Lyla Dejesus
A flower girl is a young female who traditionally scatters flower petals down the aisle during a wedding procession. The tradition dates back to ancient Rome, where the flower girl carried wheat and herbs for the bride and groom, to symbolise blessings of fertility and prosperity. In the Elizabethan era, flower girls laid a trail of petals for the bride to follow from her home to the church. Today, the flower girl usually walks down the aisle after the wedding party and before the bride, wearing a small version of the bride's dress and scattering petals. While flower girls are a common feature of weddings, they are not a necessity, and some couples choose to skip this tradition or get creative with the role.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age | Usually between three and eight years old |
| Role | Scattering flower petals down the aisle during a wedding procession |
| Dress | A smaller version of the bride's wedding dress or a mid-length gown |
| Family | Usually a daughter, niece, cousin, or friend of the family |
| History | Dates back to ancient Rome, where flower girls carried wheat and herbs for the bride and groom |
| Modern Variations | Throwing confetti, blowing bubbles, holding balloons, or leading a pet |
| Number of Flower Girls | No limit, but three to four is recommended to avoid a large wedding party |
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What You'll Learn
Flower girl duties
A flower girl is a young female, usually between three and eight years old, who walks down the aisle before the bride, scattering flower petals. The flower girl traditionally wears a mid-length or tea-length gown, a floral wreath or hair ribbon, and carries a basket of flowers. She may also carry a small bouquet, especially if the venue does not allow the scattering of petals.
The flower girl is often a member of the bride or groom's extended family or a friend of either family. She usually walks in front of the bride during the wedding procession, scattering petals on the floor before the bride walks down the aisle. The flower girl typically walks with her partner, the ring bearer or page boy.
In addition to tossing petals, a flower girl may also be expected to attend the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner with her parents. The bride may also invite the flower girl to get ready with her on the morning of the wedding. It is also customary for the flower girl to attend the bridal shower or luncheon, if invited, to meet and get to know the other members of the bridal party.
Other flower girl duties may include holding the wedding dress train, pulling younger flower girls in a wagon, or simply charming the crowd. The flower girl's parents are usually expected to pay for her clothing and other expenses related to her participation.
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Flower girl age and attire
Flower girls are usually between the ages of three and eight years old. However, there is no such thing as too old to be a flower girl. If you're worried about a younger child getting nervous or throwing a tantrum, it might be a good idea to choose an older child. If you do choose a younger flower girl, it's common for their parent to help carry them or walk with them down the aisle.
Flower girls traditionally wear a smaller version of the bride's wedding dress. However, many modern couples prefer distinctive flower girl attire. For example, you could dress the younger members of the wedding party in colourful traditional Indian wedding ceremony dresses. You could also add accessories like a silk bow or a small flower to match the bridesmaids' colours.
It's important to consider the comfort and practicality of the flower girl's outfit, especially when it comes to shoes. You want to avoid blisters and discomfort, so elasticated shoes are a good option for younger children. It's also a good idea to add personal touches to the flower girl's outfit, like embroidery with their name and the event date. These dresses often become cherished keepsakes.
When choosing a flower girl dress, it's best to order it 8-12 weeks before the wedding. Children grow incredibly fast and can have notable growth spurts, so it's risky to buy a dress too far in advance.
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Flower girl alternatives
Flower girls are a key participant in many traditional wedding ceremonies. They are usually young girls, often family members or close friends of the bride or groom, who walk down the aisle scattering flower petals before the bride's entrance. However, some couples may choose to forgo this tradition or put their own twist on it. Here are some unique and fun alternatives to the traditional flower girl:
- Involve your guests: Provide flowers at the entrance to the ceremony and let your guests sprinkle them on their way to their seats. This idea can also be extended to the entire wedding party, including bridesmaids and groomsmen.
- Include older friends or family members: If you want to honour an older friend or family member during the ceremony, you can have them walk down the aisle and scatter petals. This idea can add a touch of fun and joy to the celebration.
- Flower boys: In today's modern weddings, some couples are replacing the flower girl with a flower boy. Little boys can be dressed in white suits or other outfits and given flower petals to scatter. Alternatively, they can carry a white banner with a message like "Here comes the bride" or carry wedding sparklers if they are old enough.
- Involve your pets: If you wish to include your pet in your wedding, you can have them ride in a wagon with a small sign announcing the arrival of the bride. Decorating the altar with flower petals is another way to include your pet without the need for a flower girl.
