Seeing adorable toddlers happily spring down the aisle in their flower girl dresses has to be one of our favorite parts of a wedding ceremony. But there are a few things to think about before you start passing out the flower crowns. We’ve got a collection of helpful information so you can figure out not only how to pick out the dresses, but where to find them and who pays. But first, here are the basics!
In This Article
- Who should you pick to be your flower girl?
- What is the traditional role of the flower girl?
- What does the flower girl wear?
- What color should flower girl dresses be?
- How much should flower girl dresses cost?
- Who buys the flower girl dress?
- When should I start looking for dresses?
- Will she grow out of it? Do I need to account for growth?
- Should I select multiple styles and let the flower girl choose, or just pick one?
- Where do you buy flower girl dresses?
- How to thank your flower girls for being a part of your wedding day
Who should you pick to be your flower girl?
A flower girl can be a child who you have a close relationship with, whether it’s a niece, cousin, close friend’s child or a child of your own. You can never have too many flower girls!
While a flower girl is typically 3 to 8-years-old, they can be younger or older. For example, my niece (9-months-old at the time) was our flower girl, though her parents held her down the aisle. It made us all really happy to have her name in the program and have her be a part of our wedding day.
Alternatively, some ladies are giving the role to their grandmother or the groom’s grandmother, and we absolutely love that. We’ve even seen grown men take on the challenge!
What is the traditional role of the flower girl?
At any age or gender, the flower girl’s role is to precede the maid of honor down the aisle, scattering flowers as she walks. She’ll also usually follow the ring bearer – or walk down with him. And though traditionally the flower girl scatter petals, she can also throw things like confetti. Alternatively, in lieu of a basket of goodies, many flower girls also carry a pomander, a small sphere of delicate flowers, like baby’s breath. But you can get as creative as you want! If you’re having several flower girls, have the oldest bring a wagon full of little tots down the aisle. Or, have them all hold balloons or blow bubbles down the aisle. It’s totally up to you!
Picking Out Your Flower Girl Dresses
What does the flower girl wear?
Typically, flower girls wear dresses that have ruffles, embroidery, satin, sequins, you name it. There really are no rules. Sometimes they are even a mini-version of the bride’s wedding dress, because, really, what’s cuter than a baby in a bridal gown?But really, there are no rules. Just like your bridesmaid dresses, the perfect outfit is one that you think works for your wedding!
If you’re looking for simple flower girl dresses, you might look for linen or organic cotton sheath dresses with cap sleeves. Or, if you’re looking for rustic yet chic dresses, try pairing tulle skirts with a cute little t-shirt. Materials like chiffon or organza are beautiful for more formal weddings. And you could even consider embroidery.
The weather should also influence your style choice. For instance sleeveless flower girl dresses are great for a summer wedding. While layers of tulle along with a lace bodice and mini cardigan would be perfect for inside, cooler venues.
What color should flower girl dresses be?
Traditionally, flower girl dresses are white to match the bride, but they don’t have to be! For a subtle pop of color, you can choose a blush, light gold or silver dress, or you can select a dress to match your bridesmaids’ dresses. You can also consider choosing a white dress with a colored accent in one of your wedding shades.
This is also a chance to play around with the fun accents you love but couldn’t include in your own gown. Do you love glitter, velvet or floral appliques? There are plenty of flower girl dresses with those features out there to choose from! And, while it’s traditionally colors like ivory or light pink, you can opt for brighter, bolder colors that match the bridesmaid’s dresses and/or your wedding color scheme. The choice is really yours as to what the flower girl’s dress should look like.
How much should flower girl dresses cost?
Flower girl dresses range anywhere from $25 to $250+, with the average hovering somewhere around $60. Generally, the older the flower girl, the more expensive the average dress is going to run, but finding a dress on a budget for any age is possible. While the more expensive dresses are stunning, it is important to remember what it’s like to be a child in a fancy dress. You probably don’t want to break the bank on a dress that may end up grass-stained before the night is over.
