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After months of preparation, your little girl’s First Holy Communion Day is fastly approaching. Only you will know your budget and what is most appropriate for you and your little girl.

We have all heard the stories of little girls with designer dresses, fake tans, glitter nails, electric light up tiaras and limousines, we have heard these stories repeated many times every year during the Communion season, but has anyone witnessed them?
 
Some parents will find it a worry of knowing when and where to go and shop for a First Communion dress for their little girl, and possible matching First Communion accessories and gifts. We have a few tips and advise that we can share with you from years of experience of internet retailing.

What are the trends today and what should you consider when shopping?

You will want to follow your parish requirements for First Holy Communion wear, if you have been given guidelines,follow them, as you will want you child to feel that she fits in with her peers.

First, be sure to talk with your child’s Catechist or Priest on their requirements for First Holy Communion dresses. Some have none, and some can be very specific.

First Holy Communion Robes
It is some Parish policy that all children wear First Holy Communion Robes because:
 All are equal in the eyes of God. They provide the link with baptism. They cut out the fashion parade and put the emphasis back on the Sacrament

Although children can wear what they like underneath, which will include a First Holy Communion dress with all the accessories.

QUESTIONS TO ASK?
1. What First Holy Communion dress length is most common at their First Holy Communion ceremony, Ballerina Length, Full or T length - or what do they require?

2. Headpieces - do they all wear First Holy Communion veils or First Holy Communion tiaras?
 
3. Are sleeves required on a First Holy Communion dress? Some will say 'yes' while sleeveless First Holy Communion dresses are perfectly acceptable for her First Holy Communion in other areas

4. Accessories - are First Holy Communion gloves allowed? cardigans, jackets, capes?

Also talk with other mothers of the parish or school and see if there was any special requirements in previous years.

Where to look and when to purchase a First Communion Dress?

First Holy Communions tend to take place between April and July in every year, with May being the most popular. First Holy Communion dresses are seasonal so are not stocked by retailers all year round, they usually come into stock from early January . Like most children’s fashion, First Holy Communion dress styles change every year by designers, First Communion dresses are designed for that season and then discontinued, meaning that when the retailers are sold out, they are not usually replaced, with the end of the season being June. We would recommend that you start to look early in the season for a First Holy Communion dress, so to get the best choice.

Most First Holy Communion stock will sell out from April, as many retailers are unable to reorder from the supplier as the suppliers are busily preparing for the next season.

Where can I buy a First Holy Communion Dress?

First Holy Communion dresses can be ready-made to purchase off the rack, which are usually available in independent high street shops, department stores, specialist children’s clothing shops and bridal shops or boutiques, also annual First Communion Wear sales.

VISIT OUR FIRST COMMUNION DRESS SHOP
We have our own First Holy Communion Dress Shop/Showroom, based in South Ascot, Berkshire.
We stock an extensive range of girls First Communion dresses from Sweetie Pie, Christie Helene, Corrine, Sarah Louise, Alice James, Emmerling, Crystal Breeze, Tara Lee, and many other UK, European and US designers.

Our First Communion dresses are also available in a very large range of sizes and some of our Communion dresses can be specially made to order to accommodate specific requirements.

We offer a made to measure service on a range of dresses, plus an alteration service is also available for all stock dresses

From 7th January 2012 we will work on an ‘Appointment Only’ basis, so that our experienced consultants will be able to give you individual attention, we can guarantee one visit to our studio and you will see for yourself why our First Communion range is so popular.

The internet is also a super way to explore and purchase more options of First Communion dress styles, whilst in the comfort of your own home. You can find various internet retailers of childrenswear, that specialise in girls First Holy Communion clothing.

There is a choice of First Communion dresses: Ready-made First Communion dress, or custom design made to measure First Communion dress, also many designers do offer there own collection of ready made First Holy Communion dresses.

Its important to remember that First Holy Communion dresses don't always look the same on a hanger or in a picture so let your little girl try on a variety of First Holy Communion dresses this will also help with finding the style that suits your little girl. Some children’s skin can also be very sensitive to certain fabrics.

If your child is a non standard shape for their age, we would strongly recommend that you contact the retailer to discuss the First Communion Dress style before purchasing. Many First Holy Communion retailers offer a fitting service by appointment, if this is not possible due to logistics, most retailers are experienced with First Holy Communion clothing and will offer advice, on the most suitable First First Communion dress design or style for your little girl. Many First Communion designers now offer a selection of First Communion dresses in petite and plus sizes.

It is also advisable if you have seen a First Communion dress on a website that is a retail shop, to contact the retailer and make an appointment prior before visiting the shop.

