| First Communion is a time of holy sacrament for | | | | select a dress that will fit her properly. Nobody |
| your child. She has studied for years and is now | | | | needs to know what the size label says. And |
| ready. This can be a beautiful time filled with | | | | remember that every manufacturer's sizes runs |
| lasting memories for your family. | | | | different from the next. Size number means |
| We recommend these BEST PRACTICES when | | | | nothing; fit means everything. And if she hasn't |
| planning for her First Communion: | | | | begun to mature/slim down and still carries a little |
| | | | rounded baby belly, DO look at half (or plus) sizes. |
| 1. Keep the focus on the purpose. It is far too | | | | They are proportioned a little wider but not longer |
| easy to allow the focus to shift to the dress, the | | | | and are purposely made in these sizes for these |
| party, the gifts. Keep the true meaning foremost | | | | situations. She will look her best when her dress |
| in everyone's thoughts. | | | | fits properly - and she'll be more comfortable too. |
| 2. Shop early. This cannot be emphasized enough. | | | | 5. Select a veil or headpiece that suits her face |
| The earlier you shop, the less stress everyone will | | | | and hairstyle. This means that you first need to |
| experience and the more choices you will have. | | | | decide how she will wear her hair. Will it be put |
| The later in the season you shop, the less styles | | | | up? Pulled back? Hairstyle directly affects the type |
| and sizes will be available to you. Spring is also the | | | | of headpiece that will look attractive on her. |
| busiest season for little girls' dresses and special | | | | 6. Go easy on the accessories. A lovely necklace |
| orders can (and often do) take longer than | | | | from Grandmother may be the perfect thing! But |
| expected. Far too many mothers go into panic | | | | too many accessories like a shawl and gloves will |
| mode because they waited too late. When is the | | | | cause her anxiety and she will fidget. It will be |
| right time to shop? Early January, for sure! | | | | necessary to have a warm coat, cape or |
| 3. Be aware of what every body else is wearing | | | | sweater in cooler climates, of course, but leave |
| in her class. Are you in an area where the "little | | | | these extras with the family so she is free to |
| bride" look rules supreme? Or is everybody going | | | | focus on the day. |
| to be wearing a tea-length dress? Is sleeveless | | | | 7. Keep the emphasis AWAY from what gifts she |
| acceptable - and normal? Or is it better to wear | | | | will receive from the family. In fact, receiving gifts |
| sleeves? You will want to know before shopping. | | | | that day can be a complete and delightful surprise |
| You don't want your daughter to stick out like a | | | | to her of you are instead focusing on the |
| sore thumb on this most precious day. Ask the | | | | meaning of the day. |
| leaders in your Parish. | | | | 8. Relax and enjoy this day - and be sure to take |
| 4. Measure her and be honest about her size. | | | | a LOT of pictures! |
| Don't get hung up on the size number! Instead, | | | | |