2-Piece Baby Girl Christening Gown with Matching Lace Bonnet | Sleeveless Lace and Tulle | Ages 3 to 24 Months | White
The Pearl Christening Set is the sleeveless version of our full lace christening collection. It carries all the same construction quality as our long-sleeve gown: the two-tier lace bodice yoke, scattered floral embroidery throughout the tulle skirt, deep scalloped ornamental lace hem, and matching embroidered bonnet. The key difference is the open shoulder design, which makes it the natural choice for spring and summer christenings, warmer venues, and parents who prefer a lighter, cooler feel for their baby on the day.
The neckline is finished with a delicate pearl trim, which the long-sleeve version does not have. The bodice sits clean and open at the armholes rather than extending into a sleeve, and the wide satin ribbon at the back ties into a generous bow at the waist. Like all our christening gowns, it is sold as a complete 2-piece set with the matching bonnet included.
What Is Included
Key Features
Sleeveless vs Long Sleeve: Which Is Right for Your Baby?
Both versions are built from the same lace and tulle construction. The choice between them comes down to the season, the venue temperature, and personal preference.
Choose the Pearl Christening Set (this version) if: your ceremony is in spring or summer, the venue is warm or outdoors, you prefer a lighter feel on your baby, or your baby runs warm and you want to avoid overdressing her.
Choose the Heirloom Christening Set (long sleeve) if: your ceremony is in autumn or winter, the venue is a cool stone church, or you want the traditional full-coverage christening gown look with full-length lace sleeves.
Both sets are priced the same and include the matching bonnet. In photographs, the sleeveless version gives a cleaner, more modern christening aesthetic, while the long-sleeve version reads as more traditional. Neither is more formal than the other as the bodice, skirt, and hem construction are identical.
What This Set Is Made For
At a spring or summer christening, the sleeveless design keeps the baby comfortable through what can be a long ceremony without the lace sleeves adding warmth. The full-length skirt and matching bonnet still deliver the complete traditional christening look in photographs. Because the gown pools below the feet on younger babies, it reads as a classic long christening gown rather than a short baby dress, regardless of whether it has sleeves.
For professional baby photoshoots, the open shoulder design is particularly photogenic. Close-up shots of the baby’s arms, hands, and face read more clearly without long sleeves framing the image, and the pearl neckline trim adds a fine detail that shows well in portrait lighting.
If you are holding the ceremony during cooler months but prefer this sleeveless style, a plain white knit cardigan layered over the gown adds warmth at the shoulders while keeping the front lace bodice and pearl neckline trim fully visible. The wide back bow remains visible above the cardigan hem when she is held facing away from the camera.
About the Lace and Construction
The lace used throughout this set is consistent across both pieces. The same embroidered botanical and floral motifs appear on the dress bodice, hem, and bonnet, with the same scalloped edging on all three.
The bodice has the same two-tier structure as the long-sleeve version. A main lace-lined bodice forms the base, with a second structured lace overlay piece sitting on top of it, its own scalloped lower edge creating a soft cape-like yoke across the chest. The difference here is that the yoke ends cleanly at the armhole with no sleeve, so the baby’s shoulders and upper arms are visible above the tulle skirt.
The pearl trim at the neckline runs along the inner edge of the round neckline opening. It is a small but considered detail that adds a finishing quality to the neckline edge that you would not expect at this price point.
The skirt and hem construction is identical to the long-sleeve version. Scattered botanical embroidery throughout the tulle body, a deep ornamental scalloped lace hem border, and a cotton and tulle underlay that adds fullness without stiffness. For more on the tradition and styling choices around christening gowns, our guide on how to choose the perfect christening gown covers the key decisions clearly.
Styling the Complete Look
The Bonnet
The bonnet fastens with ribbon ties beneath the chin, which can be left loosely knotted or tied into a small bow. For younger babies from 3 to 9 months, the bonnet sits naturally without adjustment. For more active older babies from 12 to 24 months, fastening the ties a little more snugly keeps it in place through the ceremony.
Shoes
On younger babies where the gown reaches below the feet, shoes are optional. For toddlers aged 12 to 24 months where the hem sits closer to ankle length, simple white soft-sole shoes or lace-trimmed booties complete the look neatly. Our baby shoe size guide has sizing help.
