Buying a communion dress - A guide to buying a First Communion dress

A guide to buying a
First Communion dress
by
www.firstholycommunionday.co.uk

Sometimes finding a Holy First Communion dress is as simple as going into a shop, checking out the selection, trying on a few dresses and making a purchase.

However, more often than not, finding the perfect First Communion dress is not a one-time event; it’s a process. That doesn’t mean it is laborious or tasking, just that it is likely to take some time and careful consideration.

Remember, the communion dress shopping season is relatively short. Dress shops begin receiving their First Communion dress inventory in October, but prime shopping season typically runs from mid- January through the end of March. Early shoppers have the best opportunity to find their little girl’s dream dress within the budget they have determined. Later in the shopping season, communion dress selection may be limited and shops may be unable to replenish stock or place special orders.
To help guide parents and girls through this special milestone purchase, we’re going to break down the various components of the First Communion dress and examine them individually so when you’re ready to buy, you can focus on the most important aspect of this day – spending time with your daughter and preparing her for the religious significance of this special event.
www.firstholycommunionday.co.uk have been helping families commemorate the Catholic sacrament with style since 2002.

First, let’s take a look at the variety of Communion dress shapes, styles, components, fit and materials:

Communion Dress Styles
There are basically eight categories of Communion dress shapes: A-line, princess, ballerina, ball gown, classic, full-length, modern and traditional.

•    A-line: A-line Communion dress is fitted at the waist and comes down in a straight line, widening slightly as it cascades toward the bottom, so it resembles the shape of the letter A.

•     What girls love about this shape: It is a sophisticated, grown-up look.

•    Princess: A princess Communion dress has a form-fitting bodice attached to a full length, full skirt. The skirt may have ruffles or lace, but it has lots of volume similar to formal dress seen in fairytales.

•    What girls love about this shape: It makes them feel like a princess

•    Ballerina: A ballerina style is characterized by a full, tulle skirt that appropriately resembles that of a ballerina. It’s the type of Communion dress that a young girl can’t help but twirl around in.

•   What girls love about this shape: It’s the Communion dress that dreams are made of. It is flattering for most body types and makes a young girl feel grown-up in an age-appropriate manner.

•    Ball gown: A ball gown is a sophisticated version of a princess-style dress. Instead a full, poufy skirt, a ball gown may have more a classic shape, but it is always for full-length gown.

•     What girls love about this shape: It is a wonderful introduction to the world of formal wear as it is comfortable and stylish.

•    Classic: Clean, simple lines are what make this the most popular style of communion dress hands down. The classic communion dress often has sleeves and a full skirt that typically settles at mid-calf, or tea-length, making it a modest, classic choice.

• What girls love about this shape: It puts the attention squarely on her, not on the fussy, fancy details of her dress.

•    Full-length: A full-length communion dress will always be tailored to touch the floor at just the right height. This style is a very elegant choice that can feature all types of details for a unique, personalized, yet classic look.

•   What girls love about this shape: If they aren’t comfortable in short Communion dresses, this Communion dress is the perfect choice.

•    Modern: Many young girls will lean toward a more modern style of communion dress that mimics current fashion trends. Sleeveless and halter styles as well as spaghetti straps are often highlighted in modern communion dresses.

• What girls love about this shape: The details are straight out of a fashion magazine and they can feel like trendsetters.

•    Traditional: Of all communion dress styles, the traditional dress is perhaps most often referred to as a mini version of a bridal gown. This is likely because in addition to the beading and pearls, this dress features a full shirt and is often accessorized with veiled headpieces and/or white gloves.

• What girls love about this shape: Traditional communion gowns are eye-catching, with intricate details such as pearls, beading and sequins. They often feature delicate, elegant materials like satin, organza, tulle and taffeta.

