AMERICAN WEDDINGS BLOG
Stay up to date with the latest wedding ceremony trends, script writing inspiration, tips and advice for first-time officiants, and news that matters to couples and wedding ministers.
Stay up to date with the latest wedding ceremony trends, script writing inspiration, tips and advice for first-time officiants, and news that matters to couples and wedding ministers.
Published Friday, Aug. 6th, 2021
When it comes to something as important as a baptismal ceremony, you want to dress right for the occasion and feel comfortable. Baptism invitations will sometimes suggest a dress code, but not always. So, this begs the question: what to wear for a baptism?
As a general rule, aim to wear modest or semi-formal clothes. It’s important to dress respectfully and to avoid something too casual, but what you wear will depend on your role for the day. It’s usually not a bad idea to put on your 'Sunday best,' or whatever you would usually wear for regular church service.
Because a baptism is a religious ceremony, your wardrobe should reflect your role in the day. To decide what to wear, consider whether you are you conducting the baptism or attending as a guest. Will it be indoors or outdoors in hot weather? And if you’re the one being baptized, will it be done by sprinkling, pouring, or total immersion? You’ll also want to consider the religious denomination, weather, and level of religious formality.
Let’s dive in!
Baptisms are one of the most enjoyable rites for Christian ministers and clergy to perform, washing away sins and welcoming a new member into Christ.
Most traditional denominations have strict attire for clergy, and some (such as those for the Catholic Church) can be complex -- with different colored vestments on different holy days.
Non denominational ministers and pastors follow fewer guidelines, but should dress respectfully and modestly.
Related: Purchase an AMM Minister Lapel Pin or Minister Stole here
Don’t wear :
If you’ll be stepping into water to perform an immersion baptism,
we suggest all of the above, in addition to :
Pro tip for officiants :
Bring a towel and a change of clothes. If you’ll be performing the baptism outdoors, dress for the weather and bring a pair of backup shoes to suit the terrain (mud, rain, pool decking, etc).
When attending a church baptism, choose something modest and comfortable with clean, stylish lines. Think “smart casual,” and always err on the side of too formal -- rather than too casual.
Adults: Collared button-up shirts and slacks are appropriate, along with dresses, dress pants, blouses, suit jackets, and blazers. Stay away from jeans, joggers, t-shirts, low-cut tops, tank tops, and high hemlines (above the knee)... and anything tight fitting that shows a lot of bare skin.
Children: Long pants, dresses, collared polo shirts and blouses, and modest skirts are all appropriate for children. Kids should avoid anything too casual, including sandals and flip flops, tank tops, and shorts.
When attending an outdoor baptism, choose something comfortable that suits the weather. Most of the suggestions above will work, but you'll have a little more flexibility to accommodate the weather and any unusual terrain or locations (such as a muddy riverbank, hiking trail, or community pool).
Choose lighter fabrics for warmer months, but avoid clothing that reveals a lot of skin, including shorts and tank tops. A light button-up and khakis generally works, as will a summer dress with short sleeves. Choose warmer fabrics for cooler months, and don’t forget a light sweater, coat, or umbrella, just in case!
Infants sometimes wear a white ‘baptismal gown’ during baptisms, usually made specially for the ceremony. Sometimes infants are baptized in their usual clothing, nude, or in a diaper, and are changed into the gown after the cleansing to symbolize their salvation. Bring a small towel to dry them off after the ceremony.
Pro tip for those getting baptized:
Bring a towel, hair brush or hair dryer, and change of clothes and undergarments, especially if there will be a celebration or service after the ceremony. If you wear glasses, you might want to keep them off.
An infant's white gown and slippers, to put on after their baptism.
There’s no ‘take-two’ when it comes time for a couple to say ‘I do’-- Wedding officiants only get one shot to perform a perfect wedding ceremony.
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