Argh! A Christening! Help!

[Robb]

My somewhat estranged sister in Dallas, child #3, in a church with much, much family.

After it became apparent they weren't just going to bust a bottle of champagne over the kid's head, it started to become apparent that I may need to buy a suit.

Is this true? What's "proper" for a christening? I don't want to show her any disrespect, but I really don't need a suit in my daily life. I've got a few years until people start dying off in waves on me (I think).

Etiquette kings/queens, do I need a suit...?

[meegbear]

1. Just a suit ...

get an "off the rack" one at Sears and you'll be fine.

Just no hula girl, 3 Stooges or fish tie.

[Robb]

2. I thought about that

The real trouble is, all the in-laws are fabulously wealthy, in a sadly tasteful manner. If I'm trying to buy a suit to fit in amongst them, there's no chance with my wallet.... If it's just the gesture, the Sears suit will work, I s'poze. :shrug:

[demnan]

6. Don't worry about their money

Be yourself. You're there to help your sister celebrate a joyous occasion, not to impress her inlaws.

[meegbear]

9. As an ex-professional ...

I can tell you, that the trick to looking good is to go with basics. Get a light gray suit - jacket and slacks; no stripes. It's simple and you can wear it anywhere. Get a white dress shirt, of course.

For the tie, get one that has a pattern, but predominantly has blue or red in it. While you could get an all red or blue tie, since this is a "festive" occasion, you can wear something brighter. Also remember that because you are wearing a "plain suit", the tie is where the color and your persona is.

Now get out there and knock em dead.

[demnan]

3. You could probably get by

With a nice dress shirt, conservative tie and dress slacks. Add a sports jacket if you have one but Texas is still hot this time of year, isn't it? I see a lot of "dressing down" done at churches these days, at least in Virginia.

[blondeatlast]

4. Borrow. You can even rent an appropriate suit from larger

tuxedo rental places.

Besides, in Texas, it may very well be that they won't be wearing suits. I live in Arizona, and except for the most formal occasions, suits are just not worn due to the heat. At my dad's memorial service, even the pastor was in "casual" vestments (of course, it was outdoors, so . . .).

Pardon the assumption, but I'm guessing said sister is married--ask BIL or other male siblings what they will be wearing.

And enjoy; there are few celebrations as wonderful as a christening; regardless of belief.

[JVS]

5. Are you going to be the Godfather?

[Robb]

10. I was the first child's godfather

...And got a little strange friction from my mom about not wearing a suit (although I did do the sport jacket and tie) to that christening....

[JVS]

12. You should have told her to "Never go against the family"

;-)

[prolesunited]

7. Umm...

"bust a bottle of champagne over the kid's head" <-- No plans to become a father anytime soon, I hope. ;-)

To me, it depends if you are going to just be attending or if you're going to be standing up at the front of the church. If you're going to be up front, I think you need a suit. Check with a tux place. Some have rentals of less formal attire.

If you are just attending, I think you could get away with just dress slacks and a tie.

[Maeve]

8. It would be Dallas

In a cooler clime, you could get by with a nice sweater over a shirt and no jacket in most churches. But if you're dealing with a well-to-do family...you at least need a good sports jacket or say, a blue jacket and grey pants.

[Booberdawg]

11. estranged sister? I'd get out of it somehow.

bust a bottle of champagne over the kid's head? LOL!

Just curious now - I'd like to know what you think they do for a Jewish circumcision ceremony?

[Robb]

13. Ha!

Hey, that's how they do it to ships, I've seen it!

For the latter, I figure they stand around talking about it carefully, mulling over the options, and consider every possibility for every outcome -- oh, wait, that's the Jewish circumspection ceremony. :evilgrin:

[Robb]

14. So the nutshell is...

...I need to suit-up, yes?