Creating Flower Girl Baskets For Your Wedding: A Step-By-Step Guide

A flower girl's entrance is a magical moment at any wedding, and her basket is a key part of this. Whether you're crafting a traditional or unique wedding, a flower girl basket can be personalised to showcase your wedding theme and location. From the base to the filler, there are many ways to make a flower girl basket that is as cute as she is.

Choosing a base for the basket

• White woven basket: A plain white basket can be the ideal foundation for your flower girl's basket. It provides a blank canvas on which to attach decorative elements that complement the rest of your theme.
• Satin: White or pale pink satin baskets will add a touch of elegance and shine to your wedding procession.
• Wicker: Wicker is a classic and versatile option that comes in various colours and can be painted to match your wedding colour scheme. Wicker baskets also come in various shapes and sizes to fit your whimsical needs.
• Wood: Although more of a bucket than a basket, wooden containers are a lovely choice for your flower girl to carry. They are easy to reach into, making it convenient for your little wedding assistant to grab the flower petals.
• Burlap: Burlap is sturdy, functional, and can be decorated to be beautiful. Flexible handles make them easier to hold, especially for small hands.

If you're looking for something more unconventional, here are some edgier options:

• Wire: Like wicker, wire can be coated in any colour. You can also opt for a simple silver or black wire basket and add decor to give it a unique touch.
• Clear acrylic: A fun and modern idea for a flower girl basket. Clear acrylic allows for creative inserts and is strong enough to last throughout the ceremony and reception.
• Metal pail: A silver milk pail can be transformed into a stunning flower girl basket with a little creativity. This would also be a nice option for a rustic barn wedding.
• Purse: Instead of a hard-sided basket or bucket, a simple soft purse can be a charming addition to your flower girl's outfit. It can be coordinated with her dress while still allowing her to sprinkle petals as she walks.

Decorating the basket

Fabric

Fabric can be used to wrap the outside of the basket or line its inside. For a classically glamorous look, consider satin or silk fabric on the outer part of the basket. For a rustic wedding, opt for winsome gingham or floral-patterned cotton. Using the same fabric as the flower girl's dress is another way to coordinate the basket with the wedding theme.

Flowers

Flowers are extremely flexible decorations that can be attached to the outside of the basket, the handle, or even the top rim to make it look like they are filling the basket. You can choose special flowers just for the basket or go with miniature versions of the wedding flowers. Real or silk flowers will look equally elegant. Some popular wedding flowers include:

• Roses
• Peonies
• Lilies
• Baby's breath
• Tulips
• Orchids
• Sunflowers
• Daisies
• Hydrangeas
• Carnations

Faux Jewels or Crystals

Faux jewels or crystals can be used to add a fancy touch to the flower girl's basket. Pearls are a classic choice for an all-white basket, but feel free to incorporate your wedding colours. Brightly coloured gemstones can be attached in decorative patterns such as the initials of the couple or a simple heart shape.

Lace

Lace is a lovely option for dressing up both classic and rustic flower girl baskets. It pairs well with burlap, wood, and wicker baskets. White lace can also add elegance to a plain, white woven basket. The fabric is easy to attach to any part of the basket—place it inside to peek over the top, or adorn the outside for a more prominent look.

Leaves

Leaves can be featured in any wedding decor, but they particularly shine in rustic themes.

• For autumn weddings, bright red, orange, yellow, and brown maple leaves spilling from the basket with a matching leaf crown for the flower girl will be a beautiful touch.
• Fresh, green ivy is ideal for a spring wedding, delicately falling from the basket or weaving around its handle.
• For summer weddings, incorporate greenery such as baby blue eucalyptus, lemon leaf, and Italian Ruscus.
• Collaborate with the holiday season for winter weddings by featuring holly throughout the decor and wedding party accessories.

Leaves can be attached to the top of the basket or in creative patterns on the front. They can also be used as a filler or something for the flower girl to throw instead of petals.

Picking a filler for the basket

Now for the fun part: choosing what to fill your flower girl basket with! You can go with the traditional option of rose petals (real or silk) or rice (white or coloured). But if you're looking for something a little more unique, why not try filling it with mini pinecones (plain or painted) or tiny seashells (perfect for a beach wedding). Just be sure to check with your venue beforehand, as some places may not allow anything to be thrown during the ceremony due to the mess it creates.

If you're looking for something a little different, you could even ditch the basket altogether! Some alternative options include a sign, wagon, lantern, or even a trusty pet. Get creative and make your flower girl basket truly your own.

Alternatives to a traditional basket

If you're looking for something a little different for your flower girl to carry, there are plenty of alternatives to the traditional basket. Here are some ideas:

• A single stem: Have your flower girl carry a single stem of a flower that matches the bridal bouquet. Popular choices include Alliums, Peonies and Dahlias.
• Wands: Flower girls can carry a wand made of flowers, butterflies, paper, ribbons, jewels or a combination of these. You could also opt for a rustic vibe with a grapevine heart wand or a Victorian-inspired wand with silk hydrangea petals and a matching headband.
• Pomanders: Also known as flower balls, pomanders have a ribbon handle, making them easy for little hands to carry.
• Confetti: For a modern twist, your flower girl could toss confetti instead of flowers as she walks down the aisle.
• Balloons: Depending on your wedding theme, your flower girl could carry balloons in a single colour or a mix of colours and shapes.
• Bubbles: For an outdoor ceremony, bubbles are a great alternative to flower petals and are a fun, festive option.
• Windmills: Perfect for an outdoor ceremony, windmills add a fun feel and are a great alternative to flowers.
• Parasols: Parasols add a romantic and classic touch to a summer wedding.
• Signs: A sign telling guests that the bride is on her way is a cute and popular option. Examples include "Here Comes the Bride" and "Here Comes the Love of Your Life".
• Lanterns: For a night-time wedding, a small lantern (with a battery-operated candle inside) is a pretty and unique alternative. For a rustic wedding, a grapevine lantern is a cute option.
• Ribbons: A ribbon wand is a fun alternative to a basket, and your flower girl will love twirling it in the air as she walks down the aisle.
• Purses: A small, personalised purse filled with faux petals is a modern and reusable alternative to a basket.

Tips for perfect flower girl photos

The flower girl is the star before the main event, and you'll want to capture the magic of the moment with some perfect photos. Here are some tips to help you get those picture-perfect moments:

• Getting ready: Before the ceremony, there are lots of opportunities to capture the magic. From the flower girl getting ready, having her hair and makeup done, to putting on her dress and accessories, these are all moments to be cherished.
• The walk down the aisle: The flower girl's walk down the aisle is the main event. Capture her from multiple angles as she walks towards the bride and groom, and get close-ups of her face and her basket.
• Tossing petals: The flower girl tossing petals is a heart-warming moment. Get photos of her scattering the petals along the aisle, creating a magical path for the bride.
• Candid moments: Some of the best photos are the candid, natural moments. Capture the flower girl's interactions with the wedding party, especially if she is walking down the aisle with the ring bearer.
• Dancing at the reception: The flower girl's moves on the dance floor will be adorable. Snap some photos of her letting loose and having fun at the reception.
• With the newlyweds: A photo of the flower girl with the newlyweds is a must-have. It will symbolise the love and happiness of the day.
• With her parents: Don't forget to get some photos of the flower girl with her parents. They will cherish these memories forever.

With these tips, you'll be able to capture the joy and innocence of the flower girl and create lasting memories of your special day.

Frequently asked questions