Communion Dresses don't have to cost the earth: pretty frocks for less

I can’t believe that anyone is still spending crazy money on communion dresses but I know that they are - and this is probably the time that we can least afford it.  So, if you’re planning to whisk your little communicant from the church by helicopter, wearing a designer dress and sporting a fake tan and hair and nail extensions, then stop reading now!

Now, I understand. It’s your little girl’s first holy communion and you want it all for her. The dress, the veil, the tiara, the shoes, the parasol, the gloves, the hairdo, the makeup, the manicure, the spray tan, the limo… STOP!!! This is too much for a wedding, never mind a communion. Even if all you want is for her to have the best and you don’t want her to be the odd one out, there still needs to be some sense to it all.

I have two sons, so I don’t have first-hand experience of any of this, so all I can offer you is some inspiration for the dress. But, I do know that it’s an expensive day. A big chunk of cash goes on the dress and the accessories but you and the rest of the family have to be decked out too and there is still the party to be paid for.

Last year TK Maxx launched a range of Communion wear for as little as €26 and I have a friend who bought her daughter a dress there last year, and it was absolutely gorgeous. Have a look this year and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. There will be around 250 pieces per store, there is a nice range of styles and the most expensive is only €59.99.

I can only imagine all the lovely communion dresses left on hangers in people’s houses just dying for another day out. (And after a trip to a dressmaker, it could be perfect for your little girl!) But if the thought of borrowing a dress or getting a hand-me-down for your daughter’s special day is too much for you to contemplate, then there are lots of dresses out there that don’t cost the earth.

And if you do get the dress in a chain store or in a sale and it doesn’t quite have the designer look you were hoping for, just remember it can always be customised and bedazzled! All of these dresses from Debenhams were under €100 as I wrote this.

The boutiques also sell matching bags, veils, head pieces etc., and will try to ensure that only one dress is sold to each school.

So, all you cash-strapped parents out there - tell me you’re only going to spend only what you can afford on the big day? Or at least promise me you won’t go mad!

Check out these stores, many of which are selling dresses for under €100 too: www.cathyscommuniondresses.com; www.yvonneharrington.com; www.burgessofathlone.ie; www.depaordesigns.com; www.lilyandclara.ie; www.darlingwear.ie

www.princessdresscompany.com

www.lightinthebox.com

www.maynoothcommuniondresses.ie