What is needed for baptism? Plan your christening

How to plan Baptism?

Baptism - which is also called christening is an important time in any person entering the christian faith. 

Baptism ceremony is the perfect time to welcome the person to the faith and gather loved ones in celebration of it. 

by carefully choosing a church the godparents are sponsors and a celebration venue you can easily plan a baptism for every person from a baby to an adult. 

1. arranging the baptism service. Visit possible locations or congregations where you might want to hold the christening. Consider factors such as how congregations style and beliefs fit in with yours as well as if the size can accomodate the number of people you want to attend. Find a church at least a few months in advance so you can get know the congregation and it get to know you for. Contact the church and schedule the meeting with the priest or minister. They can give you the better idea of any requirements the church may have for baptism or other traditions the congregation celebrates for christenings.  
2. Make a list of any expectations and wishes you have for the baptism. discuss these with the Clergy to see if they're are possible at the church. ask any questions you may have that arise from the conversation. you may want to ask about any expectations the church has of you or the person being baptized such as attendance in or helping with services.
3. classes or examinations or trainings you require before the ceremony of christening. For example, the Catholic church requires education in the catholic faith for godparents if you are baptizing a baby or for adults being baptized. Ask about this if there are any. 
4. Schedule the baptism. After successfully deciding on your baptism venue scheduled the baptism with a church and clergy member who you would like to perform the ceremony. consider special dates such as easter, christmas for the baptism which may make the event more special or could make it easier for out-of-town guests to attend. Schedule The Date At Least 4 Weeks In Advance. Suggest several different dates to help insure you get the church and clergy member you want for the baptism. Coordinate the dates with the loved ones if you absolutely want them to attend, especially godparents or sponsors. 
5. choose godparents or sponsors. Some churches require that you choose godparents for a baptism or you may just want to have them to help guide the person being baptized. in most cases godparents provide spiritual support and nurturing to a child while a sponsor can guide a child or an adult being baptized. however in the catholic church adults can also have one or two godparents. Many churches will require that a godparent or sponsor be baptized and active members of church. Consider factors such as your relationships to the godparents or sponsors and their potential commitment to guiding the person in the faith or even being there if something should happen to the parents. Make several possible godparents or sponsor choices in case your first choice declines. Ask the prospective godparents or sponsors that they are willing to act in this capacity. Respect the person's decision if she chooses not to be a godparent. 
6. compose the guest list you'll likely want people to attend the ceremony in a celebration afterward. Make a list of definitive and possible guests who you would like to share in the baptism. Discuss the list with your spouse, the godparents or anyone else taking part in the ceremony. 
7. Decide how many people you want to attend including if it is adult only or something for children as well. For example, if you decide to include children you may want child supervisors or activities to keep them busy. Make sure the number of guests you want to invite can fit into the church or in any party venue. 
8. send out invitations depending on the formality of the baptism. you may want to send out invitations or simply inform guests about event. make sure to send out the invitations or information at least three or four weeks in advance of the baptism to ensure that people can put it on to rearrange their schedules. Include RSVP cards so you can get a head count on the ceremony and for any celebration you are hosting especially when you are serving food.  (RSVP is an abbreviation of the French phrase 'Repondez, s'il vous plaît'. It translates to 'Responde if you please')
9. let know your guests if children may attend if you've included supervisors or activities for young guests 
10. Consider incorporating traditions baptisms can be a special time to honor family and faith traditions. incorporate any elements you may want into the ceremony to help make it more personalized and special. you may want to choose a special christening gown or say a specific prayer. discuss incorporating the traditions with your clergy member who can help you plan where best to use them. 
11. hire a photographer. Depending on the size and formality of the baptism you may want to hire a photographer. Confirm with the church that the photos are allowed within it. Meet with the photographer if you want professional photos. you can also ask a friend or family member to take pictures of the day. 
12.  Confirm details. A few days before the baptism call the church and any other venues to confirm details in any numbers. this can ensure that everything is ready  and in place on baptism day.