You just got invited to a First Communion, now seriously, what do you wear? Do you go for a formal look? Or, do you keep it casual?
When we got invited to my niece’s First Communion this time last year, I asked myself all the above questions and more! I didn’t have a particular look in mind, I just knew that I wanted to wear a dress but keep the whole look simple. With every dress I came across, I began to ask if it was over the top or too casual. I tried to look for ideas and blog posts but I couldn’t find content that inspired me.
The fact that there was a church ceremony and a small family get together afterwards helped guide my choice of attire. And this is something that I believe is important to take into account when deciding on what to wear to a First Communion. For example, if you’re planning on wearing jeans and a top but the First Communion celebrations are being held at a fancy restaurant, you might want to opt for a more formal outfit instead.
In this blog post, I have created three outfit ideas to show you what to wear and what not to wear based on my experience and my preferences. My intention is to help you plan your outfit with ease and confidence and avoid the mental struggles that I had to go through, so please, leave me your thoughts in the comments section below.
First Communion Attire: What to Wear
It’s a First Communion celebration not a royal wedding! The trick is to keep the overall look simple and elegant. A high bun and a lot of bling is unnecessary. A shirt and sneakers are also not a suitable option and should be left for another day. Business casual is the most appropriate dress code for a first communion event, because it’s not too dressy and not too casual.
Outfit Idea #1: Denim + Top + Heels
I personally would not wear denim to a First Communion celebration, but if you’re the type who can’t stand the thought of wearing a pencil skirt not even for half a second, then choose a fancy top to wear with your jeans and a pair of stilettos to dress it up. When I say jeans, I’m definitely not referring to ripped jeans, I’m talking about your classic pair of jeans. I’m not a proponent of ripped jeans especially if there is a religious ceremony involved.
Outfit Idea #2: Pants + Blouse + Heels
This is a classic combination. If you want to avoid creating a plain outfit, choose a nice floral blouse or a satin blouse or a pretty coloured blouse and add a statement necklace.
Outfit Idea #3: Pleated Skirt + Top + Sandals
If you’re after a feminine look, I recommend opting for a pleated skirt! I love a metallic pleated skirt, it’s bold and feminine. You can wear it with a cami-top or blouse or a t-shirt if you prefer to dress it down.
First Communion Dress Rules: What not to wear
I am not sure if there are dress rules or dress codes when it comes to First Communions, I couldn’t find any valuable information when I was doing my research. But as I was thinking of what to wear to my niece’s Holy Communion celebrations, I made a short list of what not to wear, and so, here is what I recommend avoiding:
- Thongs: this a big no-no. If you don’t like heels, opt for flats instead,
- Long dresses: I wouldn’t wear long dresses, not even a maxi dress to a First Communion celebration, knee-length dresses are better and less formal alternative. If, unlike me, you would like to wear a maxi dress, dress it down with a pair of flat sandals,
- All black outfit: It’s a First Communion not a funeral so an all-black outfit is not right and I’m pretty sure you’re with me on this. Add white or a pop of colour,
- Mini skirts or dresses and plunging necklines: If you’re planning on attending the church ceremony, it’s important to be respectful of the sacredness of the place, I don’t find mini skirts and deep V-necks appropriate as a result,
- Overly accessorizing: Too much bling for a First Communion is unnecessary, it’s best to choose a statement necklace, earring or bracelet.
Last Minute First Communion Attire
If you’re planning your look at the last minute, you’re not talented at colour coordinating then I recommend wearing a dress because it doesn’t require too much styling. I am confident this idea will work! So, what can your last minute outfit include?
- Outfit: a monotone coloured dress, avoid prints if you’re not good at mixing and matching and don’t have time to stress about it,
- Shoes: nude, black or metallics. Why? Because, they go with almost any outfit, I promise,
- Bag: opt for one that matches your shoes or dress,
- Accessories: a statement necklace, cuff or earrings.
For more details on how to accessorise your outfits, check out How to Jazz Up an Outfit.
First Communion Attire: Where to Shop?
If you’re planning on wearing business casual attire and your budget is between $100 – $200, here are the shops that I shop from and that I can recommend to you:
- The Iconic (Chancery and Tussah are brands I like)
- Kookai
- Sheike
- Fresh Soul
- Pilgrim
Conclusion
Deciding on what to wear to a First Communion can be a challenge, I know! And while there might not be a specific dress code for First Communion celebrations, business casual is the most appropriate for this event.
It is important to make an effort to dress up nicely to a First Communion and by dressing up nicely I don’t mean wearing a shirt, jeans and sneakers. Here are 3 options to choose from:
- Denim + Top + High heels
- Pants + Blouse + Heels
- Pleated skirt + Top + Sandals
When it comes to what not to wear:
- Avoid thongs and sneakers and opt for a nice pair of flat shoes,
- Choose a knee-length dress instead of a long dress or maxi dress,
- Deep V-necks and short hems should be left for a Saturday nigh when you’re going out clubbing with friends
- An all black outfit isn’t appropriate, add a pop of colour!
- Choose a statement piece of jewellery and avoid overly accessorising your outfit, it’s not necessary.
Now, in case you’re wondering what I wore on my niece’s First Communion, here are some photos!
(Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored blog post, as such, I don’t make a profit/commission for recommending any brands mentioned in this post. I am only suggesting them to you to help you save time shopping around, because I know too well how tiring and time consuming shopping for an outfit can be).
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