I read an article recently that suggested that brides are choosing flower girls instead of bridesmaids. Part of this may be cost, but little girls do have that significant cute factor. In this blog, I’m going to look at dresses, traditions, flowers….. and hopefully answer your questions about choosing your flower girls
Who do you choose?
Most brides want to keep everyone happy. Of course, you want your closest friends with you on your special day. BUT – How do you avoid upsetting friends and family members who might expect to be chosen as bridesmaids? … Plus, when taking into account flowers, accessories, gifts and so on, having several bridesmaids can strain your wedding budget.
Choosing flowers girls (aged 4 – 7) and perhaps having ‘junior’ bridesmaids (aged 9 – 14) can be the answer.
- Choose your own little girl, if you have one (of course!), your nieces or your fiancé’s, or both, keeping everything in the family. Your closest friends won’t then wonder why their little darlings haven’t been chosen as flower girls.
- If you are a bit short on young female relatives, consider the daughters of your best friends, especially if you are also wanting their mums to be bridesmaids.
- Still struggling to find girls? What about page boys? Little chaps dressed to match the groom can look really cute, can be ring bearers, or just be your attendants. Give them an important task, like holding your train, or taking your bouquet when you meet the groom, and they will really feel an important part of the ceremony.
What do your flower girls and junior bridesmaids wear?
Brides.com have this advice: Traditionally the flower girl’s dress features details that echo the bride’s gown (such as lace or a full skirt). You can also opt for a color and fabric that match the bridesmaids’dresses or a print featuring a similar color scheme.
When my daughter got married, her two-year old daughter and five year old niece were flower girls. Karen’s dress was heavy satin, beautifully embellished with beading. Finding matching dresses for the little girls seemed an extravagance that her budget didn’t allow. So she searched the internet – and found dresses that were pretty, age appropriate and good quality – and affordable. They didn’t match… but it didn’t matter! They looked lovely anyway.
Department stores also have ranges of matching or coordinating bridesmaid and flowergirl dresses. Sometimes, a simple white or cream dress with a coordinating satin sash is enough, especially for very young flowergirls.
Where do they walk – before or after the bride?
Traditions vary according to country. In America, it is common for bridesmaids and flower girls to walk down the aisle ahead of the bride. In the UK, the bride and her father (or whoever is giving her away) go first. On Mumsnet, one lady made the point that her bridesmaids made sure her train didn’t get caught up. Remember the wedding of Meghan and Prince Harry? (who doesn’t!) Her spectacular veil was carried by her twin page boys.
When do you decide on flowers?
- First of all, check your flower budget. If someone else has offered to pay for the flowers (I paid for the flowers for both my son’s and my daughter’s weddings), having a clear idea of the limits of their offer can help you work out what extras you can afford.
- Next, think of your own style. Do you want bridesmaids and flower girls to be matching in every way? For example, bridesmaids could have bouquets and flower girls could have matching posies.
- The ages of your flower girls will make a difference to what is sensible. Little hands won’t be able to manage the sturdy handle of a posy.
When do you place your order for flowers?
Once you have decided which florist to use, you will, of course, have many conversations with her about the sort of flowers that will be available, your colour theme and personal style and so on.
Because kids can fall ill unexpectedly with colds or childhood nasties like chicken pox, it makes sense to leave ordering their flowers to the last minute. Check with your florist how this can be arranged; can you cancel or change part of your flower order at short notice?
The cute factor
Little flower girls don’t actually need to have anything to hold – they can hold hands! However, a little basket of flowers or a wand will add to the cute factor. Of course, even very little girls like to feel important and having a wand or basket to match the bride will do the trick!
The Little Details
Again, these are dependant on your budget. A circlet of flowers, or a dainty beaded headdress can be a lovely and very personal accessory for both flowers girls and junior bridesmaids.
And finally….
Choosing your flower girls and sorting out their dresses and accessories is joyous ! Let it add to the excitement and fun of your wedding planning. They will certainly add a touch of magic to your day!
Still got some questions? Pop them in the comments below and I’ll do everything I can to help.
Have you signed up for emails? You will get regular tips and hacks for your home and, even better, as a VIP, you will be the first to know about new blogs, new products, special VIP discounts ….. and don’t forget: I’m here to help if you get stuck with anything!
LET’S DO THIS!
Recent Comments