Flower Girl And Ring Bearer: When To Enter

There are several options for when to include flower girls and ring bearers in your wedding ceremony. Traditionally, the flower girl and ring bearer are the final processional members to precede the bride before she walks down the aisle. However, some couples opt to have the children go down the aisle before the bride's wedding party. If you're looking for a non-traditional option, you can even split up the flower girl and ring bearer, with the ring bearer entering before the bride's party and the flower girl entering after. Ultimately, it's up to you and your partner to decide what works best for your wedding.

The flower girl and ring bearer can enter before the wedding party

If the flower girl and ring bearer enter before the wedding party, it's important to consider what the children will do once they reach the front. For example, the ring bearer can bring the rings to the best man, or give them to the groom. The flower girl might veer off to sit down. It's also important to consider where the children will sit after they've made their entrance.

If the flower girl is scattering petals, it's worth noting that, if she goes before the wedding party, the petals may get swished into the seats, leaving the aisle mostly bare. If the couple wants a flower-petal carpet effect for the bride's entrance, the flower girl might need to go just before the bride instead.

If the children are too small to walk, they can be put in a wagon or carried. If using a wagon, make sure there are no stairs on the processional route. If a parent is carrying the child, consider how they will feel about it – will they be happy to do it, or would they rather have their own moment in the limelight?

The ring bearer can carry fake rings

The ring bearer is a symbolic role, and it is very common for them to carry fake rings. This is to ensure that no wedding catastrophes ensue due to a lost or misplaced ring. The best man should hold the real rings in his pocket.

There are many reasons why a couple may choose to have the ring bearer carry fake rings. Young ring bearers may be too nervous or unpredictable, and there is a risk of them dropping or losing the rings. It can also be a lot of pressure for a young child, and the real rings may get tied too tightly to a ring pillow or get jammed inside a ring box.

If the ring bearer is older, more trustworthy, or if the couple is feeling brave, the best man can hand the rings to the ring bearer right before they walk down the aisle. This creates less time for the rings to be lost and ensures the best man's pocket doesn't float away!

There are many creative alternatives to a ring pillow, such as a glass box, an antique, a bouquet of flowers, or a sign.

The flower girl can scatter petals

There are a few things to keep in mind when planning for the flower girl to scatter petals. Firstly, consider the age of the child and how they might handle the pressure of their role. Younger children may get nervous, so it's advisable to choose a flower girl who is a little older, ideally between the ages of three and eight years old. Secondly, if you're concerned about cleanup, especially for outdoor weddings, you can opt for alternatives to flower petals. Some unique ideas include blowing bubbles, waving a bubble wand, using birdseed, or tossing eco-confetti or rice paper confetti.

If you want to stick with the traditional petal toss, you can make it even more special by personalising the petals. For example, you could choose petals in your wedding colours or add a touch of sparkle with glitter. You could also provide the flower girl with a petite version of the bride's bouquet to carry, adding a whimsical touch. Another idea is to have the flower girl carry a small purse embellished with flowers, matching the blooms to the bride's gown or designing them in an ombré pattern.

In terms of attire, a flower girl's dress should mimic the style of the bride's gown, with similar lace detailing, a flowy skirt, or delicate beading. For a more fun twist, opt for a colour that matches the bridesmaids' dresses or a textured fabric. Don't forget to include the flower girl in the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner, as well as the bridal shower and "get ready" party, to make her feel special and included in all the wedding festivities.

The children can be pulled in a wagon or carried

If the children are too young to walk down the aisle, you can put them in a wagon or have someone carry them. If you opt for a wagon, make sure there are no stairs on the processional route. You could also have someone pull the wagon, or drop the children into it just before they make their entrance. If someone is going to carry the child, it's important to consider how the person carrying them will feel about it. Even if the person is the child's parent, they may feel self-conscious about having all eyes on them as they walk down the aisle with a child in tow.

If the children are old enough to walk, you can send them down the aisle before the bridal party or immediately before the bride. If you choose the latter option and the flower girl is scattering petals, be aware that they may all be swept off the aisle and into the seats by the time the bride makes her entrance. If the bride wants the full flower-petal-carpet effect, the flower girl should go right before her.

If the children are very young, you could also include them in other ways, such as featuring them in your engagement photos or putting their photo on the save-the-dates and invitations. You could even have them say a few words during your vow exchange or specifically refer to them in your vows.

The children can wear outfits that match the bridal party

The outfits of the flower girl and ring bearer should ideally complement the style of the wedding. The flower girl's attire can reflect the bride's look or match the hue of the bridesmaids' dresses. Similarly, the ring bearer's outfit can be a miniature version of the groomsmen's attire.

Flower girls typically wear dresses in the same colour family as the bride's gown, such as white or ivory. However, some brides opt for colourful flower girl dresses or textured fabrics that match the bridesmaids' dresses. You can also choose a dress with a similar style to the bride's, such as one with lace detailing, a flowy skirt, or delicate beading.

Ring bearers usually wear small suits or tuxedos, but there are other options if you want to modernise their look. For a more casual look, consider suspenders and a bow tie, or a vest. For a more formal look, a tuxedo or a five-piece suit in darker shades like maroon or dark blue can be chosen. Accessories such as bowties, vests, and suspenders can complete the look.

It is important to consider the comfort of the children and to choose wrinkle and stain-resistant fabrics. Additionally, it is considerate to keep the parents' budget in mind when selecting the outfits, as they usually pay for the attire.

Frequently asked questions