Flower girls and ring bearers are often children between the ages of three and eight, and they play an important role in wedding ceremonies. They are usually responsible for preparing the aisle with flower petals and carrying the wedding rings down the aisle. There are a few options for when and where they enter the ceremony, but ultimately, the couple can decide what works best for them.
One option is for the flower girls and ring bearers to lead the way, walking down the aisle ahead of everyone else. This is a good choice if there are concerns about the children's ability to make it down the aisle without incident. Another option is for them to enter immediately before the second partner, either together or with the ring bearer entering first and the flower girl following the second partner's party. A third option is to split them up, with the ring bearer entering before the first partner's party and the flower girl entering after.
After they have walked down the aisle, flower girls and ring bearers can either stand with the wedding party or sit with their parents or grandparents. If they stand, it is recommended to have a backup plan in case they become restless or fidgety, such as having a parent or grandparent ready to swoop in and take them out of the ceremony.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Age | 3-8 years old |
Order in Processional | Before, after, or with Partner 2's party |
Who they walk with | Alone, with other flower girls/ring bearers, or with parents |
Where they stand | With parents, in front of parents, or with wedding party |
Where they sit | Front row, second row, or back |
What they carry | Rings (real or decoy), flowers, or a sign |
What You'll Learn
- The flower girl and ring bearer enter before the wedding party
- The flower girl and ring bearer enter before the bride
- The ring bearer enters before, the flower girl enters after
- The flower girl and ring bearer sit with their parents after walking down the aisle
- The flower girl and ring bearer stand with their parents after walking down the aisle
The flower girl and ring bearer enter before the wedding party
The flower girl and ring bearer can enter before the wedding party in a few different ways. Here are some options to consider:
Option 1: The kids enter together before the wedding party
This option involves having the flower girl and ring bearer lead the way and be the first ones out. They will walk down the aisle ahead of everyone else, followed by the members of the wedding party. This is a non-traditional approach but is just as popular as a more conventional option. It can be a good choice if there are concerns about very young children not making it down the aisle, as they will be out of the way before the grand entrance of the wedding party.
Option 2: The ring bearer enters before, and the flower girl enters after the wedding party
Splitting up the flower girl and ring bearer can also be a viable option, although it is less common. The ring bearer can go down the aisle first and bring the rings to the best man or another member of the wedding party. Then, after the wedding party makes their entrance, the flower girl can come in, heralding the bride's impending entrance by sprinkling rose petals.
What to Consider:
When deciding on the entrance order, it is essential to think about the ages and temperaments of the flower girl and ring bearer. Younger children may be more prone to tantrums, crying, or stage fright, so flexibility and backup plans are crucial. It is a good idea to include them in the rehearsal to help them familiarise themselves with the surroundings and meet the wedding party.
Additionally, consider whether the ring bearer will carry the actual rings or decoys. If they are too young, decoys or an empty pillow/box can be used. The flower girl's role in scattering petals should also be considered. If she goes first, the petals may be swished off the aisle by the time the bride enters.
Finally, decide on what the children will do when they reach the front and where they will sit. Communicating these details with the wedding party and the children's parents is essential to ensure a smooth and joyful processional.
Who Walks the Ring Bearer Down the Aisle?
You may want to see also
The flower girl and ring bearer enter before the bride
There are several options for when and where the flower girl and ring bearer should enter and stand during the wedding ceremony. Here is a detailed breakdown of the options, focusing on the scenario where they enter before the bride:
Option 1: Flower Girl and Ring Bearer Enter Before the Wedding Party
In this option, the flower girl and ring bearer lead the way and are the first ones to walk down the aisle. They enter after the officiant has made their opening remarks and cue the music for the processional. This option is ideal if there are concerns about the children's age or unpredictability, allowing the couple to put some distance between the children and the bride's grand entrance. The children can range from toddlers to older kids, and their presence will undoubtedly add a touch of cuteness to the ceremony.
Option 2: Flower Girl and Ring Bearer Enter Before the Bride, Separately
This option involves splitting up the flower girl and ring bearer's entrances. The ring bearer enters first, after the groom's party has made their way to the front. He brings the rings to the best man or officiant. Then, the flower girl enters after the bride's party has made their entrance, heralding the bride's impending arrival by sprinkling flower petals or clearing the aisle. This option allows for a clear separation between the two roles and ensures that the flower girl can create a beautiful entrance for the bride.
Managing Young Children in the Wedding Party
When including young children as flower girls or ring bearers, it is important to be prepared for potential challenges. Here are some tips to manage their participation:
- Consider their age and ability to carry out the role: Younger children are prone to tantrums and stage fright, so flexibility is key. Very young flower girls may wear flower crowns instead of throwing petals, and young ring bearers can carry faux rings or decorative signs.
- Rehearsals and preparation: Include children in the wedding rehearsal to help them familiarise themselves with the surroundings and meet the bridal party. This can help minimise stage fright and give them a trial run.
