The First Communion season is in full swing, and parents of children receiving their First Holy Communion have already— in most cases—covered the most important expenses. How much does organizing this celebration cost in 2026?

According to data from the Briefly booking platform, an average restaurant reception for 25 people costs around PLN 5,500, which works out to PLN 225 per adult. However, this is only one element of a budget consisting of five main categories: the reception itself, Communion attire, church-related expenses, additional services and gifts.

Where is it most expensive, and where is it cheapest?

The highest prices for First Communion receptions are recorded in the Mazowieckie and Silesian Voivodeships—an average of PLN 250–260 per person. In Warsaw itself, the cost of a Communion lunch at a restaurant exceeds PLN 260 per guest. In Katowice, the average is PLN 255, while in Krakow and all of Lesser Poland it is around PLN 245.

It is considerably more economical at the other end of Poland. The lowest rates are offered by venues in the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship—an average of PLN 185 per person—as well as in the Podlaskie, Lubusz and West Pomeranian Voivodeships—around PLN 190. In the Tricity, prices range from PLN 170 to PLN 300 depending on the menu, while the average for Pomerania is PLN 210. Poznan and Wroclaw are close to the national average—PLN 230 and PLN 225 per person, respectively.

In large cities, it is occasionally possible to find venues where prices start at PLN 150 per person. Hotel restaurants and venues with large green areas, on the other hand, charge as much as PLN 400 per person for an all-day reception with additional attractions for children.

Attire, church and extras

In addition to the reception itself, parents must cover the cost of Communion attire. A girl’s alb with shoes and accessories costs between PLN 550 and PLN 1,100 if her parents choose a dress. Boys’ attire is slightly cheaper: from PLN 500 for an alb and shoes to PLN 700 for a suit, shirt and shoes.

There are also church-related expenses. The contribution for children’s religious items—a prayer book, rosary and chain—is around PLN 200, while preparing the church, including cleaning, flowers and the organist, costs an additional average of PLN 250. Parents also share the cost of a photographer and, if needed, a videographer. In total, strictly church-related expenses average around PLN 450.

Additional services—hairdressing, makeup and a family photo session—as well as gifts should not be forgotten. Although gifts are often paid for by guests, they can still be a considerable burden on the household budget.

As the data shows, First Communions are big business not only for the Catholic Church, but also for the restaurant and hotel industries.

Significant celebration-related expenses are a major challenge for household finances and require advance budget planning. When additional support is needed to cover unexpected costs, it is worth checking in advance the overview of safe online financing options, which makes it easier to compare market terms before making a decision.