We sent out invites, but it was simple ones we made online, with a candid photo of her. We only sent them out to family that lives over 3000 miles away so if they wanted to come, they'd have the info. I couldn't imagine making them wedding invite quality and passing them out to everyone in the ward.
We have a family tradition of sending out announcements for big things. We send birth announcements, graduation announcements, wedding invitations, we do elaborate Christmas Cards every year-- it is a family tradition that is important to us. We do it to keep friends and family updated and to acknowledge important events in our family. We also keep copies of all of the cards/announcements for our kids because they chronicle our family experiences. Of course we would send baptism invitations!
We sent them to MANY local non member friends (we do not live in Utah) as well as family and friends around the country. Our non member friends understood that this was a Big Deal and we had almost 20 non members in attendance-- for many it was the first time they had stepped foot in an LDS chapel. Our children had support from ward members, family, friends and neighbors on this important day. Of course we would send baptism invitations!
It was important to show our child that we placed a great significance on their choice to be baptized. Taking pictures and creating and sending an invitation shows how significant this event is in their life. Of course we would send baptism invitations!
Exactly ZERO of the reasons we sent out baptism invitations were to impress friends, or keep up with anyone. It was because it was a big deal, and we were, you know, actually inviting people. Of course we would send baptism invitations!
[deleted] · 3 points · Posted at 15:29:41 on June 21, 2016 · (Permalink)
I don't want to be misunderstood. I couldn't care less about baptism announcements. Not my style, but whatever. I've got better things to roll my eyes at.
But this statement stood out to me -
We send birth announcements, graduation announcements, wedding invitations, we do elaborate Christmas Cards every year-
These are all occasions where it is appropriate to respond with a gift. Depending on the occasion, a substantial gift. Where that isn't really appropriate with an LDS baptism, sending out formal announcements seems inconsistentincongruent (? I'm struggling to find the right word here.)
I get that baptism is a big deal But if your family was getting sealed in the Temple for the first time, would you send that out? Or an announcement about receiving endowments? Or a formal announcement about a mission call?
Maybe those things are next as these kids reach those ages.
But like I said, I don't have a beef with it. Just a thought process I had.
These are all occasions where it is appropriate to respond with a gift.
I have never in my life considered responding to a christmas card with a gift. Is that a thing? "I sent you a christmas card therefore you should send me a gift"?
An invitation is just that. We actually WANTED PEOPLE TO COME to his baptism. In addition, many people send Christmas Cards and other announcements without the recipient wanting/expecting a gift (who the heck sends a gift for a Christmas Card??).
Yeah. It's not something I would ever do myself (and probably not my wife either), but I can certainly understand why other people would want to do it.
We're the kind of people who struggle to send out an email christmas card.
[deleted] · 2 points · Posted at 03:28:06 on June 22, 2016 · (Permalink)
...Was my train of thought totally lost on both of you?
We only did it because my wife's best friend is a photographer and offered to take my son's photo for free. But like you said we used them to hand out to all our non-member friends and neighbors.
You are hilarious.l if you think you are able to analyze a stranger's motivations in sending an invitation for an event. You know, to invite people to attend something. That's how invitations work.
My Catholic friends all send out first communion invites, I think most people would see baptism invites as similar and perfectly acceptable/expected for a big life event for the child where others are invited to participate. Wedding quality may be much, but these days it's not that hard to make them online for cheap so why not?
Why does anyone care? Let them take pictures and be proud of moments in their children's lives. I don't see us doing it, but some people find joy in creating these crafty invites. Let them do what makes them happy. You might say "they are doing it to show off", but again, who cares.
Here on reddit we can take comfort in our enlightened understanding of the real issues facing the church and be proud of our testimonies despite knowing about all the critical narrative, while the rest of Mormondom fusses with making casseroles and scouting and only having a skin deep understanding of the gospel.
I think it upsets some people because over time it becomes the "new normal" and then people feel pressured by the culture to play along, and a little guilty if they don't.
Similar issue are Mormon women who feel inferior as mothers because they can't replicate all the "cute" things they see on Pinterest.
