A delicate ivory sleeveless christening dress set with floral crochet lace collar, pearl-trimmed satin bow waist and a soft layered tulle skirt. Matching lace bonnet with ribbon ties included. Available in five sizes from 0-3 months up to 18-24 months.
A christening is one of those occasions where the outfit genuinely matters. It will be photographed from every angle, it needs to hold up through a long ceremony and a family gathering, and it should feel as special as the day itself. This ivory dress and bonnet set strikes that balance well. The detailing is refined without being overdone, the tulle skirt has real volume and movement, and the matching bonnet ties the whole look together in a way that feels considered and complete.
At £28.99 for a full dress and bonnet set in sizes from birth through to two years, it also represents excellent value compared to what most specialist christening boutiques charge for a similar level of finish. For more guidance on planning and dressing for a christening, our article on planning a christening on a budget has some helpful tips.
Key Features at a Glance
- Floral crochet lace collar at the round neckline
- Pearl-trimmed satin bow at the waist
- Sleeveless A-line silhouette, elegant and light
- Layered soft tulle skirt with cotton lining
- Concealed back zip for easy dressing
- Matching lace bonnet with ribbon ties included
- Ivory and off-white tones, timeless and classic
- Soft and comfortable for all-day wear
- Five sizes from 0-3 months to 18-24 months
- Suitable for all seasons, year-round use
Product Details
| Condition | New with tag |
|---|---|
| Set Includes | Christening dress and matching lace bonnet |
| Material | Polyester, lace, cotton, tulle |
| Colour | Ivory / off-white |
| Silhouette | A-line |
| Neckline | Round neck with floral crochet lace collar |
| Waist Detail | Pearl-trimmed satin bow |
| Sleeve Style | Sleeveless |
| Length | Knee length |
| Skirt | Layered soft tulle, cotton lined |
| Closure | Concealed back zip |
| Bonnet | Lace detail with soft ribbon ties |
| Available Sizes | 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 18-24 months |
| Season | All seasons (layer with a jacket for winter) |
About This Christening Set
The neckline is where this dress makes its first impression. A floral crochet lace collar frames the round neck in a way that is delicate and traditional, with a fine floral pattern that catches the light beautifully in photographs. It sits cleanly against the smooth bodice without bunching or stiffening, which is important for a baby who needs to be comfortable throughout a long ceremony.
At the waist, a narrow band of pearls runs across the front before meeting a satin bow that sits at the centre front. The bow is neat and properly proportioned, not oversized, which keeps the overall look elegant rather than costume-like. This detail tends to photograph particularly well when a baby is lying down or being held, as the pearl band catches the light and draws the eye to the centre of the dress.
The tulle skirt is made from several soft layers over a cotton-lined base. The cotton lining does two things: it gives the skirt its fullness without requiring a separate underskirt, and it keeps the outer tulle layers from being scratchy or uncomfortable against your baby’s legs. The result is a skirt that moves with a gentle, airy quality that looks wonderful on video and in photographs. For more on why cotton lining matters in children’s occasion wear, our guide on the best fabrics for children’s clothing explains the key differences.
The back of the dress has a concealed zip that runs from the neck down to the waist. This keeps the back looking clean and minimal while also making it much easier to dress and undress a baby quickly, which any parent of a young infant will tell you is not a small consideration on a day already full of logistics.
The matching bonnet is made from the same fabric as the dress bodice and trimmed with the same lace detail used at the collar. It ties under the chin with soft ribbon ties and is designed to sit securely without being tight. The bonnet completes the traditional christening look in a way that a plain dress on its own simply cannot, and it is the kind of detail that tends to feature in every photograph from the day.
Perfect For
Christenings and baptisms are the most natural fit, but the clean ivory tone and refined finish of this dress also makes it a strong choice for first birthday parties, formal photoshoots and any occasion where you want your baby girl to look her very best. It works as a gift too, as the bonnet and dress combination feels complete and considered straight out of the packaging. For more on how to plan the perfect christening, our guide on how to choose the perfect christening gown walks through the key decisions.
