Has anyone ever combined (or witnessed) a wedding and a baby christening? Our 8 month old baby girl is going to be part of the wedding. The maid of honor is going to walk her down the isle and give her to her dad up front. The pastor will say a few words for our family and my mom will take her for the remainder of the ceremony. However, I'd like to put a twist on it and have her christening on this day. There are several reasons why I want to do it. I understand many people wouldn't want to do this. I would really appreciate advice or suggestions on the best way to approach making this a unique and special addition to the wedding. The pastor has agreed to it. We're meeting him this week. I'd love to hear imput or suggestions. This will be his first time doing both at once. I'd love to be prepared before we meet him. Our daughters God parents are in the wedding and all of our closest family and friends will be there. Any advice?
2007-11-07 02:07:24 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
I have one like this coming up next month. My primary concern was not to dilute the wedding ceremony. This is the foundation of your life and the biggest promise you will ever make.
You used the word "Christening" so it's not just a blessing you're looking for.
I think to do the Christening privately - so as not to rush any aspect of that ritual - and then do a family blessing at the end of the ceremony will work best.
Below is the text that I wrote with my couple. Good luck!
~ Family Blessing and Pronouncement ~
“Will the couple's children please join us?“
children come forward
“Children are the greatest gift that life can bestow upon a couple and you have already been blessed with two beautiful children. Let us give thanks and ask for God’s continued blessing upon you all.”
children are anointed with oil
“Lord God,
We thank you for the gift of love that brings forth life.
We ask that you forever bless and protect __ and ___.
May they grow to be strong and wise,
May they succeed in all ways important
and not fail in the small graces.
May happiness be their companion
through days that are filled with love and happiness.
pause
_bride_ and _groom_
May God bless your marriage and bring your souls
an abundance of spiritual and physical nourishment.
May you be strong enough to balance one another,
caring and giving enough to complement one another.
May you be prosperous in all ways, ever appreciative,
and grateful for all the gifts your marriage has brought.
May you see your children grow and thrive.
And may you live your lives together in perfect harmony,
As partners, lovers, parents, teachers and best friends.
You are now as your hearts have always known,
Husband and Wife You may now kiss the bride!
Bride and groom kiss
Ladies and Gentlemen it is my honor to present
Mr. and Mrs. __ and ___ ___ and Family!”
Bride and groom kiss each other and their children
then exit to greet their guests
2007-11-07 02:24:30 · answer #1 · answered by bountifiles 5 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Christening Ceremony Words
2016-12-18 03:23:37 · answer #2 · answered by remeika 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've never witnessed one but why not. Include the christening ceremony as a part of the wedding ceremony. A lot of couples do special family unity ceremony if one or both adults have young children from a previous marriage or relationship. The minister says a few words with the child or children present at the alter and sometimes the parents present the children with a family medallion necklace or bracelet as a reminder of the special day. In your case you would be not only committing to each other but also committing to the care and upbringing of your child in the presence of God. How special is that! If your Pastor doesn't have a problem performing the ceremony than I say go for it! Below is a link that outlines such a ceremony with in a wedding ceremony.
Congratulations!
2007-11-07 04:20:56 · answer #3 · answered by holmeskaykay 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's a wonderful idea.
Yes, it's your wedding day and it's supposed to be special, Well, your daughter is special and having her christened during your ceremony is a nice way to show that you are a family and you are proud of her.
Don't listen to the crap about having a baby out of wedlock. My husband had 4 kids and I had 1 when we met. We got engaged, picked a date and I got pregnant after that, Twice. My boys were 1 month and 12 months when we got married. It's been 7 yrs and we're as happy as anybody who got married before they had kids.
2007-11-07 03:13:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Both a wedding and a christening (as well as the celebrations and anniversaries) are big moments in life that should not be taken lightly. By combining them, it seems you are just trying to get them over with.
Until I know you have good reasons, I can't say it's a good idea. You should have them seperate.
2007-11-07 03:12:04 · answer #5 · answered by MOMof2 3 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Hey I've done that!! The wedding ceremony went as usual, right up to the pronouncement. At that time, I told the guests that this was a holy day, not only has the Bride and Groom pledged their life together in the sight of God and guest, but now we would like to make this a complete family in the sight of God. Therefore, would the Godparents of Cloe please bring her forward? (at this time the groomsmen brought up a table with bowl for the baptism.) Cloe was baptized, I then was proud to pronounce the bride and groom and baptized Cloe! Mom and Dad walked down the aisle first, then came the godparents and rest of the wedding party. It was truly lovely! Blessings to you, Chaplain Debby
2007-11-07 03:10:34 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
i think that would be a lovely thing to do because the people that might not be there for her christening normally and are there would be able enjoy two things at the same time
good luck and i hope everything goes well for you
2007-11-07 03:17:05 · answer #7 · answered by fiona 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why not? Save you some time & money. It's unconventional, but so is having a baby before your wedding, so what the heck. As is often said on this board, "it's your wedding - do what you want." But, in this case, it makes sense to me, and I think it is kinda sweet and would be a nice way to also incorporate you all as a family too.
2007-11-07 02:37:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 2⤋
You don't mention anything about the timing. But usually the bridal party gets there close to 2 hours before the wedding. So what I think of as an evening wedding is 6 or 7, which means the bride gets there at 4 or 5. Even in fall, that leaves time for typical outdoor pictures. However even if your location is too dark, usually a photographer scouts the area ahead of time and figures out what they need to do. Did you hire a professional photographer? Mine went out the w/e before to see--as when I booked her my church was under construction and it was unsure if landscaping would be done or if all the trees would be little saplings instead of trees. About 2 months before she looked at alternate locations (a neighborhood across the street had a very pretty entranceway). The w/e before the wedding she went back and saw the landscaping was done and nice and where she wanted to take the pictures. A professional photographer should know enough to be able to get the lighting right and figure out what location will show up best in pictures. After all, that is why you are paying a professional!
2016-03-14 01:27:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why Christen the baby at the wedding? Are you concerned that everyone present won't already be totally aware of the baby?
Have the Christening seperately- Please.
I'm shocked that your pastor has agreed to this.
No matter how progressive society has become, it's still in bad taste to make sure it's highlighted that the child was born out of wedlock and she deserves her very own celebration.
2007-11-07 02:18:10 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 7⤋