or is he, regarding dds christening?

[amieis]

I thinks that we should have a celebration after dd has been christened in church. Dd's dad thinks it should be church, thanks for coming, bye.
We live quite far away from most of my friends and family, and other than his mom dad and brother, he hasn't got anyone else coming.

Church, trip to the pub for a bevvie and a couple of sandwiches, home.

Got to have chance to mingle, show baby off and catch up.

I would say if you were expecting people to travel then you should have something afterwards. Even if it is a quick drink and a slice of cake

A christening with no cakes?

You don't have to hold a gathering afterwards, but it is usually expected. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, just a few sandwiches, a cake or two and cups of tea.

Why not just come to a compromise? there is no right or wrong way to do it so why not have a small gathering after for close family/friends?

We only had our DC's christened so we could have a party afterwards. Controversial...

MIL insists we can't go to the pub because its sunday so everyone will be there for dinner and there won't be space

Book somewhere?

Or just go to your house for tea and cake before everyone goes home?

Ask your MIL if she's ever wondered why pubs (specifically old pubs and old churches) are situated within walking distance of each other...

Pub. Has to be. Ring them and book it and get round the "people eating dinner" problem.

Christening or not, if you are asking people to travel more than about 20 mins, imo you should offer them some hospitality, whether that is sandwiches and cake at your house, or a drink down the pub, or a meal in a restaurant or a full on party.