Dunnes Stores Communion selection causes uproar with ‘Say Yes to the Dress’ stand

Oh dear...

Although Holy Communions are still a few months away, Dunnes Stores has already unveiled its full range of Communion wear, giving parents ample time to find the perfect outfits.

However, it's easy to say that the branding on the Communion dresses has not been well-received by people online.

People have criticised the campaign for being too mature for eight-year-olds and for detracting from the core meaning of Holy Communion.

One user took to X to share a photo of a ‘Say Yes to the Dress’ sign that is set to display the dress from Paul Costelloe Living Occasionwear. The collection pays homage to the late fashion designer who passed away back in November.

The 'Irish mam' captioned the post: "For Communion kids in Dunnes Stores today, Say Yes To The Dress. What Baby Jesus died for #innit?"

For those unfamiliar, the phrase ‘Say Yes to the Dress’ originates from a popular US reality TV show broadcast on TLC.

The series follows brides-to-be as they search for the perfect wedding dress for their big day.

This connotation has led to many Irish parents sharing their disapproval of using a 'wedding theme' for eight-year-old girls preparing for their Holy Communion.

One person wrote on X: "Horrible. There’ll be a money-off voucher for a tanning salon with every dress before long."

Another wrote: "Stop!! And the amount of personalised stuff being advertised through social media..all very strange I think," while a third added: "Christ that’s beyond tacky."

Dunnes’ Communion collection includes five dresses, each priced at €130: the Flora, Lily, Daisy, Aurelia and Clara.

The collection also includes boys’ suits, featuring €25 slim-leg trousers, a €25 waistcoat and a €50 blazer, both with a race car print.

Dunnes Stores launched the collection on Saturday (January 10).