| A First Communion invitation requests your | | | | Do: Ask Your Host |
| presence at a religious celebration and usually a | | | | When in doubt, ask your host (or hostess) before |
| post-ceremony party. The service is a sacred | | | | the party. When it comes to First Communion |
| occasion and the reception is a secular event. | | | | parties, people invite those who are important in |
| Most invited guests attend both gatherings. The | | | | their lives. Occasionally, the host/hostess may |
| challenge is to dress appropriately for the | | | | forget that you may not be familiar with First |
| separate celebrations. Knowing the do's and don'ts | | | | Communion celebrations. |
| of dressing for a First Communion party will make | | | | Maybe you understand about the celebrations but |
| you one of the best-dressed guests. | | | | aren't certain about the required dress for a |
| Do: Take Your Cues From The Invitations | | | | specific establishment. Whatever the reason, if |
| First Communion invitations have a religious | | | | you are confused about dressing for the party, |
| theme. The emphasis will naturally be on the | | | | ask questions. The host will appreciate your |
| ceremony. The invitation will always mention the | | | | interest. If you are unable to contact your host, |
| time and location of the reception - but often little | | | | check out what others will be wearing to the |
| else. Yet even these details might give you a clue | | | | event. |
| about what to wear for the party. | | | | |
| First Communion parties can range from sit-down | | | | Do: Dress Within Your Budget |
| dinners to casual barbecues. If the party is being | | | | Dressing for a First Communion party shouldn't |
| held at an upscale five star establishment, then | | | | stress you or your budget. Stay within your |
| your church outfit will be a perfect fit. If the | | | | means and ensure an enjoyable experience - both |
| invitation mentions some backyard fun and | | | | shopping and at the party. Consider shopping |
| games, you need to dress down for the party. | | | | online for even less stressful shopping. Online |
| You don't, however, have to wear two different | | | | stores carry affordable fashions for adults and |
| outfits. Separates are the key! | | | | children. |
| Do: Use Separates And Layers | | | | Remember that it is also common practice to |
| Wearing separates and layers means that you | | | | bring a gift for the special girl or boy. Children love |
| can remove a fancy jacket, formal tie, or dressy | | | | gifts! You may want to plan for a thoughtful |
| coat to reveal a more casual fashion. There isn't | | | | purchase and put a smile on a child's face. The gift |
| any need to return home to change clothes or | | | | is often (not always) religious in nature and related |
| bring an extra outfit. Separates and layers - a | | | | to the special day. A rosary, a personalized item |
| perfect solution! | | | | indicating the First Communion date, or a special |
| A ladies suit can hide the most informal blouse. A | | | | piece of jewelry are perfect gifts. |
| man's dress suit and tie could become a pants | | | | Do: Stay Versatile |
| and shirt - minus the tie. An elegant matching coat | | | | Choose sensible styles - excellent quality, versatile |
| and dress ensemble can lose the coat and | | | | fashion. When you choose separates and layers, |
| become a simple sheath dress. The ladies coat | | | | you can always mix and match fashions for |
| with a jumper-style dress could keep a casual | | | | future use. Choose clothes which flatter you but |
| shirt hidden from view. | | | | fit the occasion. |
| | | | |
| Do: Use Accessories | | | | Don't: Wear 'Too' Elaborate Styles |
| Any well-dressed man can change styles by | | | | The First Communion ceremony requires a |
| simply wearing a different tie. It's only easy to | | | | dressy look but versatile fashion is best. Choosing |
| carry an extra, less formal tie for wearing at a | | | | a style such as separates, which you can adjust |
| casual together. Ladies and gentlemen can change | | | | for the party, is a sensible choice. If you select an |
| their jewelry to match the occasion. | | | | overly elaborate style, the outfit may not fit the |
| A string of pearls may be perfect for the religious | | | | party atmosphere. |
| ceremony. Yet a simple pendant may be just the | | | | Don't: Wear 'Too' Casual Styles |
| perfect touch for the party. Carrying an extra | | | | A very casual style may work for an informal |
| necklace or bracelet takes little effort. | | | | party. Yet too casual dress won't cut it at a |
| Do: Dress For The Weather | | | | religious service. A stylish suit is suitable for a |
| The First Communion party may be an outdoors | | | | service; you can eat First Communion cake in a |
| event. Suitable fashions for special occasions are | | | | skirt and blouse. You shouldn't wear jeans and a |
| often made of lighter fabrics. That lovely dress | | | | t-shirt for either occasion! |
| may not keep you warm on a cool spring day. A | | | | |
| fashionable jacket or sweater may be needed for | | | | Don't: Wear Your 'Very' Best Outfit |
| an outdoor party. | | | | Remember that children - and very young children |
| A ladies dress/suit or a man's suit is | | | | - will be attending this party. Often, the host will |
| recommended for a First Communion party. | | | | organize games and crafts such as sand art. |
| These choices suit the occasion. The special girls | | | | There might even be face painting or hot dogs |
| and boys will be wearing their communion dresses | | | | with ketchup and mustard. Children love to give |
| and suits. At least, most children wear their | | | | hugs and nothing is nicer - but just not so nice for |
| communion fashions at the party. | | | | that designer dress or that expensive shirt. |
| Children may change into more casual clothes | | | | Do dress well and in an appropriate style for a |
| after photos or if there are crafts or other | | | | First Communion party! Do enjoy yourself; do |
| games. If you are bringing your own children to | | | | take lots of photos! Be on your best behavior; |
| the party, they may require a change of clothes | | | | remember the party will be a lasting memory for |
| from their church attire - at least for play and fun | | | | a very special little girl or boy! |
| activities. | | | | |