The worlds of bridal, bridesmaid and wedding dressing have seen an influx of popularity in recent years; bridal fashion weeks are now covered and broadcast globally, and top fashion magazines heavily feature wedding designers in their glossy pages. One crucial part of the wedding day, however, is the flower girls.
Unlike traditional bridesmaids, flower girls tend to be a little younger and so have less responsibility, as befitting their age, but this can sometimes lead to confusion as to what the roles require.
What are flower girls and where did they come from?
Flower girls have been an important part of weddings for a long time, and such traditions can be traced back centuries.
One legend tells it that the ancient Roman equivalent was to have young maidens carrying sheaves of wheat during the ceremony; as a symbol of prosperity and fertility, it was believed that they would bring the bride and groom good fortune in their life together.
Then later on in the Renaissance period, flower girls were said to have even carried strings of garlic, believing that it would ward off evil spirits and bad luck from the marriage.
Finally, the Victorian period brings us to a version of flower girls which is perhaps most familiar to our modern concept. Dresses would usually be white with either a sash of coloured satin or silk, and the girls would carry a basket of flowers or a floral hoop, to represent the wedding ring and the idea that love has no end.
In a traditional wedding ceremony, flower girls (usually under the age of 9) are often members of the bride or groom’s family or extended family and walk down the aisle with the ring bearer or page boy.
A flower girl will scatter flower petals on the floor before the bride walks down the aisle and is one of the first people seen in the procession, so her appearance and significance is of the utmost importance.
A flower girl’s gown usually bears some resemblance to the bride’s own wedding dress but you can approach flower girl dressing from a range of perspectives and put your own unique spin on it.
Also, depending on the age of the flower girl, and her own personal taste and style, you may want to adapt accordingly. For example, younger girls may want to be dressed in something freer and more flowing for ease and comfort, whereas slightly older flower girls may want something more sophisticated and stylish.
It can be hard to choose something that’s exactly right for such a momentous occasion, so that’s why we’ve created this quick fix guide to solve any doubts you may be having. A flower girl’s duties in detail.
Toddlers
Flower girls are usually on the younger end of the spectrum; it gives them a fantastic opportunity to be involved with something exciting and memorable while also giving them a bit of responsibility. Dressing these younger girls though can sometimes be tricky as they can come in a variety of heights, shapes and sizes… One woman’s experience of being a flower girl.
It’s important to remember they don’t just need to wear a miniature copy of the bride’s dress; there are plenty of options that won’t limit you. Choosing a gown with cream in it is one way of interpreting the typical flower girl trait of coordinating with the bride.
A little less harsh than white, cream can be mixed and matched with a range of colours so that you can throw your own twist on things and keep your outfit original and unique. Though the flower girl role is only a small one, it’s nice for younger girls to feel important and allow them to stand out if they wish.
One top piece of advice though when it comes to toddlers or younger girls is to keep things simple. Children can be unpredictable, and there’s no way of knowing how they may behave or react when on the aisle in front of a large audience, so the simpler and more comfortable the outfit, the better. You could even take a less traditional approach, and pair a white or pastel coloured leotard with a plain tulle skirt of the same shade over the top for a look that is refined, yet elegant.
Furthermore, accessories or decorative elements may also be limited, as it’s just another thing to worry about unnecessarily. You don’t want to overload your little one with too much ‘stuff’, as it can cause discomfort or fuss.
If you want to opt for something small, however, choose something like a simple barrette or hair clip; it keeps the hair neat and out of the face, and tops off an outfit perfectly, especially one that is relatively plain.
This hair clip has just the right amount of sparkle without being too much:
Older Girls
For those of you slightly older flower girls, perhaps up to 9 or 10, you may want to branch out a bit and choose to experiment with your outfit. Since flower girls traditionally wear something that is similar to the bride, it is highly likely that you’ll be wearing a shade of white, or off-white, or another hue which is pale in colour. The simplicity of this colour palette allows you to experiment more with things like texture, shape and colour, which younger girls may not appreciate or enjoy so much.
For example, gowns with metallic shimmers in golds and silvers are the perfect way to demonstrate maturity and elegance. Features such as intricate and delicate embroidery, layered skirts, and tulle petticoats in combination will ensure all eyes are on you as you walk down the aisle.
Additionally, things like high ruffled necklines and cap sleeves create head-to-toe perfection for a look that is fully thought-out and curated. You could also add hair accessories in a similar shade to really show off and maximise your outfit’s potential.
If shimmer tones aren’t what you’re looking for, opt instead to play with textures for a subtle and understated vibe. Textures are perfect for those of you who prefer a simplistic approach to dressing – and remember, you don’t want to upstage the bride! This is a fantastic way to add another layer of dimension, yet in a refined, classy way.
Soft, lightly textured fabrics are delicate and easy, so it would suit all ages of flower girls and its benefits don’t stop there. For younger flower girls in the 3-6 category, the simplicity is itself enough, however for older girls it provides the perfect blank slate to accessorize with.
Right now, the accessory market is booming, and there are endless new ways to incorporate these outfit finishers into your flower girl outfit. We’ve raved about the popularity of headbands earlier this summer, and they certainly haven’t gone anywhere. From high-street giants like Zara, to high-end designers like Prada, headbands are the number one way right now to ensure your flower girl style is on-trend.
For example, this ivory floral headband is just one way you can perfect your flower girl outfit. The ivory velvet ribbon is keeping in check with the colour scheme and the likelihood that you’ll be coordinating to some extent with the bride, while the selection of floral embellishments, jewels and pearl details are a nod to your role and also give that high-fashion couture look. Although you can definitely make headbands an everyday accessory, this piece is undoubtedly for a special occasion and will give you the confidence needed for your big moment.
However you choose to style your flower girl outfit, remember to have fun and enjoy the big moment. The day is all about celebration and positivity, so whatever you wear, wear it with a smile and let it give you the confidence you need to fulfil your role.