Christening questions

[Annbag]

I really hope these aren't daft questions, but I've never been to a Christening before and have just been invited to a Catholic one. An internet search suggests different things so I thought I'd ask mumsnet!

Dress code - I understand this is smart, but how smart? As smart as for a wedding?
Presents - I've read a present is expected. Does this still apply if you've already bought something for the newborn already?

Thanks in advance

[BikeRunSki]

Not a smart as a wedding.
Yes to present. Small and keepsakey- money box, bible, nice edition of traditional children's book...

[Floggingmolly]

Not anything like as smart as a wedding; just, you know, it's in a church so relatively modest. No short skirts or plunging necklines...
And a present should not be expected.

[AuntieStella]

It's Sunday Best (not full on dress up weddingy).

Present not expected (but suggest taking a card). If you opt for take a present, then you are not expected to splash out. Something small and sensible and/or religious would be the most anyone would expect. Perhaps a nice book?

[Shallishanti]

I went to one and it lasted for HOURS so be prepared for that!

[Annbag]

Thanks all

I had no idea it lasted for hours so thanks for that. For some reason I thought it was like 15 minutes to 30!

[happyhighlander]

Well christenings are normally part of a standard Sunday church service so will be an hour or so, maybe longer if Catholic. I would dress smart, but not wedding smart. present - a small keepsake would be fine. I wouldn't turn up empty handed to any other celebration I was invited to.

[thegreenheartofmanyroundabouts]

If it is part of the main Sunday service then be prepared for an hour to an hour and a half. The main congregation will be in anything from not too much baby sick to suits. Avoid the wedding or nightclub look as you will look very obvious as a visitor and if the church is cold you will end up going blue which is never good.

If it is a private service then it might be as short as 20-30 minutes depending if you sing hymns or not. The dress code will then be determined by the family hosting.

[Annbag]

Thank you, I think it is a private service and we've not been told about dress code so this advice is great. I've got a newborn so will go for the smart with no baby sick look!

A nice children's book seems a good idea for a gift.

[specialsubject]

if it is in a church in the next three months it WILL be cold in there, that's old buildings for you. Put your vest on!

[Annbag]

Thank you, it's already happened now though. I too thought it would be cold but it was baking in there!