Who buys the flower girl dress?
Just like your bridesmaids or groomsmen, it’s customary for each wedding party member to buy their own attire. In this case, the flower girl’s parents would purchase the dress for her. However, you can choose to give the flower girl her dress as a gift if you would like to, leaving only the accessories to the parents.
You Might Also Like: How to Choose a Ring Bearer
When should I start looking for dresses?
Save yourself the last minute stress, and begin the hunt no less than six months before the wedding. Four months before the wedding is generally the perfect time to order a flower girl dress, but defer to the dress shop you choose for a more store-specific timeline. And don’t forget the accessories! Shoes, tights, necklaces and hair bows should all be purchased a month or more before the big day.
Will she grow out of it? Do I need to account for growth?
Yes! If you’re buying the dress as a gift, ask the flower girl’s parents to estimate what size they think their daughter will be at the time of the wedding, and then order one size up. It is infinitely easier to bring a dress down a size than it is to take it up.
Should I select multiple styles and let the flower girl choose, or just pick one?
This is entirely up to you, but it generally goes over better with both the flower girl and her mother if you offer a few different dress options in different styles and fabrics. We suggest making sure to have budget friendly options that the flower girl’s parents can choose from.
WGM Says: Consider having an inexpensive, back-up flower girl dress just in case of any last minute spills or mishaps.
Where do you buy flower girl dresses?
There are nearly as many options for flower girl dresses as there are for your wedding gown! Many bridal shops, such as David’s Bridal and BHLDN, carry dresses for the smallest member of your wedding party. However, retailers like Dessy and J. Crew offer several options as do traditional department stores like Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Macy’s. We also adore boutiques like Janie and Jack that always offer a great selection of special occasion dresses and gowns. And remember, you don’t have to look specifically for a flower girl dress. You can find adorable tulle flower girl dresses fit for a princess at most retailers (like H&M) that will also make perfect flower girl dresses.
Some of our favorite flower girl dresses are also fromEtsy. There’s such an assortment of styles and colors, and it’s not hard to find something you love.
We suggest purchasing several flower girl dresses and trying them on the flower girl before committing to one. She might not like the fit or the fabric of the dress, and if that’s the case, you’d rather know now than later. The best piece of advice is to make sure she is absolutely comfortable, and is excited to wear it the day of your wedding. So be aware of any return policies from the store or seller you purchase from. And if you’re buying online, look for free shipping and returns!
Our Favorite Flower Girl Dresses
With so many adorable dresses out there, it’s hard to pick favorites! But these are some of the recent finds that we love.
Fitz Dress
BHLDN • $160
This woven dress features a beautiful textured appearance and the cutest ruffled cap sleeves. Pair it with a satin bow in your favorite wedding color.
Ivory Tulle Dress
Etsy • $68
A class flower girl dress made with satin twill and a tulle over-skirt, it will look perfect in any setting.
Satin Twill Dress
Dessy • $201
A class flower girl dress made with satin twill and a tulle over-skirt, it will look perfect in any setting.
Satin Twill Dress
Popatu • $38
This baby tulle dress is too cute with floral applique and a sweet ribbon.
Rustic Lace Dress
Etsy • $38
This baby tulle dress is too cute with floral applique and a sweet ribbon.
How to thank your flower girls for being a part of your wedding day
It’s important to thank your adorable flower girl for being part of your special day. This will make her feel important, and keep her excited for the day’s activities. If she’s old enough, a delicate necklace or bracelet she can wear for the event is a beautiful gift. If she’s a bit younger, you can go with a charming option like a little handkerchief that she can then use at her own wedding one day!
Remember, choosing a flower girl dress should be a treat for both the bride and her littlest attendant. Don’t forget to have a little fun choosing the perfect dress that will send your flower girl spinning across the dance floor on your wedding day!
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