Suggestions on what to do with beautiful (& expensive) 1st communion dress

[Anonymous]

Goodwill.

[Anonymous]

Not a communion dress, but I donated my wedding gown to a nonprofit that made burial gowns for still born babies. They also took communion dresses. Maybe there’s something like that around here? (I donated mine in the state we got married in otherwise I’d give you the name.)

[Anonymous]

Keep it. Another family member or friend may wear it or it could be repurposed into a christening gown. Another thought is parts of it could be incorporated into her wedding dress, as a wedding purse or even as a ring bearer pillow. (My girls wore parts of my wedding veil on their first communions.)

[Anonymous]

Take it to a consignment store in the late Winter or early Spring, when someone might be looking for a First Communion dress.

[Anonymous]

Frame it and hang it in her closet. I did this with my wedding dress and it’s a joy to see everyday.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Find a Catholic Church in the lowest income zip code you can drive to, and yes—donate it.

Try not to lose sight of what this ceremony is about. Dedicating herself to the values Jesus espoused. Be a role model in that regard.

I 💝 this suggestion very much!

[Anonymous]

Our goddaughter wore our daughter's first communion dress. It was great to get a second wearing out of it and special to see her in the dress! Then we donated it to a lower income parish where there was a need.

[Anonymous]

1. Is the dress special enough that you would consider it a family heirloom that you want your daughter to have (it probably isn't).

2. Otherwise i would consider donating it - ask your church or reach out to catholic charities or something.

[Anonymous]

Are you looking to recoup some of the money you spent? Turn it into a keepsake item? Or preserve it for future use?

My mom turned mine into a doll that she sewed but she's really crafty. I'm sure you find someone to do something like that on Etsy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Find a Catholic Church in the lowest income zip code you can drive to, and yes—donate it.

Try not to lose sight of what this ceremony is about. Dedicating herself to the values Jesus espoused. Be a role model in that regard.

This, only I don't think you even have to go to another area--your own parish will know someone who needs it, or can reach out to other parishes.

[Anonymous]

Hi ...op here.

I called a couple of parishes. There is an enormous parish and they have 7 or 8 dresses in their basement from people donating their girls dresses. No one ever takes up the offer when they issue First Communion dress guidance.

Called my parish and waiting to hear back from them.

I suggested a Facebook post, with dress specifics (size, brand, dry cleaned, veil, etc. ) They (the mega church) is going to come up with something.

[Anonymous]

I agree to either consign or give to an agency like Interfaith Works in Montgomery County. They serve low-income families. I'm betting they have at least 1 Catholic family with a daughter.

Just because "it was expensive" doesn't mean it can't get donated. I never understand that logic.

[Anonymous]

In Catholic Church even if daughter marries another religion kids are Catholic. Save it

[Anonymous]

Is there a piece you can save rather than the whole dress? Eg if there is some beading or lace that you could swatch and save, it could later be sewn into a christening or communion gown (or pocket square) as a meaningful touch, while the parents can still choose the outfit. It could be framed and gifted at a wedding. Etc

Will be easier to store and doesn’t have the weight and guilt of “I saved this for 30 years and you must use it”

Otherwise find a good consignments store. Someone will be thrilled to find it

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In Catholic Church even if daughter marries another religion kids are Catholic. Save it

Uh... not if the parents choose otherwise.