5 Things To Remember When Choosing A Flower Girl

The flower girl is a key part of any traditional wedding ceremony.
It’s up to you to choose someone among friends and family for the role, usually a girl aged between four and nine. She may be a beloved niece, sister, cousin or family friend.

Here are a few tips for choosing a flower girl and how you can prepare her for her role on your big day:

1. The Ceremony
During the wedding ceremony the flower girl follows behind the bridesmaids carrying a basket of flowers sometimes scattering petals as she goes up the aisle preparing the way for the bride.
The flower girl typically follows the maid of honour and she may also carry confetti, a single bloom, a ball of flowers, or bubbles instead of flower petals.
It’s up to you to decide who, among your friends and family, will be most suited to this role but remember to be careful in your selection in case others are disappointed at not being chosen – you can always have more than one flower girl to solve this problem.
Having two or three flower girls and page boys can make it easier for the children involved as they can feel less exposed than if they were walking up the aisle alone.
2. Preparation
One of the best ways to prepare the flower girl for her role is to give her a book about weddings and flower girls so she can understand where she fits into the bridal party and what her role will be on the big day.
Being the centre of attention can be unsettling for youngsters so if you have two or three flower girls this will help to diffuse the situation and let the children have camaraderie before and during proceedings.

3. Keep Parents Nearby
On the day of the wedding be sure to seat the flower girl’s parents on the aisle, usually near the front so that she can see them during the ceremony for reassurance and they will be in her line of vision as she walks down the aisle.
You could also ask one of your bridesmaids to look out especially for your flower girl and make sure all is well as the day progresses.
4. The Dress
The flower girl’s dress is typically a variation on the dresses worn by the bridesmaids or sometimes flower girls wear miniature versions of the bridal gown.
The dress can also be a white version of the bridesmaids’ dresses or something completely original – the choice is yours.
A dress that ties to the overall look, style and theme of your wedding is ideal.
Flower girl’s dresses are usually found at bridal shops though they can also be purchased at children’s clothing stores or even department stores.

5. The Role
The role of the flower girl is one of the sweetest and most charming of the bridal party, scattering petals along the aisle while beautifully turned out and paving the way for the bride’s much anticipated entrance.
Take extra time with your flower girl to explain her role to her carefully so that she understands that she too is an important part of your big day.
Don’t put too much pressure on her and remember to make her role fun and exciting. You just might find that your chosen flower girl will steal the hearts of your guests.
Flower girls usually have the cuteness quotient of your bridal party covered.
By Jo Green, Excalibur Press

AUTUMN/WINTER 2017 EDITION AVAILABLE TO BUY ONLINE NOW