A christening is one of the most photographed and cherished days in a baby’s early life, and the outfit plays a central role in making those memories as beautiful as possible. At Itty Bitty, our christening dresses UK collection brings together the finest christening gowns, rompers, and occasion sets for girls and boys — all chosen for their craftsmanship, comfort, and the way they look in photographs.
Our christening dresses range from delicate traditional ivory gowns with hand-embroidered detailing to more contemporary short occasion dresses in white and champagne. Every piece in our christening collection is lined with soft cotton to ensure your baby stays comfortable throughout the ceremony and celebrations. Free UK delivery on orders over £50, with over 1,000 five-star reviews from parents across the UK.
How to Choose a Christening Dress
Traditional vs contemporary. Traditional christening gowns are typically long, in ivory or white, with lace trim, embroidery, or smocking. Contemporary christening dresses tend to be shorter, with tulle skirts, satin sashes, or pearl embellishments. Both are equally appropriate — the choice comes down to personal preference and the formality of the ceremony.
Comfort is as important as appearance. A christening can be a long day, with a ceremony followed by a celebration. Choose a dress with a soft cotton lining, avoid anything with scratchy lace directly against the skin, and make sure the neckline is wide enough for easy dressing. A dress that is comfortable will mean a happier baby — and better photographs.
Buy one size up. If the christening is still several weeks away, buy one size larger than your baby currently wears. Babies grow quickly, and a dress that fits perfectly at the time of purchase may be too small by the day of the ceremony. Our size guide below will help you choose the right fit based on your baby’s weight and height at the time of the christening.
Consider the season. For summer christenings, lightweight cotton and chiffon dresses are the most comfortable choice. For winter christenings, look for dresses with long sleeves or pair a short dress with a matching cardigan or bolero. Our seasonal collections are updated to reflect the time of year.
Our Christening Collections
Christening Gowns for Girls: Our traditional christening gowns for girls include long ivory and white styles with lace trim, embroidered bodices, and delicate pearl detailing. These are the classic choice for a traditional church christening and photograph beautifully in both colour and black and white.
Short Christening Dresses: For a more contemporary look, our short christening dresses feature tulle skirts, satin sashes, and embellished bodices in ivory, white, and champagne. These are particularly popular for outdoor ceremonies and summer christenings, and they pair beautifully with our christening sandals.
Christening Rompers for Boys: Our christening collection for boys includes ivory and white rompers, shorts sets, and occasion suits with delicate embroidery and soft cotton construction. These are the practical alternative to traditional long gowns for boys who will be more comfortable in something less formal.
Christening Gift Sets: Many of our christening outfits are available as complete gift sets including the dress or romper, matching headband or hat, and booties or shoes. These make beautiful christening gifts and are popular with grandparents and godparents looking for something truly special.
Christening Dress Size Guide
| Size | Age | Weight | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn | 0–1 month | Up to 3.5 kg | Up to 56 cm |
| 0–3 Months | 1–3 months | 3.5–6 kg | 56–62 cm |
| 3–6 Months | 3–6 months | 6–7.5 kg | 62–68 cm |
| 6–9 Months | 6–9 months | 7.5–9 kg | 68–74 cm |
| 9–12 Months | 9–12 months | 9–10.5 kg | 74–80 cm |
| 12–18 Months | 12–18 months | 10.5–12 kg | 80–86 cm |
Frequently Asked Questions
What colour should a christening dress be?
Traditionally, christening dresses are ivory or white. However, pale champagne, blush pink, and cream are also widely accepted and increasingly popular. The most important consideration is that the dress feels appropriate for the formality of the ceremony and photographs well.
How far in advance should I buy a christening dress?
We recommend buying a christening dress at least 4–6 weeks before the ceremony. This gives you time to receive the dress, check the fit, and order a different size if needed. Buy one size up from your baby’s current size to allow for growth.
Do your christening dresses come with matching accessories?
Many of our christening outfits include or are available with matching headbands, booties, and accessories. Check individual product pages for details. We also stock a range of christening sandals and occasion shoes that complement our christening dresses.
Do you offer free delivery on christening dresses?
Yes. Free UK standard delivery on all orders over £50. Express next-day delivery is available at checkout for last-minute purchases.
Can I return a christening dress if it does not fit?
Yes. We offer a 14-day returns policy on all unworn, unwashed items with tags still attached. If the dress does not fit, contact our team and we will arrange an exchange for the correct size.