A baptism is a special moment in the lives of parents, children, and guests who partake in this ceremony. Since it's a significant event, choosing the right attire is essential. Make sure to check with the church or the family hosting the baptism about the expected dress code for guests. Move on to step 1 to discover some tips on what you should and shouldn’t wear to the baptism.
Women's Attire
Step 1. Dress for the Occasion.
Dress for the occasion. A baptism calls for a more formal outfit than what you might wear on a daily basis. You can purchase a beautiful dress, a skirt, or a tailored suit, or wear something you already own. As a guideline for how elegant your outfit should be, aim for something that’s between what you’d wear to a barbecue and what you’d wear to a wedding. Here are some outfit ideas:
- A dress with an additional shawl or a light sweater.
- A modest skirt and blouse.
- Fitted trousers with a stylish top (business casual).
Step 2. Feel Free to Wear Bright Colors.
Feel free to wear bright colors. Unlike weddings, there are no strict rules about what colors to wear to a baptism (there's a slight chance you might match the baby if you wear all white). Since it's a joyful occasion, don’t hesitate to wear vibrant colors and interesting patterns.
Step 3. Avoid Inappropriate Clothing.
Avoid inappropriate clothing. While there are no restrictions on color choices, there are limitations on the type of clothing you can wear. Don’t expose your shoulders or wear deep necklines. If you choose a dress, its length should reach your knees, as mini-skirts would be considered inappropriate.
- Other clothing items to avoid include jeans, flip-flops, UGGs, sneakers, or anything you might see at a nightclub.
Step 4. Bring a Wrap or Sweater.
Bring a wrap or sweater. It can get quite chilly in the church during colder months. You can kill two birds with one stone by wearing a sweater or jacket – it will make your outfit more modest while keeping you warm.
Step 5. Wear Cute yet Reasonable Heels.
Wear cute yet reasonable heels. High heels are not suitable for a baptism, so opt for lower heels that you can walk and stand comfortably in. Also, wear shoes that suit the weather – if there’s snow outside, it’s better to leave open-toed sandals at home.
Men's Attire
Step 1. Dress to Impress.
Dress to impress. Choose either a smart blazer or a suit that looks nice while remaining relatively comfortable. For some baptism celebrations, more casual attire may be acceptable, but if you're uncertain about how formal to dress, go for a suit. If you don’t want to wear a blazer, you can opt for a nice shirt, tie, and trousers.
Step 2. Choose a Fun Tie.
Choose a fun tie. A baptism is a happy occasion, and your tie should reflect that. However, it doesn’t mean it has to feature cartoon characters. A bright, cheerful tie will certainly be appropriate. Just make sure it complements your outfit's color scheme.
Step 3. Wear Nice Shoes.
Wear nice shoes. Footwear is an important part of any outfit, especially when wearing a suit. Leave the sneakers at home and wear dress shoes instead. Polish your shoes before the big day to give them a bit of shine.
Step 4. Consider Bringing Change of Clothes for the Reception.
Consider bringing a change of clothes for the reception. If you plan on going to a party or reception after the baptism and you can't be in a suit for too long, you might want to bring a change of clothes that also looks nice but is more comfortable than a suit. A nice polo and pressed khaki pants would work well.
Children's Attire
Step 1. Dress Your Kids in Church-Appropriate Clothing.
Dress your kids in church-appropriate clothing. While they may want to wear their favorite everyday outfits, you'll need to choose something more formal. For girls, a great option is a bright-colored dress or one with floral patterns, while boys can wear corduroy pants or khaki trousers with a collared shirt. Other outfit ideas include:
- For girls: a dress and sweater; a skirt and blouse; khaki pants, a blouse, and a sweater.
- For boys: khaki pants and a button-down shirt; corduroy pants and a sweater; trousers and a polo shirt.
Step 2. Think About Comfort.
Think about comfort. While adhering to the dress code is important, you don’t want your child squirming and making noise during the ceremony. So, when choosing outfits from the list above, ensure the materials are comfortable and roomy. If possible, let your kids choose what they want to wear – they’ll be happier if they get to pick out their own outfit.
- It's not necessary for little girls to wear tights since this is a semi-formal event, so only require them if requested by the church or the family hosting the baptism.
Step 3. Choose Comfortable Shoes.
Choose comfortable shoes. Just like tights, it’s not mandatory for kids to wear trendy uncomfortable shoes. However, it’s your choice. If you decide to put them in such shoes, then bring along another pair of comfortable shoes so they can change for the reception.
