First communion dresses are worn by little girls when they first receive communion at their church. Depending on what the particular parish requires of the girl’s dress, styles and formality can vary greatly. Make sure you communicate with the leader of your parish to make sure you’re adhering to their guidelines before you start shopping for a dress. Some parishes only require that girls and boys be dressed in nice, slightly formal clothing at their first communions. Some have rules on skirt length and sleeve length. Since the 50’s, it’s been popular to dress little girls in gowns that made them look exactly like little brides, complete with veils. That tradition still holds true today.

In Irish and Italian heritage, a child’s first communion is not only a religious event, but it’s also a cultural event. Since the church moved first baptism from adulthood to childhood, this event has become one of the most defining moments in the lives of young Irish and Italian children.

First communion dresses are made from all kinds of fabrics, and can be adorned with any applique you can think of. It’s important to match the appliques with the fabric of the dress. Since silk never comes in pure white, it’s important to be able to see the dress before you buy it online, to ensure its white enough and appropriate for first communion. It also needs to match the white of the appliques you choose as well. Skirt lengths can range from on the floor to tea length. Arms can be sleeveless for full length to the wrists. There’s really no limit to what a first communion dress can look like, so again, make sure you’re clear with your parish on what they find appropriate and what they don’t find appropriate.

It’s common practice to scale down the mother’s wedding dress to fit her daughter for her first communion dress. There are websites that offer this service, which can strengthen the bond between mother and daughter, daughter and grandmother, and so on. It would make her day very special and memorable.

First communion dresses can be bought online all over the world and are complete with a whole host of accessories to go with them. Many of these dresses, which can be custom made, can get very expensive. These places offer payment plans that are affordable, so that you don’t have to compromise on your daughter’s first communion dress. The photos won’t lie- make your daughter happy by getting her the dress she wants, and you’ll have a memory that will last forever.