Insights · Baptism
On the day of the baptism, the mother is everywhere: with the baby in her arms, beside the font, in every family photograph. Her outfit should be beautiful, but above all it should let her move.
We will not tell you what is in fashion. We will tell you what shows through the lens: which colours and fabrics photograph well, what survives a day with a baby in your arms, and how a family can match without dressing alike.
Contents (7)
A baptism dress: what the mother wears
There is no single right dress. There is the one that makes you feel like yourself. A few things do help on a day that moves from the church to the courtyard and on to the table:
- A length to the knee or below, so you can bend and sit comfortably.
- Sleeves, or a light jacket or shawl for the church. Some churches prefer covered shoulders, and a shawl solves it.
- A fabric that does not crease easily, since you will be holding the baby and sitting down.
- If you are breastfeeding, a design that opens easily at the front, or a two-piece outfit.
- A jumpsuit, or trousers with a lovely blouse, if that suits you better than a dress.
Colours that photograph well
Plain, soft colours are the safest choice. A few practical notes from behind the camera:
- Very strong colours, such as neon, reflect onto your face and onto the skin of the baby you are holding.
- Very fine stripes and small checks can “shimmer” in photographs.
- Large logos and lettering pull the eye away from faces.
- All white is lovely, but the baby usually wears white too. Ivory, beige or a pastel sets you apart.
- Black is not forbidden, but at a joyful celebration many people avoid it.
If you want the family to match, choose a palette rather than one colour: for example blue, beige and white, with each person wearing one shade. In family photographs this looks more natural than identical clothes.
Shoes: it is a long day
A baptism means standing in church, walking on steps, gravel or grass in the courtyard, all with a baby in your arms. A low or block heel is safer than a stiletto. If you really want high heels, bring a second pair for after the church.
Hair for a baptism
The baby will grab your hair. That is certain. So:
- A half-up style or a low bun lasts all day and keeps your face clear.
- Very long loose hair can hide the baby’s face when you lean towards them.
- Few accessories, and nothing sharp near the baby’s head.
- Do a trial, especially if the day is hot or humid.
Make-up for a baptism
- Long-wearing products, because the day starts early and ends at the table.
- A matte or satin finish on the face: strong shine shows up as glare in photographs.
- Some products with sunscreen, or a very white powder, can turn white in flash. If unsure, take a test photo with flash at home.
- A lipstick that does not transfer, because you will be kissing the baby all day.
- Waterproof mascara: tears beside the font are very common.
The father, the godparents and the siblings
For the father, a light-coloured suit or a jacket with trousers, with or without a tie, suits most baptisms, especially in summer. The godparents stand beside the font throughout the ceremony, so the same advice on colours and patterns applies to them. For older siblings, clothes that can survive playing in the courtyard.
To feel at ease in front of the camera, read “We’re not photogenic”, and for the whole day, our guide to baptism photography.
Frequently asked questions about what to wear to a baptism
What does the mother wear to a baptism?
A comfortable dress or outfit, to the knee or longer, in a soft plain colour, with something for the shoulders in church and shoes that last all day.
What colour should we wear to a baptism?
Soft plain colours and pastels photograph best. Avoid neon, very fine stripes and large logos.
Is black allowed at a baptism?
There is no written rule. Because a baptism is a joyful celebration, many people avoid it; if you like it, pair it with something light.
Which hairstyle suits the mother at a baptism?
A half-up style or a low bun, which lasts all day and does not hide the baby’s face when you hold them.
Do shoulders need to be covered in church?
It depends on the church. A shawl or a light jacket solves it, and you can take it off at the reception.
Your child’s day, and yours
Tell us about the baptism you are planning. We will photograph your family as it is, and tell you beforehand how the day will flow, so you have nothing to think about.
Photographs: Dimitris Stergiou and the studio team