Baptism on a budget

[GC2023]

I have a newborn and would like to get them baptised, however the cost of hosting a party while on zero maternity pay is making me think this will be impossible.

I want to keep it small anyway only close friends but it would still be expected to host a gathering. My house is too small to have it at home and I'm concerned as even hiring a venue is £££. Does anyone have any tips on how they have done this? Or did you just wait until returning to work?

You dont need a party. Have tea and cake in the church hall afterwards. Job done.

I did a cream tea in church hall afterward.

Simple baptism and tea and sandwiches as PP suggested.

Would it be possible to have sandwiches, cake etc inside the actual church after the baptism (I have been to one that did this), or a church hall if there is one? That would keep the costs low. You could talk to the vicar about what might be possible.

I second tea and cake. Maybe tell guests you are keeping it small scale.

We did afternoon tea - sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, some cakes and tea. All bought quite cheaply. We did it in a village hall

We did sandwhiches and cake at the church for our 3.

You don't need a party at all - the baptism is the event

It shouldn't be about a party. It should be about having your baby baptised..that's it.
I've been to way too many Christenings where the adults get pissed up afterwards and to be honest they never raised their children with any Christian values. It was just an excuse for a party.

Not all churches have a hall, so if you're looking at having to hire another room, even if it's just for an hour or two, it's hard.
And yes the baptism is the event, but you're asking people to possibly travel a distance, sit through the service and then just be like "see ya!" once it ends
Most people's hospitality extends beyond this.

I would stick to simple buffet or afternoon tea, you can cater it all yourself and of it's close family and friends, ask them to do a pot luck dessert table?

Find somewhere that serves tea and coffee and get in some soft drinks for the kids

I’ve known of babies not being baptised until nearly a year old, sometimes older.

If you feel you can wait it’s ok to baptise an older baby and the ideas on here for using the church hall for tea & cake are excellent.

Whatever you decide, it’s such a lovely thing to do.