Coping with the financial pressure
PARENTS traditionaly dig deep into their pockets when it comes to spending for their children’s Confirmations.
Shirley Farrell, from Oylegate, says her son’s Confirmation day will cost her at least €1,000.
‘It is a very expensive day, and I am not even going all out for it. I had the afters of his Communion back at our house and I won’t be doing that again. It is cheaper to go to a hotel and less stressful.
‘I am under pressure for money as I have been on sick leave for three years now,’ she said.
Shirley said she had been putting money away and would pay off any shortfall as and when she could.
‘ There is not much else we could do,’ she said.
Shirley said she will end up spending €500 on clothes between dressing her two children, her husband, and herself.
‘We are going to the Riverbank and that will cost €25 per person and €10 per child. We will be paying for six adults and then 10 children,’ said Shirley.
She said between hair, make-up and presents for other children, the day in total will cost them €1,000.
Money is tight for parent Olivia Devereux-Fortune, from Gorey, whose daughter will make her Confirmation this year, but she is already economising to help her cover the costs ‘ to help take some pressure off ’.
‘We save bit by bit over the months so it is not one big payout all at once. I know some people who would get a loan to cover the day, especially if they are going to hotels for dinner and have to pay a big amount up front,’ she said.
Olivia said they will have a party at home and she would do all the food herself.
‘I will buy drinks as I see them on offer. I will buy food with long shelf life over the weeks coming up to it and then I make a list of other things I need and, again, look out for offers.
‘It’s lovely at home because you can invite loads of people and you don’t have to rush. We will hire an inflatable obstacle course for the kids to enjoy,’ she said.
Olivia’s daughter will wear her school uniform on the day as it is customary for some schools.
‘Each family is different and seem to do what suits them. All we care about is that the day is about the child and not about adults. I know our children will love their day and the other children that come seem to love it too,’ she said.