[deleted] · 1 points · Posted at 17:34:19 on June 21, 2016 · (Permalink)
I'm really surprised to see this posted. Honestly, I'm not the type that does do this, but wow, sometimes it really is great to see people who take the time to create a beautiful little reminders about so great a day. I suppose there is always a point where things can go too far, but really people do that to their own detriment if they take away from the spirit in their pursuit of novelties. And yet, I don't know what experience you have had and maybe it was too much, but I always appreciate the "extra" reminder of how special the day is and it is special. Why paperbag such a special day if you feel like rejoicing, rejoice, if you feel like spending time preparing for that day rather than binge watching netflix...so much the better. If you like creating special invitations which helps others see how special you feel that day is, I really think they should be able to without making waves. Anyway, I just thought that what's the harm, it's an invitation and it can be very special to families, and I think there are much bigger problems to worry about rather than watching out what the Jones' are or are not doing. We have so much more to do than to watch for the iniquity of others.
We live in a ward where there are like 5-10 kids getting baptized each year. There is no way we're going to remember who's getting baptized when, so we appreciate sticking the invitations on the fridge to remind us of the date. This also saves time during priesthood and RS since we don't have to hear about baptism announcements all the time to remind each other.
We have a lot of cousins and uncles and aunts and grandmas and grandpas who want to know what is going on, and baptism is a very important milestone. Sending them invitations encourages them to take a few days off to come visit us, which we always appreciate. Grandparents love putting the invitations on their corkboards and keeping them there, especially because they had pictures of the kids.
We invite their teachers, neighbors and community member. When we invite, they all expect a piece of paper with the date and place.
Baptisms are important like a wedding, so we are going to do our best to get the word out to our family and friends.
And it seems the people who don't belong to the church appreciate them the most.
got one for a mission farewell, which... i thought we weren't even supposed to have anymore (officially. they still have the missionary give a talk as per tradition.)
Saved comment
benbernards · 10 points · Posted at 00:58:33 on June 21, 2016 · (Permalink)
We told our close friends in person, and that was it. Got a few invites from other kids...just feels weird.
[deleted] · 34 points · Posted at 00:37:30 on June 21, 2016 · (Permalink)
Utah culture knows no bounds.
Dravos82 · 6 points · Posted at 02:36:53 on June 21, 2016 · (Permalink)
^ This
Abulia13 · 17 points · Posted at 23:36:55 on June 20, 2016 · (Permalink)
Professional photographs; new expensive dress/suit; distribute to everyone in the ward; etc. etc. etc. Nauseating.
Senno_Ecto_Gammat · 8 points · Posted at 01:09:18 on June 21, 2016 · (Permalink)
It is starting to get to the point where people maybe should start talking about the word blasphemy.
Noppers · 16 points · Posted at 23:41:04 on June 20, 2016 · (Permalink)*
How else will we show that our little angel is better and cuter than yours?
Edit: I was being cheeky, I honestly don't care if you send out invitations for your kids' baptisms.
[deleted] · 13 points · Posted at 02:58:52 on June 21, 2016 · (Permalink)
[deleted]
instorg8a · 4 points · Posted at 10:46:04 on June 21, 2016 · (Permalink)
I'm in Western Australia, I've seen a few on my fridge even over here.
WooperSlim · 1 points · Posted at 21:45:36 on June 21, 2016 · (Permalink)
I'm from Utah, and never seen 'em before.
Then again, I also rarely get invited to child baptisms.
concretegirl87 · 7 points · Posted at 00:50:18 on June 21, 2016 · (Permalink)
We sent out invites, but it was simple ones we made online, with a candid photo of her. We only sent them out to family that lives over 3000 miles away so if they wanted to come, they'd have the info. I couldn't imagine making them wedding invite quality and passing them out to everyone in the ward.
arwMommy · 12 points · Posted at 06:05:07 on June 21, 2016 · (Permalink)
My reasons:
We have a family tradition of sending out announcements for big things. We send birth announcements, graduation announcements, wedding invitations, we do elaborate Christmas Cards every year-- it is a family tradition that is important to us. We do it to keep friends and family updated and to acknowledge important events in our family. We also keep copies of all of the cards/announcements for our kids because they chronicle our family experiences. Of course we would send baptism invitations!
