To a communion or christening party you usually wear polished, festive daytime clothing. If there is a church service, take the church's dress code into account. Also choose shoes you can stand and walk in for a long time. For women a blouse with smart trousers or a skirt works, for men a shirt with trousers, with or without a blazer. Parents and godparents often choose something a little more formal than other guests.
A festive day with two faces
A communion or christening often combines a ceremony with a family party. It often starts with a service in the church, followed by a lunch, reception or party. So choose clothing that suits both the ceremony and the party afterwards. On top of that, it is usually a long day, often with children around. Polished and comfortable go hand in hand here.
The most important rules
- No completely white outfit. At a communion the children often wear white, at a christening the baptised child. Leave that colour to them.
- Shoulders covered in church. Wear a top with sleeves or bring a cardigan or jacket.
- Not too short. A skirt or dress to the knee or just above is appropriate in a church.
- Soft colours. Light blue, beige, cream, soft pink, navy and grey suit a spring party.
- Comfortable shoes. Church floors are hard and slippery, and you often stand for a long time.
Who are you on the day?
| Role | Level of dress | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Parent | Formal, smart daywear | Women: blouse with trousers and jacket; men: shirt with blazer |
| Godparent | Formal to polished | As the parents, possibly without a tie |
| Family and guests | Polished and festive | Blouse or knit with trousers; shirt without blazer |
| Children as guests | Neat and practical | Clothes they can play in |
Outfits for Women
Classic and soft. The blouse with lavallière collar in light blue with ultra high-waist trousers with pleats in beige. Light blue and beige is a soft, festive combination that suits a spring day beautifully. The lavallière collar already gives the blouse a distinct detail. Wear loafers or pumps with a low heel with it.
A little more relaxed. For a christening at home or an informal party, choose a knitted polo with V-neck in cream with the same beige trousers. Cream and beige together make a calm tone-on-tone combination. A gold necklace and a small handbag make it festive.
Outfits for Men
As a parent or godfather. The light blue striped cotton shirt with Italian collar with tapered trousers with pleats in cream and a navy blazer. Light blue and cream is a fresh spring combination, and the blazer makes it appropriate for church. A tie is not needed. The Italian collar also looks good open.
As a guest. A fine-knit open lyocell polo without buttons in light blue with the cream trousers and suede loafers. Polished and comfortable for a long afternoon with family.
Practical on a long day
- Children and stains. If a small child sits on your lap, choose a fabric that can take a knock and does not stain too easily. Dark trousers are then more practical than light ones.
- Creases. After an hour in a church pew and a car ride, you still want to look polished. Knitted pieces and fabrics with some stretch crease less than linen.
- Temperature. Churches are often cool even in May, while it can be warm outside. Bring a cardigan or jacket.
- Photos. Many family photos are taken. Plain, soft colours create a calm atmosphere in photos.
Jewellery and accessories
Keep jewellery fine and classic: small earrings, a thin necklace or a watch. A small handbag suits a church service better than a large shopper. Men finish their outfit with a belt in the colour of their shoes and possibly a pocket square with a blazer. Sunglasses are handy for the photos outside, but take them off in church and during conversations.
Shoes
Choose shoes you can stand and walk in, and possibly chase after children in. For women, loafers, smart ballet flats or pumps with a low block heel are ideal. On slippery floors or gravel, sturdy, comfortable shoes are more practical. Men wear leather loafers or smart lace-up shoes. Whether sneakers are appropriate depends on the location and how formal the party is.
A christening or communion in another tradition
Not every celebration is the same. Expectations differ per church and family. At a party in the garden it may be lighter and airier, with a cardigan for when it gets cooler. If you are unsure about the expectations, simply ask the parents. They appreciate that you are thinking along, and you avoid being the only one in a blazer or the only one without.
A gift and a card
Besides your outfit, it is customary to bring a card and a small gift. Bring a bag in which that fits without your outfit suffering: a slightly larger handbag or a cloth bag you can leave at the entrance. That way you have your hands free for congratulations.
What you had better leave
- A completely white or ivory outfit, if the family prefers to reserve that for the child.
- Bare shoulders or deep necklines in church.
- Bright colours and busy prints that draw attention in the photos.
- Jeans and sneakers, unless the party is explicitly informal.
You will find more inspiration for special family moments in our Celebration collection, our Signature Occasions for Women and Signature Occasions for Men, and in the shirts for Men.
Shop the look
Rosamund: lavallière blouse, light blue
Philippa: ultra high-waist trousers with pleats, beige
Josephine: knitted polo with V-neck, cream
Hamilton: cotton shirt with Italian collar, light blue striped
Harrison: tapered trousers with pleats, beige
Theodore: open lyocell polo, light blue
Frequently asked questions
Can you wear white to a communion?
A white detail is fine, but you had better leave out a completely white outfit. White is for the communicant on this day.
Do I have to wear a tie as a man to a communion or christening?
Not necessarily. As a parent or godfather a blazer is appropriate, a tie is optional. As a guest a polished shirt or smart knitted polo with trousers is enough.
What do you wear to a christening in church?
Polished daywear with covered shoulders: a blouse with trousers or a skirt for women, a shirt with trousers for men. Bring a cardigan, churches are often cool.
