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Original poster

Holy communion party help

40 replies

irishchick93 · 24/01/2026 09:09

Hi there.

I've lost the will with chat gbt.
Can anyone offer advice.
My child is making first holy communion in May. A Saturday. They want a bouncy castle at home. I really would think it would be much handier for me to book a local restaurant but I have a toddler and a baby also and also elderly parents with mobility issues. I'd be bringing wheelchairs..prams...car seats out with me. So perhaps at home would be slightly easier where we have locked gates and my parents like here so could join in and out as required. My child would love them to be involved.

However....I was going to rent a marquee type stretch canopy thing incase of rain but can't help but think it's a bit grim if it rains.

Bouncy castle.

Have a large garden and a biggish bungalow.

Has anyone basically any tips on food drinks entertainment just anything. I'm a bit stressed

Thanks

OP posts:
LancashireButterPie · 24/01/2026 09:57

With the marquee, put a few blankets/ throws dotted around if it's a cool day as the elderly can really feel it.
Have you thought about getting caterers in? Much easier, you really don't want to be making sandwiches and struggling re having enough cool storage space.
By the time you've costed out your homemade charcuterie cups and fancy bits and bobs, I bet the price of professional caterers isn't much more.

CopperHairLady · 24/01/2026 09:50

Just to add after my dd first holy communion 2 years ago we had a meal afterwards at a resturant with the people who were at the church that was around 15 of us and then back to our house for a big party with all our friends and funnily enough a bouncy castle!! Its a big deal in where I am from (west of scotland) lots of people go all out!

CopperHairLady · 24/01/2026 09:47

Are you in thr UK? If so then i have done food from morrisons for many parties. Order selections of indian food sandwiches etc they do chacuterie style too and just collect it the day before and put it out when your back from the church/the party starts

Is the issue that you dont want people in the house? Or space? Is that why your looking at a marquee?

Newthreadnewme11 · 24/01/2026 09:43

Can you ask a few friends with older children, who’ve done it before, for in-person advice? I did a very simple party at home for my older children, but no bouncy castle as it’s not such a big thing here, so was easier!

Original poster
irishchick93 · 24/01/2026 09:39

Any suggestions on nice finger foods. Do charcuterie cups go down well? I've never thrown a party for adults ?

Should I keep drinks inside the house not outside incase of broken bottles and what about the cake

OP posts:
Original poster
irishchick93 · 24/01/2026 09:38

@FlippyKiYayFlippyFlipperapprox 30 adults 15kids

OP posts:
Original poster
irishchick93 · 24/01/2026 09:37

Yes of course but it's a BIG deal where I live of course we will be doing all the religious side as well but just wondering about after. All the friends are having parties and it's what I done as a child also

OP posts:
Blueyrocks · 24/01/2026 09:34

Have to agree with those saying it is about the party and the dress! (as well as the holy communion)

x2boys · 24/01/2026 09:31

Toddlerteaplease · 24/01/2026 09:23

It’s Holy communion. It’s not about the party or the dress.

It is though I made my first holy communion in 1980 it very much was about the party.and the dress.

Statsquestion2 · 24/01/2026 09:27

@irishchick93 i think the plan sounds good! Bouncy castle and gazebo/marquee is perfect. It might rain but from my experience, the kids won’t care they’ll be outside in the bouncy castle in any weather. Just make sure you have an area they can dry off and all the adults will be in inside. 🙌🙌

Statsquestion2 · 24/01/2026 09:25

Toddlerteaplease · 24/01/2026 09:23

It’s Holy communion. It’s not about the party or the dress.

Ok but OP is in Ireland where it is about Both and is a rite of passage for most so there will be a party…and a dress!

turkeyboots · 24/01/2026 09:25

Bouncy castle is traditional! If you are in Ireland you may be too late to book one as its a very busy time of year. It works as the kids are always so well behaved for the ceremony and need to work off their energy.
Go simple, sandwiches, cake and squash for the kids. Nothing purple or chocolate if you have girls still in their dresses attending. Feed the growns ups your preferred buffet, a friend always does a lasagne and salad as it can all be donein advance. .

Toddlerteaplease · 24/01/2026 09:23

It’s Holy communion. It’s not about the party or the dress.

FlippyKiYayFlippyFlipper · 24/01/2026 09:20

How many people will be invited? How many adults and how many kids?

Original poster
irishchick93 · 24/01/2026 09:09

My parents live** here

OP posts:
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