The arrival of a new baby brings a world of joy not only to an individual family, but an entire community. The moment when a baby is introduced to family, friends and loved ones through a Christening is a tradition that has been celebrated for centuries.
Choosing an Heirloom Outfit for Your Baby’s Special Event
Choosing an Heirloom Outfit for Your Baby’s Special Event
The arrival of a new baby brings a world of joy not only to an individual family, but an entire community. The moment when a baby is introduced to family, friends and loved ones through a Christening is a tradition that has been celebrated for centuries.
While parts of the ceremony have changed over time, an element that has endured across generations is the christening gown. In medieval times, babies were swaddled for their christenings in a “bearing cloth,” a large remnant of fine silk adorned with lace and elaborate trim. During the 18th and early 20th centuries, christening gowns became more like miniature versions of adult ensembles, adorned with short frills, Anglaise lace, and silk.
These garments are so treasured that they are often passed down as heirlooms from generation to generation. Today, even members of the British royal family wear the same delicate satin and lace christening gown first created for Queen Victoria’s oldest daughter nearly two centuries ago.
Things to Consider When Shopping for Your Baby’s Heirloom Garment
Modern families seeking to begin their own traditions through baptism, LDS blessings, bris and christenings should look for heirloom-quality garments that are crafted with an attention to detail and quality. Below are a few things to keep in mind:
Quality
A keepsake, heirloom garment needs to last for generations. While fast fashion makes it easy to purchase cheap garments made overseas, their use doesn't go beyond one day, and they won't preserve the memories and traditions essential to a family heirloom. We focus on crafting handmade garments in-house in the USA with the love, care, and quality that makes them worthy of cherishing for years.
Color
Christening gowns are traditionally white or ivory to symbolize innocence and purity. However, today's families are sometimes opting for pastels and creams in place of white.
Style
For a more traditional style, a gown is still classic, but shorter dresses or a modern baby boy suit in white, cream or pastel are increasing in popularity.
Accessories
A matching baby blanket is usually placed around the baby after the ceremony. Bonnets, hats, and baby booties make great wonderful baby shower or christening gifts that can be kept as decorative keepsakes in the nursery or throughout the home. These same garments and accessories can be used for traditions such as baptisms, LDS blessings, and bris.
How to Care for your Baby’s Heirloom Christening Garment
At Baby Beau & Belle, we believe each dress, gown or suit is a reminder of a joyous occasion, so we craft them to last and stay just as beautiful as the day they were first worn. To preserve them in original condition, we recommend dry cleaning all Baby Beau & Belle items and storing them in a 100% muslin cotton bag or keepsake gift box. Both are available for purchase here.
To share memories of your baby's christening garment with future wearers, consider including a name tag with the date of the christening or baptism, as well as photos of the special day, in the box or bag. These are parts of your family history that will capture the hearts of future generations.
Need Help?
We've been helping families choose the right heirloom garment for their baby's special occasion for more than 35 years.
For help with sizing, styles, or any other questions about our garments, contact us via email or get in touch using chat located on the lower right hand side of your screen.
We're honored to be part of your family tradition.