Lyla Dejesus
Flower girls are a staple at most weddings, including British weddings. They are usually young girls between the ages of 3 to 8 years old who are related to the couple or are the children of friends. The flower girl walks down the aisle before the bride, scattering petals, and is meant to represent a younger, more innocent version of the bride. While it is traditional to have a flower girl, it is not necessary, and couples can choose to skip it or get creative with the role by giving it to a friend, family member, or even a pet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age | Usually between three and eight years old |
| Relation to the couple | Often a niece, nephew, godchild, or a friend's child |
| Role | Walks down the aisle before the bride, scattering petals, seeds, confetti, or holding flowers, a floral hoop, balloons, or a sign |
| Attire | Usually a white dress |
| Presence at the reception | Should be invited to the reception, but can be asked to leave after the procession |
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What You'll Learn
The history of flower girls
Flower girls are a staple at most weddings and are usually young female members of the wedding party, often related to the couple or a friend of the family. They are typically dressed in a smaller version of the bride's wedding dress and walk down the aisle scattering flower petals.
The tradition is believed to have originated in Ancient Rome, where young attendants carried wheat and herbs to bless the married couple with prosperity and fertility. In Medieval times, bouquets of garlic replaced wheat and herbs, as they were believed to ward off evil spirits. The tradition of scattering flower petals began in the Elizabethan era, where petals were scattered from the bride's home to the church.
The Victorian-era flower girl most closely resembles the modern one. She wore a simple white dress with a coloured sash and carried a basket of flowers or a floral hoop, which symbolised the couple's endless love.
Today, flower girls are a common part of wedding processions, though their role has evolved to suit the style and preferences of the couple. While some still scatter petals, others may blow bubbles or throw confetti.
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Flower girl duties
The role of a flower girl is to add charm and innocence to the wedding ceremony. The flower girl is usually a young girl, typically between three and eight years old, and related to the couple in some way. She walks down the aisle before the bride, scattering petals, or carrying a posy, wand, or basket of flowers. In ancient times, flower girls would scatter herbs and grains to symbolise fertility and prosperity, but today, the role is often adapted to fit the theme of the wedding, with some flower girls carrying unconventional items like balloons or lanterns.
Flower girls usually attend the bridal shower or luncheon and the rehearsal before the wedding. This gives them a chance to practice walking down the aisle and helps them feel more comfortable and confident on the day. It's a good idea for the flower girl to meet the bridal party in advance so that she sees friendly, familiar faces at the wedding.
On the wedding day, the flower girl walks in front of the maid of honour, scattering petals, or carrying other items as described above. She can then stand with the wedding party at the altar or sit with her parents towards the front of the ceremony. It is common for the flower girl to be included in the wedding party reception entrances.
The flower girl's dress is usually an age-appropriate dress that matches the colour of the bridesmaids' dresses, or a mini version of the bride's dress. The bride or maid of honour may also prepare a headpiece, such as a wreath of flowers, a hat, or a mini veil.
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Flower girl attire
When choosing flower girl attire, it is essential to consider the wedding theme, season, and the child's comfort. For summer and spring weddings, opt for short sleeves and open-toed shoes, while long sleeves, cardigans, and tights are more suitable for fall and winter. It is also crucial to ensure that the flower girl's shoes are comfortable to prevent discomfort or blisters.
The timing of purchasing flower girl attire is crucial, as children grow quickly. Wedding experts recommend ordering flower girl dresses two to three months before the wedding to ensure a perfect fit. Online shopping provides a wide range of unique styles, while physical stores allow for a tactile experience to assess quality.
To make the flower girl attire special, consider adding personalised touches such as embroidery with the child's name and the wedding date. These details can transform the dress into a cherished keepsake. Additionally, sashes or ribbons that match the bridesmaids' colours can help to create a cohesive look for the bridal party.
Ultimately, the choice of flower girl attire should harmonise with the wedding's theme and style while ensuring the flower girl feels comfortable and confident. It is a chance to add a touch of charm and innocence to the wedding day, creating unforgettable moments.
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Choosing a flower girl
Flower girls are a staple at most weddings, and choosing one can be a difficult decision. The role of a flower girl is to add a little charm to the ceremony and be a sweet way to incorporate younger children into your wedding.
Traditionally, flower girls are between three and eight years old, but the couple can ask anyone they like. She walks down the aisle ahead of the bride, scattering flowers along the way. Flower girls are usually related to the couple in some way – it could be a niece, nephew, godchild, or a child of a close friend. If you have a big family or a lot of nieces, you might want to include everyone to avoid anyone feeling left out.
If you're choosing a younger flower girl, you may want to have one of their parents walk down the aisle with them, and you should be prepared for the possibility of tiny mishaps. If you're choosing an older flower girl, they may be able to take on some junior bridesmaid responsibilities, like shopping for dresses or getting your nails done together.
When choosing your flower girl, it's important to talk to the child beforehand to ensure they're interested in the role and comfortable with the responsibility. You can then make your request official with a flower girl proposal gift, like an engraved necklace or stuffed animal.
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Alternatives to flower girls
Although the role of a flower girl is to add a touch of sweetness and whimsy to the wedding, it is not a necessary role for a wedding ceremony. Here are some alternatives to having a flower girl at your wedding:
Flower Boys
If you don't have a little girl in your life who is the right age to be a flower girl, you can have a little boy or a grown man act as the flower child. Dress them in a white suit or another outfit and give them flower petals to scatter. If they don't want to carry flower petals, they can carry a white banner with "Here comes the bride" written on it or a wedding sparkler.
Flower Pooch
If you have a well-trained pet, you can consider having a "flower pooch". You can put a floral hoop over their head and have them walk down the aisle, creating cute photo opportunities.
Flower Grandmas
Grandmothers of the bride or groom can also take on the role of flower girls. This idea has become a trend recently, with the concept of "flower grandmas" taking off.
Greeters
If you still want to include little ones in your wedding but don't like the origins of the flower girl tradition, you can have them greet guests as they arrive and wave to set a fun and cute mood.
Ushers
Older children can be recruited to be ushers, who are typically responsible for handing out programs and escorting guests to their seats.
Ring Security
If you don't want to include flower girls, you can still have ring bearers or "ring security boys" who carry the wedding rings.
No Flowers
Couples may choose to bypass the idea of having a flower girl of any kind and not include flowers in their wedding except for the bouquets carried by the bridal party.
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Frequently asked questions
A flower girl is a young child, usually between the ages of three and eight, who walks down the aisle before the bride, tossing flower petals.
The tradition of flower girls is believed to have originated in Ancient Rome, where young girls would present couples with wheat as a symbol of prosperity and fertility. In the Elizabethan era, flower girls laid a trail of petals for the bride to follow from her home to the church.
British weddings, like weddings in other Western cultures, often include flower girls. However, it is not a requirement, and couples can choose to include or exclude flower girls as they see fit.
