In early 2021, when life was still very upside down from COVID-19, (are we right side up even now? That’s a post for another day…) we had the opportunity to do a short lease on the small, empty space right next to our shop. During that time, we turned it into a Communion shop for four months. While everyone was masking and social distancing, this separate space could house all of our beautiful, poofy, white dresses, but more importantly, give families their own space away from others to have a special experience of picking out a First Communion dress. Many grandmothers who visited us mentioned how it was the first time they were coming back into a store since the pandemic started. It was a godsend for us then, and, even now, we couldn’t live without it. For the past six months, it has housed our Christmas shop. However, since January 1, Communion “szn” has begun, and we’re preparing to have families travel from all over the area (and surrounding states) to come see our great selection of dresses for the special day.

Now, I realize what follows below doesn’t pertain to the majority of Stylebook readers, but if you have a friend or a neighbor preparing for Communion this year–maybe you will kindly pass this along! 

Monday's Child offers the area's largest selection of First Communion dresses, veils, shoes, and accessories, as well as suits, shirts, and ties for boys. We have become a one-stop shop for families, and are amazed at how far some customers travel to shop with us. We anticipate this year to be even bigger and better!

So, if you know someone preparing for Communion, here are helpful tips on having the best experience possible:

1. Please make an appointment!

We have a separate shop next to our store just for First Communion, and in order for us to provide customers with the best experience and for girls to have the space to try on dresses, an appointment must be booked ahead of time. We tell families to plan to spend about an hour at their appointment, and we encourage family and friends to attend this special occasion. 

2. Try different sizes and styles.

People are often shocked at our little space, and sometimes feel a little overwhelmed by all of the options it holds. “It’s like a mini wedding shop,” is usually the first thing people say when they see all of the white tulle, lace, beading, and satin. We offer a variety of beautiful brands in an array of sizes. Each brand runs differently, so we encourage customers to try on different sizes and styles to help narrow down what they like best. We are able to special order additional sizes if needed.

3. We have all the accessories.

We carry veils, custom DMARAN headbands, and we also work with local florist, Fleur and Feathers, on custom floral crowns, which, by the way, are super fun for adults’ birthdays, special occasions, or whatever you are celebrating! We also sell bolero jackets, white shoes, socks, gloves, masks, and purses. 

4. Renée C. Gage Photography can’t be beat.

Local master photographer and Stylebook photographer extraordinaire, Renée C. Gage, is available for studio sessions! She always takes the most stunning photos!

5. We can’t wait to help you say yes to the dress!

I joke that I inherited this Communion business when I bought Monday’s Child in 2018, and that I had a bit of a learning curve since I had my own First Communion in 1990. Despite this “learning curve,” we sell the most beautiful selection of dresses and have had hundreds of very happy customers. It has turned into a special experience that we truly love. We are here to help our customers with any and all questions!