Holy Communion

The Ordering Process

Send your wedding dress, along with the order form and deposit. Include any information that you may have been thinking in terms of style and what it is you want. Once I receive the dress, I will contact you to discuss your options. I will then, create a design sketch based on what we have discussed and email the sketch to you. Once the design is established (and estimated costs) the cutting and sewing will begin. Feel free to email me in advance to discuss your requirements. I do not like to try and design an outfit without the wedding dress materials in hand because I do not know how the original dress was made or how easy / complex the materials will be to use until I see them. If you need to send your dress to me and unable to drop by with it, I do understand how hard it is to send your wedding dress off to a stranger without knowing something about how I will be working with it. Hence, I am happy to discuss it over the phone and through email in advance.

 

First Communion Outfits & Products

Let me turn your wedding dress into a Holy Communion outfit for your little darling to wear.  I offer girls gowns, dresses and veils and boys vests, suits and ties.  My normal turnaround time is about 10 -12 weeks so it does take some planning but give me  a call to discuss further about your event date and whether I can provide an heirloom garment for your child.

 

Girl’s First Communion Gowns & Dresses $300 – $650 

I can create a longer, formal gown or a shorter dress.  It depends on how much fabric your wedding dress has to offer and what you are wanting to have made.  Since fit and style are far more customized for a child of this age, I am not currently offering specific styles.  I will design the dress / gown based on the materials from your dress and what you tell me you want. I can augment your fabrics if needed.

A gown or dress will cost between $300 – $650 depending on the length, design and materials involved. Mostly what drives the price up is when I need to add extra lace, fabrics, or bead work. Or when hand bead work is required to get the look you are after.  If no extra materials are required and I can use whatever ornamental elements without having to re-work them (particularly bead work), then the price stays at the base price.

Knee length starts at $350

Mid length at $450

Full length starts at $550

I will create an overall design approach and give you an accurate estimate before the work gets under way.

 

Girl’s Communion Bolero Jacket $170

If your little girl has a dress like something sleeveless for the communion after party but need something to cover her shoulders or arms in church.  A lovely bolero jacket gives her the best option.

 

Girl’s Communion Veil $110 – $130

I can reduce your original veil or create a new one from the materials of your wedding dress and veil or even create one from our own materials to match the gown I make from your wedding dress.

 

Jewellery Pouch $50

A great keepsake for a young girl, a godmother, or a future bride.  I make a simple, drawstring pouch that can hold makeup or jewellery on a special occasion (weddings, communions, christenings) and can be used to store special items afterward.

Each pouch is custom made from the materials you send me. I can add my own embellishment only if you want though. The final pouch stands about 6″- 7″ making it a nice little holder for jewellery or makeup for that special occasion.  It has a snap closure with a pull ribbon that acts as a wrist strap.

 

Handkerchiefs/Pocket Squares $35

Handkerchiefs made from mom’s wedding dress make a lovely keepsake for First Communion.  They are a way to give your son / grandson something from your dress for his future wedding day.  I have even made handkerchiefs that were put into shadow boxes as a decorative gift that could be taken out and used by a future generation.

 

Child’s Purse $75

A matching purse to carry on her special day is not only a great keepsake, but it is a pretty, and practical addition to her outfit.

 

Matching Doll Communion Dress $85

 

This option was requested many times as my lovely customers have seen my collection of dolls clothing, and I thought it was a fun option to add in.  I will make a miniature version of the communion gown for your daughter’s favourite doll.  I currently have patterns to fit the Our Generations, American Girl, Baby Born or Cabbage Patch Dolls.  Indeed a lovely heirloom to have and for your little darling to have as a keepsake as well.

 

Boy’s Communion Vest $110 – $130

I offer a boy’s standard communion vest or a vest with tuxedo style lapel (as pictured).  A vest can be used with any suit or even over a dress shirt.  I can use some of the more decorative elements of your wedding dress on the front or on the lapel, or I can keep it plain.

Boy’s Standard Vest $110

Boy’s Vest w/Tuxedo Collar $130

 

Boy’s Communion Ties (Necktie or Bow Tie) $65

My standard boy’s communion necktie or bow tie are made from the wedding dress fabrics.  Either tie can include a small amount of ornamentation from the dress or be plain. 

 

Boy’s Communion Vest with Tuxedo Collar and Tie Combo $150

Save a little bit and get my popular boy’s communion vest with tuxedo collar and tie combination.  I can use some of the ornamental elements from your wedding dress, or I can keep things clean and plain.  Either way, your son will have a heirloom communion vest and tie for his special day.

 

Embroidery

I can add simple embroidery (mostly initials, names, dates) to the Handkerchief or Pocket Square. I can also create a satin label with the child’s name and communion date and attach it to the inside lining of the vest or skirt of the gown. My embroidery hoop has a 4″ maximum space that limits me not only in number of characters in a line, but also limits me to four lines and my fonts are limited. I charge $20 per line to cover the time and materials. For elements like crosses and shamrocks I can provide some options as well.

 

FAQs

 

Do I need to get the Wedding Dress cleaned before sending?

If your wedding dress has a lot of dirt and staining especially along the hem, then I recommend getting it cleaned before sending it. I do not offer dry cleaning services and simply do not have the facilities to clean a whole dress. If you send the dress without cleaning, I will try to work around any stains or heavy dirt, but it limits what I can use of the dress materials. If there is a section of a dress that has some staining / discoloration and I want to use that section, I will cut the section I need to use and try hand washing it only if time permits. Most of the time, I can get age stains, some wine and loose dirt out this way. However, deep stains like mud / dirt on the hem and train need professional treatment. If I or my staff and have to wash sections of a dress, there will be a cleaning fee of $120 – $150 depending on how much washing is needed. My other option is my staff get it dry cleaned and I add the charges of the dry cleaners plus our handling charges to your overall payment to Lyndaz Dressmaking. In this instance, you will be given the receipt provided to me by the dry cleaners. At the design stage, I will let you know if washing / dry cleaning is going to be needed to get you what you want.

 

How do I ensure the dress will fit properly?

The easiest way is to make sure you get accurate measurements for me to work with. There is space on the order form for specific measurements. I will be using those measurements to set up my dress forms. As long as I have accurate measurements to begin with, I should be pretty close. There is a fitting stage worked into our process as well. Once the basic construction of the gown is done, I will send the gown along with instructions and some tools for letting me know where adjustments may be needed .

 

How much is shipping going to cost from beginning to end?

You can expect the following possible shipping costs but please note the below is only a guide.

Shipping the initial wedding dress & order = $25-$35 depending on courier service

Shipping of dress to you for fitting = about $25 (included in the initial price)

Shipping the dress back to us after fitting = about $25

Shipping the final dress to you = about $25 (plus anything for any additional items ordered)