To ask friends and family to drive 10 mins from church to christening venue..?

[abandonedbyenergy]

We literally cannot find any venue available near us - not that there was much of a choice to begin with.
Family have already booked flights over for it so the date can't be changed. Silly us for assuming finding a venue wouldn't be a problem.

All will be driving to the church anyway. Is 10 mins drive to the venue too far?

No. Why on earth would it be?

No, I've never been to a christening though so am basing this off weddings or the idea of a party at home after the church.

Is it possible to have money in the pot for transport? A minibus or coach?

I don't understand? Is the christening taking place in the church?

No, why would it be?

Can't you have cake and sandwiches and some bottles of fizz in the church hall?

Pretty standard I'd have thought. All of my kids christenings have been about a 10/15 minute drive from the church to the "do". I know people have something in the church hall but that's not done where I am.

Being invited is an honour!

I wouldn't question up to 30 minutes between venues, maybe more. X

Erm nope. We did christening local and then took everyone for a Sunday carvery about 40mins. I think only 4 people didn't come. No bother either way.

Like weddings in a church, you go to church do the Christening thing then go to a venue for the party. This usually involves a short drive. 10 muns is a short drive in my book. It's fine.

The christening will be taking place in the local church. Its the afters venue that's the problem. We hoped to find a hall, function room or even an area in a pub local (I.e. within walking distance) but the few venues there are in the area are already booked or don't do Sunday's.
Venues 5 mins drive away are also booked so we're having to look a little further out.

We can't have it as home due to large amount of people attending (incl at least 20 kids under 5).

P.S. Church hall is also booked out!

P.S. Church hall is also booked out!

It's fine, but perhaps with the invitations ask people to let you know if they need a lift from another guest or could offer a lift.

Don't think I've ever been to a christening where the party afterwards hasn't been at least a 15 minute drive away, would have thought that was pretty standard.

Guests drove 25 minutes from the church to the venue for ours, 10 minutes is fine/standard?

If people are flying over to get to the Christening, will they have access to a car? That would be my only concern - but if you are prepared to facilitate lifts, then not a problem.

Why would that be a problem? Isn't that what always happens at christenings?

Sounds pretty standard to me, do what you can to sort out people who can give lifts to those who are otherwise stranded, or if you are really worried, lay on a minibus or coach - we did that for our evening do for our wedding but only because it was in the middle of nowhere and people would be drinking.

I think its fine but if people are flying over I would arrange a lift for them with someone, or if they have hired a car I would pair them with someone to follow (and swap mobile details in case they split up) as they won't know the area like other guests

It's fine! Maybe provide a map or detailed directions for non-local people, and if it isn't obvious tell people where they can park

Of course it is completely normal and perfectly ok to expect people to drive to the party venue. Not everyone lives within walking distance of a church.

I was going to suggest the church hall, it's a pity it's booked. If you have no option then of course, yanbu.

Great, thank you ladies!

we had to use a village hall in a village 15mins drive from our village. Its pretty standard so wont be unusual.

Agree a drive to the venue is pretty standard. Church halls are usually booked for other things after the service.

Just make sure your invitations are clear.