What is the best time for a christening?

[TwentyOne]

We are planning our sons christening for September, and don't know what time of day to go for. We want to have a garden party after but we're on a budget and don't know what food we would have to provide particularly if we go for a service mid morning. Hoping for advice on best time of day for a christening or how to deal with catering after on a budget?

[AuntieStella]

Many churches have christenings as part of the regular morning service, so you might have no control over the timing at all.

If you can have a private ceremony, the have it early afternoon, then people go back to tea and cakes in the garden

[DobbyLovesSocks]

AFAIK most, if not all, baptisms take place during the normal Sunday service or immediately after

[TapasForTwo]

All of our local churches incorporate a christening into the main service, so choosing a time isn't an option. We had DD christened at a 10.30 service and had a buffet lunch back at our house.

I hope you are lucky with the weather.

[TwentyOne]

We're having it at a very small village church where Sunday services are once a month and a bit of a squeeze so we've opted for a private service. Thinking early afternoon would be a good idea then hopefully people won't be expecting too much of a spread. Possibly thinking of asking people to bring picnics along for after (fingers crossed for good weather) my partners parents house backs onto the park but not so sure??

[cheercaptain]

I don't think its a good idea to ask people to bring picnics/own food. Serve what you can afford. Lots of posts on mumsnet on party food on a budget.