Baptism dress codes aren't as rigid as you might fear. You're aiming for somewhere between "nice Sunday brunch" and "we're going somewhere meaningful today."
If Your Baby Is Getting Baptized
Let's start with the little star of the show.
The Christening of Victoria, Princess Royal, 10 February 1841 — Painting by Charles Robert Leslie, Royal Collection
White Christening Gowns
White christening gowns are still the gold standard—they symbolize purity and new beginnings, they photograph like a dream. The classic long gowns (the kind that flow past baby's feet) have been around for centuries. Notably, the British Royal Family still uses a replica of Queen Victoria's daughter's 1841 gown for royal christenings.
Honiton lace craftsmanship (left) and Queen Victoria (right)
You can find beautiful heirloom-quality gowns from Feltman Brothers (expect $150-$300) or more affordable options at Amazon and Etsy ($40-$80 range). Carter's also carries simple, sweet christening outfits around $50 if you're not going full traditional.
Gorgeous silk gown your mother-in-law is pushing? It's going to be a nightmare for diaper changes. Look for buttons or snaps at the bottom, or you'll be wrestling with yards of fabric in a church bathroom. Cotton and cotton-blend fabrics are your friend—babies overheat easily, and satin under hot church lights is a recipe for a fussy infant.
The Christening of The Prince of Wales (future Edward VII), 25 January 1842 — Painting by Sir George Hayter, Royal Collection
For Boys
For boys, the long gown tradition has given way to more modern options. White rompers, shortalls with subtle embroidery, or little suits with suspenders are all fair game now. Little Things Mean A Lot makes beautiful boys' christening sets, and Carriage Boutique has some adorable options too.
Christening of Princess Elizabeth (future Queen Elizabeth II), 1926 — wearing the original 1841 gown
When Adults Get Baptized
If you're doing a sprinkling or pouring baptism (common in Catholic, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches), just wear what you'd normally wear to a nice church service. The church might give you a white robe or stole to put on during the actual blessing. No big wardrobe planning needed.
Full immersion baptism requires practical planning
Full immersion is a different story entirely. Baptist, Pentecostal, and many non-denominational churches will have you going completely underwater, which means you need to think practically. Wear dark clothes underneath—black or navy, nothing that'll go see-through when soaked.
A dark t-shirt and dark shorts work well. Ladies, a one-piece swimsuit under your clothes adds extra coverage and peace of mind. Most churches provide a white robe to wear over everything.
Christening of Prince Charles, 1948 — wearing the original 1841 gown, with Princess Elizabeth and King George VI
What Parents Should Wear
You're going to be in every single photo, so look put-together—but remember, you're not the main event.
Moms can A knee-length or midi dress works beautifully. Pastels are popular (blush, powder blue, lavender), but soft neutrals photograph just as well. Mothers often look stunning in champagne, soft gray, and even cream. Unlike weddings, wearing white-adjacent colors is totally fine at your child's baptism.
- 👗 Moms: Knee-length or midi dress, pastels or soft neutrals, wrap dress for breastfeeding
- 👔 Dads: Suit with tie, or dress pants with button-up and blazer, navy/charcoal/tan tones
- 👶 Tip: Some families coordinate colors subtly for lovely photos
Amalienborg Palace, Denmark (left) and Stockholm Royal Palace, Sweden (right) — homes of cherished christening traditions
Godparents: You've Got a Bigger Role Here
Being asked to be a godparent is an honor, and your outfit should reflect that you take it seriously. Dress at or slightly above the parents' level of formality.
Godmothers often land on elegant midi dresses, sophisticated pantsuits, or a polished skirt-and-blazer combination. This isn't the time for your trendiest look—go timeless. You'll be standing at the front during the ceremony and appearing in formal photos.
In some cultures—Italian, many Latin American traditions, parts of Eastern Europe—the godmother traditionally purchases the christening outfit. If you're not sure whether this expectation applies to you, just ask the family. Nobody will think it's strange for wanting to get it right.
Different Churches, Different Expectations
Catholic baptisms tend toward formal. Cover your shoulders—most parishes expect this—and err on the dressier side.
Orthodox ceremonies (Greek, Russian, Eastern) are the most formal of all. Full immersion is standard, even for infants. Women often cover their hair with a white veil or scarf. The baptized person wears white afterward and traditionally keeps that garment for eight days.
Protestant churches run the spectrum. A high-church Lutheran or Episcopal service might rival Catholic formality, while a non-denominational church in a converted warehouse might feel more like smart casual. When you're not sure, just ask whoever invited you.
A traditional christening gown — simple, beautiful, and practical for a single special day
Things to Avoid
You can take a look at some clothing styles that should be avoided, jeans of any kind, t-shirts or anything with logos, shorts, mini skirts, sneakers, flip-flops, strapless or backless dresses without a cover-up, anything skin-tight, neon colors, heavy perfume (enclosed space + other people = be considerate).
A note on hats: small, tasteful fascinators can work in some traditions, but big brims that block the view of people behind you are inconsiderate.
Bring a layer. Churches are unpredictable temperature-wise.
Wear shoes you can actually stand in—the ceremony might run longer than expected, especially if multiple children are being baptized.
If there's a reception afterward with a different vibe, stash a change of clothes in your car.
And if you're still unsure about any of this, just ask the family. They'll appreciate that you care enough to ask.