The tradition of the flower girl has been around for a long time. Back to the days of the Roman Empire, flower girls carried sheaves of wheat and bouquets of herbs, showering the bride’s path. This represented the hope that the couple would be able to make little humans of their own one day, just like the one preceding the bride on her wedding day.
As time progressed, the interpretation of this tradition got a little looser around the Elizabethan era. The flower girl still represented a symbol of hope, but was more so meant to represent a younger, more innocent version of the bride before she became an adult.
While flower girls are not a necessity for your big day, they are a common tradition. If you are a bride looking to keep the tradition but put your own spin on it, here are a few ideas for you!
What is a Flower Girl?
📷 Lindsay Clark Photography
A flower girl is typically the youngest lady (average 3-8 years old) in the wedding party who proceeds the bride down the aisle. As she walks down the aisle, she prepares the way for the bride by tossing flower petals as she walks toward the alter. The flower girl typically wears a dress to mimic the bride or the bridesmaid’s dresses.
Alternate People for the Role:
Flower Grannies
The idea is to ask a grandmother(s) to replace the flower girl at your wedding. This idea gives the matriarch of your family more of a honorary way to enter the ceremony, aside from just being escorted in. Additionally, to follow old tradition, your Flower Granny is literally preparing the way for your on your wedding day, just as she did for your life in general.
Bridesmaids/Maid of Honor Drop Petals
As a bride, if you would still like the aisle prepared for you before you walk down it, but would like to skip the young girl aspect, simply ask your bridal party (who will already be walking down the aisle) to toss a few petals as they go.
Junior Bridesmaid
Perhaps you and your future husband have a young lady in your life who you would like to fulfill this role, but she’s a bit too old. Instead of making her your Flower Girl, ask her to be a Junior Bridesmaid. She still can walk down the aisle before you, and even toss petals if you would like her to. This way her title matches her age, and she still gets to be a part of your special day.
Petal Pets
We know you have them! Dogs (or even other pets) could fulfill the role of your Flower Girl. Just don’t forget it’s probably wise to have a human escort your Petal Pet down the aisle.
📷 Cameron Thompson Photography
Alternate Items for the “Flower Girl” to Carry:
Sign
Pennants
Framed Photo
Mini Bouquets
Kisses
Ribbon Wands
Balloons
Bubble Wand
Vows
Confetti
Pinwheels
Sources: BRIDES.COM, INFINITY HOSPITALITY, The Inspired Bride