Flower Girl Dresses for Formal Wedding Ceremonies

Of all the roles involved in a wedding, few are as adorable as the flower girl. This little lady, usually between the ages of 4 and 8 years old, has a big role to play in the wedding ceremony. Flower girls are most often members of the bride's or groom's family, but feel free to invite the daughter of a good friend, too. And if it comes to choosing between siblings for the role, you can always have more than one flower girl.



The concept of a flower girl started with royal or very formal weddings. At those weddings, there were often multiple flower girls and usually included at least one male counterpart? The page who carried the train or the ring bearer. Today's flower girl usually walks in front of the bride, casting flower petals on the floor where the bride will walk. It's not a difficult job, but it is one that adds a nice family touch to the ceremony.


Once her walk up the aisle is over, the flower girl will usually go sit with her parents. But she will be back in action as part of the recessional with the wedding party and she is certain to be included in the photographs. For all this, a flower girl needs a very special dress.

Dresses are usually a child-appropriate version of the bridesmaids' dresses? Matching the color and the style worn by the bridesmaids. Alternatively, they can be lovely white dresses that mimic the wedding dress itself. A third option is a white gown with a satin sash in the color of the bridal party. The bride will select the flower girl's dress. Some points to consider include:

• Age of the flower girl
• Ease of matching the flower girl's dress to the bridesmaids' gown
• Coordinating outfits with the ring bearer. Would you prefer they both wear white? or do you want miniature versions of the wedding party with a colorful dress for the flower girl and a tuxedo for the ring bearer?

If you decide the flower girl should wear a miniature wedding dress, you will find a wide range of choices for between $90 and $150. You will probably want to pick a dress that matches the formality of the bridal gown. A simple model is a lace tank dress that falls about mid-calf. This shorter length is less formal and would work well at an outdoor ceremony. For a more formal ceremony, there are plenty of floor-length dresses for flower girls, like a tiered tulle gown, a chiffon baby doll dress with spaghetti straps or a satin A-line gown with beaded metallic embroidery.

If you opt for a colorful flower girl, you will find dresses ranging from about $40 to $120. An all-over satin tea-length ball gown with a wide satin sash and wide spaghetti straps is available in 26 colors. With this range of colors, you are bound to find a dress that comes close to the shade of your bridesmaids' dresses.

For a less formal look, consider a tank strap cotton satin dress with a self tie bow in the back. This tea-length dress is available in 26 colors as well. If you're trying to match a romantic style wedding dress, consider a short-sleeved, crinkle chiffon dress with an empire waist and beaded ribbon sash. It is available in 20 styles.

Don't forget about the third option? A white gown with color accents. You will find detachable satin sashes with a wide bow in the back for about $10. They are worn over a white dress and are available in 26 different colors. You might also choose a satin sash embellished with beading in more than two dozen colors.

If you want more than just a colored sash, some flower girl dresses are predominantly white or ivory, with wide panels of color on the bodice and at the hem. The panels come in a variety of colors, and the dress is available in white or ivory.

If this is your first time as the mother of a flower girl, keep in mind:

• Most flower girl dresses start at size 2 toddler and run up to size 8 to 14. If you need a larger size, check out junior bridesmaid dresses.
• The cost of the flower girl's dress is usually borne by her parents. If cost is a concern, remember that you can purchase a white dress and the satin sash separately. This way, the dress can be used again by another flower girl. Just purchase a new sash that matches the next wedding party.
• If you're worried about your little girl handling her duties, encourage her to practice at home, walking up the hallway.
• If holding a bouquet is too much for your little one, put flowers in her hair instead of her hands.

With these helpful tips, your flower girl will be the cherry on top of a picture perfect wedding ceremony.