Hands folded in prayer with fingers pointed toward heaven, little girls in gorgeous white dresses gracefully proceed down the aisle.
It is the day they will receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion, a rite of passage into the Catholic Church. The dress they wear is a symbol of purity and innocence and anyone who sees these young beauties can't help but smile.
"I am really excited to wear a white dress, because they are all frilly and pretty," says Taylore Hamilton, 7, from Wilkins, who will make her first Communion at St. Maurice Church in Forest Hills.
Finding the right dress takes time. Taylore tried on at least 20 dresses at three stores, including several at Cosy Creations, says her mother, Judy.
"I am really glad we came here for the dress, because (the owner) Paula doesn't put pressure on you and she gives personalized service," Hamilton says. "She knows what looks best and is great with the kids. It can be kind of overwhelming. Look how many there are to choose from."
The most popular choice is tea-length. Fabrics include satin, organza and silk. Sleeveless is in, but so are cap sleeves and tank-top styles, says Jennifer Mason, buying and sales manager for MB Bride in Greensburg. Adding a little bolero jacket offers a more modest style for Mass.
Some girls prefer lots of glitz in terms of beaded bodices. They can add a slip to create a fuller look, while others prefer a straight skirt.
Overall, dress styles don't change a lot, says Paula Fisher, co-owner of Cosy Creations in Forest Hills with her mother, Rose Mary Lodovico, but they are constantly being updated. Most shops offer a range of sizes, including petite and plus, and stock accessories from headpieces to shoes. They also will register the dress so you will know if someone from your church bought it.
Sarah Foody's father heard about Bugel Kids in Mt. Nebo Pointe, Ohio Township, from his daughter's friend's mother.
"I was blown away by the selection, and (the owner) Gaye is terrific," says John Foody, of Franklin Park. "She really gave us the guidance we needed to find the right dress. I needed her professional guidance."
He brought his daughter in to pick up the dress last week.
"I really like this dress because it is sparkly and has really nice sleeves," says Sarah, 8, as she models the dress. "I am really getting excited about my Communion. It will be a special day."
Keeping the meaning of the day in perspective is part of the discussion when a customer walks through the door, says Gaye Bugel, owner of Bugel Kids. She has thousands of dresses in more than 70 styles from size 4 to 1412, as well as accessories. Prices range from $29 to $99 for dresses, and most accessories are $8 to $40.
"We need to keep the day sacred and make sure they know it's not just about the party and the dress," says Bugel. "It's about so much more. I try to talk to the kids about that. I want to sell them a dress, but I also want to help reinforce the meaning of the sacrament they are about to receive."
Making sure you have the right fit is where JackieAnn Montanari comes in. She owns Fancy Lady Bridal & Boutique in Lower Burrell, which does alterations for Communion dresses. The shop also sells accessories such as veils -- some with pearls and rhinestones -- tiaras, floral headpieces, gloves and jewelry.
"Maybe you have a dress that you wore and you want it tailored to fit your daughter or you have a dress her sister wore that you want her to wear, whatever you want, we will help you," Montanari says. "I see a lot of little girls really excited about this time in their lives and we want them to remember this day forever. They just look so adorable when they are dressed up."
Designer Christie Helene's three lines -- angel, signature and couture -- are available at The Frog N' Princess in Peters. They cost $500 to $800. Owner Renee Lingle also offers dresses from $150 to $350 among the more than 70 styles she has in her store from size 5 to 12X. Her accessories include rosary beads made of porcelain with Swarovski crystals.
"This is a big day for these children," says Lingle. "We will do whatever we can to help you find the perfect dress. Because this is such an important time in their lives, you want everything to be perfect for them. And that's what we are here for."
Purses: Purses can be plain or have some decoration, such as a cross or bow. Most are made of satin.
Shoes: A satin shoe -- that is dyeable for future wear -- with a 1-inch heel is popular. Shoes can have trims added to them.
Jewelry: A cross and chain is an appropriate gift. Many stores sell matching sets.
Rosary beads: These are a gift that can be used forever. The standard rosary is nice or try a rosary bracelet, which usually has a cross and a small medal, 10 Hail Mary beads and one Our Father bead.
Gloves: Select from fabrics such as satin and organza embellished with details, such as bows, lace and rhinestones. Or go with a plain pair of gloves from wrist to elbow length.
Headpiece: Choose one with or without a detachable veil, one that has a clip or comb attached to it, a sparkling tiara or crown of flowers. Some girls choose a jeweled necklace worn as a headpiece.
Legwear: Socks are no longer popular. Most girls wear plain or embellished stockings or go bare-legged.
Additional Information:Free dresses
Kay Bugel, owner of Bugel Kids in Ohio Township, understands how hard times can affect families. She has offered to provide free First Communion dresses to girls whose parents are unemployed or otherwise unable to afford a dress. The families must be referred by a parish. Details: 412-725-8569.
