Christening and Entertainment ideas.
Christenings are an important day for you, your child, and your loved ones. Traditionally a christening is a symbolic statement that you intend to raise your child with Christian values. Naming ceremonies are non-religious alternative where you can celebrate the occasion of the birth and welcome the child into the world.
Whichever version you opt for, you’ll want your friends and family to witness this joyous celebration.
Although you don’t have to, the majority of Christenings have entertainment afterwards. This gives a chance for the adults to catch up while the children can play.
It can be hard to decide what you would like for entertainment - and a lot depends on the ages of the children you are looking to keep busy.
Here are a few popular ideas…
If you have fewer than 10 children and a couple of helping hands from the family, then some craft table options may work for you.
The classic colouring table
Got a creative niece, nephew or granny that loves spending time with the kids? This is the task for them. Colouring books and pencils can be found in your local pound shop making this a good value option.
Biscuit decorating
How many children don't like biscuits? No - not many, so this simple activity always goes down well at parties. Buy some plain biscuits, icing, and decorations. This also works well with plain cupcakes. Children love decorating then eating the cakes and biscuits, but you may want an adult to supervise them to keep the levels of mess under control.
Feeling crafty
Toilet rolls, egg boxes, tissue paper, and some sellotape will keep children entertained. Have a competition who can make the best camel, with a prize at the end. Again, this will need some supervision and a little pre-planning to get the supplies.
Do you have more that 10 children coming, or think you need something more active?
Hire some soft play equipment!
Creating a soft play area is a great option for children up to 6 years old. With themes ranging from princess and spaceman to pirate and natural, there will be a perfect theme for your christening event.
Children between 2 and 6 may not be ready for a bouncy castle, and soft play can provide a safe and engaging area.
It’s quiet (even if the kids probably won’t be) and it keeps them from getting restless during the christening or any speeches.
Children love to play in a ball pool. (But remember they can cause a mess that will need to be cleaned before its collected.)
Soft play can come with ride-ons if you have the space at your venue. Walkers and rides are great for toddlers learning to take their first few steps. Didi cars are popular for children and adults alike, as they can take up to 18 stone! It's up to you whether you let other adults know that!
When will your Christening be held?
If you’re planning your event in the summer, or you just have the space and a big family, a great way to entertain and tire children out at the same time is to hire a bouncy castle. Bouncy castles come in all shapes and sizes, from low height, Combi-castles, slides, to fun runs and adult inflatables. So if you decide to get the whole family involved, and having fun, you can!
Don't forget to always measure the space to make sure your bouncy castle will fit. Our blog on How Much Space Do You Need For A Bouncy Castle? can help you with this.
We find a very popular castle for christening is the Disco Dome. This awesome dome comes with integrated light and speaker system, making it an inflatable and DJ in one! You can add your own playlist and hook it up via the Bluetooth on your phone, giving you a personalised experience. It’s up to you whether you include Baby Shark on the playlist though.
Having the party at home?
Making use of a garden will help to keep the children and adults out of the house. Why not get the whole family involved and challenge them to a game?
You could choose an 'All the fun of the fair' theme and hire items such as Ball in the Bucket, Target Ring Toss and many more. Take the adults back to their childhood by playing the classics: Connect 4, Kerplunk, and not forgetting the ever-popular Snakes and Ladders.
Want something to remember the day by?
Then hiring a professional is for you. For the smaller children a face painter always goes down well and is relatively inexpensive.
Once set up, children race to them quickly and a queue is often formed, so they can be the first to be transformed into their favourite Pokemon, Superhero, Princess, Pirate, or Unicorn. Due to sensitive skin, face painters will usually only paint children over the age of three. A design can normally be added to an arm to keep the little ones included.
Don’t forget that adults can have their face painted too, to join in on the fun!
Where did my phone go?
Older children between 5 and 12 will love a children's magician, and will enjoy the wonder of seeing things vanish and re-appear again! There are usually some comical aspects too, making the children all burst into laughter and have a memorable and fun day.
Need something for the adults? You could hire a table or close-up magician. They could go around each table doing tricks, or wonder around during a drinks reception. This would be more personal and everyone would get a chance to see the wonderful magic.
Time to dance?
Having your christening later in the afternoon or early evening? Maybe you’d like to combine it with a party.
Then a disco may be for you. Many people love boogying to the latest tracks and some memorable songs from yesteryear. You could hire a mobile disco or a DJ. A mobile disco means you have complete control over the set and is often cheaper, whereas a DJ will have better equipment and sort the whole music side for you.
Don't want anyone in the house?
Hiring a marquee is great when you have a lot of guests and you’re not sure you can fit them inside, or if you’d rather keep things separate.
Marquees look the part and the good thing is you can decorate the inside to how you like it - for example, you might put up some lights or awnings.
Add some tables, chairs, and entertainment and you've got yourself a brilliant venue for you and your guests to enjoy. You may choose to add external caterers so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
We hope you’ve found these ideas useful.
If you’d like to talk to us about planning your Christening event, please get in touch today.
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