Flowers for christenings, first communions and confirmations

In church, the parish decides

Christenings, communions and confirmations have a rule that weddings do not: the service is often shared. At first communions and confirmations there are many children or teenagers, and the parish organises everything, sometimes the altar flowers too, with a florist it trusts and a cost split between families. Before calling a florist, ask the parish priest or the catechists what is already planned and what you can add.

For a christening, which often takes place during Mass or with a few families together, there is more freedom: an arrangement near the font, something on the family's pews, the flowers for the party.

What the flowers are for

• Altar and lectern: two matching arrangements or one low piece in the centre, without covering the altar or the books.
• Children's pews: small posies or ribbons, sometimes with the child's name. Usually paid by each family and agreed among everyone.
• Baptismal font: a low, pale arrangement for the christening, if the parish allows it.
• Communion posy or flower crown: a small posy, a crown of fresh or preserved flowers, a single flower to hold.
• Party: centrepieces, cake table, the table for confetti (sugared almonds, a fixture of Italian celebrations) and favours, at home, in a restaurant or at a venue.

The guides to christening flowers and to communion and confirmation flowers have examples for every moment.

Season and calendar

First communions usually cluster between April and June, confirmations vary from parish to parish, and christenings are spread across the year. On Sundays in May many florists work for several churches and parties on the same day: if you want something special for the party, ask in good time. In spring the white and pale flowers used most, such as roses, ranunculus, daisies, lisianthus and gypsophila, are easy to find.

How much it costs

For these ceremonies budgets are usually much smaller than for a wedding, and quotes are simpler. The items are the share for the altar (if the parish splits it between families), pew decorations, the posy or crown, centrepieces and arrangements for the party, delivery and any vase hire. A party at home with a few vases of seasonal flowers costs little; a full set-up at a venue, with a cake table and a photo corner, comes closer to a small event. Ask for a written, itemised quote and compare offers with the same quantities.

Flowers and a table for children

At parties for little ones, safety comes first. Avoid flowers and plants that are toxic within children's reach, thorns on low tables, and lit candles where children run about. Flowers on the cake must be safe for contact with food: read the guide on flowers near food and edible flowers and the one on flowers on the cake.

What to ask the florist

• Do you already work for this parish? Do you know what is planned for the altar?
• Can you coordinate with the other families for the pews?
• How many events do you cover on the same Sunday? What time do you deliver?
• Are the vases for the party hired, or do we keep them?
• Can you bring the church flowers to the party?

If the party is large and held at a venue, see also the page on flowers for private parties. Once you have a date and a place, ask for up to 3 quotes.