Are you invited to a baptism and unsure of what to wear? Are you planning your child’s baptism and looking for an outfit for them or for family members?
I will help you.
As an event planning professional, helping my clients with the organization and decoration of ceremonies like baptisms is at the core of what I do.
Today, I’m sharing with you my insider tips and my passion for fashion to help you find the perfect outfit for a baptism, whether it’s for yourself or your child.
If it’s a religious ceremony, dress modestly in light, natural, or pastel colors. If the baptism you’re attending is more of a family celebration or a civil baptism, the dress code is less formal, allowing for a more relaxed yet still stylish outfit. Are you looking for an appropriate outfit for the honored individuals of the day (the baptized, godparents, and parents)? Feel free to choose a chic outfit like a dress or a suit, paired with accessories such as a flower crown or a boutonnière, to perfectly match the occasion on the big day!
Want to learn more? Keep reading to find out:
- Tips for choosing an appropriate outfit based on the type of baptism
- How to dress according to your role, whether you’re a godparent, the baptized individual, or simply a guest
- Outfit ideas for men 👨, women 👩, and children 👶, sorted by trends
- Floral accessories to enhance your outfit for this special ceremony
How to Choose Your Outfit Based on the Type of Ceremony?
Are you planning to attend a baptism? Depending on whether it is a religious ceremony or not, and whether it is a large gathering or more of a family event, the occasion you are invited to will vary. Therefore, it is essential to be able to tailor your outfit to the type of celebration it is.
For a Traditional Church Baptism ⛪
If the religious ceremony you are attending takes place in a church, it is a baptism in the tradition of the Catholic faith.
This event marks the entry into the religious community for the baptized individual and is therefore very solemn.
I recommend opting for a simple yet elegant outfit. You can wear a dress or a suit, but make sure to choose a light color that isn’t too bright.
🛑 Avoid wearing all black at all costs: it is typically associated with mourning, and you might make a misstep with the family of the baptized person.
It’s also important to avoid wearing clothing that is too light or inappropriate for the spiritual tone of the event: flip-flops, crop tops, shorts, mini-skirts, or minishorts, etc.
Other Types of Religious Baptisms 🕌🕍
There is an equivalent to the Catholic baptism in many other religions. This can include a baptism:
- Protestant
- Orthodox
- Jewish
- Hindu (or Namakarana)
There is also a welcoming ceremony for children from Muslim families that takes place on the 7th day of the baby’s life.
In general, these ceremonies are also solemn, but they are followed by celebrations as well. You can wear a classic, colorful, and appropriate outfit for this type of event, similar to a Catholic baptism.
👉 If you are invited to a baptism in a cultural and/or religious community whose dress codes you are not very familiar with, don’t hesitate to ask the hosting family how to dress. They may even lend you traditional clothing so that you can create an unforgettable memory of this day!
For a Civil Baptism or a Simple Baptism Celebration 🎉
This ceremony takes place at the city hall and is generally quite informal, considering it does not have any official legal standing.
It often serves as an opportunity to throw a party celebrating the child’s birth and to give a symbolic role of godparent to close friends or family we appreciate.
For this type of event, the dress code is less formal than for a solemn religious baptism.
Dress in clothing that you enjoy and that flatters your figure, putting in a little effort for extra elegance. You might also consider a nice pair of shoes and a quick trip to the hair salon to elevate your outfit for this special occasion.
How to Choose Your Outfits Based on Your Role in the Celebration?
Now that you are familiar with the different types of baptisms you can attend, let’s explore how to adapt your outfit based on your role in this ceremony.
👉 If you are simply a guest invited by the family of the baptized person, refer to the guidelines provided in the previous section for choosing your outfit.
If you are a godparent or parent of the baptized child
For this occasion, you have an essential role to play: it’s important to dress elegantly. Remember that you’ll be featured in the event photographs.
Don’t hesitate to match your outfit with your partner’s if you’re attending the event as a couple.
You can also wear a reminder of your bond with the child who will be baptized, whether it’s a bow tie in the same color as theirs, matching jewelry, or crowns made with the same flowers… etc.
If you’re looking for an outfit for a child being baptized
Whether it’s a religious or civil baptism, I recommend selecting a light-colored outfit for the child being baptized, with a preference for shades of white and/or light gray or pastel colors.
Depending on the religious affiliation, other colors may be preferred: in this case, feel free to ask the person officiating the baptism how to dress your child for the occasion to avoid any missteps.
If You’re Getting Baptized as a Teenager or Adult
In this case, you should wear well-fitted clothes that flatter your figure and make you feel comfortable. After all, you will be quite busy throughout your baptism day.
Feel free to wear jewelry or accessories to add elegance to your outfit. If you’re a woman, a simple pastel-colored dress will work perfectly, while if you’re a man, you can opt for a light gray or blue suit.
Classic and Timeless Outfit Ideas
Are you struggling to find an outfit idea that suits you? If so, you’re in the right place. In the following lines, I will share some simple and elegant outfit ideas for any type of baptism.
For a Man 🤵
Depending on the season and your preferences, you can choose from:
- A beige or off-white linen suit, paired with a belt and natural leather shoes
- Light gray or blue pants, with a white shirt and a tie
- A vest over your shirt for a mid-season look or a more sophisticated outfit
- An original or understated bow tie, depending on your preference
For a Woman 🧍♀️
You have plenty of options! Here are some ideas to help you out:
- A black/navy blue flowy pant suit, paired with colorful accessories.
- A pale pink or white suit, with a simple blouse.
- Flowy pants, matched with a fitted top. This outfit looks great on tall individuals.
- A pastel-colored dress, flowy and comfortable enough to wear all day!
For a Child 👶👧👦
If you want to dress your child in a dress, a suit, or a mixed outfit, you can choose:
- A small suit in white, gray, or pale blue that will look very stylish on a young boy
- A romper for a mixed-gender baby outfit. Choose one in pastel or natural colors.
- A dress fitted above the waist with a fabric band or a wide ribbon for an elegant little girl
- A white dress with lace details for a traditional religious baptism
- A matching outfit with that of his/her dad and/or mom for lovely family photos
- Adult-style accessories for a chic touch: a bow tie, gloves, a small purse, suspenders, a belt…
- Natural leather or patent shoes suitable for the season.
How to Accessorize Your Baptism Outfit with Flowers?
To enhance your outfit or your child’s, nothing beats adding a little floral accessory, which you can have custom-made by your florist or purchase directly online.
Here are some ideas to help spark your inspiration… 😉
With a Buttonhole, for a Man
To add an elegant floral touch to a suit, you might consider wearing a boutonnière. This small accessory is placed on the left lapel of your suit jacket.
If you have a partner, choose a gift that matches the colors of her clothing or her floral jewelry if she wears any.
Want to learn more about this type of accessory? Check out our Do-It-Yourself article to learn how to easily make your own boutonniere!
With a Flower Crown, for a Woman or a Child
Flowers have always been used to enhance one’s appearance during a ceremony. To honor this tradition, why not wear a floral crown for your baptism or your child’s baptism?
Easy to Wear, floral crowns are currently very trendy and add a touch of femininity and elegance to any outfit.Visit our online store to explore over a hundred styles of floral crowns for women and children, perfect for any occasion!
Now you’re ready to choose the perfect outfit for the beautiful ceremony! Nothing compares to having a fantastic day and sharing unforgettable moments with your loved ones…