Size Guide
This dress is available in five sizes from 0-3 months to 18-24 months. Baby clothing sizes vary significantly between brands, so always measure your baby before ordering and compare against the table below. For a guide on how to take accurate measurements, visit our page on how to measure children for clothes.
| Size Tag | Suggested Age | Length (cm) | Chest (cm) | Waist (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3M | 0-3 months | 57 | 51 | 51 |
| 6M | 3-6 months | 60 | 53 | 52 |
| 12M | 6-12 months | 63 | 55 | 54 |
| 18M | 12-18 months | 66 | 57 | 56 |
| 24M | 18-24 months | 69 | 59 | 58 |
If your baby is between sizes, we recommend sizing up for a more comfortable fit and to allow some room as she grows. You can also refer to our baby clothing size guide for broader guidance on sizing from newborn through to toddler.
How to Style This Dress
Shoes: White soft-sole pre-walker shoes or ivory Mary Jane shoes complete the look for very young babies. For older babies who are standing, white or ivory T-bar shoes or flat sandals work beautifully. Our baby girl gladiator sandals in white are a popular choice with this style of dress.
Socks and tights: White frilled ankle socks add a charming traditional touch for summer christenings. For cooler months, white or ivory tights keep your baby warm without changing the overall look.
Jacket: For autumn or winter christenings, a lightweight ivory or white bolero or cardigan adds warmth while keeping the dress visible. Keep it open at the front so the lace collar and bow detail remain on show.
The bonnet: The bonnet is included and designed to be worn during the ceremony and photographs. For very young babies, the ribbon ties can be loosely fastened for comfort. If your baby is older and less happy about having something on her head, the dress works beautifully on its own as well.
Photography tip: The ivory tone of this dress looks stunning against soft natural light backgrounds. Outdoors in garden settings or next to church windows where natural light falls across the dress brings out the texture of the lace collar and the softness of the tulle skirt particularly well.
Care Instructions
To keep both the dress and bonnet in the best condition:
Hand washing in cool water is the safest way to clean this dress after the christening, particularly given the lace collar and pearl bow detail. Lay the dress flat or hang on a wide hanger to air dry so the tulle skirt holds its shape. The bonnet can be washed in the same way. For detailed guidance on caring for christening and occasion dresses, our article on how to care for kids dresses covers the key steps. Many parents also choose to store the dress as a keepsake after the christening, in which case wrapping it in acid-free tissue paper and keeping it in a cool, dry place away from direct light will help preserve the ivory colour over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this set include the bonnet?
Yes. The matching lace bonnet with ribbon ties is included in the set at no extra cost. Both the dress and the bonnet are made from the same fabric and finished with the same lace detailing, so the two pieces coordinate perfectly. No additional accessories are needed to complete the look.
What sizes are available?
The dress is available in five sizes: 0-3 months (size tag 3M), 3-6 months (6M), 6-12 months (12M), 12-18 months (18M), and 18-24 months (24M). We always recommend measuring your baby and comparing against the size chart above rather than ordering purely by age, as sizing varies between brands. If you are unsure, contact us before ordering and we will advise the best option.
What is the dress made from?
The dress is made from polyester, lace, cotton and tulle. The bodice uses polyester and lace, the skirt is made from soft tulle layers over a cotton lining, and the collar and bonnet feature delicate crochet lace. The cotton lining in the skirt gives it fullness without the need for a separate underskirt, and keeps the outer tulle from being scratchy against your baby’s skin.
Is this dress suitable for a winter christening?
Yes. The dress itself is sleeveless, so for a winter or autumn christening we recommend layering it with a lightweight ivory or white bolero jacket or cardigan. White or ivory tights also add warmth without changing the overall look. The dress is fully lined with cotton which provides some warmth compared to an unlined dress.
Can this dress be used for occasions other than a christening?
Yes. The clean ivory tone and refined detailing make this dress a strong choice for first birthday parties, formal photoshoots, baby blessing ceremonies, naming ceremonies and wedding guest occasions. It works with or without the bonnet depending on the formality of the occasion.
How does the back of the dress fasten?
The dress has a concealed zip at the back that runs from the neckline to the waist. This keeps the back looking clean and minimal while making it straightforward to dress and undress your baby. There are no fiddly buttons or hook-and-eye closures to contend with on a busy christening morning.
How do I care for this dress after the christening?
Hand washing in cool water is recommended to protect the lace collar, pearl bow detail and tulle skirt. Do not bleach and do not tumble dry. Air dry on a wide hanger. If you plan to store the dress as a keepsake, wrap it in acid-free tissue paper and keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct light to preserve the ivory colour over time.
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