The flower girl and the ring bearer no doubt are the little
darlings of a wedding party. And, including children who are
especially dear to the bridal couple has been a time-honored
tradition.
During the Middle Ages, girls carried wheat to symbolize fertility. In Victorian times, child attendants were invited to entertain the guests, adding humor and levity to the special occasion, said Darcy Miller, editor of Martha Stewart Weddings magazine.
Today, brides are opting to have in their wedding parties multiple young attendants. Children have “become a bigger and bigger part of the wedding,” Miller said. “They are there to make the day more personal.”
In some cultures, the flower girl’s main duty is to carry the train; however, boys also can perform this task. A flower girl can carry a nosegay (small bouquet), a floral wreath or the traditional basket full of petals.
Miller said boys became part of the bridal party to add symmetry. The ring bearer’s primary role is to bring the wedding rings to the altar. This attendant usually walks down before the flower girl carrying symbolic rings, with the best man holding onto the real jewelry.
If you are enlisting child attendants, here are some tips from Miller to ensure their part in the day goes smoothly.
Enlist adults at both ends of the aisle to help direct the children and seat them or escort them out of the ceremony.
The appropriate age for child attendants is between 3 and 8, but brides today also have younger children, even infants, in their wedding parties. But, beware: Babies and toddlers can be distracting and unpredictable and may decide that the walk down the aisle is intimidating.
Practice. The children in a wedding should always attend the wedding rehearsal, as well as practice their routine several times beforehand (perhaps around the house carrying the pillow or petal basket) so they feel comfortable with the role.
Give the children special toys, such as a doll, to embrace during the ceremony, and activities to do during the reception.
