you decide who to invite. But certainly the immediate family for sure and maybe the closest friends.

Answer 7

Just immediate family members, and close friends that will be in the child's life, including, of course God Parents. It is appropriate to invite everyone to the service beforehand. In my personal opinion, a restaraunt is fine, as long as you pick up the tab. Throwing a party is such a huge ordeal, with preperation, and cleanup. I hope this helps!

Answer 8

It is a personal decision. I would definitely invite my family and close friends. I have done both the party at home and at a restaurant, again a personal decision and remember the party and who you invite is not the important thing, it's your daughter being dedicated to God and her church family.

Answer 9

depending how much money u want to spend with a baptism usually comes a part or some type of celebration after if you dont mind spending alot of money invite alot of ur family but if ur looking for something cheaper and smaller invite close loved ones not the whole world lol

Answer 10

immediate family and the godparents. Out to a restaurant is fine.