M&S launches cut-price Communion wear line

SUCH was the success of their wedding dress range that Marks & Spencer have introduced a First Holy Communion range which, in these recessionary times, is likely to sell out in record time.

In the past year, there has been marked upsurge in the purchase and sale of Communion dresses and suits on eBay and in the small ads sections of newspapers as parents want thrift rather than bling.

At Marks & Spencer, Communion dress prices will start at €59 while boys’ suits will start at €42. In this country, parents have been known to spend up to €400 at boutiques on dresses and accessories for their daughters while splurging up to another €1,000 on dressing the rest of the family and hosting parties in the family home.

A Marks & Spencer spokeswoman said all the items in the Autograph Communion Collection are made from top quality fabrics.

“Dresses are in duchess satin or organza with full net underlay skirts and are hand-finished with beading and sequins for that personal touch. A full range of accessories accompany the range including satin boleros from €25, an embellished bag from €18, gloves at €10 and a veil from €23. For the boys, there is a wide selection of ties from just €4 and formal double-cuffed shirts from €10,” she added.

All items are available in ages seven, eight, nine and 10 years.

The First Holy Communion range is available at Athlone; Blanchardstown; Cork; Drogheda; Mary Street; Dundrum; Galway; Killarney; Letterkenny; Liffey Valley; Mullingar; Newbridge; Tallaght; Clonmel and Navan.

It will be available from tomorrow at stores across the country.