Planning an Out of State Baptism

Your family is out of state and you have just had your first born. Maybe you want to have your child baptized in the same church you were baptized in. Or you just have not found a local church that is right for you. Whatever your reasons, you have the daunting task of planning a baptism out of state.

The key to planning any out of state event is to plan way in advance. I would recommend contacting the out of state church and find out what you need to do. Ask about the requirements including a possible meeting or conference call. Find out the possible dates and times for the event. Be sure to pick your godparents and notify them of the possible Baptism dates.

Once you have narrowed down the dates and booked the Baptism with the church, plan the family party/reception for after the service. Contact your family and friends to see about getting a host home for the party/reception. If this is not possible, research restaurants and banquet halls on the internet. After you’ve narrowed down your search, call the restaurants and banquet halls to confirm dates, menu options, fees and deposit amounts. If you can, have a family or friend take a tour of the facility and, if possible, request a tasting before making a final decision.

For the rest of your planning just follow the suggested timeline. Be sure to include church requirements that need to be fulfilled.

Five months prior to the event:

· Make arrangements for hotel accommodations and transportation. Plan on arriving at least two days or prior to the event.

· Designate a family member or friend an out of state liaison to help facilitate any needs that may arise out of state.

Three months prior to the event:

· Purchase a Baptism Gown allowing time for shipping and alterations.

· Order Baptism Invitations. Be sure to include an R.S.V.P. date two weeks prior to the event.

Two months prior to the event:

· Address and mail the invitations.

· Plan and purchase items for the party/reception after the Baptism. Items to consider may be tablecloths, plates, napkins, flatware, centerpieces, and party favors for your guests.

· Purchase Godparent gifts.

· Confirm with church that all is going as planned.

One month prior to the event:

· Confirm with family, restaurant, or banquet hall that all is going as planned.

· Begin packing items for the Baptism and the party/reception afterwards.

Two weeks prior to the event:

· The day after R.S.V.P.’s are due, call all who have not responded and get a confirmation.

· Confirm with family, restaurant, or banquet hall your final guest count for the party/reception.

· Begin packing cloths and personal items for your stay out of state. Be sure to pack the Baptismal Gown in a garment back so it does not get wrinkled.

One week prior to the event:

· Check with the church confirming that everything required is completed.

· Finish packing for the trip.

Two or more days prior to the event:

· Upon arrival of your hotel or family accommodations make an appointment to see the church or attend the church rehearsal.

· Get together with your out of state Liaison to confirm final details.

· While with your Liaison visit the party/reception facility to confirm details and drop off items needed for the party/reception. If extensive set up is needed make an appointment to set up the facility or, better yet, plan on staying to set up tables and chairs, dress tables with tablecloths, plates, napkins, flatware, centerpieces, and party favors.

· If additional items are needed or further set up is needed, divide and conquer, with your Liaison.

· Make time to visit your family.

The day of the event:

· Enjoy the church service and Baptism of your blessed child and continue great Fellowship with your family and friends!

Planning an out of state Baptism may seem like a very daunting task, but if you plan ahead things should go smoothly. Follow a time line and plan at least six months in advance starting off with contacting the church and notifying the Godparent(s).