2022 looks set to be a bumper year for weddings, after all the disruptions and disappointments of the past couple of years. If you are planning to tie the knot this year, no doubt you are already busy planning the details, including those all-important wedding outfits!
Weddings of recent years have seen the revival of the role of flower girl. This is a traditional role for a child under 10 years, who is not quite ready to handle full on bridesmaid duties! The little lady’s job is to carry a sprig of flowers, or scatter petals as she walks down the aisle, which was seen as a good luck charm and symbol of fertility.
This is a great way to involve a young relative or friend’s daughter in your wedding, and some brides even decide to have two or more flower girls. One of the most fun parts for all concerned is of course choosing the perfect outfit. There are so many styles of luxury girls’ dresses available, so what should you consider when making your selection?
The overall style of your wedding will probably have an influence. Smaller rustic events, with an outdoorsy feel, may mean that pretty bohemian dresses with floaty skirts will capture the mood perfectly. A more formal wedding may call for an elegant satin dress with small details, such as bows or embroidery.
Flower girl dresses do not have to match the colour and style of the bridesmaid dresses, but most people prefer to have an element of coordination with the main colours of the wedding. If the bride is wearing a traditional white dress, a popular option is to kit out the flower girls in complementary white outfits.
The unpredictable British weather will also need to be taken into consideration. Even if it is summer, there is no guarantee of warm temperatures! It’s best to opt for a dress with short or thin sleeves, which can be teamed with a cardigan or bolero jacket that can easily be taken off, should the sun decide to grace you with its presence.
Include the girls in the dress shopping stage, and give them a chance to have a say in the final choice. After all, they will be the ones wearing it, and you want them to be happy and comfortable. You may have to use your negotiating skills to full effect if her idea of a fairy princess differs sharply from the cute flower girl look you have in mind!
Make sure the dress fits well, and is not so long that they are tripping over the hem. It will be a long tiring day for a little one, and an uncomfortable outfit will probably lead to tantrums and tears all round. If you are buying it months in advance, remember to leave some growing room, as some children outgrow clothes very quickly!
Don’t forget the accessories. For summer weddings, ballet pumps or sandals will be ideal footwear. In autumn or winter, some ankle boots will be safer and warmer. Some pretty embellished hair bands or clips will finish the outfit off to perfection.