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How to plan a First Communion: checklist, ideas and shared planning

Plan a beautiful, meaningful First Communion celebration with a clear checklist, decor ideas and shared contributions.

Step-by-step guide: how to plan a First Communion

  1. Define the celebration basics and create your event — Start by confirming the date and time of the First Communion Mass with your parish, then decide whether your celebration will be a brunch, lunch or afternoon gathering. Estimate how many guests you’ll invite (close family only, or friends and godparents too) and choose the location: home, restaurant, parish hall or garden. Once you’re clear on these basics, create your event page in Fiestukis to centralize details, invitations and the “bring something” list so everyone knows the plan.
  2. Plan the guest list, invitations and RSVPs — Make a list of immediate family, godparents, grandparents, close friends and any special guests from church or school. In Fiestukis, add all guests with their emails or phone numbers and send digital invitations that include the Mass time, address, dress code and reception location. Use the RSVP tracking to see who’s coming, note dietary needs and keep an eye on the final headcount for seating, food and favors.
  3. Choose the style, decorations and meaningful details — Decide on a simple theme or color palette that feels reverent yet festive, such as white and gold, soft pastels, or a rustic Eucharist theme with wheat and grapes. Plan key decor items: a dessert table with a cross or chalice centerpiece, a photo backdrop, candles, fresh flowers and a special spot to display the child’s Bible, rosary or keepsake. Share decor ideas and assignments in Fiestukis so relatives can help by bringing flowers, balloons or printed photos without duplicating efforts.
  4. Organize the menu, cake and drinks — Decide whether you’ll serve a seated meal, buffet, brunch or just cake and snacks, depending on the time of day and budget. Plan a simple, family-friendly menu: finger sandwiches, quiches, salads, fruit platters and kid-friendly options, plus a First Communion cake or cupcakes decorated with a cross, dove or chalice. Use the Fiestukis “bring something” list to coordinate who brings mains, sides, desserts and drinks, and to clearly mark any items that must be nut-free, gluten-free or alcohol-free.
  5. Prepare activities, photos and small favors — Plan a few quiet, meaningful activities: a memory book for guests to write blessings, a small prayer or gratitude moment before the meal, and a spot for photos with family and godparents. For children, prepare coloring pages with religious motifs, simple outdoor games or a craft corner to keep them entertained. Organize small favors such as rosaries, prayer cards, personalized cookies or candles, and note in Fiestukis who will handle printing, packaging and distribution.
  6. Finalize logistics and thank your guests — A few days before, confirm timings with the church, check seating and table layout, and prepare a simple schedule: Mass, arrival at the venue, meal, cake, photos and farewells. Use your Fiestukis event page to send a final reminder with parking info, dress suggestions and any last-minute updates. After the celebration, upload photos to share with guests and keep track of gifts so your child can send personalized thank-you messages or cards.

Complete guide to First Communion party planning

Ideally, start planning the First Communion 2–3 months before the ceremony. This gives you time to confirm the date with the parish, choose the venue, define your budget and invite guests.

About 4–6 weeks before, send invitations (you can do this easily through Fiestukis) and start coordinating the menu, cake and decorations. The last week is for final confirmations, shopping and preparing any activities or favors.

A practical First Communion checklist usually includes:

  • Church details: date, time, rehearsal, required documents and dress code.
  • Guest list and invitations: family, godparents, friends, RSVPs and dietary needs.
  • Venue: home, restaurant or hall, plus seating and table layout.
  • Menu and cake: food, drinks, dessert and any special orders.
  • Decorations: colors, flowers, tableware, backdrop and religious symbols.
  • Activities and photos: photographer, photo corner, games for kids.
  • Favors and thank-you cards: what to give and who will prepare them.

You can turn this First Communion checklist into tasks and a "bring something" list inside your Fiestukis event so everyone helps with specific items.

For a First Communion celebration, simple, family-friendly food works best. Brunch buffets with quiche, pastries and fruit, or light lunches with salads, pasta, roasted meats and kid-friendly options like chicken tenders are very popular.

Offer at least one vegetarian option and clearly label any dishes that are gluten-free or nut-free. Use Fiestukis to coordinate who brings mains, sides and desserts so you end up with a balanced menu instead of five potato salads and no drinks.

The level of formality depends on your family style and budget. Many families choose semi-formal: the child wears their First Communion outfit, adults dress smart-casual, and the gathering feels special but relaxed.

If you’re hosting at home or in a garden, you can keep decor and dress code simple but still include elegant touches like white tablecloths, flowers and candles. In your Fiestukis invitation, clearly mention the dress code (e.g. "smart casual" or "Sunday best") so guests know what to expect.

Choose decorations that are joyful but respectful of the religious meaning. Classic elements include white and gold balloons, fresh flowers, candles, crosses, doves, chalices and images of wheat and grapes symbolizing the Eucharist.

You can create a simple focal point with a decorated dessert table, a banner with the child’s name, and a small area to display their Bible, rosary or a framed verse. In Fiestukis, share a decor moodboard and assign items (flowers, tableware, banner, photo backdrop) so helpers know exactly what to bring.

Plan a few calm, age-appropriate activities so children don’t get bored while adults talk. Ideas include coloring pages with religious themes, a craft table to decorate bookmarks or picture frames, a small treasure hunt in the garden, or classic outdoor games like sack races and ring toss.

Prepare a simple schedule so games don’t clash with the meal or speeches. Use Fiestukis to coordinate who brings coloring supplies, games or prizes, and to share the plan with other parents in advance.

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