- Alternative items: If you want to maintain the tradition of scattering petals or other items, consider using biodegradable paper confetti, bubbles, ribbon wands, or bells instead. These alternatives can create a joyful and whimsical atmosphere without the need for a flower girl.
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History of flower girls
The concept of the flower girl dates back to ancient times, with evidence suggesting that the tradition originated in Ancient Rome, Greece, and even Egypt. Upper-class Greeks and Romans included flower girls in their weddings, where young girls would walk ahead of the bride, scattering flowers, herbs, and grains. Wheat was a commonly used grain, as it was believed to bring prosperity and fertility to the newlyweds.
During the Renaissance, flower girls switched from carrying flowers to carrying strands of garlic, which was believed to ward off evil spirits and protect the couple. In the Elizabethan era, wedding guests would scatter flower petals from the bride's home to the church, and flower girls would follow musicians in the procession, carrying a gilded rosemary branch and a silver bride's cup adorned with ribbons. The cup was usually filled with flower petals or rosemary leaves, or sometimes a small bunch of rosemary sprigs or a small floral bouquet.
The Victorian flower girl most closely resembles the modern one. She would precede the bride, dressed in white to symbolize purity and innocence, with a coloured sash, and carrying an ornate basket of fresh blooms or a floral hoop, symbolizing endless love. In Victorian England, the flower girl also took on a symbolic role, reflecting the cultural idealization of children as innocent and hopeful.
Today, the flower girl is usually a young female member of the bride or groom's extended family or a friend, typically between three and seven years old. She walks down the aisle with the ring bearer or page boy, scattering flower petals before the bride's entrance. The flower girl's dress often resembles a smaller version of the bride's dress, and her role symbolizes the purity of the union, the inclusion of loved ones, and the personalization of the wedding celebration.
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Choosing a flower girl
A flower girl is a young female who walks down the aisle before the bride, scattering flower petals. The role is usually given to girls between the ages of three and eight, but the couple can ask anyone they like. The flower girl is often a member of the bride or groom's extended family or a friend of either family.
Age
The flower girl is usually between the ages of three and eight. This ensures that she is mature enough to handle the responsibility of walking down the aisle while still being young enough to be differentiated from a bridesmaid. However, there is no hard and fast rule, and girls younger or older than this age range have also been chosen as flower girls. If the flower girl is ten or older, consider making her a junior bridesmaid instead.
Relationship
The flower girl is typically a member of the bride or groom's extended family, such as a niece or cousin, or a friend of the family. The couple should have a solid relationship with their choice to ensure the girl feels comfortable helping them on their special day. If the couple doesn't have any young family members or close friends with daughters, they can think outside the box. For example, they could choose a friend or family member who isn't already part of the wedding party or even a trained pet.
Interest and ability
Before making a final decision, the couple should speak with the child or their parents to see if they are interested in the role and able to perform the duties. The child's parents may be excited about the prospect, but the child might not like being in the spotlight. It's important to give the child agency and allow them to make their own decision.
Number of flower girls
There is no limit to the number of flower girls you can have. Having multiple flower girls is common in royal and society weddings and can create an elegant and regal setting. If there are several young girls in your inner circle, you may want to include them all to avoid anyone feeling left out. If you don't want to have multiple flower girls, you can give the other children different duties, such as walking behind the flower girl with a banner or passing out programs to guests.
Asking the flower girl
Once you've chosen your flower girl, it's time to ask her to be part of your special day. Many couples choose to surprise their flower girl with a thoughtful, age-appropriate gift, like a stuffed animal, keepsake jewellery, or a music box.
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Frequently asked questions
A flower girl is a young female who scatters flower petals down the aisle during a wedding procession. She usually walks in front of the bride and is often dressed in a smaller version of the bride's wedding dress.
No, not all weddings have flower girls. It is a tradition in Western cultures, but it is not a necessity. Some weddings have a no-kids policy, while others may not have any suitable candidates for the role.
The flower girl is usually a member of the bride or groom's extended family or a friend of either family. She is typically between three and eight years old and is the youngest member of the bridal party.
In addition to tossing petals, a flower girl is expected to attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner with her parents. She may also get ready with the bride on the morning of the wedding.
A flower girl typically wears a mid or tea-length gown, a floral wreath, or a hair ribbon. She may also carry a basket of flowers or a small bouquet.
