Planning A Wedding: Flower Girls And Ring Bearers

While most of the people involved in weddings are adults, there are two very important roles for little ones. What wedding is complete with out flower girls and ring bearers? Choosing flower girls and ring bearers is a great way to incorporate the younger members of your family in this special occasion. If youre planning a wedding and looking for some ideas for your flower girls and ring bearers, take a look at this simple overview.

The Flower Girl

The flower girl is usually between three and eight years old. She walks up the aisle right before the bride, typically leaving a trail of flower petals behind her. Traditionally, the flower girl was a symbol of good luck. The more flower girls, the more luck was bestowed on the bridal couple.

The flower girl dress usually complements both the bridal gown and the bridesmaid dresses. Some flower girl dresses are even miniature versions of the bridal gown. The flower girl basket can be made out of a variety of fabrics and materials and is designed in a way that is fresh and dainty, with trailing ribbons, flowers and even butterflies.

The Ring Bearer

Another little show stealer is the ring bearer. Ring bearers play a very symbolic role in the wedding ceremony dating back to the Victorian era and beyond. The symbolism of the wedding rings speaks of the continuous flow of love with no beginning and no end.

Typically, the ring bearer is a little boy between four and eight years old. However, as wedding traditions and conventions fall to the wayside, a ring bearer can be a little girl, or there could be two, one from each side of the family and each carrying a ring. The ring is attached securely to a pretty cushion or pillow and the ring bearer walks ahead or next to the flower girl, but behind the bridesmaids.

Comfort, Practicality and Preparation

Considering their age, comfort and practicality for both the flower girl and ring bearer is crucial. Kids get agitated very easily, and if their outfits are scratchy, stiff or uncomfortable they wont hesitate to let you know, no matter where they are. So its important to look for soft fabrics and suits and dresses that arent confining. In the case of the flower girl, the length of her dress should be appropriate for her age. Very young flower girls are apt to trip over a long dress while older girls can cope with them better.

Shoes should be comfortable too. Its a good idea to have your flower girls and ring bearers wear the shoes the day before the wedding to get used to them. Of course, youll want to spot clean them before the little ones hit the aisle on the big day.

Most little girls and boys will be hugely excited about their role in your wedding, but its not uncommon for them to experience a case of nerves. Thats why its important to talk to them about the day and let them know what to expect. Its also a good idea to let them know that theyll be separated from their parents a few brief times throughout the day. They should both be included in the wedding rehearsal, and have their roles explained clearly. Many children have never been to a wedding and the grandeur and large crowd may intimidate them, so try to prepare them beforehand. Keep it fun and simple, and allow them to ask as many questions as possible.

At the rehearsals, allow them to practice walking down the aisle, the flower girl with a mock basket and the ring bearer with a mock pillow.

Remember that kids get bored easily, so before the ceremony they should not stand in the receiving line. Instead they should remain with their parents or under adult supervision until they are needed. You will also want to do this is for the sake of keeping their outfits pristine.

During the wedding ceremony itself, it is not necessary that they stand. They can be seated and rejoin the bridal party after the I dos have been said. To cut down on fidgeting or nerves, get them excited about their role, but let them take a nap beforehand.

Thank You Gifts

It is not unusual to bestow your little attendants with a gift to say thank you. These gifts are usually presented by the bride and groom at the reception. Gifts should be age appropriate and something that serves as a keepsake later on. Giving a small girl a bunch of flowers may seem appropriate but she probably wont appreciate them as much as someone older. Choose something you can personalize with an inscription, yet something that is functional and can be used.