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Those Darling Children!

Typically the flower girl or ring bearer is a young girl or boy between the ages of 4 and 8 who has a special connection to the bride and groom. They could be a niece or cousin, or a family friend. Sometimes they follow behind the bridesmaids (sometimes before and sometimes after the maid of honor) with their basket of flower petals or a pillow with the ring tied to it.

How to Choose
For some of you, the choice will be obvious. Others may have to worry about choosing between several possible candidates. There’s no reason why you can’t have two flower girls – it will add to their confidence and ups the cuteness quotient. Of course, we recommend just one ring bearer! Avoid choosing someone who is too young – she will be confused and perhaps scared. An older girl may be more suited for a job such as reader or junior bridesmaid. If your only choices are unsuitable or not that close to you, there is no reason why you have to have a flower girl. Remember, this is your day and the less stress the better.

Preparing Children for the Role
To help comfort the child, consider seating her parents on the aisle, near the front so that they can see them when they walk down the aisle and during the ceremony itself. Ask a bridesmaid to be their “buddy” and make sure their “buddy” or parent has them use the restroom before the ceremony. Most of all, don’t be too nervous that they will make a mistake. When small children make mistakes, it’s cute.

Often, a flower girl is dressed in a mini-version of the bride’s dress, or a white dress with a sash that matches the bridesmaid’s dresses. But you can choose any sweet dress that ties into the look of the wedding. Make sure it’s comfortable and not too long, so that she won’t be pulling at her dress or tripping down the aisle. If your flower girl doesn’t like dresses, choose a pants outfit with the same level of formality as the bridesmaid dresses. For the ring bearer, it’s typically a tux similar to the groomsmen, but a dress shirt and pants and bow-tie can be just as cute and much less clothes for the young boy to worry with.

Photographs Courtesy of Larry Sengbush Photography