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Original poster

Modern Holy Communion

89 replies

goldfluffyclouds · 23/02/2022 21:00

So DD is about to do her First Holy Communion.
The idea of a fancy white dress is making her want to pull out of the whole process... But at the same time I know that she will want to look nice and feel special.
Any ideas on a cool outfit? (She has definitely said an absolute no to the idea of a white trouser suit as I already ran that by her!)
Is the white colour essential or just recommended?
She does have a 'thing' about comfort - so is generally found in supersoft leggings and t-shirts. She will wear dresses but they tend to be dark simple styles - as soon as they vere into pastels, flouncy overly girly styles then she's not keen.
I'm not much of a style guru - so if I could show her a few ideas we can work out what she might be comfortable with...

OP posts:
Classica · 23/02/2022 21:01

I've never seen a girls' holy communion outfit that wasn't white. If she's not into the idea of a trouser suit what about a jumpsuit?

LifeInAHamsterWheel · 23/02/2022 21:09

I think it needs to be white. There are lots of very simple dresses though, my DD was very against any sort of frill or embellishment! Her dress was plain but beautiful - and she took it off the second we got home! Maybe a simple soft cotton dress would do the trick? Have you actually looked at dresses yet? Alternatively white leggings and a nice white top could be an option. When I discussed this with my DD at the time she didn't want to be so different to the others that she'd stand out, she opted for a simple dress so that she could "blend in" better! (hope that makes sense, my DD is just quite reserved and doesn't like any attention at all)

Classica · 23/02/2022 21:16

I would say unfrilly and quite simple dresses are the norm these days. This is the type of dress you generally see

Modern Holy Communion
Modern Holy Communion
ParkheadParadise · 23/02/2022 21:20

I've never seen a holy communion dress that wasn't white.

NrlySp · 23/02/2022 21:22

Could she wear a soft slip with a dress over to top ? Maybe it’s a sensory thing.
Monsoon has this www.monsoon.co.uk/henrietta-communion-dress-white-31811928.html

No reason why she could not wear white leggings underneath and some cute white trainers

Original poster
goldfluffyclouds · 23/02/2022 21:38

Thanks please keep them coming.
She's asleep now but we did do a bit of googling earlier and it was those kind of bridesmaid dresses which are beautiful that turned up and even though she said that they were much nicer than some of the frill monstrosities she said - 'but that's not me'.
She's voiced that she's hating the thought of being up at the front in the first place and then an outfit on top of that that she feels weird in.
I think we need to stick with finding a white dress (or jumpsuit might be a good call) and keep looking for something that maybe isn't too formal but at the same time is going to look smart enough...

OP posts:
MsDastardley · 23/02/2022 21:42

It’s 20 years since my daughter did hers, but even back then not all the girls wore white. There were all styles of white dresses, from very simple to crinolines! There were a couple of girls who wore pastel dresses. All the children sat with their families so no one really stood out.

LaBrujaPiruja · 23/02/2022 21:43

I think you cannot order from Spain (Brexit) without paying taxes but it is worth looking… this is a department store.
www.elcorteingles.es/moda-infantil/comuniones/?s=Comuni&stype=typeahead_category
I’ve been to several FHCs over the last few years and most girls’ dresses have a touch of color (embroidery, bows, etc.) in pale blue, sage, dusty pink…

LesLavandes · 23/02/2022 21:45

My daughter's First Holy Communion was years ago and she hated the idea of looking like a little bride. I bought her a a white dress from Monsoon - simple cotton with some details at top and simply tied at back.
I put a pretty clip in white in her hair. She wore simple white sandals. She was perfectly happy

LaBrujaPiruja · 23/02/2022 21:47

When my two daughters had their FHCs I bought her dresses in Spain (I visit my parents regularly) and several mums from school asked me to buy similar dresses for their daughters. I even considered setting up business!

UniversalTruth · 23/02/2022 21:49

Ok, I seem to be a little out of line with the replies here, but I would say that your dd should be able to wear whatever is smart and appropriate and makes her feel as comfortable as possible. Maybe a tunic over leggings? Jesus doesn't care.

She will very probably be the only girl not wearing a white dress though, which might upset her. If she's likely to change her mind last minute, I'd be tempted to have an emergency white tunic/dress to hand for her to wear.

