| You've chosen the perfect name for your baby. | | | | embroidery. A matching nautical style hat may |
| You want everything about your baby's | | | | top off the ensemble. Girls' christening gowns |
| christening to be just as perfect - including the | | | | have shamrock lace at the bodice, sleeves, and |
| christening gown. But can you name the most | | | | hem. Satin christening shoes for boys and girls can |
| popular styles of christening gowns? Five "insider" | | | | be embroidered with Celtic crosses. |
| tips will bring you one step closer to that perfect | | | | 4. Shantung Gowns |
| occasion. | | | | Shantung is created from a weave of silk or |
| 1. Heirloom Gowns | | | | synthetic fibers. The resulting fabric may have a |
| Today's christening gown can be tomorrow's | | | | "slubbed" (ribbed) texture. It is often referred to |
| heirloom. To qualify as a heirloom, it must either | | | | as wild spun silk or antique satin. Since shantung |
| be an antique gown or must mirror that style. | | | | will drape so nicely, it is a perfect fabric for a |
| The gown must delight with delicate details such | | | | baptism dress. |
| as embroidery, eyelets, and lace. | | | | Shantung looks spectacular when decorated with |
| In order for a gown to survive as a heirloom, it | | | | embroidery, sequin, and bead detail. Little girls can |
| must be made of the highest quality fabric. | | | | look sweet in a 2 piece shantung fabric yolk dress |
| Natural fibers will survive throughout the years. | | | | with hat. Little boys can look smart in a shantung |
| Cotton and linen can withstand the test of time. | | | | romper with vest. |
| Silk will last for a long time. Yet man-made | | | | 5. "A Touch Of Color" Gowns |
| polyester is also known to have a long life. | | | | Traditional gowns are pure white - symbolizing |
| 2. Customized Gowns | | | | purity, joy, and a new life. Touches of color, |
| Your baby is special and deserves that extra | | | | however, are showing up in modern fashion. Ivory |
| special touch. Couture fashion can offer you | | | | and cream don't stray very far from tradition. |
| customized gowns created just for your baby. | | | | The popular and standard silk, by its nature, is an |
| Many retailers provide personalized services. Your | | | | off-white and not bright white. |
| baby's name or a symbol of faith (such as | | | | In the modern style, you can use colors which |
| crosses) can be embroidered on the gown. | | | | have symbolism for your faith. A pale blue sash |
| Baptism dresses are available with detachable | | | | often adorns Communion dresses. Similarly, a soft |
| sashes, bows, and trains. You can choose to add | | | | blue ribbon, with lace on both sides, can fall softly |
| or remove features. There is even an unisex | | | | down the front of a baptism dress. |
| style on the market with removable cummerbund. | | | | A delicate pink carnation with long streamers can |
| 3. Irish Gowns | | | | fall from the waist. Soft pink braid can be used at |
| Irish Gowns feature embroidered shamrocks and | | | | the waist, hem, or sleeves. For those who really |
| or four leaf clovers. Their Celtic appeal extends | | | | dare to be different, beautiful blue and blush pink |
| far beyond Ireland and those of Irish descent. | | | | christening dresses are now a colorful possibility. |
| According to legend, St. Patrick used the | | | | When choosing a christening gown, you have to |
| shamrock to symbolize unity. The leaves of the | | | | decide which style best suits your needs. Consider |
| four-leaf clover represent faith, hope, love, and | | | | the type of ceremony and the symbolism you |
| luck. The symbolism makes this collection a | | | | want to reflect in the celebration. Celebrate your |
| perfect choice for any baby. | | | | baby's christening, a new beginning, and the |
| The Irish Collection also includes boys' outfits. A | | | | perfect occasion! |
| boy's christening romper can sport Celtic | | | | |