Holy Communion season is one of the busiest and most joyful times in the Irish social calendar, and Mountrath, Co. Laois is no exception. Once the ceremony at the local parish church is over and the photographs are taken, most families head home to host the gathering that everyone really remembers — the party. Whether you have 30 guests or 90, a bit of Holy Communion party planning goes a long way towards a relaxed, memorable day. This guide walks you through the practical decisions around marquees, games and decorations so you can enjoy the day rather than spend it fretting over the weather.

Why a Marquee Makes Sense for a Mountrath Communion

Communions in Ireland fall in May, which means glorious sunshine and lashing rain can both arrive in the space of a single afternoon. That unpredictability is the single biggest reason a marquee sits at the heart of good Holy Communion party planning. A marquee gives you a defined, weatherproof space in your own back garden — no need to book a hotel function room months in advance or squeeze forty relatives into the kitchen.

Homes around Mountrath, from the estates near the town centre out towards the Slieve Bloom foothills, tend to have generous gardens that suit a frame marquee beautifully. A frame marquee needs no internal poles, so every square metre of floor is usable for tables, a buffet and a little space for the children to move around. For a typical Communion of 40–50 guests seated, a 6m x 9m marquee is a comfortable size, while larger gatherings of 70–90 will want something closer to 6m x 12m. All of our marquees include professional setup and takedown, so you are not left wrestling with poles the morning of the event.

One practical tip for Mountrath and the surrounding townlands: check access along your driveway and any narrow country lanes before you book. Our delivery team needs a clear route to bring the marquee sections and furniture through, so flag any tight gates or soft grass verges when you get in touch.

Furniture, Layout and Keeping the Day Comfortable

Once the marquee is sorted, the layout is what makes a Communion party flow well. Think about the day in zones: a seating and dining area, a food and drinks station, and a play area for the children. Keeping these separate prevents the whole thing turning into a bottleneck around the sandwiches.

Tables and Chairs

Round tables seat guests sociably and are ideal for a family occasion — a 5ft round comfortably seats eight to ten. Rectangular trestle tables are better for a long buffet or for a children's table down one side. Pair them with elegant Chiavari chairs for a smarter finish, or practical folding chairs if you are keeping things casual. You can browse the full range of tables, chairs, linen and glassware on our products page to see what suits the look you are after.

Linen and Glassware

Crisp white or pastel linen instantly lifts a Communion table, and it is worth hiring proper glassware rather than relying on plastic — it photographs far better and feels appropriately special for the occasion. Communions are traditionally afternoon events, so plan for tea, coffee and soft drinks alongside anything for the adults.

Games and Entertainment for the Children

The child at the centre of the day, and their friends and cousins, will remember the fun far more than the finger sandwiches. Entertainment is the part of Holy Communion party planning that keeps the little ones happy and the adults free to chat.

Bouncy castles: A reliable crowd-pleaser. Set it up on a flat, grassy area with adult supervision throughout — and always keep it away from the marquee guy lines and any hard surfaces.
Soft play: For families with toddlers and younger siblings, a soft play set gives the smallest guests a safe space to play while the older children bounce.
Traditional garden games: Sack races, a bit of rounders or a football on the go tie in nicely with the outdoor feel — very much in the spirit of a Laois community gathering.

All of our inflatables meet the EN14960 safety standard, and we follow best practice around anchoring and setup so you can relax knowing the equipment is sound. If the weather looks doubtful, we can advise on positioning to keep things safe and dry.

Decorations: Making the Day Feel Special

Communion decorations traditionally lean towards soft whites, pastels, and gentle metallics. You do not need to go overboard — a few well-chosen touches transform a marquee.

The Flower Wall

A flower wall has become the most photographed item at Irish parties, and a Communion is the perfect occasion for one. Positioned near the marquee entrance, it gives you a beautiful backdrop for family photos of the child in their Communion outfit — the kind of picture that ends up framed on the mantelpiece for years. It works far better than a plain wall or a busy garden background.

Finishing Touches

String lighting or festoon lights inside the marquee create a warm glow as the afternoon draws on, bunting adds a cheerful note, and a simple table centrepiece — fresh flowers or a small arrangement in the family's chosen colour — pulls the whole look together. If you want ideas for what is on offer locally, the events and things-to-do listings on VisitKildare are a handy source of inspiration for seasonal celebrations across the region.

Planning Your Timeline

Communion ceremonies in Mountrath usually take place in the morning, so your party will run from early afternoon. We can deliver and set up the day before or early on the morning of the event, giving you time to dress the tables and set up the flower wall before guests arrive. Delivery to Co. Laois is straightforward for our team, and you can check the details on our delivery policy page. Booking early — ideally a couple of months ahead — is wise, as May weekends fill up fast during Communion season.

If you are planning a Holy Communion celebration in Mountrath or anywhere across Co. Laois this year, we would love to help you put it all together. Call or WhatsApp us on 085 156 3498, or email info@grandoccasionrental.ie and we will talk you through marquee sizes, furniture, entertainment and decorations to make your child's special day one to remember.

Holy Communion Party Planning Guide in Mountrath, Co. Laois: Marquees, Games and Decorations