Communion Dress Materials
What the Communion dress is made of will determine how it drapes and flows. It is probably best to familiaris e your daughter with various types of materials so she can get a feel for her preferences.
When trying on Communion dress, ask your daughter how she feels in each Communion dress. Don’t let the visual appeal dictate the dress materials because if she isn’t comfortable in her dress, it will show. While shopping, also check for allergens. If your daughter has sensitive skin, check for any materials that might cause her irritation, breakouts or rashes.
The following are the most common materials used in First Communion dress today.
•    Taffeta is a stiff fabric, but it still moves with the body. It works wonderfully for more structured communion dresses and as a bonus, some girls like the noise that taffeta makes as it swooshes around.
•    Organza. A blend of nylon, polyester and silk, organza is sheer, light and flowing. It can be used to add fluffy layers to a First Communion dress skirt. Sometimes it creates volume that results in a dramatic, but yet still age-appropriate look.
•    Satin. With a slight shine to its appearance and a gentle, velvety feel, many girls opt for satin communion dresses. Satin is very durable and doesn’t tend to tear easily, so it is a good choice for a young girl’s dress.
•    Brocade is a heavier material that features a raised textured design. It can be stiffer than other types of dress materials, but very elegant looking.
•    Chiffon. Light and flowing, chiffon is often the fabric of every girl’s dreams. It moves easily, drapes beautifully and has an airy, almost billowy feel to it.
•    Lace. Delicate lace creates a sweet, innocent look for a First Communion dress. Because it has an open weave and it relatively see-through, lace is often used as an overlay on a skirt, for accents on the bodice, to accentuate the neckline or as a modest covering for the arms.
•    Tulle. This material is the perfect fabric to create volume in a dress. It is typically not a fabric that stands well on its own but it creates a beautiful effect when paired with other materials like satin or lace.
Communion dress Embellishments
Beyond the communion dress shape, the dress style accents give each Communion dress its own personality. Consider these popular design details:
•    Beads, which come in a variety of sizes. Tiny beads can be placed on the bodice of a First Communion dress to add texture while larger beads can be used to add shine to the skirt or all in a line to define the waistline without a belt or band.
•    Fabric rosettes. These are commonly used around the neckline of First Communion dresses or along the neckline. They bring a girlish innocence to the dress
•    Pearls. The hallmark of a pearl is its iridescent, opaque sheen. These are the perfect accompaniments to any communion dress whether it is crisp white or creamy ivory
•    Crystals. Shiny and sparkly, crystals add a bit of bling to any First Communion dress style. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
•    Sequins. These catch the light just right for extra flair to a Communion dress.
•    Lace. Traditional lace is often used as an overlay for First Communion dresses or to add modesty to the sleeves.
•    Ribbons. Ribbons are a versatile accessory. They can used to accentuate a neckline, create added dimension on the sleeves, to define a waistline when used as a belt or to finish the hem of a Communion dress. Ribbons may be the same color as the dress, a slightly darker hue or a contrasting shade to add a pop of colour
•    Rhinestones. These add just the right touch of glitz and glamour to a communion dress. They come in an assortment of styles, including individual colored and clear rhinestones, trims, appliques, buckles, buttons, bands and pins.
Keep in mind that you need style embellishments to enhance the look and style of the Communion dress, not take away from it, so be careful not to overdo it.
Another item to consider with style embellishments is how they will pair with the accessories you’re planning to purchase. Jackets, shawls, headpieces, jewellery, belts, shoes, veils and dress embellishments will all compete to be the focal point of the dress if you’re not mindful.

Communion Dress Style Components
Each piece of the Communion dress from the neckline to the skirt length serves its own purpose. If the communicant isn’t comfortable with any one component of the dress, it can make or break her decision.
Here some individual structural elements to think about:

Communion Dress Necklines
The neckline is the structural element closest to the face, so it deserves some attention. Just as a haircut or style should flatter the face, so should the neckline of a dress. It should enhance facial features, not distract from her bright eyes and beautiful smile.
Balance out a rounder facial shape with a square-shape neckline or instantly shorten a longer facial shape with a higher neckline, for example.
One thing is for sure: There is a neckline shape to complement any person’s most positive features.
These are some of the most common necklines seen predominantly in First Communion dresses:

•  V-neck. This neckline is characterized by its classic V-shape. In addition to its shape, the neckline could be accentuated with ribbon, ruffles, lace or other accents. Just make sure the v-neckline doesn’t plunge too far. You want to keep the communion dress modest for church and age appropriate for your daughter.