Layering for Cooler Days
A soft white cotton cardigan or knit wrap over the gown handles most cooler settings while keeping the overall aesthetic clean. The pearl neckline and lace bodice remain visible above the cardigan neckline, and the back bow sits above the cardigan hem in rear photographs.
Product Specification
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| What is included | Christening gown and matching embroidered lace bonnet hat |
| Colour | White |
| Neckline | Round neck with pearl trim |
| Sleeves | Sleeveless with clean armhole finish |
| Bodice | Two-tier lace yoke with scalloped lower edge over lace-lined main bodice |
| Skirt | Full-length tulle with scattered floral embroidery and cotton and tulle underlining |
| Hem | Deep embroidered ornamental lace with scalloped edge |
| Back detail | Wide white satin ribbon bow at waist |
| Closure | Hidden zip at centre back |
| Bonnet | Embroidered circular floral lace, scalloped brim, white ribbon chin ties |
| Materials | Tulle, cotton, lace, polyester |
| Size range | 3 months to 24 months |
| Best season | Spring and summer; suitable year-round with a cardigan for cooler venues |
| Condition | New with tags |
Size Guide
Baby sizing varies considerably at the same age. Measure your baby’s chest and compare it to the chart below rather than ordering by age alone. Our baby size guide has additional guidance. When between sizes, always order the larger one. The flowing silhouette means a slightly larger size still hangs well without looking oversized.
All measurements are in centimetres.
| Age | Dress Length (cm) | Chest (cm) | Waist (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 months | 57 | 51 | 51 |
| 6 months | 60 | 53 | 52 |
| 12 months | 63 | 55 | 54 |
| 18 months | 67 | 57 | 56 |
| 24 months | 71 | 59 | 58 |
Material and Care
Care Instructions
Hand washing in cool water with a gentle detergent is the safest method for this set. The pearl trim at the neckline should not be scrubbed or soaked for extended periods. Our guide on how to wash baby clothes covers the full process including care for delicate lace and embroidered items.
Delivery and Returns
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this set include the bonnet?
Yes. The matching embroidered lace bonnet is included in the price. Both pieces are sold together as a 2-piece set and use the same lace pattern throughout.
What is the difference between this and the long-sleeve version?
This version is sleeveless and has a pearl trim neckline. The long-sleeve version has full-length lace sleeves with scalloped cuffs and a standard crochet neckline trim. The bodice yoke, skirt, hem, and bonnet construction are the same on both. The sleeveless version is better suited to spring and summer christenings or warmer venues. The long-sleeve version is more appropriate for cooler seasons and traditional church settings where full arm coverage is preferred.
Is a sleeveless gown appropriate for a church christening?
Yes, for most church denominations and settings. A sleeveless christening gown is widely accepted and is a popular choice for baptisms held in spring and summer. For churches with stricter modesty requirements, a simple white cardigan layered over the gown covers the shoulders while keeping the full look intact. If you are unsure about your specific venue, it is worth checking with the officiant in advance.
What age range does this set fit?
The set is available from 3 months up to 24 months. The size chart above lists chest and dress length measurements for each size. Always measure your baby’s chest rather than ordering by age alone, as two babies the same age can vary significantly in size.
How long will the gown be on my baby?
At the 3-month size the dress length is 57 cm. On a young baby this will extend well below the feet, giving the full traditional long christening gown look. By the 24-month size at 71 cm, it reaches around ankle to floor length depending on the individual baby’s height. Compare the dress length in the chart to your baby’s shoulder-to-foot measurement for the most accurate picture of how it will sit.
Is the gown comfortable for my baby to wear all day?
Yes. The cotton and tulle underlay inside the skirt prevents the tulle from sitting directly against the baby’s skin. The bodice is soft-lined and the pearl neckline trim is smooth against the neck. The hidden back zip means nappy changes are quick and easy without needing to remove the full gown.
Can this gown be kept as a keepsake after the ceremony?
Yes. After the event, hand wash the gown gently, lay flat to dry fully, and store it in a breathable fabric bag or acid-free tissue away from direct light. Avoid plastic bags for long-term storage as they can cause white fabric to yellow over time. Stored carefully, the lace and embroidery will hold their quality for many years.
Can I return it if the size is not right?
Yes. Returns are accepted within 30 days of purchase as long as both the gown and bonnet are unworn, in their original condition, and all tags are still attached. For a size exchange, email contact@fbargainsgalore.co.uk before returning and we will arrange it without an additional delivery charge.
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