Dressing Your Flower Girl: A Guide For The Perfect Wedding Look

how to dress a flower girl for the wedding

The flower girl is one of the most adorable members of the wedding party, usually between three and nine years old. She walks down the aisle before the bride, often scattering petals or carrying a small bouquet. Her attire should harmonise with the wedding theme, be age-appropriate, and, most importantly, comfortable. Traditionally, flower girls wear dresses that mirror the bride's gown, usually in soft ivory or white. However, there are no rules, and flower girl dresses can be any colour and style that works for the wedding.

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Dresses: Opt for a traditional white dress, or choose a unique colour to match the wedding theme

Flower girls traditionally wear dresses that mirror the bride's gown, embracing classic elements such as soft ivory or white colours, delicate lace, and subtle embellishments. However, there is no rule that flower girl dresses have to be white. If you want to deviate from tradition, you can choose a unique colour that matches your wedding theme and reflects your personality as a couple.

For spring or summer weddings, consider flower girl dresses in soft pink, lavender, pale yellow, or minty green. Floral prints are also a pretty choice for the warmer months. If your wedding is in the cooler months, opt for deeper hues like burgundy, emerald green, or other rich jewel tones. Metallic shades like gold, rose gold, or silver can work well for any season, especially if your wedding colours include metallics.

You can also choose a flower girl dress in the same colour or a similar shade as your bridesmaids' dresses to create a uniform look. Alternatively, you can draw inspiration from your wedding colours and select a dress that incorporates one or more of those hues. For a playful and unique look, you can mix and match different fabrics within the dress.

When selecting a flower girl dress, it is important to consider not only the colour but also the style, fabric, and length. Tea-length or mid-length dresses are popular choices, offering comfort and cuteness. Tulle dresses are a classic choice, perfect for movement and twirling. However, you can also explore other fabrics such as chiffon, satin, or lace, depending on the style and theme of your wedding.

Remember to buy the dress 4-6 weeks before the wedding to allow for growth and alterations, as children tend to grow quickly. Comfort should be a key consideration, ensuring the dress is age-appropriate and allows the flower girl to feel confident and radiant on your special day.

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Shoes: Ballet slippers, Mary Janes, or barefoot for a summer/beach wedding

When it comes to flower girl shoes for a summer or beach wedding, there are a few charming options to consider: ballet slippers, Mary Janes, or going barefoot. Each choice has its unique appeal and can be tailored to the specific theme and setting of the wedding.

Ballet slippers, for instance, offer a timeless and elegant look. Their dainty appearance pairs beautifully with a variety of dress styles, especially those with a classic aesthetic. White ballet slippers, in particular, can create a cohesive appearance if the flower girl's dress also follows a traditional colour scheme of soft ivory or white.

Mary Janes, on the other hand, bring a touch of vintage charm to the ensemble. They are a delightful choice for a flower girl, adding a playful and adorable element to the wedding party. Mary Janes can be found in a range of colours to match any palette, from classic white to vibrant shades that complement the wedding theme.

For a summer or beach wedding, going barefoot is also a lovely option. This choice exudes a sense of freedom and natural beauty, especially for a beach ceremony. If the wedding has a bohemian or rustic theme, barefoot flower girls can perfectly capture the essence of the celebration.

Ultimately, the decision between ballet slippers, Mary Janes, or going barefoot depends on the specific wedding theme and the desired look. Ballet slippers and Mary Janes offer versatility and can be adapted to various styles, while going barefoot may be more suited to a relaxed, beachside, or bohemian celebration.

When selecting flower girl shoes, it's important to prioritise comfort and age-appropriateness. Opting for cute and comfortable dress shoes or sandals ensures the flower girl feels her best as she walks down the aisle. Additionally, considering her growing feet is essential, so purchasing the shoes close to the wedding day is recommended.

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Accessories: Flower crowns, hair bows, or baskets of petals

Accessories are a great way to add a whimsical touch to the flower girl's outfit. They can also be used to complement the wedding's theme and style.

Flower crowns are a charming accessory for flower girls. They can be matched with the bride's or bridesmaids' bouquets or be filled with peonies of different colours to complement a bright, carnival-inspired theme.

