Hello, loves! Today we’re answering an Ask Emmaline wedding advice question from bride-to-be, Ashley, who asks, “What Does a Flower Girl Do?” Here’s her full question…
“Dear Emmaline, My niece is six years old and I want her to be my flower girl. She (and her mom) accepted, but now what? What does a flower girl do? Does a flower girl toss anything other than petals? What age is best for the flower girl? Thanks!”
Great question, Ashley (P.S. Six years old is a perfect age for a flower girl). Read on to find out what a flower girl does, the proper age for a flower girl, what she can toss, what to carry, and more!
What Does a Flower Girl Do?
For starters, let’s answer the first question: what does a flower girl do? Traditionally, the flower girl’s role is to scatter petals down the aisle before the bride. That’s it! (Petals aren’t required; see the list below for alternative ideas.) The key is to make her feel comfortable with her role and have realistic expectations. The flower girl may have stage freight, so if she ends up backing out, don’t sweat it. The perfect age for a flower girl is typically between three and eight years old. To ensure your flower girl has fun in her newly appointed role, here are a few tips:
Flower Girl Tips
o Practice with her at the dress rehearsal so she knows where to go and what to do. We recommend giving her a flower girl book to read before the big day, which helps her to visualize what she needs to do.
o Make sure she’s comfortable in her dress (nothing too itchy!).
Look for breathable fabrics in the summer such as cotton or linen. This cute dress from Engla-Charlotta Shop is made with soft linen to keep her extra comfy!
In the winter, make sure she’s warm with something heavier (like satin or many layers of tulle). Perhaps pick a flower girl dress with sleeves:
Or add a sweater or bolero:
o Make sure her shoes are super comfortable (and cute), too. Nothing too tight!
o Strength in numbers! Have her walk down with another flower girl (or the ring bearer) to make her less nervous.
o Too young to toss petals? Have her walk down the aisle holding a teddy bear or doll. We spotted this adorable rag doll over at Piggy Hates Panda as one suggestion:
Also, have her mom, dad, or another familiar face waiting for her at the end of the aisle!
o Make a fuss Flower girls deserve a little fuss (i.e. ask her to be your flower girl, tell her all about the exciting day, and tell her about the beautiful dress she gets to wear.
o Get her acquainted with the wedding party by including her in the bridal shower and the day-of wedding prep. Seeing familiar faces will boost her confidence level.
o If she gets upset… before it’s her turn to walk (or she wants to back out), accept it and move on. It’s really not a big deal in the grand scheme of things. It’s more important that she stays happy and has fun.
o Give an (age-appropriate) gift to say thank you.
These hair pins are one such gift by KimArt.
Surprise her by placing these hair pins inside this cute little bag, like this one by Mama Bleu Designs. It even features her name in script embroidery!
Does a Flower Girl Have to Toss Petals?
The flower girl doesn’t have to toss petals, nor does she have to carry a basket. Here are a few clever handmade flower girl ideas:
o Banner
If the flower girl is old enough, she can carry a ‘here comes the bride’ banner (solo or with another flower girl or the ring bearer).
o Rosettes
These pink rosettes are handmade by Belle Rose Designs and, although they’re meant to be added to accessories, we think they’d be fun as tossing flowers (to be picked up and kept afterward).
o Wand
Flower girl wands: how fun! Carrying a wand is a great alternative to petals, especially if your venue prohibits it.
o Flower Girl Purse
The flower girl will love to carry this burlap bag down the aisle. Fill with petals for tossing.
o Flower Girl Pail
If you do plan to toss petals, this flower girl pail is one fantastic place to hold ’em.
o Wire Basket of Flowers
Another alternative to tossing petals: have her carry a bouquet. The flower girl simply carries the bouquet in the wire basket down the aisle. No tossing required.
o Mini Bouquet
Small hands require a small bouquet. This sola bouquet is perfect! By Curious Crafts.
o Kissing Ball
A kissing ball – a ball of flowers held together – is easy for the flower girl to carry with a ribbon handle. Also by Curious Crafts.
Flower Girl Gift Ideas
As a thank you for being your flower girl, make sure to give a flower girl gift she’ll love! Consider a heart necklace with her initial, like this one by Mignon and Mignon:
Or a cool flower girl hoodie (by Deighan Design):
Or this personalized flower girl bracelet (by Fashion Jewelry Foreve):
+ For more flower girl gift ideas, check out The Flower Girl Handkerchief and 9 Cute Flower Girl Gift Ideas.
Does a Flower Girl Have to Wear White?
Traditionally the flower girl would wear a dress that borrowed characteristics of the bride’s dress (same color, a touch of lace, similar material, etc.) Today, that’s not necessarily the case: the flower girl can wear any color and any type of flower girl dress or flower girl tutu you wish. You can find more flower girl accessories on Etsy.
Happy Planning!
♥
-E.
