The Ancient Ritual Of Flower Girls: A Wedding Tradition Explained

A flower girl is a young female who traditionally scatters flower petals down the aisle during a wedding procession. The role is usually given to a member of the bride or groom's extended family, or a friend, and they are typically between three and ten years old. The flower girl walks in front of the bride, symbolising the bride's transition from childhood to adulthood, and from innocence to her new roles of wife and mother. The flower girl's outfit usually resembles a smaller version of the bride's wedding dress. In ancient Rome, flower girls carried wheat and herbs to symbolise fertility and prosperity, but over time these were replaced with flowers or flower petals.

The history of flower girls

The tradition of flower girls in weddings dates back to ancient Rome, where young attendants would carry sheaves of wheat and herbs to ensure blessings of prosperity and fertility to the married couple. Upper-class Greeks also included little girls in the wedding procession, who would walk ahead of the bride and scatter grains and herbs. The Romans and Greeks typically included flower girls in weddings when the marriage was for the purpose of having children to carry on the family lineage.

The tradition evolved during the Elizabethan era, when the inclusion of children in the wedding party was a reflection of how the culture idealized childhood, seeing kids as symbols of hope and innocence. Children during this time were supposed to represent a younger, more innocent version of the bride before she became a wife and mother. It was also during this time that the tradition of scattering flower petals came into practice. Flower girls would follow musicians in the wedding procession, carrying a gilded rosemary branch and a silver cup filled with flower petals and rosemary sprigs.

By the time of the Victorian era, flower girls began to resemble the flower girls of today. They were dressed in simple white dresses, sometimes with a coloured sash, and carried a decorated basket of fresh blooms or wore a floral hoop on their head. The circular shape of the hoop was symbolic of true love, echoing the shape of wedding rings.

What does a flower girl do?

A flower girl is a young female who traditionally scatters flower petals down the aisle of a wedding procession. She walks in front of the bride, usually with a partner such as a ring bearer or page boy, and is often dressed in a smaller version of the bride's wedding dress.

The flower girl role is typically given to a member of the bride or groom's extended family, or a friend of either family, aged between three and ten years old. In the past, flower girls carried wheat and herbs to symbolise fertility and prosperity, but today, they may carry a variety of items, including balloons, bubbles, a single bloom, a ball of flowers, or wrapped candies.

The flower girl is an optional role, but she adds a touch of charm and cuteness to the wedding party. She symbolises the bride's transition from childhood to adulthood and from innocence to her new roles as a wife and mother. In some cultures, the flower girl may also symbolise wishes for fertility for the couple.

In addition to scattering petals, a flower girl may have other duties, such as holding the wedding dress train or escorting a pet down the aisle. She may also stand with the wedding party or sit with her parents during the ceremony.

What does a flower girl wear?

The flower girl's attire should complement the wedding theme and sometimes the wedding party. The to-be-weds usually choose the flower girl's outfit, but some couples are flexible and don't mind if the flower girl's parents select the attire, as long as it fits the wedding theme. The flower girl's outfit should be comfortable and exciting for her to wear. It is also important to consider the season and location of the wedding. For example, for summer and warm spring weddings, choose outfits with short sleeves and open-toed shoes, while for a fall or winter wedding, a long-sleeve dress with cardigans and tights is more appropriate.

Traditionally, the flower girl's dress is white or ivory, matching or coordinating with the bride's gown, like a mini bride. A flower girl in white is a symbol of purity and sweetness and highlights the contrast between the bride and the young girl as the passage from childhood to womanhood. However, there is no rule that the flower girl's dress has to be white. Some couples opt for a modern look, such as a floral sundress or a jumpsuit. The flower girl can also wear the same colour as the bridesmaids or an accent colour that coordinates with them. If there are multiple flower girls, there is no rule that they must match. However, each flower girl's dress style and colour should complement one another for a cohesive look.