•  Sweetheart. This neckline is so named because it resembles a heart shape. It elongates the upper body, so it is a good choice for shorter girls.

• Boat neck/bateau neckline. A boat neck neckline means the fabric is cut straight across and sits on or very near the collarbone. If your daughter has a narrow facial shape or sloping shoulders, this neckline can add balance.

• Spaghetti strap.  This neckline, typically a straight cut, is accentuated by a thin strap on each side.

•   Square neck. Cut in the angle of a square, this neckline is flattering on just about any body shape.

• Halter. A halter top has two straps that are tied at the back of the neck. This style is flattering to many body types, but it does leave the shoulders completely bare.

•  Peter Pan collar. This style is best defined by its high neckline and soft, rounded-corner collars. It is perfect for a First Communion dress.

•  Jewel. This describes a high neckline that has a pleasing rounded shape

• Strapless. This neckline is not seen as often in First Communion dresses, but Just like it sounds, this neckline covers the upper chest area without straps. The neckline can be cut straight across or slightly curved.

•  One-shoulders. This neckline is not seen as often in First Communion dresses, but since has been a growing trend in evening wear, it may begin showing up more and more. This style features a bare or one-strap shoulder on one side and a long- or short-sleeve on the other arm

Communion Dress Sleeves
Sleeve length is about comfort, style and shape. A longer sleeve length might overwhelm a more petite figure while a three-quarter-length sleeve could hide excess weight in the upper arm, for instance.
In addition, families need to check in with their priest or pastor for requirements in their church or parish. Some parishes, for example, do not allow sleeveless, spaghetti strap, tank-style dresses or other types of bodices that display bare shoulders for modesty purposes, so if you select this type of dress, you will need to purchase a jacket, cape, shawl, cardigan or other type of cover-up for the church ceremony. Knowing religious guidelines and customs in advance can help make your choices and avoid disappointment.
Here are the most standard sleeve styles in modern Communion dresses:

• Cap sleeve. This is a very abbreviated sleeve that covers only the widest part of the shoulder, not extending beyond the armpit level. It is not tightly fitted and sits on the top of the shoulder like a mushroom cap in some cases.

•  A short sleeve covers the shoulder as well as part of the upper arm. It is a popular type of sleeve for a First Communion dress.

• A three-quarter length sleeve falls to just around the elbow. This can be a fitted sleeve that covers the upper arm snugly or it can be a more loosely draped sleeve.

• A bell sleeve is a longer sleeve that fits snugly from the shoulder to the elbow and then gradually flares out past the elbows to the wrist.

• A Dolman sleeve is the opposite of a bell sleeve in the way that it is wide and flowing at the top from the shoulder to the elbow and then tapers in more fitted from the elbow to the wrist. It has a very wide armhole.

• Puff sleeve. A puff sleeve can come in varying lengths, but it is marked by its gathering, or pouf, at some point of the sleeve, most commonly the top.

•  Tank style. The style of sleeve closely resembles a tank top as the “straps” are wider and fit securely on the shoulders.

• Sleeveless. This sleeve is not to be confused with the strapless version. They are the same in that they don’t cover the shoulders, but while a strapless dress is held up at the bust line, a sleeveless dress commonly has additional fabric at the neckline, such as a high neckline with a keyhole opening, for example.

Communion Dress Waistlines.
The waist of a dress can accentuate the body shape, but girls of age for Holy First Communion most likely don’t have many curves yet, so they are free to select the waistline that makes them feel the most comfortable.
Here is a look at some common dress waistlines:

•  Empire waist. This waistline is often seen on long, flowing dresses as the waist is marked just below the bust, creating an elongated appearance.

• Cinched waist. A belt will often cinch the waist at the natural waistline on this dress style. A shirt dress is commonly cinched, for instance. On a First Communion dress, the belt is likely to contain some bling, such as crystals or rhinestones. However, the belt could also be a band of silk flowers or other type of adornment.

• Natural waist. A Communion dress with a natural waist will fall squarely at the natural waistline, making it a comfortable and familiar option.

