When my neighbor was planning her daughter's communion last May, she asked: "Do I really need a welcome sign? Seems a bit much for 7-year-olds?"
Here's what I told her: No, you don't need one. But a personalized welcome sign costs about €15-30 and makes a surprisingly big difference when guests arrive.
She ordered one. At the party, I lost count of how many people took photos in front of it - especially the kids! It became the backdrop for every group photo. She's so glad she bothered.
📋 Table of Contents
- What Are Communion Prints?
- The One Print Worth It: The Welcome Sign
- Other Prints Irish Families Use
- Coordinating Prints with Stickers
- DIY vs. Professional Printing
- Where to Buy in Ireland
- Budget Guide
- Design Tips
- Practical Setup
- When to Order
- Do You Actually Need Prints?
- After the Communion
- Common Questions
- My Top 3 Recommendations
- Irish Communion Specifics
What Are Communion Prints?
Printed decorative items personalized with your child's name and communion details:
- Welcome signs - Greet guests as they arrive
- Table signs - Mark seating or food stations
- Photo backdrops - Create a spot for family photos
- Height chart prints - "I'm this tall on my communion day"
They're printed on foam board, canvas, cardstock, acrylic, or vinyl banners.
The One Print Worth It: The Welcome Sign
If you're only getting one thing, make it a welcome sign.
Why they work:
Set the tone. Tells guests they're in the right place and this is a special celebration for your child.
Photo magnets. Irish families LOVE taking photos at communions. A welcome sign gives a natural gathering spot for pictures with grandparents, godparents, and all the cousins in their communion outfits.
Coordinate everything. Match your welcome sign to your stickers (already ordering for party favours), and everything looks professionally planned.
Work anywhere. Whether at home, hotel function room, or a community center, a welcome sign makes any space feel decorated and special.
What Should Be On Your Sign?
Essential:
- "Welcome to [Child's Name]'s First Holy Communion"
- The communion date
- One religious symbol (chalice, cross, or praying hands)
Optional:
- Church name
- "Blessed & Holy"
- Small decorative elements (florals, doves)
Don't include:
- Lengthy prayers or Bible verses
- Multiple competing symbols
- Overly complicated designs
💡 Size Guide:
- Small (A3): Home parties, intimate gatherings
- Medium (A2): Most popular - visible but not overwhelming
- Large (24" x 36"): Big venues or outdoor use
My recommendation: A2 size (18" x 24") on foam board with easel stand. Costs €20-35.
Other Prints Irish Families Use
Table Numbers (€3-5 each)
Only if you have 5+ tables with assigned seating. Skip for casual "sit anywhere" setups.
Photo Backdrop Sign (€50-100)
Larger sign creating a dedicated photo spot. Budget alternative: Use your welcome sign as the photo backdrop instead!
Height Chart Print (€15-25)
"I'm this tall on my communion day!" with measurements. Kids love these! Makes a lovely keepsake.
Sweet Station Sign
"Help yourself to sweets!" if you're doing a candy table. Honest opinion: Not necessary - kids will find the sweets regardless!
Directional Signs (€5-8 each)
Only for large, confusing venues. At home or small venues, just tell people where things are!
Coordinating Prints with Stickers
Order prints that match your sticker design.
Why this works:
- Everything looks intentionally coordinated
- Same colors, fonts, symbols throughout
- Creates "professionally planned" look
- Photos look cohesive
How: When ordering communion stickers, check if supplier offers prints. Order together using the same design.
DIY vs. Professional Printing
Professional (Recommended)
Pros: High quality, proper materials, looks polished
Cons: Costs €20-50, need to order in advance
Best for: Welcome signs that will be photographed
DIY at Home
Pros: Cheaper, can make last-minute
Cons: Limited size, home printers produce poor quality, need backing board
Best for: Small table signs
Reality check: I tried DIY-ing a welcome sign once. Should have just paid €25 for professional. Live and learn!
Where to Buy in Ireland
Online Print Services (Best)
- Fast delivery (3-5 days)
- Euro pricing
- Often have communion templates
- Can match to sticker order
Pricing:
- A3 foam board: €15-25
- A2 foam board: €25-40
- Acrylic signs: €40-80 (premium option)
- Easel stand: Add €8-12
Local Print Shops
Pros: See quality in person, same-day pickup
Cons: 20-40% more expensive, limited templates
Etsy / Small Designers
Pros: Unique custom designs
Cons: Takes longer, more expensive
Best for: If you want something unique and have 6-8 weeks
Budget Guide
Minimal (€12-14)
1 welcome sign (A4 or A3 print ). All you really need!
