A christening is a sacred religious ceremony that marks the entry of a child into the Christian faith.
It is held when the child is a few weeks old. This sacred event is important for parents and loved ones to gather and celebrate the new life. During the christening, the baby is blessed with Hholy water that represents purity and new beginnings.
As part of this significant occasion, the baby is often dressed in a special christening gown. The gown is often passed down through generations, carrying the family traditions and deep sentimental value. Many parents use a christening dress preservation kit to ensure the gown remains in perfect condition long after the ceremony. If you are wondering about more of these gowns, then here is a detailed guide. In this guide, we will cover all you need to know about these gowns.
Table of Contents
The History of Christening Gowns
Early Origins (2nd-3rd Century AD)
Infants were wrapped in simple swaddling bands, often embroidered with spiritual symbols like lambs.
17th Century
Simpler gowns became popular because baptism transitioned from full immersion to a symbolic application of water.
18th Century and Victorian Era
Gowns became more elaborate with the help of luxurious satin and intricate lace embroidery.
19th Century
Gowns had high short bodices, adjustable necklines, and gathered waists.
Modern Day
Today’s christening gowns mix traditional elements with modern designs for both comfort and elegance.
Types of Christening Gowns
Here are the types of gowns for a christening occasion:
1. Classic Long Christening Gowns
These long christening gowns stand for purity and a new beginning. Their long length often goes beyond the baby’s feet. These dresses are made with:
- Intricate lace
- Embroidery
- Fabric like silk, satin, or fine cotton
2. Lace and Broderie Anglaise Gowns
These gowns became widely popular for christening occasions in the mid-19th century. They are often made from:
- Fine cotton
- Linen
- Intricate lace and embroidery
3. Shorter Christening Dresses and Rompers
Modern families choose shorter dresses or romper-style baptism outfits for active or older babies. These styles mix tradition with practicality and are great for warmer weather.
4. Gender-Neutral Christening Gowns
If you want to seek a less traditional gendered approach to christening attire, these gowns are suitable. These gowns focus on:
- Neutral design elements
- Color palletes (white, and ivory)
- Versatile materials (silk dupion, soft cotton, linen, and blends of natural and synthetic fibers)
5. Personalized Christening Outfits
These custom made baptism outfits are enhanced with special details unique to the child or family. Many personalized christening outfits include hand embroidered:
- initials
- Full names
- Baptism date
- Meaningful symbols
How To Choose the Right Christening Gown
A christening gown represents your family’s faith and traditions. However, it is important to choose the right gown that is meaningful for the child’s first steps into the Christian faith.
1. Consider Tradition vs. Modern Needs
Traditional christening gowns are:
- Long
- White
- Made of delicate fabrics like silk and lace
Modern alternatives include shorter dresses or rompers, offering more effortless movement and comfort.
2. Opt for the Right Fabric
The babys’ skin is sensitive in nature. So, it is important to consider fabrics such as:
- Cotton: Extremely soft, breathable and hypoallergenic.
- Silk: Provide warmth in cold weather and keeps cool in warm weather.
- Linen: Lightweight, airy, and breathable with maximum airflow due to its weave.
3. Focus on Comfort and Fit
The gown should fit well–neither too tight nor too loose. Babies are different in size, so it is important to measure your baby and compare them to the gown’s size chart. Consider slightly larger size because babies grow quickly. Look for features that allow flexibility like:
- Waist ties
- Stretchy or elastic necklines
- Buttons or snaps
4. Choose the Right Gown for the Ceremony
Personalization creates a more memorable and visually appealing experience. Choose:
- Traditional long gowns for formal church ceremonies.
- Breathable, lightweight and simpler gowns for outdoor or casual ceremonies.
5. Consider Season
It is important to choose a gown as per the season. You should opt for:
- Lightweight and breathable fabrics like linen and cotton for summer or warm weather events.
- Heavier fabrics such as satin, brocade, abd cotton blends for winter or colder seasons.
Accessories for Christening Gowns
Accessories can enhance the christening gown’s look and make the day even more memorable. Here are some of the accessories you can choose:
1. Bonnet or Headband
Delicate lace or embroidered bonnets are traditional accessories that complement classic gowns. A soft headband is a popular modern accessory, especially for baby girls. Make sure that bonnets and headbands fit comfortably. Sometimes, parents over-accessorize the gown with an overly decorated bonnet or headband, which makes it look too busy. Keep it simple and comfortable for your baby.
