A flower girl is part of a wedding procession, bearing a special relation to the bride and groom. Because very young children may become overwhelmed by the duties, and older girls may feel insulted by a “baby” role, the recommended age for a flower girl is usually between four and eight years of age. The flower girl walks down the aisle behind the bride, either before or after the maid of honor, and carries a basket of flowers, scattering them down the aisle.
There may be one or several flower girls, especially if the bride has young relatives to honor. The concept of the flower girl is commonly witnessed at British royal weddings, or at exquisite weddings modeled after them.
The male equivalent of the flower girl is the ring bearer or a page boy. Usually, the ring bearer and the flower girl are dressed to appear like a couple, or they may wear miniature versions of the bride and groom’s clothes.
Generally, the flower girl walks ahead of the bride at the wedding party’s entrance procession. The flower girl may either shower flower petals on the floor or carry a bouquet of flowers or thorn less roses. Once the bride and groom are seated on the wedding stage, the young flower girl will sit down aside among the audience, with her parents. Alternatively, if the wedding ceremony is not scheduled to last very long, an older aged flower girl may stand quietly at the altar along with the other honor attendants.
In olden times, the clothing for the flower girl was provided by the families of the bride and groom. During modern times, however, it is expected of the parents of the flower girl to pay for her clothing as well as for other expenses that are entailed in her participation in the wedding procession.
Usually, the choice of a flower girl is obvious, but in other cases, it may be somewhat of a task in choosing among several possible candidates. It is perfectly alright to choose more than one flower girl – not only does this add to their confidence, and enhance the cuteness aspect of a wedding procession. It is advisable to avoid choosing a very young child to be a flower girl, for she may become scared and confused. On the other hand, a much older girl may be more suitable to be given a role of a reader or a junior bridesmaid. If at all it becomes impossible to choose a suitable flower girl, it is alright to do without one!
As indicated above, above a young flower girl may feel jittery during the wedding procession. It is advisable therefore to prepare her for her role beforehand. In order to boost a flower girl’s confidence, you may buy her a book about being a flower girl which will explain her role and pump her up with excitement. Additionally, you may seat the flower girl’s parents near the front of the aisle so that she can see them when she walks down the aisle and during the wedding ceremony. It is best to let a flower girl be herself, and appear naturally to be enjoying her role. This will seem attractive to the wedding guests and enhance the beauty of the wedding occasion!