Flower girls can be between three and eight years old, and their outfits should allow for some wiggle room, as children can have growth spurts. Tea-length silhouettes are best for young flower girls to reduce the chances of tripping, while floor-length dresses are more suitable for older flower girls. Comfortable shoes, such as sandals and ballet flats, are ideal for younger flower girls, while older flower girls can wear shoes with low heels. Accessories such as stockings, hair accessories, and jewellery are optional, depending on the wedding style.

Who should be a flower girl?

Flower girls are usually between the ages of three and eight, but can be slightly younger or older. If you're thinking of choosing a child younger than three, you'll need to find someone to carry or escort them down the aisle. If you want to include a child who's ten or older, consider giving them a junior bridesmaid role. There's no right or wrong age for your flower girl—you can even enlist an adult, like a friend or grandparent, to take on the role.

Flower girls are often someone who is close to the couple, such as the child of a family member or friend. If you don't have any girls of an appropriate age in your family or circle of friends, you might want to think outside the box. You could have a flower boy, or a group of adults doing a "petal patrol". You could even have your furry best friend walk down the aisle!

When choosing a flower girl, remember that her parents will also need to be involved. They will be doing most of the work leading up to the wedding, from purchasing her outfit to helping her understand her role. They will also be responsible for attending pre-wedding events and arriving early on the day of the wedding. It's important to be on good terms with the flower girl's parents and make sure they are comfortable with the time and money commitment.

If you're planning on having more than one flower girl, it's a good idea to stick to three or four at most to prevent your wedding party from becoming too big. Older flower girls can assist with duties besides throwing petals, like holding the wedding dress train or pulling younger flower girls in a wagon.

Finally, don't forget to ask the flower girl's parents for permission before offering the role to their child. Once you have the green light, you can surprise your flower girl with a thoughtful, age-appropriate gift, like a stuffed animal, keepsake jewellery, or a music box.

Flower girl alternatives

A flower girl is a young female, usually aged between three and ten years old, who walks down the aisle ahead of the bride during a wedding procession, scattering flower petals. She symbolises the bride as a child, and her transformation from innocence to adulthood and her new roles as a wife and mother.

However, not all couples choose to include a flower girl in their wedding party. Some opt for alternatives that will bring a similar 'cute factor', while others prefer to modify the role to align with their wedding theme.

Pre-Decorate with Petals

If you're set on having petals line the aisle but don't want a flower girl, you can always pre-decorate with petals. You could create a design in the shape of a heart, diamond, or spiral, or adorn the altar with petals instead.

The Ring Bearer

If you have a ring bearer, why not ask them to take on some flower girl duties? This option is becoming more and more common, and the young guest of honour will likely enjoy the extra role.

Junior Bridesmaid

If nobody in your wedding party is young enough to be a flower girl, you could recruit a junior bridesmaid to scatter petals before you walk down the aisle.

Flower Granny

Having a grandmother or another older female relative take on the role of flower girl is a great way to include older family members in your wedding procession.

Flower Guy

A 'flower guy' can be a fun alternative to a flower girl. This role can be given to a groomsman or another male guest, who will throw flowers onto the aisle as they walk down.

Flower Baby in a Wagon

If you have a baby in your life, you could put them in a cute wagon and have them pulled down the aisle by an older child or adult. The person pulling the wagon can scatter petals on the baby's behalf.

Petal Pet

If you want to include your pet in your wedding, you could dress them up and have them walk down the aisle, either wearing a flower outfit or leading the way for the bride's entrance.

Bridesmaids or Groomsmen Drop Petals

If you don't have a specific guest in mind for the role of flower girl or guy, you could give petals to your bridesmaids or groomsmen to scatter as they walk down the aisle.

Include Your Pet in Other Ways

If you want to include your pet in your wedding but don't want them to walk down the aisle alone, you could have a flower girl or boy walk them down the aisle or pull them in a wagon.

Balloons, Signs, and Other Creative Alternatives

Flower girls can carry a variety of items down the aisle instead of flowers, including balloons, signs, mini bouquets, pomander balls, and bubbles.

Frequently asked questions