To think that this is utterly over the top? And a tad hypocritical?! And missing the point?!

[OneDayMySleepWillCome]

My sister is going to be godmother at a friends christening in April.

A run down of the christening is this:
-9am: christening breakfast for family & godparents at hotel where christening party is held. (40ish people)
-10am: hair and make up for female members of christening party
-1.30pm: christening service
-2.30pm: prosecco arrival at hotel
-3.30pm: 2 course meal
-5pm: Magic show and balloon artist for kids
-6pm: kids to be removed from venue
7pm- dance floor opens for adults, DJ et al

Right. Now, I don't mind if this is how these 2 (non church goers-practical atheists-only christening ds so she can get married in a church when she's older) want to spend their money. Fine. It will be a lovely day I'm sure! But Aibu to think this is thoroughly OTT for a christening?! I've certainly never been to one like this before?!

[Rosa]

I would be filling my handbag with crackers and snacks - nothing to eat between 9-3.30 and hitting the prosecco without food is probably not a good idea where there are babies involved!
But in reply it does seem a tad OTT!

[silveroldie2]

That's hysterical and completely OTT. Normally it's travel to
church - ceremony - back home for nibbles or lunch out.

[TheMoa]

Some people like a party

We're Catholic, and most of the families from the Philippines at our church do Baptisms on that scale - they have loads of Godparents too.

Why not, if that's your thing. I can't think of 40 people I'd know well enough to invite

[OneDayMySleepWillCome]

Don't get me wrong- I don't have an issue with it really they're lovely people and I think if this is they way they want it then that's they way they should have it, it's more just I was surprised someone would do a christening on such a big scale!

[redexpat]

Well it sounds a bit bonkers, and its not something i would spend that much money or time or effort on, but i guess its different strokes for different folks.

[OneDayMySleepWillCome]

Oh and 40 people is just the 'christening party' there are 120 invited in all!

[flowery]

The getting christened when not church-goers/believers bit is hypocritical but surely the rest is just a bigger "do" than most would have, rather than anything being specifically wrong with it.

[weeblueberry]

Maybe they didn't have a big wedding and are living vicariously through their child's christening.

[squizita]

Maybe they love to party!!

I can understand people having christenings for cultural reasons - although know some who do it very cynically to avoid the local rough school .

But each to their own. Some people just love a big ott do! Their money in it!

[bloodygorgeous]

Are they loaded? If so, fair enough (though a bit cringe). If they are not they are IDIOTS. Would far rather put away a few grand for their future then show off to friends.

[OneDayMySleepWillCome]

Nope, not loaded. Major contributions from grandparents to fund it. Yeah I generally agree, their day, their way. Not for me though- a bit flash!!

[FightOrFlight]

To think that this is utterly over the top? - Yes, it sounds OTT

And a tad hypocritical?! - Why? Because they aren't churchgoers? You could apply that to a lot of people who have their children christened.

And missing the point?! - Missing what point? The 'religious' point? If so, see above which also applies to non-churchgoers who marry in a church.

[OneDayMySleepWillCome]

I'm most looking forward to the magic show!!!

[squizita]

Also (though I am moderately religious. .. I irregularly to church but dinosaurs are fine by me! ) I might be sad like them.

DD is a rainbow baby after 3 losses. I wouldn't spoil her day to day but her milestones are going to be very very exciting to me and I can see myself becoming a sucker in the cake shop etc!

[Nabootique]

I am wondering if weeblueberry may have a point. If so, it's a celebration of their lives together and quite sweet, really. Agree that it's OTT, but I think as long as they aren't demanding ostentatious gifts from Tiffany's to go along with the general expensive theme then it's okay!

I do take issue with people getting their children christened for non-religious reasons though.

[TurnOverTheTv]

We had three pretty big parties when all my children were christened, all day affairs, with restaurants or hotel rooms booked out for the day. We love a party and it's a great way to get all extended friends and family to get together for a right old knees up :-)

[OneDayMySleepWillCome]

I'm not particularly religious. We do go to church every month or so as they do a fab kids morning every 4th Sunday. I haven't got an issue with non believers using churches like that really, I just could understand them wanting such a big affair more if they were deeply religious and it meant a lot to them....otherwise I think it's just an excuse for a party!

[OneDayMySleepWillCome]

They had an incredibly elaborate 4 day event for their wedding! Clay pigeon shooting, spa treatments, exclusive use of a castle 170 guests, fireworks....the whole caboodle!! Was amazing!!!! Again funded by their parents and a massive bank loan!

[TiedUpWithString]

We're doing one for DD. She's 4. She'll be wearing her favourite black dress no doubt and then we'll go to a pub for lunch and treat the people who have very kindly agreed to be Godparents or maybe do tea, cakes, scones and sandwiches at home (DD would probably like the latter). No biggie.

Your sister's friends sound very extrovert and like a good excuse for a monumental knees up. Good for them .

[hackmum]

"only christening ds so she can get married in a church when she's older".

That's a new one on me. Who on earth is thinking that far ahead when their child is born? Surely if she wants to get married in church she can get christened herself when the time comes?

[ButtercupChin]

Sounds like they love a good party and have decided to push the boat out. It sounds lovely and I wish I were going.

[ganeshamouse]

But is there a gift list? And a poem? You know how we all like a good poem!

[OohLaLaa]

You 'don't mind' if that's how they choose to spend their money? How magnanimous of you.

Are you their friend OP? If you are, you are very two faced. If you aren't...why are you busying yourself with how they choose to spend their day?

[Floggingmolly]

Hair and makeup for the "Christening party"? Who is that?