We sent them to MANY local non member friends (we do not live in Utah) as well as family and friends around the country. Our non member friends understood that this was a Big Deal and we had almost 20 non members in attendance-- for many it was the first time they had stepped foot in an LDS chapel. Our children had support from ward members, family, friends and neighbors on this important day. Of course we would send baptism invitations!
It was important to show our child that we placed a great significance on their choice to be baptized. Taking pictures and creating and sending an invitation shows how significant this event is in their life. Of course we would send baptism invitations!
Exactly ZERO of the reasons we sent out baptism invitations were to impress friends, or keep up with anyone. It was because it was a big deal, and we were, you know, actually inviting people. Of course we would send baptism invitations!
[deleted] · 3 points · Posted at 15:29:41 on June 21, 2016 · (Permalink)
I don't want to be misunderstood. I couldn't care less about baptism announcements. Not my style, but whatever. I've got better things to roll my eyes at.
But this statement stood out to me -
These are all occasions where it is appropriate to respond with a gift. Depending on the occasion, a substantial gift. Where that isn't really appropriate with an LDS baptism, sending out formal announcements seems
inconsistentincongruent(? I'm struggling to find the right word here.)I get that baptism is a big deal But if your family was getting sealed in the Temple for the first time, would you send that out? Or an announcement about receiving endowments? Or a formal announcement about a mission call?
Maybe those things are next as these kids reach those ages.
But like I said, I don't have a beef with it. Just a thought process I had.
CrazyStatistician · 4 points · Posted at 20:03:37 on June 21, 2016 · (Permalink)
I have never in my life considered responding to a christmas card with a gift. Is that a thing? "I sent you a christmas card therefore you should send me a gift"?
arwMommy · 7 points · Posted at 20:28:21 on June 21, 2016 · (Permalink)
An invitation is just that. We actually WANTED PEOPLE TO COME to his baptism. In addition, many people send Christmas Cards and other announcements without the recipient wanting/expecting a gift (who the heck sends a gift for a Christmas Card??).
CrazyStatistician · 1 points · Posted at 20:47:15 on June 21, 2016 · (Permalink)
Yeah. It's not something I would ever do myself (and probably not my wife either), but I can certainly understand why other people would want to do it.
We're the kind of people who struggle to send out an email christmas card.
[deleted] · 2 points · Posted at 03:28:06 on June 22, 2016 · (Permalink)
...Was my train of thought totally lost on both of you?
CrazyStatistician · 0 points · Posted at 13:51:33 on June 22, 2016 · (Permalink)
No, I just disagreed with the premise.
dogggis · 5 points · Posted at 06:27:15 on June 21, 2016 · (Permalink)
We only did it because my wife's best friend is a photographer and offered to take my son's photo for free. But like you said we used them to hand out to all our non-member friends and neighbors.
uphigh_downlow · 5 points · Posted at 12:57:41 on June 21, 2016 · (Permalink)
Spot on. Surprised at all the negativity on this topic.
[deleted] · 1 points · Posted at 17:56:47 on June 21, 2016 · (Permalink)
[deleted]
arwMommy · 3 points · Posted at 20:29:35 on June 21, 2016 · (Permalink)
You are hilarious.l if you think you are able to analyze a stranger's motivations in sending an invitation for an event. You know, to invite people to attend something. That's how invitations work.
instorg8a · 3 points · Posted at 10:45:22 on June 21, 2016 · (Permalink)
Just don't go. That'll teach em.
davect01 · 4 points · Posted at 23:59:21 on June 20, 2016 · (Permalink)
Well it is an important moment .
But ya, it should not overshadow the event itself.
middlenamemarie · 4 points · Posted at 15:24:05 on June 21, 2016 · (Permalink)
My Catholic friends all send out first communion invites, I think most people would see baptism invites as similar and perfectly acceptable/expected for a big life event for the child where others are invited to participate. Wedding quality may be much, but these days it's not that hard to make them online for cheap so why not?
classycactus · 8 points · Posted at 03:40:55 on June 21, 2016 · (Permalink)
Why does anyone care? Let them take pictures and be proud of moments in their children's lives. I don't see us doing it, but some people find joy in creating these crafty invites. Let them do what makes them happy. You might say "they are doing it to show off", but again, who cares.
withabullet · 6 points · Posted at 15:28:26 on June 21, 2016 · (Permalink)
But then how are we supposed to signal our superiority to them?
classycactus · 5 points · Posted at 16:33:08 on June 21, 2016 · (Permalink)
Here on reddit we can take comfort in our enlightened understanding of the real issues facing the church and be proud of our testimonies despite knowing about all the critical narrative, while the rest of Mormondom fusses with making casseroles and scouting and only having a skin deep understanding of the gospel.