I would voice your daughter's concerns about being at the front to the catechists too, they would hopefully take this into account or at least be sensitive to it.

TheYearOfSmallThings · 23/02/2022 21:50

In England I've seen totally plain dresses (almost like shrouds) and everyone wearing the same, to keep the focus on the sacrament. So you can definitely get an acceptable garment with no frills.

Personally I prefer the Irish way, but that is my inner 7 year old speaking.

MsDastardley · 23/02/2022 21:57

How about these www.next.co.uk/style/ls254846/P71870#P71870
www.next.co.uk/style/ls172492/R81883#R81883
www.next.co.uk/style/ls216265/p50993#p50993

They’re quite simple compared to traditional communion dresses. Have a look at Next online, they’ve got loads of white dresses

evilharpy · 23/02/2022 22:02

Are you in Ireland or elsewhere?

From what I've seen in Ireland in recent years, they do all still wear white dresses for communion, it's all very traditional. Would she wear something a bit less structured/stiff and a bit shorter maybe? I saw this one but it might still be a bit too communiony for her.

Confirmation is a bit of a free for all though. When I did mine way back in the 90s we were all dressed like miniature mothers of the bride, complete with hats.

mathanxiety · 23/02/2022 22:43

How about a soft white jumper and a skirt? Look up Olivia Palermo's wedding outfit to see what I mean - a soft, possibly cashmere jumper and a long skirt ( for FC could be short or tea length skirt).

I had a simple A line mini dress made by my mum for FC way back in 1970, worn with a cardigan and sandals.

Original poster
goldfluffyclouds · 24/02/2022 15:17

Thanks all - will be home later after her school clubs and will show her some of those links.
I think steering her to a white dress - but one that is not too long and stiff - and more of a smart summer dress might work - she'll not stand out but hopefully will feel more relaxed than if we went traditional formal.
I love that olivia palermo outfit!

OP posts:
chipshopElvis · 24/02/2022 21:16

Try googling white cotton girls dress and there are a few more simple ones. Any white dress is fine, the boys wear school trousers and white shirt where we are with a red tie, sure that would be ok too.

mathanxiety · 24/02/2022 23:10

Look up flower girl dresses for some ideas. These can come in less frilly styles to avoid clashing with the bride.

www.usangels.com/products/the-organza-tank-dress-409?variant=40348063793313&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjtSrl7WZ9gIVyxitBh2gtQ_aEAQYBCABEgLQXfD_BwE
This is an American site but you might find something similar in the UK.

ukflowergirlboutique.com/collections/children-dresses/products/grace-ivory-dress?variant=29682289246321
Maybe something like this?

Everydaydayisaschoolday · 25/02/2022 10:12

My DD made her FHC about 15 years ago. She was adamant she didn't want a traditional white dress and chose a pink velvet one from Monsoon that she got a lot of wear out of. However at our church the children all wear plain albs over their own clothes for the service so her dress was only seen after the service.

CRbear · 25/02/2022 10:20

Something made of a jersey material to emulate what she likes?

What’s the budget like? I made this jersey dress recently and it’s so comfortable- could you have it made in a children’s size? Or make it if you’re crafty? It’s not a hard pattern. Sizing down might be tough.

sewoverit.com/product/heather-dress-pdf-sewing-pattern/

Failing that- either of these? Would linen or a t-shirt style be sufficiently casual?

newbiestore.com/products/123539?currency=GBP&variant=32007625211987&gclid=Cj0KCQiAmeKQBhDvARIsAHJ7mF7mV3LTPVgoveRzl0XJNWkY8MVEgf2LOQCYimEvS_BJ9BfLf0f-rikaAqnrEALw_wcB

www.petit-bateau.co.uk/girl/clothing/dresses-skirts/girls--formal-dress-marshmallow/5542101.html?lgw_code=14246-5542101050&gclid=Cj0KCQiAmeKQBhDvARIsAHJ7mF4xWIeBmOOAm571XvslFxk5p4pIuXJxw8QFTsGht8amMerSRuw7MJIaAvBIEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

ghislaine · 25/02/2022 10:39

How about this? www.alexandalexa.com/en/product/339944/white-dress