Standard (€50-80)
Welcome sign + 3-5 table signs + sweet station sign
"Perfect" (€150-250)
Large welcome sign, photo backdrop, multiple prints, height chart, professional framing
💰 My advice: Spend €25-40 on one nice welcome sign. Put the rest toward food, party favours, or your child's communion gift. Guests remember hospitality more than decorations.
Design Tips
Keep Text Readable
- Headline text: At least 3-4 inches tall
- Secondary text: 1-2 inches
- If guests can't read from 6 feet away, font is too small
Colors That Work
For Girls:
- White background with rose gold or blush pink
- Soft lavender with white text
- Cream with gold accents
- Pastel florals
For Boys:
- White with navy or dark blue text
- Cream with grey accents
- Soft blue with white text
- Simple, clean designs
Avoid: Yellow text, light grey on white, too many colors, neon
One Symbol Maximum
Don't clutter with multiple chalices, crosses, doves, and praying hands. Pick ONE. Simple is elegant.
Browse our range of chalice designs, cross designs, and praying hands designs.
Practical Setup
Where to Position
At home: Near front door, in the sitting room, by the food table
At venue: Outside function room, just inside the door, near the gift table
Stability matters: Irish wind! Use a weighted easel or position against a wall.
For Photos
- Position with good lighting
- Leave 6 feet space in front
- Clear background clutter
- Designate someone to take photos of all the communion kids together
Weather
Use foam board or vinyl (not cardstock). Secure well. Have backup indoor spot. Most Irish communions are in May, but Irish weather is unpredictable!
When to Order
6-8 weeks before: Best time for custom designs
4-6 weeks: Standard timeline
2-4 weeks: May need rush fees
1-2 weeks: Last minute, consider local shops
⏰ My recommendation: Order with your stickers (6 weeks out). May is THE busiest month for Irish communion suppliers!
Do You Actually Need Prints?
You don't need them if:
- Small, casual gathering
- Tight budget (spend on food/gifts instead)
- Not fussed about decorations
- Very informal party
Worth considering if:
- Want nice family photos
- Large celebration (60+ guests)
- Like coordinated look
- Hiring venue and want it personalized
- Have budget and enjoy planning
Middle ground: One welcome sign, skip everything else.
After the Communion
Keep: Frame for child's room, add to memory album, store with keepsakes
Repurpose: Wall art, give to grandparents, use design for thank-you cards
Let go: Take photos of signs for album, then recycle
Do what feels right for you!
Common Questions
"Can I use same design for multiple children?"
Keep symbols/style, but personalize name and date for each child.
"Can I hand-letter signs myself?"
Yes! Just make sure writing is neat and legible.
"Do I need to match church decorations?"
No - church and party are separate.
"What about Irish language?"
Lovely! Add "Céad Chomaoineach" (First Communion) or Irish blessing. Check spelling!
"Should the sign match my child's outfit color?"
Nice touch but not necessary. White/cream/gold works with any outfit.
My Top 3 Recommendations
1. A3 Welcome Sign (€14) - The one print that makes the biggest impact. Order with stickers for matching design.
2. Height Chart Print (€15-25) - Kids LOVE these! "I'm this tall on my communion day" becomes a treasured keepsake.
3. Table Signs (€3-5 each) - Only if needed for assigned seating. Otherwise skip.
Skip: Sweet station signs, menu boards, multiple decorative prints
Irish Communion Specifics
Timing Differences
- Communions happen mostly in May (peak month!)
- Some in April or early June
- Order earlier than you think - May suppliers are SLAMMED
Party Size
- Irish communion parties are often 60-100+ guests
- Lots of children (siblings, cousins, classmates)
- Welcome sign helps direct the chaos!
Photo Traditions
- All communion children together (cousins in their outfits)
- Multi-generational family photos
- Child with godparents
- Welcome sign is perfect backdrop for ALL of these
Gift Money
- Guests traditionally give money to child
- Thank-you cards with matching stickers after the event
- Some families use "thank you for your generosity" stickers
Planning your Irish First Holy Communion? We offer personalized communion stickers and matching welcome signs with fast delivery across Ireland. Order 6-8 weeks before your communion day - especially for May celebrations!
