First Communion Welcome Signs: A Keepsake Tradition

Introduction to First Communion Welcome Signs

First Communion is a major event in the lives of many Catholic children around the age of 7 or 8. It marks their first time receiving the Eucharist and signifies their entry into full participation in the church community. Families celebrate this important milestone with various traditions like special outfits, family gatherings, photoshoots, and parties.

An increasingly popular tradition is to have a customized First Communion welcome sign displayed at the venue entrance to greet guests. These signs help set the tone for the event and make the child feel special on their big day.

Popular Features of First Communion Welcome Signs

First Communion welcome signs, called "carteles de comunión" in Spanish, often contain certain standard features:

• The child's name
• Date of the First Communion ceremony
• A religious symbol like a cross or dove
• The words "First Communion" or a translation
• Decorative elements like flowers, candles, rosaries, crucifixes
• The Venue name

However, couples can fully customize their sign to align with the party's color scheme, theme, or the child's interests. Popular customization options include favorite colors, characters from cartoons or movies, sports team logos, and meaningful bible verses.

Types of Materials Used

First Communion welcome signs come in various materials like:

• Foam board: Very lightweight and easily mounted on walls. Can be covered in decorative paper.
• Wood: Classic material that looks great with painted designs. Heavier weight makes wood signs more self-supporting.
• Vinyl banner: Water and UV resistant vinyl that is durable for indoor/outdoor use. Easily folds down for storage and transportation.
• Poster paper: Lightweight and very affordable but delicate. Best for temporary one-time use.

The venue, expected weather, display duration, and budget factor into optimal material selection.

Where To Buy

Couples have several options to buy a custom First Communion welcome sign:

• Online printing services: Allow completely custom designs to be uploaded for printing on various materials like foam board and vinyl. Very convenient but can have longer production and shipping time.
• Craft and party supply stores: Sell ready-made designs on foam board or poster paper. Limited customization but the signs are immediately available.
• Etsy sellers: Specialize in handmade and customizable signs with lots of religious imagery or creative options. Production time varies.

For the widest selection of themes and customization choices, large online printing companies are best. Local craft stores are more convenient for last minute purchases or basic signs.

Design Tips

Picking artwork and text for a First Communion welcome sign can be overwhelming. Here are some top design tips:

Incorporate Meaningful Religious Symbols

Feature classic Communion symbols like crosses, doves, grapes and wheat, chalices, loaves and fishes. For Catholic themes, include images of saints, the Virgin Mary, angels, churches, rosaries, crucifixes, bible verses, etc.

Use Decorative Banners and Wreaths

Frame name text or religious messages with flowering vines, candle wreaths, rosary bead borders, fabric bunting, and ribbon swags. This softens hard edges and adds festivity.

Feature Colors Associated with Purity

White, cream, gold, and pastels like light blue, pink, and lavender symbolize innocence. They complement most First Communion decor.

Incorporate Child's Interests

Add custom details like sports balls with team colors if the child is an athlete. Use their name or initials in team fonts for a personalized touch.

Girls often like sparkly accents, flowers, hearts, butterflies, etc. Work these girly elements in among the religious symbols.

Order Early!

Welcome signs with full customization can take up to 2-3 week production time. Order early, especially for large vinyl banners which have longer printing and delivery lead times.

If ordering just 1-2 weeks before the celebration, choose local sources that have ready-made/printable options to ensure timely arrival.

Display Tips

First Communion welcome signs make great backdrops for guest photos at the entry or reception table. Here are some display tips:

Entry Door

Secure vinyl/foam board signs flat onto the wall adjacent to the front entry using painter's tape that won't damage surfaces. Lean a wood sign against the entryway corner. Have guests pose alongside as they arrive.

Reception Table

Prop wood or foam signs using inconspicuous clear plastic feet so the table's surface remains usable. Angle taller vinyl banners behind the table against chairs to avoid food placement issues.

Photo Backdrop Wall

Designate a photo spot and affix vinyl/foam signs onto the wall. This prevents the sign from getting in the way of guests and makes a consistent backdrop for all images.

Outdoor Venues

Secure vinyl and wood signs onto flat outdoor walls in covered areas safe from rain, heat, and direct sun. Avoid poster paper signs outside unless the weather is mild.

Use clear plastic sheeting to protect paper signs for short outdoor use. Weigh down freestanding wood signs on pavement or grass with sandbags/cement blocks to prevent tipping.

Saving Your Sign

Welcome signs make treasured keepsakes for a child's First Communion memories. Here are preservation ideas:

• Store foam board and poster signs flat in acid-free boxes to prevent bending and color fading over time.
• Roll up vinyl banners around acid-free cardboard tubes for compact storage.
• Preserve sections of vinyl signs by cutting out the child's name to frame or adhere onto memory books/boxes.
• Display wood signs year-round either on walls, propped on shelves, or hung using decorative cords.

With proper care and storage, First Communion welcome signs can be cherished forever and perhaps even passed down to future generations celebrating their initiation into the Catholic church one day.

FAQs

What size should my First Communion banner be?

The optimal size depends on usage. Small 18 x 24 inch vinyl banners work well for guest photos alongside an entry door. For reception backdrops, larger 3 x 5 or 4 x 6 foot sizes ensure visibility behind tables.

What file types do printing companies accept for custom designs?

Most accept PDF, JPG, PNG as these keep layered elements flattened for printing. Avoid native files from design programs like grading Adobe Illustrator that reference external linked images and fonts.

How do I display poster or foam board signs outside?

To protect delicate paper/foam board signs outdoors, slide clear plastic sheeting behind them and secure the edges with weatherproof tape onto walls/posts. Use weights for free-standing signs to avoid wind tipping.

Can I reuse my First Communion sign for a different event?

Absolutely! Welcome signs with just names and dates make great photo backdrops for all celebrations. Or display them as cherished Communion keepsakes year-round in child's rooms or family areas.