What does a size 22 atheist wear to a christening next weekend?

[icebearforpresident]

Seriously, help me!

I’m a jeans and a t-shirt girl and the few dresses I own are party dresses and wouldn’t be appropriate for a christening. The last christening I went to was over 5 years ago but was on a lovely summers day so the dress I had for that would be freezing in a chapel in January. It’s also a catholic service so not sure if that means I should be more dressy or if smart casual would be appropriate.

But you're attending as a guest not as a believer. Dh recently went to a Sikh temple to attend his friends wedding. He's an atheist. It's absolutely normal to visit places of worship for weddings, christenings and funerals and not be part of that faith. It's not hypocritical, it's just good manners. I've also found that religious leaders are very welcoming to others.

This, although I'm not sure what being an atheist has to do with the post at all.

AFAIK there is no dress code for believers v non believers!

Weddings, christenings etc you go to show friendship and support for the relationship/child, not because of your personal religious allegiance, @quisensoucie. Would you really turn down an invitation if your friend or relative were marrying in a different faith from your own? I've been to plenty in religions I don't follow, and a few in languages I don't speak. Doesn't matter - I'm there's a friend and witness to the people, not a participant in the faith.

OP, as long as you're reasonably smart and not carrying a large 'Dawkins is right' banner, I'm sure you'll be fine.

Because while I am atheist my friends, who I care for, are not. Unlike a lot of Christian’s who seem to think I will burn in hell and delight in telling me that, I respect their faith and I am happy to be invited to join their celebrations. I attended their wedding, when the time comes I will attend their funerals and I see zero point in making their sons christening a theological debate.

I mentioned I am an atheist as context for why I am so clueless - this is mumsnet after all where failure to give the exact background to any situation is drip feeding and will have your thread deleted. Should have known being tongue in cheek would piss someone off.

Op I wasn't pissed off simply curious. If it is because you are not sure about church wearing etiquette that makes perfect sense!

Enjoy the Christening!

This is exactly what I was going to post .

Church is very informal these days, nothing like it used to be in my experience.

I wouldn’t wear trousers or things that look like denim to an invitation Christening, but your skirt and boots idea sounds just right to me :)

Why not? I wore trousers to my own childrens christenings. Nobody minds trousers!

Imagine you are going to your child's university graduation. Whatever you would wear to that.

@icebearforpresident I wasn't pissed off! I asked because I know of atheists who would not go to a relgious service

If you want I would go black trousers, blazer pick up a top and if you want a chiffon or light scarf
I wouldn't be too fussed as the last few post covid have been a real mix.

Trousers, some sort of shirt and a coat is fine for a christening at this time of year. It's a church not a fashion show.

A long white dress with a lace headdress which covers your face so that no one can see your atheistic eyes lest you curse the child, maleficent style, while she is being blessed with the light of the Lord.
Honestly, it's the rules.

I was actually thinking of a fine wool or cashmere scarf for warmth purposes.

Depending on how warm the church is, a buttoned-up coat and a tucked-in scarf may be the most people see of your outfit while you're actually in the church!

Thermals are helpful in most churches at this time of year. Ours reached the dizzy heights of 13° on Sunday. I always feel for people who turn up in floaty dresses and no coats!