Flower Girl 101: Everything You Need to Know
Today, we’re talking flower girls: the charming, show-stealing, and sometimes nerve-racking young ladies responsible for signaling the bride’s entrance as she prepares to walk down the aisle.
Being asked to serve as the flower girl at a wedding is an honor! But typically, the recipient of this honor isn’t aware of just how big the responsibility is – which makes sense, considering most of them range from three to eight years of age.
A flower girl has become a staple of traditional wedding ceremonies, yet no one seems to talk about the offer itself and what to do after you’ve secured a flower girl.
If you’re thinking about including one of these fancy floral tots in your wedding party, here’s the 4-1-1 on all things flower girl!
The Role of the Flower Girl
A flower girl appears in the wedding processional. She follows the last bridesmaid, typically appearing just before the bride.
She has the simple yet essential task of adorning the aisle. In most cases, she scatters flower petals, hence the name. Traditionally, this symbolized a blessing of fertility to the new couple. However, modern-day flower girls have been known to blow bubbles, throw confetti, scatter glitter, or even carry balloons!
In fact, you don’t even need to have a flower girl if you don’t want to. Simple weddings, or trending “micro-weddings”, may not have a ring bearer or flower girl at all.
If you choose to have a flower girl, the expected age range is between three and eight years. Brides sometimes choose younger or older girls, keeping in mind little ones might need a helping hand.
On occasion, modern brides might not want a flower girl, but they don’t want to forgo the role altogether. We are in love with the creativity brides have shown in this scenario! Everything from grandmas to bow-tie-wearing bulldogs have made their way down the aisle.
Whatever you decide, the position of the flower girl is an important one that you’ll want to devote some careful thought and planning to.
Choosing a Flower Girl
Unfortunately, like most wedding roles, choosing a flower girl isn’t always easy. Sometimes, brides get lucky and have only one niece, or their bestie has a daughter of the perfect age. Other times, brides wish they could simply close their eyes and point instead of choosing which friend or family member gets the honor. And it is almost always the bride’s choosing – this isn’t a responsibility you can assign to the groom.
More often than not, the flower girl is someone related to the bride or groom. It can be a niece, a cousin, or a sibling. Best friends of the couple who have a young child may also be an option. However, you’ll likely want to be familiar and friendly with the kiddo before selecting them.
You can have more than one flower girl, as long as everyone plays nicely. And therein lies perhaps the most critical factor. She can be cute, and just the perfect age, but absolutely don’t forget to consider the bigger picture – your wedding ceremony. You want the flower girl to steal the show, but in a good way.
If you don’t think your niece will be willing, or if your little cousin will make a huge scene, it may not be worth it to attempt to force them into the role. It’s a tricky situation to be in as the parent of the child may hold the expectation that their kiddo will be given the honor. However, it is ultimately your big day. Don’t add unneeded pressure and stress by offering the role to a child who may not want it or handle the responsibility appropriately. Our advice? Be open and honest. Your family or best friend should always understand.
How Old Should a Flower Girl Be?
The traditional answer is between three and eight. Some brides operate under the rule “old enough to do the job, but no older than 10”. Others toss the rule book out the window and do whatever they want!
As mentioned, it is your big day. Keep your expectations in mind when choosing a flower girl.
If you want her to walk down the aisle on her best behavior, perfectly scattering petals, then it would be wise to choose someone mature enough to handle the responsibility.
Suppose you’re purely going for the cuteness factor or including a specific friend or family member. In that case, you could choose a two-year-old who may or may not throw flowers.
Along that same vein, if you genuinely have someone you want to be in the wedding, but they’re over ten, consider making them a junior bridesmaid. A junior bridesmaid can complete many of the same duties as a bridesmaid. In most cases, they walk down the aisle before the other bridesmaids and stand at the end of the group at the altar.
How Many Flower Girls Can I Have?
One, two, three…the more, the merrier! It can be so hard to choose from your family and close friends. To avoid playing favorites, a bride may choose to have more than one flower girl. Not only can this appease everyone, but the flower girls may feel less pressure and have more fun on the big day!
What Does a Flower Girl Wear?
A flower girl dress usually matches either the bride’s wedding dress or the bridal party’s dresses. It’s wise to match the flower girl dress to the general formality and color scheme of the rest of the wedding party. This goes for accessories and decor (like a flower basket) too.
You want the flower girl to draw your guests’ attention for the right reasons and certainly not because they stand out too much. Nevertheless, it’s hard to go wrong with your pick, thanks to the super cute selection of dresses available. Take a look at some of our favorites below!
Who Pays for The Flower Girls Dress?
Thankfully, the flower girl’s dress shouldn’t affect your budget. It’s typically covered by the girl’s parents. On occasion, the bride might choose to pay for the dress depending on who the flower girl is related to.
Should I Get My Flower Girls a Gift?
It’s a nice gesture, but it isn’t commonly expected. Lately, it’s trendy to give bridesmaids a “bridesmaid proposal box” full of goodies and a card asking them if they’ll be your bridesmaid. A bride might want to do the same for the flower girl, choosing age-appropriate gifts.
Another option is to give the flower girl a small gift before the ceremony as encouragement. If you do decide to give the special young lady a gift, there are lots of options!
Flower Girl Dresses
One of the most essential parts of the flower girl role is the dress. Little girl dresses are cute on their own, but unique details make these wedding day choices positively adorable.
1. Ivory Tulle Flower Girl Dress
by Etsy: OLODesigns
A modest and simple top paired with a billowing tulle skirt has “elegant” written all over it.
The pearl detailing around the collar and down the back is very glamorous without being over the top. It can easily be dressed up with a sweater for a winter wedding or left sleeveless. Choose from a variety of colors!
