Flower Girl Responsibilities - Flower Girl Dresses Direct

Flower Girl Responsibilities

Most etiquette experts recommend that flower girls and ring bearers be between the ages of 3 and 7 (and junior bridesmaids between 8 and 12). but, says Allen, "I've had some 2-year-olds that were perfect and some 5-year-olds that didn't make it." Consider, also, the time of day your ceremony will take place. If you will be holding your black-tie ceremony at 8 o'clock (with dinner starting at 10), it might be unreasonable to expect even the most mature 4-year-old to make it the whole way through without a fuss.

Explain to each child ahead of time how honored you are that they have accepted your invitation and what an important responsibility they have -- no doubt they'll be excited to know they've been chosen for a special role and will do their best to fulfill it. Calm any fears or anxieties on the day of the event with toys, games, and puzzles before the ceremony.

"Generally, once you get them started down the aisle they're fine; it's the time leading up to it that they can be iffy," says Joann Delgin, director of wedding strategy for Sandals Beaches and Resorts. Distract them with activities at the reception, too. Depending on how open you are to kids being kids at the party, you may even consider hiring a bonded babysitter if you have more than ten children attending the wedding (whether as participants or merely as guests). But most of all, let the little ones know they're an integral part of the day. Suggests Delgin, "Give them a little disposable camera, for example -- make them feel like a photographer." And don't forget to thank them each with small token and a mention in the program.

As for ensuring your own happiness, just be flexible and go with the flow. Says celebrity wedding planner Yifat Oren, "Sometimes kids walk sideways, or sometimes they wander into the pew. Once a flower girl at a wedding decided she wanted to go back and pick up all the petals she'd strewn. But guests are always charmed by whatever kids do -- you just have to laugh along with them."

Roles for Children Single Flower Girl Generally age 3 to 7, she precedes the bride down the aisle, either scattering petals or carrying a mini bouquet or flower basket. Multiple Flower Girls Same duties as above; a larger group often includes older girls who sub for bridesmaids. Ring Bearer A boy, 3 to 7, who walks the aisle before the flower girl, carrying stand-ins for the rings on a cushion. Pages At formal weddings, boys age 4 to 7 who hold the bride's train as she walks down the aisle. Junior Bridesmaids and Groomsmen Children age 8 to 12 who perform the same duties as their older counterparts (short of attending bachelor or bachelorette parties). More Options Ushers, readers, guest-book attendants, candle-lighters, bubble blowers, and others.

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