Color accents attire of little attendants in the bridal party

By Debra Canos Ramos, Special Advertising Sections Writer

Here comes the flower girl, all dolled up in a fairy tale dress stealing glimpses and endearing hearts while preceding the bride down the aisle.

And, check out the little cutie’s attire: It’s blooming with colorful accents.

“Bold splashes of color are very popular” now in flower girl fashions, said Bethany Laprade, designer and owner of Kaya Children’s Couture in Beverly Hills.

Kaya Children’s Couture

In the past, the trend for flower girls was to have one special girl mirror the bride in white or cream as somewhat of a “mini-bride,” said Norma Sawdy, vice president and designer of Us Angels Inc. in Los Angeles. Now the girls are parading down the aisle wearing touches of color.

“Traditional colors of white and ivory are generally the main focus of the dress, with accent colors that mirror the entire bridal party, whether it be the bridesmaid colors or flower arrangements in the wedding,” Sawdy said. Or, the dress might even match the bride’s gown since it too might be colored or have tinted trim or embroidery.

The newest look, Laprade said, flaunts details on the back of the dress, including floral blooms and colored sashes. And, such details as beads, ribbons, bows, fabric flowers and floral petals also make the dresses extra pretty, said Christie Cottier, West divisional merchandise manager for Nordstrom girls wear.

The young girls’ dresses also are mirroring grown-up fashions in their shape. Similar to what’s happening with the brides’ gowns, “we are also seeing a lot of full skirts, many with crinoline to create additional fullness,” for the little girls, Cottier said.

This spring, the trendy dress colors, Sawdy said, include soft blush pinks, champagne, cocoas and light greens. And, garments made of lighter fabrics, like silk, soft satins and embroidered organza, also are popular, she added.

Bride-to-be Casey Sides, 27, of San Diego chose pink silk dresses with bright pink organza overlays and wide pink sashes that tie in a bow in the back for her 4- and 8-year-old flower girls.

Sides, who is tying the knot next month in San Diego, wanted a formal look, so she chose ankle-length dresses that she said make her flower girls “look like little princesses.”

Her decision to have multiple flower girls is part of the latest trend for bridal parties as well.

In the past, Sawdy said, the bride usually chose just one flower girl. “However, in recent years, this trend has changed tremendously. We are now seeing multiple flower girls as part of the bridal party, and many brides are incorporating family members and close attendees, including little babies.”

Little boy duds

Hints of color also are showing up in ring bearer garments.

“Where you’re seeing the fashion is with colored accessories, such as ties and vests, in brights and pastels,” said Cindy Ongerth, a buyer for After Hours Formalwear, which rents and sells formalwear at its 450 locations across the country.

When it comes to tuxedos, Ongerth said that tradition still holds true with most preferring one- or two-button notch coats in the basic colors of black, white or ivory.

One rule of thumb, she said, is if the adults in the wedding party are formally attired, then the ring bearer should be as well.

If a miniature tuxedo is needed, there are various styles to choose from. Among the newest is the Seven Unlimited label by After Six, a new collection of modern-looking tuxes — a “hybrid” between a beautifully tailored suit and a traditional tux, said Ted Mayer, vice president of sales for After Six.

Heather Tole, spokeswoman for Friar Tux Shop, which has 30 Southern California locations, said Friar also offers black tuxedo shorts.

With accessories much more colorful than in the past, Tole mentioned that the “Spectrum” vest, for example, is available in 15 colors, ranging from lime to fuchsia. And, the traditional white shirt is not the only option anymore either.

Friar’s microfiber shirts are available in black, red and champagne, and two new colors this year are baby blue and pale pink, Tole said.

Little boys in tuxedos may be uncomfortable, so Tole offers this tip: Bring a change of clothes for after the ceremony and photos.

Or, dress the ring bearer in nice shorts or knickers if the theme of the wedding permits. Then, add a classic Eton jacket or put the little guy in a linen or seersucker suit.

Comfort zone

Kaya Children’s Couture

Making sure the children in your wedding party are comfortable in their outfits is key if you don’t want them fretting during the course of the long day, Laprade said. “Otherwise, they will want to change out of their outfit before they even walk down the aisle.”

“Beware of synthetic fabrics, scratchy netting and exposed seams against skin,” she said. “The women in the bridal party won’t be tugging at a bodice while walking down the aisle, but an uncomfortable child will.”

To ensure comfort, investment in a high-quality garment may be necessary. The dress selected should be fully lined and have built-in crinolines with clean seams around the waistline.

“If not, the little flower girl will be fidgeting and itching throughout the day, and, of course, not smiling,” Sawdy said.

The length of the dress is a matter of taste, but designers cautioned it also is important for comfort and safety. Floor-length dresses may be too cumbersome for young girls, so consider knee-length dresses for girls up to the age of 3 and making tea-length dresses for those a bit older.

Debra Cano Ramos is a freelance writer based in Orange.

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