With Communion and Confirmation season just around the corner children and parents are getting ready to celebrate this unique occasion. The church ceremony is usually reserved for immediate family, grandparents and godparents, but after the ceremony, a First Holy Communion party at home is a great way to include your extended family and friends in this special day.
Planning is key to ensure you have a stress free day and that you and your child enjoy it as much as possible. Start with the budget. Putting yourself under financial pressure is not necessary when the objective is giving your child and family a day to remember. You will need to cater for all ages so bear this in mind when planning food and entertainment. And remember don’t invite guests to arrive too early as you will want some time for photos after the ceremony
For food having a main dish is always a good idea. Keep it simple as it will have to feed both adults and kids. Ask for help and do as much as you can before the day. You could buy in your main dish from caterers or a local restaurant, deli or store. Be sure to book this well in advance and get recommendations from friends. Alternatively if you wish to cook, choose a dish that can be made in advance and heated up on the day. You could ask family or friends to bring desserts/salads. Also, don’t be afraid to ask if one of them would come to the house while you are at the church to help get the food set up, as you will have your hands full getting yourself and your child ready on the morning.
For a truly stress-free day, hire glasses, crockery and cutlery from your caterer or a local supplier. Paper plates and plastic cutlery are great for kids and cuts down on the washing up! And for stress-free decorating, banners and balloons are the easiest option. Add a communion piñata or chocolate fountain for decoration and fun later in the day.
It might be an idea to have a Gazebo or covered area for people, if they will not all fit comfortably in your house just in case the weather turns bad.
Plan some party games for entertainment. Many people hire a bouncy castle or slide or an all weather inflatable, book these early as communion days are very busy. Also good, are games like Twister, Giant Jenga, Giant Snakes and Ladders, Giant Connect 4 which can be bought or rented and used indoors too. Have some disposable cameras left around to capture memories.
Have a change of clothes for the communion child if you intend to use the outfit again.
Above all, enjoy the occasion, it is a special day for you too as a parent!. Don’t be afraid to delegate and ask for help, so that you get the time to celebrate too!
For further ideas on party planning, visit www.mykidstime.com
