If your little boy or girl has been chosen to shower the wedding aisle with flowers, it would be best to ensure that not only will they be adorable, but comfortable as well. The comfort of little guests at a wedding will affect the comfort of the older guests. This does not always hold true when taken the other way around, so it is wise to carefully plan everything that may affect the disposition of our little girls and boys in weddings.
Girls - The flower girl dress is the first concern of parents whenever the little girl is asked to be a flower girl. Parents usually pay for the flower girl dress if the bride and groom does not offer to pay for it. Coordinate with the bride what will be the design of her dress and the bridesmaid dresses. The flower girl dress can then be based on the dominant design, or pick one design element and use it as the main design or an accessory in the flower girl's dress.
The fabric of flower girl dresses varies, but it is best to match it to the season. A heavy fabric, such as velvet, is great to use for cooler weddings and satin/lighter dresses are better to use during weddings in the warmer months. Inappropriate fabrics may also be itchy, or worse, cause rashes for your little flower girl, so please pick the fabric carefully.
Long sleeves or short? Floor length skirt or knee length? Consider the season/weather, the church, reception venue, if it's indoor or outdoor. A sleeveless flower girl dress can be both comfortable and flexible; the little girl can move freely. If you think it may get too cool, put a dainty jacket or bolero with it.
Smaller girls may find it easier to have the skirt of the flower girl dress above the ankles or knee length. Bigger girls may carry themselves more confidently and easily with floor length skirts. Also consider the "dirt magnet" factor of the skirt if it is too long, especially if the wedding is held outdoors.
Flower girls are just too cute in their beautiful dresses, it is easy to go overboard with other accessories and embellishments. If you are thinking of attaching flowers or a sash to her dress, please sew it on rather than use safety pins. Safety pins get itchy on the skin causing her to fidget. They also seem to pop open on their own as she moves around and can cause injury. Ask your flower girl is she'd like to wear gloves, but keep in mind that these may get uncomfortable the longer they are worn. Her grip is also hampered with gloves, so carefully consider if these should be worn.
It is healthy for little girls, and bigger adult girls too, to wear flat shoes. Cute Mary Janes or pretty slippers can both be appropriate and comfortable flower girl shoes. If your little girl is wearing new shoes with her formal dress, let her walk around the house days before the event so the new shoes will settle on her feet.
Little girls love to be primped and pampered as well with hair and makeup during a wedding. Let her wear makeup if you think it's okay, just keep it light to make sure it enhances your little girl's natural beauty; not hide it.
Boys - Nothing is more joyful for the parents than to see their young man shine from the rest. So on his formal occasions, let him get that impressive look with a stylish and comfortable suit. Choosing an elegant and comfortable boy's suit for a special occasion can be a difficult task as boys spend most of their time in jeans and t-shirts. First thing you need to keep in mind is that the piece of clothing should be easy to care for. And also, make sure that the suit is made with a comfortable material and nothing too stiff or scratchy. Boys always intend to play, run and jump no matter where they are.
For added elegance, choose matching accessories like a boy's belt or tie to compliment the whole outfit. The belt should be a size larger than the boy's current waist size. Buy suit shirts a size smaller than the jacket. And be aware that dress shoes typically run a small smaller than casual shoes.
A day or two before the wedding or special occasion, let your little girl or boy try on their whole outfit and wear it around the house for an hour or two to practice. Tell them what good behavior is expected of them for being the flower girl or ring bearer during the wedding or special event. At each step of the wedding, affirm your little girls and boys that they are doing a good job and that you are proud of them. If you like, reward them with a keepsake gift. However, it is always a parent's affirmation that will mold the character of their child long after the wedding has finished and the dress and suit have been outgrown.