• A drop waistline is closely associated with flapper girl style from the 1920s, but has come back into vogue in recent years. This type of waistline falls at or slightly lower than the hips.

•  A Basque waistline forms a U or V shape in the middle of the waist. It balances the hips and is a common waistline used in ball gown and longer, formal Communion dress styles.

• An asymmetrical waistline is a modern look that involves a seam that starts at the natural waistline, but then extends at an angle into the skirt area. Think of it as a drop waistline with a slant.

• High-waisted. This waistline falls in between an empire waist and a natural waist.

Communion Dress Skirt length.
The length of the skirt often defines its overall style. A long Communion dress, for instance, isn’t often looked at as fun and flirty while a shorter dress with a hemline above the knee isn’t appropriate for many formal occasions.
The traditional length for a First Communion dress is floor length, meaning that the hem touches the top of the shoes. However, modern Communion dresses include a range of modest and age appropriate skirt lengths, including:

•    Knee length. A very common Communion dress length, the hem extends to within an inch or so above or below the knee.

• Tea length. This is a slightly longer style with the hem hitting just below the knee to mid-calf. These Communion dresses are often designed with a fuller skirt so they aren’t too constricting on the legs.

• Ballerina. A long skirt with lots of volume that reaches between the mid-calf and ankle is often described as a ballerina length. Don’t confuse this with a shorter, stiffer skirt known as a tutu, which is commonly worn by ballerinas as well.

• Ankle length. Just as the name implies, an ankle-length skirt touches the ankle area. This is close to a full-length Communion dress, which typically reaches to the top of the shoes.

• Angle cut or Hi Lo, where the Communion dress is longer is the back than it is in the front. It gently curves from the front to the back, revealing a flattering, modern bell-like shape.

• Full length. This Communion dress extends from the waist to the top of the shoes for an elegant, traditional appearance.

• Train cut. The length on this skirt is slightly longer in the back, giving the appearance of a slight train, similar to – but not quite as dramatic as – a traditional wedding dress.

Communion dress Hemlines
Beyond just the length of the Communion dress is the shape of hemline itself. Most First Communion dress hemlines are straight, but some more trendy styles are incorporating

•   A ragged hemline, which zigzags around the circumference of the dress and balloon styles which gather at the bottom of the hemline to create a voluminous effect.

•   A balloon style is often seen in shorter dresses.

•  A handkerchief hemline drops down in triangle forms around the legs. It is usually a seen in a longer, draped style of dress.

Communion Dress Fit
Each designer will have different standards, so it is important to have precise measurements available. To achieve the best fit possible:
•    Measure your daughter in the hips, waist and bust.
•    Have these measurements handy when shopping in stores or online.
•    Double-check each designer’s size charts when shopping online or try on the dress in the shop as looks can be deceiving.
•    Seek out alternative sizes if necessary. You want your daughter to feel comfortable and look great. More and more dress designers are offering their First Communion apparel in a range of sizes, including petite, tall and plus-size, so selection shouldn’t be a problem.
•    Ask for a referral to a quality tailor. Dress shops should have their own seamstress for alternations or be able to provide you with the name and contact information for a tailor who can complete the work you to provide a precise, custom fit.

How to measure for a communion dress
Measure your daughter in the hips, waist and bust.
When taking your little girl’s measurements, make sure she’s standing bare feet, back straight, head looking up, against a flat surface, a wall would be the best place for this. With a pencil mark the top of her head, so now you have her actual height.
Once you have done this, stand her forward a little bit and then measure her around the hips, waist and chest.

To measure for dress length, stand her in bare feet with back against the wall, measure from the nape of the child’s neck to the floor. This will give you the dress length from nape to hem.
We recommend that you allow a couple of inches extra in the waist and the chest areas so the First Communion dress is not too tight on her.

As a rule of thumb, each girl’s First Communion dress is sized accordingly to her height.

Shop for a First Communion dress online
www.firstholycommunionday.co.uk

or instore at

Ceremonial Celebrations Boutique
18 Brockenhurst Road
South Ascot
Berkhire
SL5 9DL
01344 297160

Step forward in style for your first communion at
www.ceremonialcelebrations.co.uk