First Holy Communion season is upon us, but if you're on a tight budget, it can be tricky to plan an activity-packed day with all the bells and whistles without spending a packet.
We've got some super-smart money-saving ideas and enjoy all of the fun at half the expense....
1. If you have a girl making her communion next month, chances are you’ve been dress-hunting for weeks and already have the big ticket item sorted. If not, don’t panic. You don’t have to come up with €500 for a bespoke creation. The king of classic design, Paul Costello, has a dreamy communion range available from
Dunnes Stores, with prices starting at around €50 for a dress, and once you factor in shoes, tights, and a cardigan, you should still be under the €150 mark.
2. Etsy – the online hub for unique and gorgeous items of all kinds – has a great range of dresses starting at around €40 and going all the way up into multiples of that. If you have a wedding dress (and can bear to part with it!), you could find yourself a super seamstress to transform it.
3. The other big expense on communion day tends to be eating out. Some schools are now holding joint parties after the ceremonies. If your school isn’t, consider holding a shared party with one of your child’s friends. You can go Dutch on the food and the bouncy castle. Even if you splash out on catering, it’s still a cost effective option if you need to feed a large number of people. Barbecues or a gourmet picnic at a nearby park or stately home are fun options for cutting costs, but a little more tricky to plan in terms of the Irish weather.
4. If you are eating out, tactfully suggest, in advance, that extended family members to cover all, or some, of their own costs. You could ask them to consider scaling back on cash and gifts to balance out their expense. Two tips: be brave and do this well away from little ears! And opt for a restaurant that does special group rates, and check the costs of the extras before your book.
5. Part of the fun of communion day is getting to spend all day in the flouncy gúna or suit. If you want to get the gang out of the house after the ceremony and meal, remember the free options out there like the four branches of the
National Museum of Ireland, If you’re in the capital, the Dublin Bus Hop on Hop Off Tour offers two free places for under 14s with every paying adult.
6. If you find your spending getting a little out of control as the big day approaches, reign it in by revisiting your budget – or drawing one up in the first place. Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) advises that the plan is made well in advance. MABS also has
a very nifty planner to help you budget for communion and confirmation expenses.
Get €150 back when you switch your gas and electricity to Bord Gáis Energy. Switching to Bord Gáis Energy will also get you 12% off your electricity and 10% off your gas. With some great offers and flexible options for you to choose from Bord Gáis Energy will provide you with the best value every day. PLUS you’ll have access to Ireland’s biggest and best energy Rewards Club. 