2. Booties or Soft Shoes
Booties or soft shoes add an essential layer of comfort and elegance to your baby’s outfit. They keep the baby warm during colder months and make sure the gown looks complete and polished. Soft shoes like cotton or silk booties help avoid irritation that can come from rough footwear. Make sure to consider the season, as knitted booties are perfect for winter, but too warm for summer. Light cotton shoes might not be warm enough for a winter christening.
3. Blanket or Shawl
A blanket or shawl helps to keep the baby warm during cooler ceremonies and complements the formality of the gown. In warmer months, a cotton shawl can provide light coverage without overheating. Avoid choosing a blanket or shawl that is too bulky, which can make the baby feel uncomfortable during the ceremony.
4. Bib or Pinafore
A bib is ideal for formal church ceremonies and gives ease and comfort. The bib or pinafore helps protect the gown from spills, making a practical accessory for babies who are bound to get messy. Choose a lace pinafore with delicate ribbon ties for a formal church ceremony. For a summer christening, a soft cotton bib with the baby’s name and christening date is perfect. Make sure not to choose a too-tight bib or pinafore, which can make your baby uncomfortable.
5. Tights or Leggings
The gown is the focal point, and the accessories, like tights or leggings, ensure the baby is warm and comfortable during the christening ceremony. White or pastel-colored tights keep the baby warm and stylish.
6. Keepsake Items
These items offer both emotional value and lasting memories. When you are choosing items for a christening, consider personalized items with the baby’s name and the christening date, like:
- Embroidered blankets
- Booties
- Bib
- A photobook documenting the christening day
Be mindful of the material—consider high-quality, durable fabrics like silk or cotton that will stand the test of time.
Where Can You Buy a Christening Gown?
There are various reputable stores and online retailers that offer a variety of options for christening gowns. Some of them are as follows:
- Department stores carry christening gowns, especially during the holiday and spring seasons when christenings are most popular.
- Baby specialty stores
- Online retailer offers a wide range of styles, colors, and price points.
- Specialty boutiques
- Custom gown makers who specialize in christening gowns.
How To Preserve and Store a Christening Gown
Keeping your christening gown is important for keeping it in pristine condition for future generations. Over time, fabrics can yellow, stain, or deteriorate if not properly cleaned and stored. These problems arise from improper storage materials, such as plastic bags that trap moisture and lead to mold or mildew growth.
So, here is how you can preserve and store a christening gown:
1. Clean the Gown Properly
Before you store the gown, have it professionally dry-cleaned based on the fabric type.
2. Use Acid-Free Materials
Stuff the gown with acid-free tissue paper to maintain its shape and prevent creases. Store it in a non-airtight box lined with acid-free paper to protect it from moisture, dirt, and pests.
3. Avoid Plastic and Airtight Containers
Don’t store the gown in plastic bags or airtight containers, as these trap moisture, which leads to mold, mildew, and fabric damage.
4. Choose the Right Storage Environment
Store the gown in a cool, dark, and dry place with stable temperature and humidity.
5. Keep It Out of Direct Sunlight
Avoid exposing the gown to direct sunlight or bright light, as this can cause the fabric to yellow and weaken over time.
6. Wear Gloves When Handling
Use cotton gloves when you need to handle the gown. This prevents dirt and oils from your hands from damaging the fabric.
7. Regular Inspection
Check the gown once a year to make sure the folds are still good, change the tissue paper, and look for any damage.
8. Air Out Before Use
When you want to use or display the gown again, air it out for a few days. If there are wrinkles, gently steam them. Avoid using an iron unless it is necessary, and use a low setting.
9. Label and Preserve Memories Together
Keep photos, care instructions, and any special notes with the gown so future generations can appreciate its history and meaning.
10. Consider Professional Preservation Kits and Services
For the best long-term care, consider specialized preservation kits for christening gowns. These christening dress preservation kits include:
- Acid-free materials
- Custom preservation boxes
- 24/7 tracking of your gown during the process to ensure it is being handled with the utmost care
The Bottom Line
When you are choosing the perfect christening gown, it is essential to focus on comfort, fabric quality, and family traditions. Consider fabrics such as cotton or silk to ensure comfort and breathability. If you want to make it more special, then you can embroider it with your baby’s name and christening date. Make sure to properly preserve and store the gown so that your family feels connected to the memories of that day. Even you and your grandchildren will cherish the memories through the gown.
