What's Up With: Flower Girls

WHAT IS A FLOWER GIRL:

A flower girl is usually a young girl who has a special connection to the bride and groom. Perhaps she is a niece, daughter, cousin, or a family friend. She follows behind the bridesmaids (sometimes before and sometimes after the maid of honor) with a basket of flowers, scattering them down the aisle.

A LITTLE HISTORY:

Women used to be married very young. Flower girls and other brides  attendants were all young children because they were close to the age of the bride. In addition children leading the way for the bride symbolizes leaving youth to begin the journey into womanhood. Now, the tradition has changed as woman are at least 18 years old when they marry.  The tradition continues and we appreciate the  youth and the relationship that we have with the girls we bring into our weddings.

 
HOW TO CHOOSE A FLOWER GIRL:

For some of you, the choice will be obvious. Others may have to worry about choosing between several possible girls. There's no reason why you can't have two or even three flower girls – it will add to the girls’ confidence and it doesn’t hurt to have extra cuteness in the wedding party. There is also no reason why you have to have a flower girl. Keep in mind that children can't be expected to behave like adults. Flower girls should generally be at least 4 years old and mature enough to handle their ceremonial role. Ask her parents whether they think their youngsters will be able to manage.

PREPARING YOUR FLOWER GIRL FOR HER ROLE:
You can start by finding an inclusive and fun way to ask her (with the blessing of her parents first of course). I like giving books or some type of present that can help add to her understanding of the role. I like “Emily is a Flower Girl” by Claire Masurel (click here for Amazon pricing) because the characters are animals and there for can translate to any ethnic background. Also, “10 Neat Things about Being a Flower Girl” by Penelope C. Paine is a great book (click here for Amazon pricing). On the day of the wedding, be sure to seat her parents on the aisle, near the front so that she can see them when she walks down the aisle and during the ceremony itself. Ask a bridesmaid to be her "buddy" and make sure she uses the restroom before the ceremony. Most of all, don't be too nervous about her making a mistake. Guests will think it's cute.

WHAT SHE SHOULD WEAR:
Often, a flower girl is dressed in a mini-version of the bride's dress, or a white dress with a sash that matches the bridesmaid's dresses. But you can choose any sweet dress that ties into the look of the wedding. Make sure it's comfortable and not too long, so that she won't be pulling at her dress or tripping down the aisle. Check out www.girlsdressline.com, www.pinkprincess.com, or www.davidsbridal.com.

IS IT OK NOT TO HAVE A FLOWER GIRL

Don't worry if you do not know any young girls or if you would rather not have any children in your wedding. When you know so many children or even if you'd prefer an adult affair, more and more, the flower girl and the ring bearer are left out of the processional. You can check out our blog for more ways to incorporate other ways to get flowers down the aisle before you walk!

As always you can contact us for some more advice!

Happy Planning,

{Olivia}