Formalizing Your Flower Girl
Most little girls given the honor of being a flower girl for a formal wedding, due to their young age, have never before experienced the focus of attention, or the formalized expectation for good behavior that comes part and parcel with the honor.
One way to help your little attendant feel more comfortable in her role is to ensure that she feels comfortable in her dress. Whether it is styled after the bride's gown, the bridesmaids, or in a class all its own, making sure the dress is made of cotton, silk or some other soft and supple fabric and is a length that will allow the child to move with ease, will limit (though not necessarily eliminate) complaints of discomfort.
The next step in setting your flower girl's fears to rest is to help her up the aisle in as many ways as possible. This includes giving her someone to either walk behind or up the aisle with. If one of her parent's is also an attendant you may wish to change the traditional order somewhat so that she can see her parent as she proceeds. If the ring bearer is a sibling or relative that your flower girl knows and feels comfortable with, walking hand in hand up the aisle may give her the added boost of confidence she needs to make it up without incident.
If your ceremony is longer than a quick 10 minute civil ceremony, you might want to place the parents of your young attendants in the front rows, in order to give your young flower girl a place to sit, possibly have a small snack, and a few distracting toys or books. Once rested and distracted the likelihood of her heading back down the aisle with you once the ceremony is over will increase dramatically.
When it comes to pictures, the best scenario for a young child are photos that are taken before the ceremony. Be sure to have a comprehensive list for your photographer, listing the youngest of your entourage right up at the top. You'll also want to have on hand plenty of hydrating drinks, a hat or umbrella for shade and distractions in the form of books or toys for in between photos, as well as a parent or guardian on hand for support.
At your reception, if the food and table settings are less than child friendly, it might be best to arrange for a sitter who can transport, feed, and arrange a rest, rather than make a young child suffer through endless speeches and toasts.
Being a flower girl is a big responsibility for some pretty small shoulders. Ease some of the burden by including child friendly planning that will help to ease her into her formal role, with as few incidents as possible.
©2008 Weddingstar Inc.
