Confirmation

How to plan a confirmation or first communion party

Confirmation is a big event in the life of a young person. For members of the Catholic Church and many Protestant religions, confirmation is an outward sign of a growing understanding of spiritual gifts and full membership in the church. In the modern church, confirmation and first Communion are celebrated in the second-grade year. Many churches have returned to the traditional order of sacraments by celebrating confirmation before Holy Communion, but whichever order they follow, they are certainly special occasions worthy of a party!

The most important part of any party is the pre-planning. Who will be invited? Guests and type of party will direct the rest of your planning. Your child should have a say in at least some aspects of the celebration. Allow him or her to choose some of the menu, the games for children, and to the extent you can, the invitation list. You may also consider buying a confirmation gift.

For a first Communion or confirmation party, the purpose of the event does dictate the tone of the party. Since you are celebrating a religious sacrament, a more subdued party is in order.

Planning Tips

Here are some tips you’ll want to keep in mind as you put your confirmation or first Communion party together:

  • Decide whom you will invite. How many people, only family members, lots of your child’s friends – establish the guest list before you go any further.
  • Decide on the type of party and food. Will it be a full meal, a buffet, a backyard barbeque? Or will you simply provide desserts or snack food? Will it be a luncheon, a dinner that ends early or a party that extends into the night? Plan for party food according to the type of party.
  • Choose the venue. The two decisions you’ve already made will help you make this decision. Can you have the party at home or should you reserve the church hall? Will a park be suitable, or do you need to rent a room at the community center?
  • Send out invitations. First Holy Communion invitation cards are often a bit more formal than the average invitation. You can get pre-printed invitations for confirmation or first Communion, or you can make your own. Be sure to include dates, locations and whether confirmation gifts will be accepted.
  • Decide on entertainment or crafts and activities for the younger crowd. This is a great place to involve your child, and he or she will likely be able to steer you toward successful ideas.
  • Decide on the menu and make the arrangements for food. Will you be taking care of the food yourself? Will you have the event catered? Catering makes things much easier for you on the day, but make sure it fits into your budget.

Making your event special means getting the details down ahead of time. Plan in advance and your occasion will run smoothly and will be even more memorable.