When planning your wedding, one of the sweetest moments is watching the flower girls and ring bearers walk down the aisle. These adorable members of your bridal party add a touch of innocence and charm to your ceremony. While they may be small, dressing them for the big day is a task that requires thoughtful consideration. You want them to look as adorable as they are, while also keeping comfort and practicality in mind.
In this guide, we will walk you through how to dress your flower girls and ring bearers, offering style tips, outfit ideas, and advice on how to coordinate their looks with the rest of your wedding part
Why Dressing Flower Girls and Ring Bearers Matters
1. Coordinating with the Wedding Theme
Your flower girls and ring bearers are a key part of the wedding aesthetic. Their outfits should seamlessly fit into your overall wedding theme, complementing your own attire as well as the bridal party’s. Whether you’re having a formal ballroom wedding, a casual outdoor event, or a whimsical garden celebration, their outfits can help set the tone and style.
2. Creating Memorable Moments
These little ones add a sense of joy and innocence to your ceremony. Their outfits will not only make them feel special but will also create lasting memories for you, your guests, and most importantly, for them. A well-chosen flower girl or ring bearer outfit can make for adorable photos and cherished moments.
3. Ensuring Comfort and Practicality
While you want your flower girls and ring bearers to look picture-perfect, it’s crucial that their outfits are comfortable and easy to move in. After all, these children will be walking down the aisle, standing for a portion of the ceremony, and potentially participating in photos. Comfort and practicality should always come first.
How to Dress Your Flower Girls
1. Dress Styles for Flower Girls
Flower girls typically wear dresses that are elegant yet fun, embodying the charm and beauty of the wedding. When choosing a dress, consider the following options:
- Classic Flower Girl Dresses
Classic flower girl dresses feature A-line silhouettes with tulle, lace, or satin fabric. These dresses are timeless and work well for both formal and casual weddings. Look for a dress that is easy to move in but still sophisticated, often in pastel shades like blush, ivory, or lavender. - Boho or Whimsical Dresses
For a more relaxed, bohemian wedding, opt for flower girl dresses with natural, flowing fabrics such as cotton or chiffon. Look for dresses with lace, ruffles, or floral details to give a light and airy feel. These dresses pair well with flower crowns or delicate headpieces. - Short Dresses
For a more playful and comfortable look, consider a shorter dress. This is perfect for an outdoor or summer wedding, where the little ones will be moving around more freely. Short dresses are often more affordable and can be found in a variety of styles, from cute fit-and-flare designs to sophisticated A-line shapes. - Customized Dresses
If you want a truly unique look, consider having custom dresses made for your flower girls. You can choose the fabric, colors, and style that best suit your wedding vision. Custom dresses can also incorporate special details like matching sashes or embroidery to personalize the look.
2. Accessories for Flower Girls
Accessories play an essential role in completing the flower girl’s look. Consider adding the following to enhance their outfit:
- Flower Crowns or Headbands
A flower crown is a beautiful, traditional accessory for flower girls, perfect for a garden or rustic wedding. You can also opt for a simpler headband adorned with flowers, pearls, or crystals to match the wedding theme. - Shoes
Comfortable shoes are a must. Ballet flats, sandals, or soft, satin shoes work well for flower girls. For a more formal event, you can consider small, elegant heels, but always make sure they’re sturdy and practical for walking. - Tights or Socks
Depending on the season and style of the dress, you may want to add tights or socks. Lace tights can add a touch of sweetness, while knee-high socks with a bow can add charm. - Baskets or Pouches
Flower girls traditionally carry baskets filled with flower petals to scatter down the aisle. You can customize the baskets to match the wedding theme by adding ribbons or decorations. Alternatively, a small fabric pouch filled with petals or confetti can be a charming option.
How to Dress Your Ring Bearers
Ring bearers are often seen in more formal attire, resembling the groom’s outfit but in a smaller version. Their role is to carry the wedding rings down the aisle, and their attire should reflect that sense of responsibility while keeping them comfortable.
1. Traditional Outfits for Ring Bearers
- Miniature Tuxedos or Suits
One of the most popular choices for ring bearers is a tuxedo or suit that mimics the groom’s wedding attire. A classic black tuxedo, paired with a bowtie or tie, is perfect for formal weddings. If you’re having a less formal event, a lighter-colored suit in beige, navy, or gray may be ideal. Some ring bearers may also wear a vest and bow tie without a jacket for a more relaxed look. - Suspenders and Bowties
For a more playful or rustic wedding, consider a more casual look like suspenders and a bowtie, paired with dress pants or even shorts. This is a great choice for summer or outdoor weddings, where you want to keep things fun and easy-going. - Matching the Groom’s Attire
Some couples choose to have the ring bearer’s attire closely mirror the groom’s outfit. For example, if the groom is wearing a suit with a colored tie or pocket square, the ring bearer’s attire can reflect that detail. This creates a unified look for the bridal party and adds an extra touch of charm.
2. Accessories for Ring Bearers
- Pillows or Boxes
Ring bearers traditionally carry the wedding rings on a small pillow. You can personalize the pillow with the couple’s initials or wedding date. If you prefer something more unique, consider a small ring box or a velvet pouch to hold the rings. - Shoes
The footwear for a ring bearer should complement the formality of the outfit. Dress shoes, like loafers or oxford shoes, are ideal for formal weddings. For more casual settings, consider stylish sneakers or boots. - Belt or Suspenders
If you’re opting for a suit or casual outfit, adding a belt or suspenders helps ensure the outfit stays in place and looks neat. Suspenders, in particular, can add a fun and charming touch to the overall look.
Coordinating with the Bridal Party
When dressing your flower girls and ring bearers, it’s important to coordinate their outfits with the bridal party. Here are some tips for ensuring harmony between their outfits and the rest of your wedding:
- Color Coordination
Make sure the colors of the flower girls’ and ring bearers’ outfits complement your wedding theme. You can match the color of their outfits to the bridesmaids’ dresses or groomsmen’s suits, or choose colors that reflect the overall wedding palette. - Style Harmony
While flower girls and ring bearers are usually dressed in simpler versions of the bridal party attire, ensure that their outfits follow the same style. If you’re having a formal wedding, ensure the flower girl’s dress and the ring bearer’s suit are elegant. For a casual wedding, a relaxed look for the children will tie in with the atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
Dressing your flower girls and ring bearers is a fun and special part of wedding planning. Whether you go for traditional dresses and tuxedos or something more modern and whimsical, the key is to make sure their outfits are both stylish and comfortable. By keeping in mind your wedding theme, coordinating with the rest of the bridal party, and considering the children’s comfort, you can create a look that enhances the magic of your ceremony and creates lasting memories.
Let your flower girls and ring bearers shine on your big day, adding a touch of sweetness and charm to your celebration!