Communion Party Planner: Checklist, Budget & Party Ideas

Timeline checklist

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3–4 months before

Check the date with your school or parish (it's usually announced months ahead).
Decide: party at home, in a hotel or restaurant, or both.
Book a venue or restaurant if eating out. Saturdays in May book up early.
Set a rough budget (use the budget planner below).

2 months before

Buy or order the outfit (dress / suit, shoes, accessories).
Book a photographer, if you're having one.
Book a bouncy castle or other entertainment for a home party. Weekends in May book up fast.
Send invitations (or a WhatsApp message to family).

1 month before

Plan the food: caterer, buffet, barbecue or a mix.
Order the cake.
Sort out a backup plan for rain (gazebo, marquee or room indoors).
Organise any rosary, prayer book or keepsakes the child needs on the day.

1–2 weeks before

Try on the full outfit, including shoes, and break the shoes in.
Book hair appointments if needed.
Buy decorations, plates, napkins and drinks.
Check numbers with guests.

The day before

Lay out the outfit and everything for the church.
Charge phones and cameras.
Set up the garden or room.
Prepare as much food as possible.

On the day

Arrive at the church early.
Bring tissues (for the grown-ups).
Keep a safe place for cards and money, and note who gave what for thank-you cards.

After

Send thank-you cards or messages.
Decide with your child what to do with the money (see "What to do with Communion money").

Budget planner

Enter your own figures for each category. We total them and show each as a share of the whole.

Outfit0%Shoes and accessories0%Hair0%Photographer0%Venue or restaurant0%Food and catering0%Cake0%Drinks0%Bouncy castle or entertainment0%Decorations0%Invitations and thank-you cards0%Church donation0%Other0%

Your total: €0

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Party ideas at home

Garden party: the most popular choice. Plan for Irish weather: a gazebo or marquee, and a room indoors you can move into.
Bouncy castle: book early for May weekends.
Garden games: sack races, egg-and-spoon, tug of war, a treasure hunt, giant Jenga, swingball.
A trampoline or climbing frame: if the family is putting Communion money towards something for the garden, having it up before the party means the children are entertained all afternoon.
Bring the playground home
Browse TrampolinesIreland.com ↗
Food that works outdoors: barbecue, a buffet, a pizza van or a food truck for larger crowds.
For Confirmation: older children often prefer a smaller group of friends: a cinema trip, bowling, a sleepover or a meal out.

Frequently asked questions

When should I start planning a Communion party?

Around 3–4 months before. Check the date with your school or parish, decide where to hold the party and book early: Saturdays in May book up early, and so do bouncy castles for May weekends.

Do I need a backup plan for rain?

Yes. Plan for Irish weather with a gazebo or marquee, and a room indoors you can move into.

How much does a Communion party cost?

Every family is different, so we don't quote an average. Use the budget planner to add up your own figures for each category and see your total.

What should I do with the Communion money afterwards?

Decide together with your child. Many families save some, spend some and share some, or put part towards one lasting thing the child will use for years.

Keep planning

How much to give →Going to a party? See what's typical.Card messages →Words for the card, ready to copy.Gift ideas →From keepsakes to family pooled gifts.Dates for 2027 →When the big day usually falls.