Flower girls have been an integral part of weddings since the Victorian era, where their role was primarily to entertain guests with their cuteness. Although their role has evolved, the charm and joy they bring to the ceremony remain the same. Today, flower girls walk down the aisle, often before the bride, creating a joyful and light-hearted atmosphere. While simple, their role adds a significant emotional touch to the wedding day, memorably celebrating the presence of a beloved young girl.
Summary
The flower girl’s role in weddings is a cherished tradition, adding charm and joy to the ceremony. Typically, she walks down the aisle before the bride, scattering petals or carrying a bouquet. Choosing a flower girl involves coordinating with her parents, selecting an appropriate dress, and ensuring she is comfortable with her duties. A rehearsal is important for confidence, and modern variations can include carrying signs or walking with a pet. Preparing her well and keeping her comfortable during the day ensures she contributes beautifully to the wedding’s atmosphere.
Choosing Your Flower Girl
Before asking a little girl to be your flower girl, discussing the idea with her parents is essential. Parents typically bear the cost of the flower girl’s dress and accessories, so ensure they are comfortable with this commitment. Moreover, consider whether the child is ready for the responsibility and attention of the role. If the parents are on board and the child is enthusiastic, you can officially ask her to be your flower girl. A thoughtful gesture, like a picture book or a small wedding-themed gift, can make the invitation special.
Selecting The Flower Girl Dress
The bride typically chooses the flower girl’s attire, aligning with the wedding theme. Fortunately, many adorable and affordable flower girl dresses are available, ensuring you can find something that suits your budget. Start your search early and communicate with the parents about the chosen style to allow enough time for ordering and any necessary adjustments. If the child is between sizes, opt for a slightly larger dress to ensure comfort on the day. Additionally, selecting a matching basket and accessories, such as a flower crown, will tie the whole look together.
Understanding The Flower Girl’s Duties
The flower girl has a significant role in the wedding ceremony. Traditionally, she joins the bride and bridesmaids in the bridal suite, gets her hair styled appropriately for her age, and participates in the pre-wedding photos. The flower girl walks down the aisle before the bride during the ceremony, scattering petals or carrying a small bouquet. If standing through the ceremony might be too much for her, it’s perfectly fine for her to sit with her parents after completing her walk. She should also be present for the post-ceremony photos, contributing to the lasting memories of the day.
Rehearsing With The Flower Girl
A rehearsal ensures the flower girl knows her role and feels confident. Even if she attends the rehearsal, it’s unlikely that there will be petals available for practice. Therefore, please explain how you’d like her to spread the petals, ensuring a balanced distribution along the aisle. Practice walking at the correct speed, as excitement might make her want to rush. Adjusting to the dress and carrying the basket comfortably is also essential, so ensure she practices with the items she’ll use.
Choosing The Right Flowers
Consider whether scattering petals are allowed at your venue when planning for your flower girl. Many venues, especially religious ones, restrict what can be scattered on the floor. If real petals aren’t permitted, silk petals or alternative options like confetti or a small bouquet can be used. If you decide to use petals, remember they are generally affordable, but always check the venue’s policies first.
Handling Flower Girl Nerves
It’s natural for a flower girl to feel nervous about her role. To help ease her anxiety, consider placing her parents in a visible spot where she can see them as she walks down the aisle. Positioning her before the maid of honour can provide reassurance if she’s particularly nervous. Additionally, if you want a petal-covered aisle, you could have an adult scatter the petals beforehand, allowing the flower girl to contribute lightly without the pressure of creating the entire path.
Modernising The Flower Girl Role
While the traditional role of the flower girl involves scattering petals, modern weddings have seen various creative interpretations. Some flower girls carry signs and small bouquets or even walk down the aisle with a beloved pet. In some cases, older women or even dogs have taken on the flower girl role, showcasing the evolving nature of this tradition. No matter the approach, the flower girl remains a charming wedding symbol of love and unity.
Flower Girl Traditions
Traditionally, the flower girl is a young girl, usually between the ages of three and eight, who walks down the aisle before the bride, scattering petals. Sometimes, she might carry a single flower, a basket, or even blow bubbles instead of petals. It’s important to brief the flower girl on her responsibilities well before the wedding to ensure she understands her role and feels comfortable.
Buddy System For Flower Girls
Having two flower girls or pairing a flower girl with a ring bearer can boost their confidence as they walk down the aisle together. If the flower girl is very young, having a parent walk with her can also be a great idea, ensuring she feels supported and less overwhelmed by the occasion. Familiarity with the bridesmaids and spending time with them before the wedding can also help the flower girl feel more at ease.
Preparing For The Big Day
Flower girls should attend the wedding rehearsal to familiarise themselves with the ceremony’s flow. This will help them better understand their role and reduce nerves on the big day. If the rehearsal dinner extends late, feel free to keep the flower girl for part of the event; her well-being should come first.
Flower Girl Fashion And Accessories
Flower girls usually wear age-appropriate versions of the bride’s or bridesmaids’ dresses. When matching outfits are unavailable, a simple white party dress or a dress in the same colour as the bridesmaids is a good alternative. Complementing accessories like tiaras, barrettes, or small jewellery should suit the child’s age and the wedding’s formality.
Tips For Keeping Flower Girls Comfortable
On the wedding day, keep your flower girl comfortable by ensuring she has something to occupy her time after completing her duties. This could be a small toy, game, or a special treat. For younger children, having a tablet or phone with games or videos can be a lifesaver during long waiting periods. Additionally, be prepared with snacks to keep hunger at bay and help prevent any potential meltdowns.
Conclusion
Having a flower girl at your wedding is a beautiful way to include a special little girl in your life and celebration. From selecting the perfect dress to understanding her duties, every aspect of her role can be tailored to fit the theme and tone of your wedding. Whether scattering petals, carrying a bouquet, or simply walking down the aisle smiling, the flower girl adds a touch of innocence and joy to your special day.
While simple, the flower girl’s role is filled with love and tradition. Whether you stick to classic practices or opt for modern twists, ensuring your flower girl is comfortable and confident will help make your wedding day even more memorable. With the right preparation and support, your flower girl will shine as she plays her part in your wedding ceremony.
FAQs About Flower Girls
What Do You Do As A Flower Girl?
Flower girls have three main duties at a wedding. They are to scatter petals, accompany the ring bearer down the aisle, and add the ‘aww’ factor to the wedding procession. Their responsibilities end when they reach the altar, and they sit down next to their parents.
Do Flower Girls Walk Before Or After The Bride?
The role of a flower girl is typically to walk down the aisle and toss flower petals. If your little one is nervous before the ceremony, a bride can help her prepare to walk down the aisle.
Who Pays For The Flower Girl Dress?
Bride’s parents
In line with both the bride and bridesmaid dresses, the flower girl’s dress is another item traditionally paid for by the bride’s parents. If that’s not an option, you can pay for this yourself. Or – if the flower girl is young – you can ask her family to contribute.
Who Walks The Flower Girl Down The Aisle?
The Flower Girl(s) and Ring Bearer(s): The children chosen will walk down the aisle one after the other. They can sit with their parents once they are done. The Bride and the Bride’s Parents: The bride may be escorted by their father, mother, or both.
What Does The Flower Girl Give The Bride?
The main duty of the flower girl in modern weddings is to scatter flower petals in front of the bride as she walks down the aisle.
