Following the birth of a baby, what would you say is the next big event for many families? Some people would guess it’d be the child’s first birthday. For Roman Catholics around the world, however, the infant’s baptism is, without a doubt, the next important occasion. The sacrament of baptism, the first of seven, is like a second birthday of sorts because it marks the child’s birth as a Christian. It is the day that the child is formally initiated into the Church and is given over to God’s care, a day when the child’s parents and godparents make a promise to raise the child according to Christian beliefs. The baptism ceremony is usually, but not always, done as a part of Saturday or Sunday mass. Family, friends, and the congregation are invited to witness the ceremony and to attend the reception, which can range from a small gathering to a huge party that takes place after the ceremony. An invitation to such a special event as a baptism is best made by mailing baptism invitations and not by emails or other informal forms of communication. Choosing the right invitation is essential to honoring your child’s sacred and special day. Below I’m detailing five “heavenly” invitations that would make any parent proud:
1# Beaded Cross:
When I think of heavenly, I think of this handmade invitation. It’s a slender invite measuring about 4″ wide and 9″ long. The jacket card is made of thick shimmering ecru cardstock that is folded in a gatefold style to create what I would describe as an open jacket look. Buttoning the jacket together is a beautiful cross made of real beads in a mixture of white and clear colors. A long sheer ribbon is attached to the cross. As if that’s not enough, the edges of the jacket card are embellished with glitter. Your text is printed on a thinner matching ecru paper that is inserted into the jacket. A set of eight invitations retails at just under $25 and can be purchased directly at Baby Cachet.
#2 DIY Teddy Ribbon:
This do-it-yourself kit is great for those who want to put in a little work to create a handmade product in exchange for a slightly discounted price. The DIY kit includes a square metallic pearlescent bottom card measuring nearly 5″x5″, a white top card where your text would be printed, a pink teddy bear ribbon that wraps around the left side of the invite, and a blue diamante butterfly that is pinned to the ribbon. A minimum order of 25 invitations is required and each invite costs around $3, varying a little based on your choice of printing options.
#3 Foil Emboss Cross:
At first glance, this 5″x7″ invite appears unassuming and ordinary. Look closer and you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see that on its all-pink surface is a white cross that is raised or embossed. Look again and the cross seemingly shines and changes color. That’s because the rays around the cross are embellished with holographic foil! This invite strikes a good balance of solemnity and uniqueness to reflect both the significance and sacredness of baptism. An all-blue version is also available. Your invitational text is printed in the area beneath the cross. A set of ten invitations starts at $16.18.
#4 Ark Pink:
This 4″x6″ invitation adds cuteness to a solemn occasion. The invitation is pink and features a brown cross at the top and Noah’s Ark at the bottom. Cute animal paw prints mark the top corners of the invite. The Ark is floating on pink water, which is inscribed with the phrase “the animals went in two by two, hurrah, hurrah!”. A rhino, giraffe, and lion can be seen on the Ark. Your text is printed in the space between the cross and Ark. A set of 20 invitations is priced at about $56.
#5 Baptism Blue:
If you want to include a photo of your baby, then consider this invitation. The left and right sides of the invitation are trimmed with a border of blue damask pattern. Your baby’s photo is printed at the top in between the borders. Your text is presented below the photo. This photo invitation comes with a magnet, which is attached to the back side. Each invite measures 4″x6″ and is priced at $3 each with a required minimum order of 30.
