This week we’re exploring wedding traditions and wondering: Where did the flower girl tradition originate?
Wedding Traditions:
While the flower girls duties and what she carried varied from era to era, the historical purpose was to give a blessing of fertility to the new couple. In many cultures, arranged marriages were prevalent and procreation was the primary purpose of arranged marriages. From carrying a sheaf of wheat to strands of garlic, sprigs of rosemary to baskets of flowers, the flower girls role has always been an important one.
In modern times, a flower girl may indeed symbolize wishes for fertility and the forming of a new family. However, it seems that today, most couples include a flower girl in the wedding party to honor a little one who is close to the family.
Though we have seen an increase in fur-babies making their way down the aisle; often with flower wreaths wrapped around their necks; it is still safe to say the majority of flower girls continue to be young ladies who are related to or are close with the couple. A flower girl is typically between three and ten years old, but someone younger or older can certainly fit right in. We’ve seen little ones, too small to walk, being wheeled down the aisle in wagons and they are just too cute for words.
Another unique wedding trend we love is seeing grandma’s performing flower girl duties.
These days, the flower girls roll seems to be quite flexible. While most flower girls still carry a bouquet or basket of flowers, we’ve seen some who don’t carry flowers at all. Instead, they showcase pretty lanterns, flags or scrolls with messages like “Here comes the Bride!”
If you do choose to ask a little lady to accept the honor of being your flower girl, you’re going to have to make sure she looks stylish doing it. There are so many different directions you can take flower girl style. Whether you want her to match your bridesmaids in a colored dress or look like a mini-me bride in white, it’s up to you. Hopefully some of these adorable photo of flower girls we found can be an inspiration!
For more wedding traditions and to learn about the History of the Wedding Ring Bearer, check out some of our other Saphire Event Group wedding blogs.
By: Dana Bates
