Congratulations – your daughter is a flower girl! Now what are you supposed to do? Being the parent of the most adorable wedding attendant means you have duties, too. Here’s the top line info you need to know:
THE DRESS:
Start collecting your pennies because traditionally the flower girl’s parents pay for her dress and accessories. Selecting the style is up to the bride, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t offer her guidance, especially if she’s not experienced buying children’s clothing. You don’t want your size 6 child to end up with a size 4 dress, no matter how cute the gown may be.
PRE-WEDDING EVENTS:
As a member of the wedding party, the flower girl can expect invitations to all the fun festivities surrounding the wedding: bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, brunches, etc. The one exception: the hen's party. Thankfully, that one is usually held way past her bedtime.
THE REHEARSAL:
Even if she’s worn a hole in your carpet from all her practicing, it’s important for the flower girl to attend the official wedding rehearsal. There she’ll meet everyone involved in the ceremony and will feel like part of the team. The person running the rehearsal will give the flower girl her marching orders, or rather, what is expected of her as she walks down the aisle. Hopefully, all this will help to ease her anxiety and get her excited for the big day.
THE DAY OF THE WEDDING:
Don’t be late! The bride may request that the flower girl arrive early along with the rest of the wedding party. Unfortunately, this could make for a very long and tiring day. Be sure to bring stain proof, low sugar snacks and activities to keep her entertained, like the
PICTURES:
She’ll be all smiles, if you both are prepared. The flower girl should be included in the formal portraits, which may be taken before and/or after the ceremony. The picture taking process can be long and laborious (it’s tough being a model!), so explain to your child that she will be expected to smile, pose nicely, and follow all the photographer’s requests. Keep hair products on hand for touch ups.
THE PROCESSIONAL:
It’s time for her to strut her stuff. Traditionally, the flower girl follows the ring bearer down the aisle and precedes the maid of honor, but it’s also appropriate for the flower girl to make her entrance right before the bride. She might be asked to toss petals from a basket, hand flowers to guests, carry a bouquet, or perform some other creative task. The goal is for her to make it to the end of the aisle, and most importantly, look cute while doing it.
DURING THE CEREMONY:
To sit or stand, that is the question – and you are probably the best person to answer. After the flower girl completes her walk down the aisle, she can sit with a relative in the front or stand with the rest of the wedding party. You will know which option works best for your child, so be sure to suggest it to the bride. At the end of the ceremony, the flower girl walks back up the aisle in front of the maid of honor.
THE RECEPTION:
It’s party time…but first some formalities. The flower girl is not required to stand in the receiving line, but she may be officially introduced along with the rest of the wedding party. Rather than sit at the head table for the meal, the flower girl dines with her parents. By this point in the wedding, you and your daughter have completed your duties. You did it! Feel free to grab a piece of wedding cake, kick it on the dance floor, and ENJOY!
