Flower Girl Tips

Including a flower girl in your bridal party is a charming experience. It can add a touch of childlike innocence to your ceremony. Everyone admires a little princess walking down the aisle followed by a stunning bride.

If there is a special little girl in your life she will no doubt be thrilled to play such an important role in your wedding.

However, being a flower girl can be fairly daunting for a young child.

What does the flower girl do?

Little girls understand that it’s a huge honor to be asked to be in a wedding.

Traditionally, an adorable little lady, aged three to eight, proceeds down the aisle just before the maid of honor, scattering rose petals along the bridal path. She follows the ring bearer (if there is one), and sometimes she will even precede the bride. However, keep in mind that some venues might not allow petals to be strewn on the floor. Your flower girl can simply carry a basket of flowers or a miniature bouquet instead.

Just remember that although flower girls under five years old are super-irresistible, they’re more unpredictable than their older counterparts and may need more adult supervision. Be mindful of your special little princesses.

Rehearsing with your flower girl

It’s traditional to invite your flower girls to any showers or other pre-wedding events (except, of course, the bachelorette party!). It’s also important to include the flower girl in the rehearsal.

Sit down with your flower girl and explain what you would like her to do on the day. Practice all the aspects of her special job with her so she feels very confident and excited about her role. If she is asked to carry the basket without any flowers being dropped on the floor, make sure this is also clear and easy for her.

Walking down the aisle may sound simple to you but your flower girl might feel differently about it – practice her processional pace together as well. Often, in the excitement of the moment you may find her hurtling headlong down the aisle. This is fine. The more you practice, the easier it will become for her.

Tips for coping with flower girl nerves:

• One of the best ways to help your flower girl to keep calm and happy is to have her parents or grandparents around. Try to place her family near the aisle so that she can see them as she walks along. They can smile and encourage her helping her feel positive and excited.

• Another great tip is to have your flower girl walk in front of the maid of honor instead of the bride. This means that the maid of honor can escort the flower girl if she gets last minute stage fright.

• If your flower girl doesn’t carry a basket or flowers, let her carry her favorite doll or teddy bear down the aisle. Little girls tend to be much braver with a teddy by their side. And it is even cuter!

• Having two flower girls walking together, or inviting a page boy to walk with her, can really increase your flower girls’ confidence.

• Make sure your flower girl has met all the key people of the wedding so all the faces are familiar to her. Make sure you spend at least a few minutes with her before the ceremony so she feels she is a special part of your day.

• Reward your flower girl with a little gift and a hug. Always make sure she is happy with the role and feeling special. It is special day for everyone indeed!