2. Ball Gown/Princess Flower Girl Dress
by JJ’s House
If you’re looking for something as fancy and formal as the bride’s princess ball gown, this dress is a stunning pick.
A full-length skirt has just enough volume and works beautifully with the lace-embellished bodice. Delicate flowers trail from the neckline to the skirt for an extra-special detail. Available in various shades of ivory and pink, it will suit an array of color schemes.
3. Chiffon Flower Girl Jumpsuit
We are living for this adorable flower girl jumpsuit!
It’s fun, modern, and comfortable. Your flower girl won’t have a problem strutting her stuff down the aisle in this fashion-forward ensemble. Gentle pleating and a modest v-neck add a little sass to this total power suit!
4. Champagne Cup Sleeve Dress
by Etsy: PinkPeonyByKaterina
This dress is the perfect balance of class and girly style.
Cup sleeves and a simple high neck bodice are sophisticated while a short, cupcake-style tulle skirt is fun and fancy-free. You can choose to add floral accessories and a voluminous, lush bow in the back. The all-over look is perfect for a young girl celebrating a loved one’s big day.
5. Boho Flower Girl Dress
by Etsy: YAGODKABoutique
Bohemian brides will adore this free-spirited flower girl dress.
Its classic asymmetrical hem mirrors popular boho bridal gowns. The ruffled neckline and simple gauzy cotton structure are ideal for a beach wedding. It includes a lovely simple belt, but it would pair well with a flower crown, illusion sandals, and almost any other accessory.
6. Tulle Dress with Colored Petals
A satin bodice with wide straps and a high neckline is modest and sophisticated. A tulle bubble-hem skirt gently billows out. At first glance, this dress is the epitome of classic flower girl style – until you take in the eye-catching detail along the hem!
The mesh skirt is filled with flower petals to everyone’s delight and surprise! You can choose from a variety of petal colors to perfectly match your bridal party’s palette.
7. Halli Dress
by BHLDN
The littlest member of your bridal party will love twirling in this cute gown, and you’ll love its fine feminine details.
Layers of ruffles add movement and volume as your flower girl waltzes down the aisle. Dainty floral embellishments make for the loveliest accents. The dress’s soft white color and knee-length hemline round out its perfectly darling features.
8. Sage Green Linen Dress
by Etsy: LissiKids
If you’re looking for a unique dress with a striking balance of rustic and formal, this linen gown is a great pick.
It combines traditional formal elements, like a cupcake skirt and poofed sleeves attached to a simple bodice. Yet, its linen construction is the epitome of boho, making it well suited to rustic, casual weddings. A deep-V in the back adds a touch of visual interest and is secured with two darling little buttons.
9. Floral Lace Dress
Floral is so fitting for a flower girl, and this dress has plenty!
Delicate floral lace covers this dress, from capped sleeves to tea-length hem. Additional lace with an eyelet design has been carefully added to trim the dress’s waist, neckline, and hem, giving it a bit of structure. We love the lightweight, easy-to-wear design of this gorgeous frock.
Flower Girl Baskets
If there is one accessory a flower girl needs, it is something to carry her flower petals (or glitter or confetti, etc.) in. We’ve lined up a few of our favs below.
1. Wire Flower Girl Basket
by Etsy: raggawedding
Rustic, woodland, and barn weddings…this lovely wire basket fits many venues. Paired with a lush, satin floral arrangement, it is the epitome of casual and cute!
2. Rustic Metal Flower Basket
This bronze wire basket is another excellent rustic choice. It’s a bit simpler, adorned with a bough or artificial greenery making it perfect for a casual outdoor wedding.
3. Woven Flower Girl Basket
by Etsy: raggawedding
This lovely basket can be dressed up or down. Its woven willow creates the ideal backdrop for a floral arrangement of your choosing. Or, go au naturel for a pared-down look.
4. Rustic Birch Flower Girl Basket
by Etsy: TheBashfulBride
Unique and breathtaking, a rustic birch flower girl basket is eye-catching and versatile. You have your choice of two sizes and either a dark or white birch base. Fill it up with petals, and it will be the most dreamy accessory for your woodland wedding.
5. Crocheted Lace Flower Girl Basket
by Etsy: whichgoose
Wood and wire aren’t the only two materials available for flower girl baskets. Just take a look at this charming crocheted lace basket! It’s lightweight, positively gorgeous, and open with different ribbon colors.
6. Satin Flower Basket
by Lillian Rose
This satin flower girl basket is very fitting for formal, elegant weddings. Its ornate shape wrapped in white satin and outfitted with delicate bows encompasses traditional flower girl formal fashion. Its particular shape also makes it super easy for your little lady to reach in and grab a handful of blooms.
7. Clear Acrylic Flower Girl Basket
by Etsy: TrendingTableTops
Clear acrylic has been making waves in the wedding world, used for everything from chairs to signs to flower baskets. This contemporary “box basket” is finished with a colorful ribbon of your choosing and can even be personalized with a name. As a bonus, you can gift it to your flower girl to use as storage in her room after the big day!
Flower (Girl) Power!
Whoever you choose to be your flower girl has a big responsibility, but we bet she’ll knock it out of the park! With the right flower girl dress and the perfect flower basket, she’ll be equipped to adorably set the stage for your grand wedding entrance.
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Megan Moore
Megan’s wedding experience began over a decade ago when planning her dream ceremony. Since then, three kids have been added to the mix. Megan wholeheartedly embraces all things baby, childhood, and family. When she isn’t writing or chasing little ones you can find her running, hiking, or reading.
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