A child's First Holy Communion celebration can be anything from a simple backyard gathering to a posh hotel or restaurant reception these days. Every family will have its own traditions and expectations of events such as these, but with some basic thoughts in mind, and a little attention to details, such as theme, d'cor, and event favors, whether large or small, simple or elaborate, it can be a personal and meaningful occasion for all that attend.

The most important part of planning any event is to have a clear idea going in of your focus and desired result and to realize that there could actually be more than one. As in the case of a Holy Communion celebration, there will be guests of all ages attending and the desired result you'd like to create for the young ones may be different than that for the adults. Again, every family is different how they celebrate such occasions. Some will have a more structured event with time for toasts and speeches to tribute the guest of honor and family members, similar to a wedding reception, and others will leave the more formal part of the day to the church ceremonies and keep the party time more open or relaxed. It truly is up to you.

Although of course a religious rite of passage, the theme of such a celebration can either focus on that aspect by emphasizing it with d'cor and Communion favors with the Cross, chalice and wafer symbols or you can choose to highlight the child's interests and personality more prominently with a theme that recognizes him/her as the guest of honor and his/her accomplishing this important step in life. An example of this would be to feature the child's love of horseback riding, or swimming by including it, or even making it, the theme of the party with decorations, the cake, event favors, even entertainment and allowing the actual rite of passage, in this case the First Holy communion, that has brought everyone together and the ceremony preceding the party, to be the overall theme of the day. You often see this kind of personalization with weddings as the couple chooses a theme for their reception based on one of their interests such as using a location by the beach with tropical fish d'cor to share their passion for scuba diving with all in attendance. It is unlikely that anyone will forget that they've gathered for an important ritual (the couple's marriage vows!) but they will also not likely forget that they enjoy scuba diving and that this was a unique and personal gathering.

Sending guests home with a Communion favor that tributes the guest of honor and also commemorates this celebratory day is an opportunity to convey many things as well. It can be a simple reminder that they attended the special event and therefore are an important participant in your family's life, or in the case of a Communion favor it can also serve as a symbol of their own beliefs and rituals that are significant in their life.

These days, the possibilities are truly endless in what you can create for an event. By defining your desired result right from the start and taking factors such as budget, the number of guests, location and time of day into consideration you are on track for a successful party. Although there are many details to be thought through, keeping the reason for the party in the first place, your child's rite of passage -- his/her First Holy Communion, as the focus will help guide your thoughts and decisions.. Only you will know what is most appropriate for your family and this special time, and that in itself, will help you to plan a celebration that is personal and meaningful for your child and your guests.

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