Hair bows are another accessory option. For a timeless look, a white hair bow can be paired with a white tulle dress.

Baskets of petals are a must-have accessory for flower girls. They can be used to sprinkle petals down the aisle. These baskets can be playful or elegant, depending on the wedding's style. For example, woven baskets full of petals can be the perfect fit for a Hawaii wedding. Alternatively, brown cinched bags full of petals can complement a canyon-backdrop wedding.

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Makeup: Keep it natural and age-appropriate

Flower girls are typically young girls between the ages of three and ten. They are usually related to the bride or groom or are the daughters of close family friends. These young girls are the opening act of the bridal procession, scattering petals as they walk down the aisle before the bridesmaids or maid of honour.

When it comes to flower girl makeup, it's essential to keep it natural and age-appropriate. If the flower girl is very young, such as two or three years old, it's best to avoid makeup altogether. Their natural beauty will shine through, and they are already adorable without any enhancements.

For older flower girls, around six to ten years old, a minimal amount of makeup can be considered. This can include a light application of blush, mascara, and lip gloss. Some setting powder or tinted chapstick can also be used to add a subtle glow. The key is to enhance their natural features without going overboard.

If the flower girl is a preteen or teenager, a slightly more mature look can be achieved while still maintaining a natural appearance. A light base of powder foundation can be used to even out the skin tone, and a subtle eyeshadow, such as a shimmery shade, can be applied to the eyelids. Mascara and lip gloss can complete the look, adding a touch of polish without being too dramatic.

It's important to consider the flower girl's personality and comfort level with makeup. Some girls may feel more confident with a hint of makeup, while others may prefer to go without. It's also a good idea to communicate with the flower girl's parents to ensure they are comfortable with the makeup choices and application.

Remember, the focus should be on the flower girl's natural beauty and innocence. The makeup should enhance their excitement and joy on the special day without overwhelming their youthful features.

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Buying: Purchase the dress 4-6 weeks before the wedding to allow for growth

When it comes to buying the flower girl's dress, it's important to remember that children can grow quickly, so it's best not to purchase the dress too far in advance. Buying the dress 4-6 weeks before the wedding is a good timeframe to aim for, as it allows for some growth while also not cutting it too close to the date.

While you don't want to buy the flower girl dress too early, you also don't want to leave it until the last minute. Aim to have the dress purchased and ready at least a few weeks before the wedding to avoid any last-minute stress or rushing. This will also give you time to make any necessary alterations or adjustments to the dress.

If you're concerned about the flower girl's growth spurts, consider buying a dress that is slightly larger and can be altered closer to the wedding date. This way, you can ensure a perfect fit. It's also a good idea to involve the flower girl in the dress selection process. Not only will this create a special bond, but it will also ensure that she feels comfortable and excited about wearing the dress.

When selecting the dress, remember that the flower girl's attire should harmonize with the overall theme and style of the wedding. Consider the wedding's colour palette, location, and formality when choosing the dress. You can opt for a traditional white dress or choose a coloured dress that complements the bridesmaids' dresses or the wedding theme.

Lastly, don't forget to consider any accessories or shoes you may want to pair with the dress. These additional items can be purchased closer to the wedding date, but it's helpful to have a general idea of what you're looking for when you buy the dress to ensure everything comes together harmoniously.

Frequently asked questions

Flower girls traditionally wear dresses that mirror the bride’s gown or the wedding theme. They usually wear soft ivory or white colours, delicate lace, and subtle embellishments. However, there are no rules, and the flower girl's dress should reflect the wedding theme, be age-appropriate, and feel comfortable.

Flower girl dresses are traditionally white or ivory, but they don't have to be. The colour should complement the wedding theme and the dress code. For spring or summer weddings, powder blue, soft pink, lavender, pale yellow, and minty green are pretty colour choices. For cooler months, consider deeper hues like burgundy and emerald green.

Flower girls can go barefoot, or wear ballet slippers, Mary Janes, or sandals. Just make sure to account for growing feet and buy the shoes as close to the wedding day as possible. Comfort is key, so avoid heels or anything too tight.

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