- Backup plans: Discuss backup plans with the couple and parents in case of stage fright or unexpected behaviour. This could include having a parent swoop in, offering treats or toys to coax them along, or even carrying them down the aisle if necessary.
- Seating arrangements: Decide where the children will sit or stand after they reach the front. They can sit with their parents, usually in the front rows, or stand with the wedding party. It is important to communicate these plans to the children beforehand to avoid confusion.
- Ring alternatives: If the ring bearer is too young to be trusted with the actual rings, consider using decoys, such as elaborate pillows or ornate boxes, or even having them hold a sign instead.
Ring Bearer: Whose Rings Do They Carry?
You may want to see also
The ring bearer enters before, the flower girl enters after
There are several options for where to put the kids in the processional order. One option is to have the ring bearers and flower girls lead the way and be the first ones out, walking down the aisle ahead of everyone else. Another option is to have the kids enter immediately before "Partner 2" (the bride). In this case, each member of Partner 2's party goes down the aisle one-by-one and takes their place at the front, and then the ring bearer or flower girls make their entrance.
However, if you want to split them up, which is rarely done, the ring bearer can enter before and the flower girl can enter after. In this case, the ring bearer goes down the aisle sometime after "Partner 1's" (the groom's) party has made it to the front, so that the ring bearer can bring the ring to the best man. Then, the flower girl can come in after Partner 2's party makes their entrance, heralding Partner 2's impending entrance. She drops the rose petals, clears the aisle, and then it's time for Partner 2's big moment.
It's important to consider the temperament of the kids when deciding where to put them in the processional order. If they're super young, Partner 2 might want their processional walk to be a bit more grand than cutesy. In this case, it might be better to send the kids in before the grown-up wedding party. On the other hand, if the kids are a bit older and you want to keep it traditional, it might be better to have them enter immediately before Partner 2.
Training Ring Bearers: A Guide
You may want to see also
The flower girl and ring bearer sit with their parents after walking down the aisle
The role of the flower girl and ring bearer is to prep the aisle with flower petals and carry the wedding rings down the aisle. They are usually between 3 and 8 years old, but can be younger or older.
If you are worried about the flower girl and ring bearer acting restless or distracting during the ceremony, it is a good idea to have them sit with their parents after they walk down the aisle. This way, they can fidget all they want without detracting from the ceremony.
One option is to have them sit in the front row with their parents. If the parents are in the bridal party, you can have the flower girl's mother stand on the end, making it easier for her to attend to the child if needed. Alternatively, the child can sit with their grandparents in the front row. If the child starts to percolate, someone should remove them so that guests can pay attention to the ceremony.
Another option is to have the flower girl and ring bearer sit in the second row with their parents after they walk down the aisle. This works especially well if the parents are sitting on the aisle, so the child can just slide in.
If the flower girl and ring bearer are old enough, they can also stand with the bridal party during the ceremony. If they get antsy, they can be passed off to the parent who is sitting down.
Attaching Rings to the Ring Bearer Pillow
You may want to see also
The flower girl and ring bearer stand with their parents after walking down the aisle
The flower girl and ring bearer are often some of the youngest members of the wedding party, typically between the ages of three and eight years old. While their presence in the wedding ceremony adds a level of unpredictability, they are also a fun tradition and can be included in a few different ways.
If the flower girl and ring bearer's parents are in the wedding party, the children can stand with them at the front after walking down the aisle. Alternatively, they can start the ceremony standing with the parent in the bridal party and then be passed off to the other parent if they get antsy. If the parents are divorced, the child can stand with the parent who is in attendance.
If the parents are not in the wedding party, the children can sit with them in the front row after walking down the aisle. This way, if they get fidgety, they can be removed so as not to distract from the ceremony. However, some couples may prefer to have the children sit with their parents in the second row, especially if the parents are sitting on the aisle, so it is not a big deal for them to slide in.
It is important to remember that children acting like children are to be expected, and their quirkiness is what makes them so cute. Including them in the wedding rehearsal can help to avoid situations where they get overwhelmed or scared, and it is a good idea to have a backup plan in case of stage fright.
Ring Bearer: A Wedding Role Explained
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The flower girl and ring bearer can stand in front of their parents during the ceremony. If they are too young to walk, they can be pulled down the aisle in a wagon or carried by their parents.
The flower girl and ring bearer can enter before or after the wedding party. If they enter before the wedding party, they can lead the way and walk down the aisle ahead of everyone else. If they enter after the wedding party, they can walk down the aisle just before the bride.
It is normal for children to feel nervous or overwhelmed during the processional. To help them feel more comfortable, it is a good idea to include them in the wedding rehearsal so they can meet the other members of the wedding party and familiarize themselves with the surroundings.
If the flower girl and ring bearer need to sit down during the ceremony, they can sit with their parents or in a designated area for children.
If the flower girl and ring bearer are nervous about walking down the aisle alone, they can walk with their parents or with each other.