First Communion is a special day in the lives of many young girls. As mothers all over the tri-state area begin to shop for the perfect dress for their little girls, they remember their own First Communion and the dress that made them feel special.  Bringing more than 30 years experience in children’s specialty fashion with her, Herma Friedman opened Little Nikki’s in 2005, where she has curated the most luxurious dresses from designers across the world. This sweet dress shop located in downtown Ho-Ho-Kus is considered the premier source for dresses for christening, wedding and yes, especially, Communion celebrations.  Little Nikki’s makes saying “Yes to the Dress” an occasion that mothers, grandmothers, aunts and the special Communion girl will treasure for a lifetime.  

Herma has shared some of her secrets to selecting the perfect dress and keeping this process happy.  

Consider the personality of your daughter: Going into this process mothers often have an idea of the perfect dress.  “I always like to get a sense of the personality of the little girl – every girl is unique and has a taste and style of her own.  It is my job to make sure that the Communion dress fits the personality, makes the mother smile, makes the little girl feel special and most importantly feels comfortable wearing it. I always encourage mothers not to force her daughter to wear something that she doesn’t like. This will lead to tugging, complaining and often a quick change once the ceremony is over.  My goal is for the dress to be worn with confidence, a smile and a twirl all day long.” 

Design and Fabric: This is crucial in the selection of the dress.  “Does your daughter like full, puffy, sparkles, lace, long sleeve, short sleeve, satin, cotton, organiza, chiffon or linen.  The possibilities are endless so it is important to have some idea of what you are looking for before we begin the process. Of course, as she begins to try on dresses, it becomes clear the style that flatters her best and once again brings a smile to her face.”

Book Your appointment Early:  The First Communion season is typically mid April through mid May: however, the Communion dress season begins January 1.  “It is important to book your appointment early to ensure that you have my individual attention.  Often these appointments are a family affair and I do not like to rush the decision process.  The studio can often take on a joyful atmosphere as one group is making the final selection as another group arrives.  The earlier the better and weekdays allow for a more leisurely experience.”

“Girls in white dresses are absolutely my favorite thing and I hope by taking my pointers into consideration, you will find selecting the ideal dress for your daughter’s First Communion a stress-free experience and a happy memory to last at least until the selection of the senior prom dress.”

American Girl Doll Matching Dresses:  The perfect addition to the girl of the hour’s outfit is a matching dress for her favorite American Girl doll. Little Nikki’s will create a matching dress and once again bring a smile to the little girls in a beautiful white dress.

Little Nikki’s / 618 N Maple Avenue, Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey / 201-445-7888 / @littlenikkis