Baptism Party Supplies
A Baptism is a religious ritual of spiritual cleansing. Its purpose is to initiate a child or an adult into a church, and it is both a very important and celebratory event for the entire family. Most people want to share their joy for the occasion by holding a party, inviting friends and relatives to get together after the ceremony.
If you are planning on throwing a baptism party, you will want to plan it out carefully in order to make sure that the event is both enjoyable and memorable for all who attend. Here are some tips on choosing baptism party supplies and how to prepare for a fun and festive baptism party.
Choosing Baptism Party Supplies—Invitations
Because a baptism is a special event in a person’s religious life, the invitations to the party should be extra special. While you can purchase some very beautiful invitations at most party goods stores and at some religious goods stores, you may want to take an extra step here and check into getting customized invitations made. This can be done at a local paper goods store or at an online specialty store. Regardless of which type of invitations you choose, though, be sure to send them out with plenty of time for guests to save the date and plan for attending the party.
Basic Baptism Party Supplies
Your party supply basics (such as plates, cups, napkins, and cutlery, for instance) may depend upon your party venue. If you have a short guest list, you will likely be able to hold the party at your home or a relative’s home; however, if your guest list is long, you will need another venue. Possible choices could include your church’s basement or a rented party hall.
If you are holding the party at someone’s home you will need to purchase all of the basic baptism party supplies. You can find these items at local party supply stores and at online parties.com goods stores. There are many different themes from which you can choose for these items. For instance, one theme has the basics in a stained-glass look with a cross in the center. There is also a Noah’s Ark type of theme. Or, you may want to simply choose a couple of complimentary solid colors to use for your basics.
You may not need to purchase these baptism party supplies if you are holding your party in another venue, though. This is because rented venues are likely to allow the use of their china and flatware, as well as their tablecloths and glasses.
Baptism Party Supplies—Decorations
Regardless of where you hold the baptism party, you will want to purchase decorations to make the area look fun and festive. Here are some items you should consider buying to enhance the décor:
- Balloons: Purchase a combination of Mylar and helium-ready latex balloons in colors to match either the colors of the party basics being used. You will also need to buy a disposable helium tank so that you can fill the balloons yourself rather than having to head out to a store the morning of the party to fill dozens of balloons.
Gather the balloons together in groups of three to five. Tie the balloons together and use a balloon weight (a cross for a balloon weight would be best) to keep the group in place. Set each balloon group in a different spot in the party area. This is the best way to use balloons to decorate.
- Streamers and plastic crosses: Buy rolls of streamers in colors to match your party basics. Twist the colors together; then hang across the tops of doorways, angled from corner to corner, and anywhere else that looks nice. Dangle a cross from each streamer end as you are hanging the streamers.
- Baptism banner sign: You can order a personalized baptism banner at many party stores or sign-making stores—or you can make your own on the computer or with posterboard and paint. This doesn’t have to be an intricate, complicated sign—just a simple “God Bless {insert name here} on his day of Baptism” will suffice.
Baptism Party Supplies—Guest Favors
It is traditional to give baptism guests small gifts as a token of appreciation for coming to share in the joy of the special occasion. These favors do not have to be costly. In fact, there are many wonderful options you could select that are quite inexpensive. Here are some possible baptism party supplies you could choose for guest favors:
- Personalized Candy Bar Wrappers: You can buy wrappers that are designed to fit standard-sized or miniature Hershey or Nestle candy bars. They can be customized with graphics as well as the baptized person’s name and the date and address of the party.
- Small Picture Frames with Photos: Prior to the baptism, have the guest of honor’s photo taken. Get prints of the photo in a wallet size. Then you can buy small picture frames and insert a photo in each.
- Candy Bags or Boxes: When purchasing your other baptism party supplies, buy small stand-up decorative bags or boxes (one for each guest). Fill each with wrapped candies that match the colors of your basic baptism party supplies to make easy guest favors.
Baptism Party Supplies—Fun and Games
Depending upon the age of the person being baptized, you may need to think about providing entertainment at your baptism party. After all, children will quickly get bored if they have nothing to do. While you do not need to get as creative as you would for a birthday party, having activities available to keep kids occupied will make the party more fun for the adults in attendance. Here are some baptism party supplies you should purchase or have on hand to help keep the kids entertained:
- Disposable cameras (allow the kids to take photos of the party)
- Coloring books and crayons
- Beach balls and bean bags to toss
- A television playing animated movies