How to Select Music for a Baptism Party

Whether you play a pop CD softly in the background, have a DJ supervise your tunes or hire a band for dancing, the music you select for your party sets the mood and affects how it "goes over." For a baptism party, you want the music to be as special as the occasion. Before you automatically choose your own favorites, take a look at the big picture.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Music and blank CDs
• Karaoke machine (optional)

Select Music for a Baptism Party

1. Figure out exactly what you want to accomplish with the music: pleasant background noise, songs the guests can sing along to, tunes for dancing or beats that display a particular ethnic heritage.
2. Think about who will be listening to the music to decide on the varieties you need. You may want to choose music that appeals primarily to children or adults, ethnic or religious music, contemporary tunes or old-time favorites. Add your own personal favorites to the mix, but be mindful of the preferences of your guests.
3. Keep in mind that this is a religious celebration. While not all the music needs to be specifically Christian, propriety is a concern. Save the rap and heavy metal for another time.
4. Decide if you want live or recorded music. Recorded is cheaper, but scope out a few bands advertised in your local music store, from your church or recommended by friends to see what they have to offer. You might be pleasantly surprised at how inexpensive an up-and-coming live band can be.
5. Consider burning one or more CDs with specially chosen songs from your own collection. This can give the music a personal touch and may make the entire party more memorable.
6. Select songs specifically related to baptism. Many Christian gift stores sell CD compilations of popular church songs. You can find albums recorded by young children, professional choirs, impressive orchestras and even world-renowned singers.

Tips & Warnings

• Karaoke is an activity in which everyone can join. You can rent a machine and CDs, but many people own them. Check among your family and friends to see if you can find one for free.
• Safe bets for music include contemporary Christian, oldies from the 1960s and 1970s (or earlier), light classical (Debussy, Vivaldi) or mellow instrumental (soft jazz or rock).
• A DJ is probably not a good idea. Highly amplified voices and music can make the baby uncomfortable and fussy.

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