While bridesmaid traditions are well-documented, many brides are uncertain about the important role that the littlest member of the party plays.
For example, how do you choose your flower girl? What exactly are her duties on the big day? Where do you buy a flower girl dress, anyway? (Hint, hint – right here!)
To help answer these questions and more, we’ve broken down everything you need to know about flower girls so you can make the day as magical and memorable as possible.
Choosing Your Flower Girl
Flower girls are usually between the ages of 4 and 7, but there’s no "rule." If there’s a 9-year-old who’s important to you, you should absolutely have her as part of your wedding!
The same goes for younger flower girls. While a 2-year-old may not be able to walk down the aisle with as much composure, that can be part of the charm. And of course, you may choose not to have any flower girl at all.
Do you have more than one special little lady in your life? Many brides choose to have two or even three flower girls. Since flower girls are usually nieces, cousins, or other close relatives, you’d never want to play favorites or leave someone out. Plus, it can be more fun for them to have a friend to enjoy the day with.
The same goes for younger flower girls. While a 2-year-old may not be able to walk down the aisle with as much composure, that can be part of the charm. And of course, you may choose not to have any flower girl at all.
Do you have more than one special little lady in your life? Many brides choose to have two or even three flower girls. Since flower girls are usually nieces, cousins, or other close relatives, you’d never want to play favorites or leave someone out. Plus, it can be more fun for them to have a friend to enjoy the day with.
Will You Be My Flower Girl?
Once you confirm with your flower girl's parents, it's time to ask her to be part of your big day. Here are three fun ways to pop the question:
1. Ring Pop
Place a Ring Pop candy in a small box along with a small card that reads, “Will you be my flower girl?”
2. Monogrammed Keepsake
A bracelet or necklace engraved with her name and the wedding date is a keepsake she’ll treasure forever.
3. Book
We love the idea of gifting her with one of the many picture books about flower girls. This is especially fun for younger flower girls, who may need to "read up" on the role.
1. Ring Pop
Place a Ring Pop candy in a small box along with a small card that reads, “Will you be my flower girl?”
2. Monogrammed Keepsake
A bracelet or necklace engraved with her name and the wedding date is a keepsake she’ll treasure forever.
3. Book
We love the idea of gifting her with one of the many picture books about flower girls. This is especially fun for younger flower girls, who may need to "read up" on the role.
Aisle Style: Flower Girl Dresses
While it’s always a nice gesture to gift the dress, the flower girl’s parents traditionally pay for her outfit. Either way, offer a few options so they can choose something they feel comfortable with.
When selecting a flower girl dress, consider these easy strategies:
1. Mirror Your Gown
If your flower girl is wearing a white dress, choose something that complements your own gown. For example, if you're wearing a full tulle skirt, look for a similar pint-sized style.
2. Match Your 'Maids
Alternately, you can have your flower girl wear the same color palette and fabric as the rest of your bridal party.
3. Select a Sash
For a best-of-both-worlds approach, choose a white flower girl dress with a pop-of-color sash that matches your bridesmaid dresses.
Once you have a dress, it’s time to think about flower girl accessories. Sparkly shoes and flower crowns are always a good idea. And if petals are part of the plan, a basket is a must!
When selecting a flower girl dress, consider these easy strategies:
1. Mirror Your Gown
If your flower girl is wearing a white dress, choose something that complements your own gown. For example, if you're wearing a full tulle skirt, look for a similar pint-sized style.
2. Match Your 'Maids
Alternately, you can have your flower girl wear the same color palette and fabric as the rest of your bridal party.
3. Select a Sash
For a best-of-both-worlds approach, choose a white flower girl dress with a pop-of-color sash that matches your bridesmaid dresses.
Once you have a dress, it’s time to think about flower girl accessories. Sparkly shoes and flower crowns are always a good idea. And if petals are part of the plan, a basket is a must!
Flower Girl Duties & Preparation
Remember that your flower girl is just a kid – and kids will be kids! Be sure to prepare her by explaining what she will do during the ceremony, but avoid putting too much pressure on her, and let her bring her personality to the role. Ask her what most excites her about being a flower girl to help guide your conversation.
Appointing more than one flower girl can also help, especially if one of them is very young. Having a slightly older friend or relative there to guide the younger one can keep things running smoothly.
Appointing more than one flower girl can also help, especially if one of them is very young. Having a slightly older friend or relative there to guide the younger one can keep things running smoothly.
When & Where to Include Your Flower Girl
As you decide how much or how little to include your flower girl in the wedding festivities, make sure to coordinate with her parents and be clear with your plans.
Your flower girl must be at the ceremony, of course, and you’ll want her to attend the rehearsal to practice for the main event. Her attendance at other wedding events will depend on her age, interest, and the bride’s and her parent’s wishes. Traditionally, the flower girl will also attend the rehearsal dinner and reception. It’s a courtesy to invite her to the bridal shower and to “get ready” with the rest of the wedding party.
Traditionally, the flower girl is the last member of the bridal party to walk down the aisle before the bride. Depending on her age, she may stand with the other bridesmaids or sit with her parents in the audience. You’ll also need to decide if she’ll be part of the recessional.
Last but certainly not least, make sure she has fun! Being a flower girl is an exciting moment in any little girl's life, and it can be just as memorable a day for her as it is for you.
Your flower girl must be at the ceremony, of course, and you’ll want her to attend the rehearsal to practice for the main event. Her attendance at other wedding events will depend on her age, interest, and the bride’s and her parent’s wishes. Traditionally, the flower girl will also attend the rehearsal dinner and reception. It’s a courtesy to invite her to the bridal shower and to “get ready” with the rest of the wedding party.
Traditionally, the flower girl is the last member of the bridal party to walk down the aisle before the bride. Depending on her age, she may stand with the other bridesmaids or sit with her parents in the audience. You’ll also need to decide if she’ll be part of the recessional.
Last but certainly not least, make sure she has fun! Being a flower girl is an exciting moment in any little girl's life, and it can be just as memorable a day for her as it is for you.