Having a flower girl in your wedding can provide that extra touch that makes your ceremony even more special and helps to put a smile on the faces of family and friends alike. Some weddings have one flower girl, while others have more than one. Read on for some suggestions that can help you choose the right little girl for the job.
To begin with, the responsibility of walking down the aisle and scattering flower petals is something that should be given to a girl who is eight years of age or younger. Most people choose a sister, cousin or niece of the bride, but the flower girl also can be a child of a friend or a relative of the groom.
It is important to bear in mind that the flower girl is a young child, and while some may enjoy the attention they receive, others may find that they are scared and nervous once they see everyone in the church looking at them. For this reason it is essential that there be an adult nearby who can assist the flower girl if she becomes upset or needs help. For example, the flower girl might walk halfway down the aisle and then stop in her tracks in fear. Having someone who can take her hand and lead her the rest of the way while encouraging her is very beneficial.
The flower girl is supposed to remain standing with the rest of the bridal party throughout the ceremony. However, the younger the child is, the more difficult this can be to accomplish.
The History of the Flower Girl
Traditionally, flower girls have been a part of weddings going back as far as the Victorian days. The role was created so that the flower girl could make the guests smile and relax because of her innocent and sweet demeanor. She helped to put everyone at ease and to bring laughter and humor to what otherwise was sometimes a very formal event.
The purpose of scattering rose petals along the aisle before the bride takes her walk to the altar is to create a pathway that stands for the beauty of the bride. It is also symbolic of the new road that the bride is taking in joining with a husband to forge a new life together.
