From the beginning of the school year, children will prepare for the big day in the classroom while parents will start buying outfits and planning the after celebrations. 

The costs of the day can range from hundreds to thousands of pounds as majority of families make a day out of it and go for a meal after the service. 

The children’s outfit is the most talked about subject of the day with dresses and suits for the children starting at around £80 from High Street stores. 

Linda Morrison works in the children’s department of SD Kells and has been kitting out many of the children who are preparing to make their Holy Communion. 

“By now, most of the dresses are gone. The dresses come into the store in November, and are well cleared out by now but we have the suits for the boys. 

“Some of the outfits are not too expensive but it is a bit like fancy dress and a big day out for the children and their families. 

Most of the children are very excited to get dressed up when they come into the shop and they look completely different.”

Principal of St Mary’s Primary School, Newtownbutler Paula Kelly said their First Holy Communion is an important day in the children’s lives but not for materialistic reasons.

“From their first day in P4, they look forward with great anticipation. 

“I believe that parents begin to plan and prepare for the celebration, months in advance. 

“Many of the outfits for the day have already been sourced with just finishing touches to be added at this stage. 

“Like most of us, many of the children look forward to getting dressed up for the special occasion and to the attention which they will undoubtedly receive as family and friends join them to celebrate this very important sacrament. 

“There is no doubt that every child will remember their First Holy Communion, however, it is seldom for materialistic reasons. 

“For most children and indeed adults, the memories made in the church and at home in the company of family and friends are treasured forever,” said Ms Kelly.