Sheep.
Noppers · 4 points · Posted at 16:26:59 on June 21, 2016 · (Permalink)
I think it upsets some people because over time it becomes the "new normal" and then people feel pressured by the culture to play along, and a little guilty if they don't.
Similar issue are Mormon women who feel inferior as mothers because they can't replicate all the "cute" things they see on Pinterest.
[deleted] · 1 points · Posted at 17:34:19 on June 21, 2016 · (Permalink)
Exactly.
withabullet · 4 points · Posted at 14:49:00 on June 21, 2016 · (Permalink)
I don't know but we should definitely look down our noses at people who do it!
spiritualcatharsis · 2 points · Posted at 17:37:56 on June 23, 2016 · (Permalink)
I'm really surprised to see this posted. Honestly, I'm not the type that does do this, but wow, sometimes it really is great to see people who take the time to create a beautiful little reminders about so great a day. I suppose there is always a point where things can go too far, but really people do that to their own detriment if they take away from the spirit in their pursuit of novelties. And yet, I don't know what experience you have had and maybe it was too much, but I always appreciate the "extra" reminder of how special the day is and it is special. Why paperbag such a special day if you feel like rejoicing, rejoice, if you feel like spending time preparing for that day rather than binge watching netflix...so much the better. If you like creating special invitations which helps others see how special you feel that day is, I really think they should be able to without making waves. Anyway, I just thought that what's the harm, it's an invitation and it can be very special to families, and I think there are much bigger problems to worry about rather than watching out what the Jones' are or are not doing. We have so much more to do than to watch for the iniquity of others.
jgardner · 2 points · Posted at 21:46:38 on June 23, 2016 · (Permalink)
Hi. I used them for all of my kids baptisms.
We live in a ward where there are like 5-10 kids getting baptized each year. There is no way we're going to remember who's getting baptized when, so we appreciate sticking the invitations on the fridge to remind us of the date. This also saves time during priesthood and RS since we don't have to hear about baptism announcements all the time to remind each other.
We have a lot of cousins and uncles and aunts and grandmas and grandpas who want to know what is going on, and baptism is a very important milestone. Sending them invitations encourages them to take a few days off to come visit us, which we always appreciate. Grandparents love putting the invitations on their corkboards and keeping them there, especially because they had pictures of the kids.
We invite their teachers, neighbors and community member. When we invite, they all expect a piece of paper with the date and place.
Baptisms are important like a wedding, so we are going to do our best to get the word out to our family and friends.
And it seems the people who don't belong to the church appreciate them the most.
uphigh_downlow · 4 points · Posted at 06:01:46 on June 21, 2016 · (Permalink)
Passing it out to the whole ward = tacky. Using a nice looking invitation to invite non-member friends = pretty good missionary tool.
sokttocs · 4 points · Posted at 00:09:09 on June 21, 2016 · (Permalink)
I'm with you. I get that its an important event. It's totally absurd to make announcements for it though.
SonicBroom51 · 1 points · Posted at 19:38:58 on June 22, 2016 · (Permalink)
Use the "event" feature on Facebook. Solved so many planning issues and is $free.99
[deleted] · 1 points · Posted at 11:01:42 on June 23, 2016 · (Permalink)
[removed]
uphigh_downlow · 1 points · Posted at 12:32:02 on June 23, 2016 · (Permalink)
Almost as tacky a coarse language.
pergn0ntits · 1 points · Posted at 18:56:36 on June 21, 2016 · (Permalink)
got one for a mission farewell, which... i thought we weren't even supposed to have anymore (officially. they still have the missionary give a talk as per tradition.)
I blame Provo.
testudoaubreii · 0 points · Posted at 20:07:25 on June 21, 2016 · (Permalink)
Shooting fish in a barrel though, isn't it? :)