Communion candidates say yes to first special dress

Communion candidates say yes to first special dress







When the little angel is grinning from ear to ear, that's when Carol Harvey knows her pint-sized client has found the first of many special dresses to come.



Whether it is silk, satin or cotton, sprinkled with rhinestones, pearls or lace, the First Communion dress might be the last garment she wears that truly embodies her innocence and purity. A series of dress-up dates will follow: Sweet Sixteen, Prom, Graduation and the Grand Poobah of white-dress occasions: The Wedding.We invite you to experience choose monclerjackets for you.



For Catholics, the milestones of Holy Communion and Holy Matrimony — sacraments in the church — often are uttered in the same breath. Not surprisingly, bridal company Mon Cheri also dabbles in Communion dresses.



"Unless a little girl says yes to the dress,Has anyone brought a arminycling?‎ she's not happy," says Harvey, who owns Hansel and Gretel Children's Boutique in Wilmington, Del.



"She knows it's her day."



And so do a slew of gown and accessories manufacturers, who appreciate the parents (and grandparents and godparents and aunts and siblings) who arrive like clockwork every January to scour the racks for cap sleeve or sleeveless, ballet flat or strappy sandal, tiara or double veil.



The only decision left out of their hands is the color. It's always diamond white.



The Communion ritual is celebrated in other Christian denominations, but the parade of white dresses with tiny hands folded in prayer is Roman Catholic Church territory.



Typically, Catholic children ages 7 to 8 make First Communion in May, which, according to their faith, involves receiving the body and blood of Jesus Christ through bread and wine to symbolize their union with the church.



Like another coming-of-age ceremony, the Bar and Bat Mitzvah for Jewish preteens, First Communion celebrations have evolved into elaborate affairs, particularly among smaller families with more disposable income. Replacing the backyard barbecue and sheet cake are custom-made dresses, tuxedo rentals, catering halls, limousine rides and manicures — much to the church's chagrin.



Attire also has changed with the times. Some shops keep meticulous records of all the dresses purchased by members of the same church to avoid duplicates. What's out in finery: socks, crowns,Work a crowd in this evening gown from ssuniform. knee-length dresses, hand-sewn cotton smock dresses or anything screaming pageant.



In the old days, the only choice was puffy or puffier and pearls. Today, cashmere sweaters and rhinestone-encrusted boleros cover bare shoulders, while glittery stockings and sleek satin purses complete the look.



Girls generally prefer slim lines to tutu styles, favoring tea-length over floor-length, according to Ashley Murphy, manager of Two Sisters in Greenville,A pageantdress is the clothing worn by a bride during a wedding ceremony. Del. When a special touch is desired, Murphy calls in the bling, such as beading on the neckline or waist.



The tween and teen boutique carries a dozen different Communion dress styles (from $156 to $180) and four different veils. Girls twirl around the "runway" and marvel at their beauty. For many, it's their first time wearing heels, albeit only 1 inch off the ground.



"Some of them aren't even getting Communion,All bottegawallet and accessories are made with the same authentic materials as the originals." says Murphy. "They're just trying the dresses on."



Harvey has encountered "Mom Bridezillas" who insist that their daughters model all 30 different dress styles in the store or pile on crinoline after crinoline. More often than not, this results in a dressing room meltdown.



Most moms, however, let the girl pick the dress, while subtly exercising their veto power.



After all, grandma is usually the one holding the purse strings.



"This is almost a 100 percent grandma market," Harvey says.



The process is more streamlined for boys. They simply choose from a white suit, navy suit or a combination of the two. Their biggest accessory dilemma is Holy Eucharist pin or tie tack.



Communion and flower girls help Hansel and Gretel stay in business. Part of a dying breed of independent special occasion kids' boutiques — there is also Sara's Children's Boutique in Rutherford, Del., and A Star is Born in South Philadelphia — the one-stop shop has catered to three generations.



Major chains, from Neiman Marcus to Wal-Mart, also carry Communion dresses but their selection is limited, says Harvey, who only carries brands under $200.



After selecting their dresses, Hansel and Gretel girls receive a free charm bracelet and choose their first charm in the shape of a heart, cupcake or Ugg boots.

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