When to Buy Your Daughter’s Communion Dress – and What to Expect to Pay

By Communion Dress Boutique, Discounted Finery based in Magheralin, just outside Moira in Co Armagh.

Planning your daughter’s First Holy Communion is a special milestone, and finding the perfect dress is often at the heart of the celebration. As a long-established communion dress boutique, we are often asked two key questions:

1 “When should I start shopping? and 2. “How much should I budget?”

Here is our professional advice to help you plan with confidence.

When to Buy a Communion Dress

The best time to start shopping is between October and January before your daughter’s communion date. There are three good reasons for this:

1. Best Selection: New season collections usually arrive in early autumn, meaning you will have the widest choice of styles and sizes before popular designs sell out (with a one style per school rule).  You also have the full range of discounted dresses to choose from (at Communion Dress Boutique)

2. Stress-Free Fittings: Shopping early gives you plenty of time for measurements, fittings, and any alterations, avoiding last-minute pressure.  This is particularly important if your child is wear clothing aged 6-7yrs or 10yrs plus (we are proud to supply sizes right up to ages 16yrs).

3. Peace of Mind: With your dress sorted, you can turn your attention to accessories, shoes, outfits for the rest of the family and planning the celebration without rushing.

If your school’s communion date is later in the season (May or June), we will take that into consideration when fitting.

What to Expect to Pay

The cost of a communion dress can vary depending on the style, designer, and level of detail. In Northern Ireland, you can expect to pay:

***£80-120** for a Beautifully simple discounted dress

*£120 – £180** for a classic, elegant style with minimal embellishment

*£180 – £250** for a more detailed dress with increase embellishment

*£250-£400** for a show stopping, detailed & embellished dress  

When planning your budget, remember to include shoes, accessories (veil, headpiece, gloves, bag, umbrella), and a cardigan or bolero if your church requires shoulders to be covered. Differing schools/churches have opinions on some accessories namely veils, gloves and bags.  Check if there are restrictions before buying the dress as trying everything on together lets you try all options and decide on the best match and style for your dress.

Also at Communion Dress Boutique we understand the current financial climate, therefore we offer an interest free, payment plan whereby a small deposit secures your dress and accessories without payment having to be made until mid March the following year.

 Our Final Advice

Book your appointment early and allow plenty of time to enjoy the process. Choosing a communion dress should be a special memory, not a stressful one.

At Communion Dress Boutique, we offer one-to-one appointments in a relaxed environment, with expert advice to guide you through sizes, styles, and accessories.  We are experienced in working with children that have sensory needs and tactile hypersensitivity and for girls that feel happier in their sportswear! We can guarantee we will find a dress that you and your daughter can agree on!

Let us know if you have any special requirements when booking your appointment and we will allow a little extra time if needed.