First Holy Communion is a sacred and significant event in a child’s life, marking their first reception of the Eucharist in the Catholic Church. This rite of passage symbolizes a deepening of faith and a closer connection to God. Traditionally, children dress in white to represent purity and devotion, making the selection of a communion dress an important part of the preparation process. Boys typically wear formal suits to reflect the solemnity and importance of the occasion.
With a wide variety of cuts and styles available, parents have many options to choose from that suit their child’s personality and the significance of the occasion. Here you have our Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect First Holy Communion Attire.
Elegant Communion Dresses
Communion dresses are designed to embody grace and tradition, often featuring delicate shades of ivory and white. Parents can choose from a variety of luxurious fabrics such as silk, satin, lace, and tulle to create a timeless and elegant look. These dresses are often adorned with intricate embroidery, beading, or subtle appliqués, adding to their beauty and significance. The right choice will ensure that each child feels special and confident on their First Holy Communion day.
Stylish Communion Suits
Just as communion dresses embody tradition and elegance, communion suits for boys offer a polished and dignified look for this sacred occasion. Classic options include white, navy, or black suits, often paired with a crisp white dress shirt, tie, or bow tie. Accessories like patterned shirts, shoes, socks and belts complete the ensemble, ensuring that boys look and feel their best on their First Holy Communion day. Some parents are opting for a more casual sport jacket, in checked patterns or tone on tone linens, or pastel colors to coordinate with the latest trending fashions.
Sizing Considerations
When selecting a communion dress or suit, it is important to consider sizing to ensure a perfect fit. Many brands offer standard, slim, and husky sizes to accommodate different body types for both dresses and suits. Husky sizes provide additional room in the bodice and waist for dresses and extra comfort in the chest and shoulders for boys’ suits, all while maintaining proper height proportions and avoiding costly alterations. Checking size charts, considering alterations, and trying on different styles can help parents find a dress or suit that ensures both comfort and beauty for their child.
Essential Communion Accessories
To complete the First Communion ensemble, parents can explore a variety of accessories that add a touch of elegance and significance to the outfit. Both boys and girls can enhance their attire with carefully selected accessories that complement their look and contribute to the sacred nature of the occasion.
1. Veils and Hairpieces
A traditional communion veil adds a classic and spiritual element to the attire. Veils can be simple or adorned with pearls, lace, or floral appliqués. Headbands, tiaras, or floral wreaths offer a modern take on hair accessories, ensuring each child’s hairstyle is beautifully accentuated.
2. Gloves & Purses
Communion gloves add a refined touch to the overall look. Usually wrist-length, they are often made of satin or lace. Some gloves feature delicate embellishments like pearls, floral accents or embroidery that enhance the overall coordinated look.
White communion purses, often adorned with pearls, lace, or embroidery, provide a stylish and practical way for girls to carry small essentials such as rosaries or missals on their special day.
3. Shoes
Selecting the right pair of shoes is essential for comfort and style. For girls, classic white ballet flats, Mary Janes, or kitten heels, or even sparkly running shoes are popular choices, and can include embellishments such as bows, rhinestones, pearls or satin finishes.
Boys typically wear dress shoes in black, cognac, navy or white to complement their suits and complete their formal look. For a more casual sports jacket look, a deck shoe, slip-on, or even sneakers add the final touch.
4. Ties, Bow Ties & Belts
Ties and bow ties are essential accessories for boys, adding a refined touch to their communion suit. These can be in classic solid colors or feature patterns to match their ensemble. Don’t forget to add a pocket square or a lapel pin.
Every dress pant needs a belt to finish the overall look, but one might also be needed to keep trousers in their place. It is suggested that the belt color matches the shoe color.
5. Boleros, Capes, Cardigans & Bows
Lace, satin, organza, tulle, or even fur coverups provide additional coverage for cooler days or drafty churches. A satin sash, rhinestone belt, a big bow in the back, or a little cap sleeve can customize the dress and make it truly one of a kind.
6. Candles, Rosaries & First Communion Missals
Communion candles and rosaries are meaningful accessories that symbolize the spiritual significance of the occasion. A beautifully decorated communion candle, often personalized with the child’s name and the date of the ceremony, serves as a keepsake of their First Holy Communion. Rosaries, available in various styles and materials such as pearl or crystal, make a wonderful keepsake and encourage prayer and reflection on this sacred day. First Communion Missals contain prayers, readings, and reflections that guide children through their spiritual journey and serve as a cherished memento of their special day.
7. Armbands
Wearing a First Communion armband is a tradition that symbolizes purity. It is a personal choice, it can be a family tradition or it can help the communion boy stand out and make him feel special.
8. Jewelry
Minimalist jewelry pieces like a cross necklace, a pearl bracelet, or small stud earrings add a subtle yet meaningful touch to the communion outfit. These accessories serve as beautiful keepsakes that can be cherished for years to come.
Customization Services from In-House Seamstresses
Zero 20 Kids offers in-house seamstress services to ensure a perfect fit and unique touches for both communion dresses and suits. Customization options can include altering the length, adjusting the waist, or adding special embellishments like lace appliqués, beadwork, or monogramming for dresses. For suits, alterations can involve adjusting the jacket and pant length or shortening the sleeves, tailoring the fit for a sharp look. These services allow parents to tailor the dress or suit to their child’s exact measurements and personal preferences, ensuring both comfort and elegance on this special day.
In Summary, choosing the perfect communion dress or suit involves considering various styles, cuts, and accessories to create a memorable and elegant look for the special day. Whether opting for a traditional ball gown, a modern tea-length dress, or a classic suit, the right choice will ensure that the child feels confident and comfortable while celebrating this important religious milestone.
Find Everything You Need at Zero 20 Kids
For parents looking for a one-stop shop for First Communion attire, Zero 20 Kids offers a comprehensive selection of dresses, suits, accessories, and customization services. With a wide range of styles, sizes, and expert in-house seamstress services, Zero 20 Kids ensures every child looks and feels their best on this special day. Whether searching for the perfect dress, suit, elegant accessories, or personalized touches, parents can find everything they need to make their child’s First Holy Communion a truly memorable occasion.
Located in the heart of Woodbridge in the city of Vaughan, Zero 20 Kids has become a destination for families from all corners of Ontario. Parents travel from near and far to explore our extensive selection of communion dresses, suits, and accessories. With the ability to try before they buy, customers can ensure the perfect fit and style for their child’s special day. Our knowledgeable staff and in-house seamstress services make the shopping experience seamless and enjoyable, helping each child look their best for their First Holy Communion.
For 42 years, Zero 20 Kids has been dedicated to helping parents dress thousands of children for their First Holy Communion, providing expert guidance and exceptional service every time.