If you do buy online then please measure your daughter and then consult the size charts carefully.
Be careful and make sure that you read all sizing information provided by the retailer as some sizing charts go by the child's measurement, others by the dress measurements.
Also check delivery and postal details, as many internet shoppers place orders during the evening, and although the internet allows customers to shop 24/7, any orders placed after last Royal Mail posting i.e. 5pm orders will not be received and processed until the next working day.
To adhere to trading standards Internet websites are required to provide the customer with a full descriptions of the First Communion dress design, style, length, material and sizes available along with their prices, although some websites are unable to confirm stock availability. Internet retailers should have a returns policy, and some will allow customers to order max. two dresses, so do check all order & returns details carefully before purchasing. Do remember that It will cost the customer to return unsuitable First Holy Communion dresses. If you do need advice re sizing then contact the website via e-mail or telephone.

Will my Daughter need Communion accessories?

Depending on the First Holy Communion dress, sometimes accessories are seen as the finishing touch, but not always necessary, it is a personal choice. It is also nice to ask guests to purchase an accessory as a Communion gift, it will mean a lot to the person to see the little girl wearing their gift.

First Holy Communion Shoes - We always hear "these shoes will only be worn once"? Unfortunately First Communion shoes can be expensive, so are a personal choice, a white pair of summer sandals that can be worn again are superb, if of course they suit the Communion dress. Although if your little girl is wearing a full length First Communion dress, then the shoes will be hidden. It may be worth purchasing designer communion shoes if your little girl is wearing a ballerina or t-length Communion dress as they will be on show. Communion shoes range from Embroidered Shoes, Bar Shoes, Ballet Shoes, Diamante Shoes and sandals. Heeled First Communion Shoes are very popular with little girls. It is recommend that you purchase First Communion shoes approx 6 – 8 weeks before the First Holy Communion, if you have bought these first It is also a good idea to bring the First Communion shoes to the First Communion dress fitting.

First Communion Socks or Tights - First Communion White opaque or lace tights, First Communion socks or lace frilled ankle socks, depending on dress style and weather.

First Holy Communion Veil - Over the last few years First Holy Communion veils have become very popular and are designed in various lengths, Our best seller is a First Holy Communion headband veil although a First Holy Communion with a cross or celtic cross on the back is also a favourite.

First Holy Communion Tiara - Designed in various styles and are very popular worn with or without a veil. We also have a beautiful selection of designer First Communion tiaras that are made to order, and are very popular with matching First Communion jewellery, great as First Communion Gifts from Godparents or Grandparents.

First Holy Communion Jewellery - A simple silver or gold cross pendant or charm on a necklace or charm bracelet are very popular. Although last year a personalised sterling silver First Holy Communion name bracelet was in great demand at our on-line shop.

First Holy Communion bolero, cardigan, cape, some parishes require girls shoulders to be covered, so do check with your catechist or priest. Also you can never guarantee the weather, a shrug or shawl have become increasingly popular in case of a chilly day.

First Holy Communion bag - Useful to keep First missal and rosary beads on their First Communion Day, available in many styles. Traditional in many countries, guests fill the First Communion Bag with cards and money gifts.

First Holy Communion Gloves – White satin First Communion gloves with a cross or celtic symbol motif have become more popular over the last few years, they add elegance to a plainer dress. Gloves cannot be worn when receiving Communion, so it may be a good idea to leave wearing gloves until after the Communion Mass, or buy s First Communion bag to keep them in at church.

How much should I expect to spend on First Communion Wear?

There is no set amount on what to spend, some people have a set budget, and some people have an open budget? With so many internet forums, blogs or chat rooms, people can express their opinions openly that many people are unsure of what is the expected amount to spend.
Our only advise is there is no expected amount, only spend what you can afford, it is a special and memorable religious occasion for your little girl, and always keep focused on the meaning of this special sacrament of faith. Your little girl will feel special on her First Holy Communion day as she takes the next step into her chosen faith, the First Communion dress she has chosen to wear will also make her feel special.

Many designers cater for everyones budget, so you will find First Communion Dresses starting from £35.00. For a good quality First Communion dress, expect to pay from £70.00 - £100.00 and for an exceptional quality First Communion dress made with fine materials or with more embroidery and beading expect to pay £100.00 + . Although if you shop around you will find a pretty special occasion/party dress that will be sufficent for a Communion dress from about £35.00. For a designer made to order First Communion dress expect to pay from £150.00 - £250.00+ .

First Holy Communion accessories vary in prices depending on designer brand. Also remember if purchasing from the internet, postage will need to be included into costs. Look for Free postage or one stop First Holy Communion Shop! www.firstholycommunionday.co.uk