Beautiful Communion Dresses That Won't Make Your Kid Look Like a Cupcake

If you’re a mom of a second grade girl and you’re also a procrastinator, then you know it’s communion dress crunch time. And honestly, finding a cute dress is a tough task. There’s a whole lotta fluffiness, bling, and baubles out there.

Granted, my daughter is not even three, but after floating around the girls’ department this week, I couldn’t find one communion gown that didn’t resemble a cupcake. Is it just me, or are today’s first communion dresses way too poufy for the seven-year-old set?

I totally found myself nostalgic for the adorable communion dresses of our childhood. You know, the cute lace that just skimmed your skinned knee. The bobby socks and kitten heels. The understated dresses that were actually suited for someone under four feet tall. Where did they go?

I was literally so perplexed, I made it my mission to find them…because even if my own daughter is just out of diapers, no kid deserves to look like a cupcake on their communion day.

Here are five fabulous online resources that can ship in time for the communion dress crunch. Check them out in the slideshow above. Happy shopping, mamas!

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Beautiful Communion Dresses That Won't Make Your Kid Look Like a Cupcake

Long Sleeve Chiffon Midi Dress

This chiffon dress by Joanna August comes in sizes 3T to 12 and has sheer, long sleeves that are the perfect combination of feminine and church-appropriate. Get it at Nordstrom, and check out Joanna August's perfectly boho line of flower girl dresses, many of which are perfect for First Communion.

Image: Nordstrom
Three-Quarter Sleeve Dress

This demure three-quarter sleeve dress by Bubela Clothing is made with soft, delicate white lace that overlays a high quality cotton. It is finished at the sleeves and the bottom hem with a gorgeous matching lace trim, and I just adore the sweetness of its Peter Pan collar. Best of all, it's only $74.

Image: Bubella Clothing
Alice Dress

I first fell in love with Nellystella while aimlessly browsing GILT one night, and later learned they have a special occasion collection, LOVE by Nellystella. This Alice dress is equal parts cute, sweet, and playful. Just add an adorable veil and gloves, and go.

Image: Nellystella
Joelle Dress

The Joelle dress, $300, by Austraiian-based Tea Princess has a soft, vintage look that makes it very irresistibly sweet and versatile. The soft cotton is dressed up by the beautiful lace, but can also be casual enough for future summer parties.

Image: Tea Princess
Annie Dress

Stylist's tip: If you've scoured every department store for a communion dress and don't want to shop Etsy, try flower girl collections in larger sizes. The Annie Dress by BHLDN, $190, is actually a flower girl dress but comes in a full range of bigger girl sizes, too.

Image: BHLDN
Hooded Capelet

If your daughter already has a simple sleeveless dress she loves (maybe a flower girl dress from a past wedding?), it's easy to re-purpose it for first communion. Early May mornings can still be chilly, so consider this hooded capelet before the ceremony. It can be found on Etsy for $49.

Image: Lorigami/Etsy