A first Holy Communion is a very special occasion in the life of a young girl in the Roman Catholic Church. It is tradition, and in some instances required, for the girl to wear a special white dress for this celebration. Finding the perfect dress can be challenging to begin with, but if the girl needs a plus size communion dress, the search may be harder. In order to choose the best plus size dress it is important to shop at a store that specializes in plus sizes for young girls or that can alter a dress to fit properly. Other considerations are the girl's personal taste, the guidelines set forth by the church and your budget.
Begin searching for the perfect plus size communion dress by reviewing any guidelines the church has established regarding dresses. Most times, the church will give a basic list of dos and don'ts for dress shopping. These criteria may specify a certain length or style for the dress or exclude others such as spaghetti straps or strapless dresses, for instance. Once you have familiarized yourself with what is acceptable, you can begin to shop for dresses that fall within those guidelines.
Specialty dress shops, bridal dress shops and most stores that sell formal or dress-up children's clothing usually sell communion dresses. Not all stores that sell communion dresses carry plus sizes, so you might want to find stores that do before actually going shopping. Although some stores may be able to order a plus size communion dress for you, if they do not have dresses in stock, the girl won't be able to try them on. Being able to see how certain styles look on the child, in person, will help you choose the best dress.
Communion dresses come in many different styles, from simple, with little or no adornment, to fancy with a lot of detail, beading, or appliques. Choosing the right plus size communion dress depends on the girl's preference for certain details combined with which style of dress looks best on her. When choosing a plus size dress it is important to consider the girl's body type in order to find the most flattering style. For instance, a dress with a bow around the middle might accentuate a large stomach, but an empire or A-line dress can help to hide or minimize the stomach area. Likewise, the length of the dress should also be taken into consideration to find a length that looks good on the girl, as a short dress may draw attention to heavy legs, while a longer dress can cover them up.
A dress that fits properly is also essential. An ill-fitting dress will be both unflattering and uncomfortable for the child. A plus size dress is specially made to fit a heavy child better than a regular size. The material the dress is made from should also be considered. Avoid materials that can be tight or clingy, such as silk, and choose fabrics, such as cotton or taffeta, which may fit and look better on a plus size girl.
Price is another thing to consider. Communion dresses can range widely in price and can be extremely expensive. Know ahead of time how much you are willing to spend on a dress, and only shop within your price range. Keep in mind that a plus size communion dress may cost slightly more than the same dress in a regular size. Any alterations that need to be made to the dress, special order charges, and shipping costs can also increase the price of the dress.