First Communion Dresses
White dresses have been worn by girls at First Communion ceremonies for more than a century in the Roman Catholic Church. The tradition developed during the 19th century and remains the standard attire for the sacramental occasion in parishes across the United States and Europe.
The Age of First Communion
First Communion is typically received by children around age seven or eight, after the decree Quam singulari issued by Pope Pius X in 1910 lowered the age from earlier standards of 10 to 14 years old. The Fourth Lateran Council in 1215 had established that children should reach the "age of discretion" before receiving the Eucharist. Today, in the United States, children usually receive the sacrament in second grade.
The white dress worn by girls symbolizes purity and innocence in Catholic theology. The color connects to baptismal garments described in early Church practice, when newly baptized Christians wore white robes for an entire week following Easter.
A Tradition Documented
In April 1874, Harper's Bazaar noted that white dresses of silk, tarlatan, and tulle were being made in abundance in New York for First Communions and Confirmations.
Modern Materials & Fabrics
Modern First Communion dresses are made from materials including satin, tulle, lace, and organza.
Global Statistics
The Vatican's Statistical Yearbook of the Church 2021 reported 7.3 First Communions per 1,000 Catholics in the United States. The global average stood at 6.2 per 1,000 Catholics, with Asia reporting the highest ratio at 9.1 and the Americas on the lower end at 5.2.
The Beauty of Tradition
Parish Dress Codes
Color & Length
Common guidelines specify white or ivory color, knee-length or below hemlines, and modest coverage of shoulders.
Sleeves & Coverage
Some churches require sleeves or the addition of a bolero jacket.
Accessories
Veils are permitted but not mandatory at most parishes. Gloves, when worn, are often restricted to photographs taken before or after the ceremony.
Cost & Availability
The typical cost of First Communion dresses ranges from $39 to $99 at many bridal boutiques, though prices can reach higher amounts depending on fabric and design. Sizes commonly available in stores range from 6 to 20 to accommodate children of different ages and builds. Some parishes maintain boutiques where families can borrow dresses, veils, and accessories.
Eastern vs. Western Practice
Latin-rite Catholics, comprising about 99 percent of Catholics worldwide, observe the tradition of separating baptism, First Communion, and confirmation into distinct ceremonies at different ages.
Eastern Catholic Churches and Eastern Orthodox Churches administer all three sacraments together in infancy, with no separate First Communion ceremony or associated attire tradition.
First Communion ceremonies are most often scheduled during April and May in the United States and Western Europe. The timing connects to the Easter season and the historical requirement for Catholics to receive Communion at least once yearly during this period, as specified in the Code of Canon Law.