Wow. I had not expected this thread to become so heated!
Just got in from work/ school run so will answer a few queries....
No this is not a joke, I sit here at my desk with the invitation and gift list propped up in front of me. It reads like a society wedding nvitation complete with guidelines for the use of cameras and social media during the event.
The couple in question had what I would call a high-end and very tasteful wedding, they did have a gift list yes, but far less grabby and with typical John Lewis type items, most reasonably priced. It was a fun and personal to them day....
I come from a background where you have a Christening to welcome the baby to the world and the family and invite everybody to the family home for an afternoon tea, maybe Champagne type of affair.
I did not mean a naming ceremony was inferior, no it would not ever be an option for us but just down to personal beliefs etc.
We would never enclose a gift list , it would not occur to us.
So to answer a few more queries, yes I spoke to two other invited guests this afternoon who are both equally blown away by the grabby nature of this and also the prices of things requested. They and their families face the same dilemma as us. Go along, grin and bear it or politely decline? Nobody wants to offend and I feel strongly the baby in question who ought to be the focus of all this is being largely forgotten. She has a sister who moved a few years ago to Australia and one friend believes the suggestion may have come from there.
The event itself yes appears to be based on a wedding reception, Champagne reception and hot fork buffet (Yes I hate them too-either pay for a meal or don't) . Arrangements for drinks later is unclear.
There appears to be lots of "entertainment" scheduled throughout the evening and I know that there will be up to 40 children 10 years and under attending. What they are supposed to do up until 11pm is also unclear.
DP has said today: "I'm not arsed either way really, if you think we should go just let me know? Do I have to wear a suit? Oh and we are not paying for anything other than for the baby if we do go...
Still deciding to be honest..... But have literally spat my tea out at some ofbyour wonderful suggestions! Please keep 'em coming, but please let's steer clear of arguements based on chavvy things, this has been fun so far, help me focus on what to do instead please! 