Your wedding day is not only a celebration of love between you and your partner but also a day to share joy with your family and friends.
Two of the more adorable participants in wedding ceremonies are the ring bearers and flower girls, who add an extra touch of sweetness and charm to the proceedings.
From "proposing" to them to ensuring they have a positive experience, here are some delightful ideas to make your ring bearers and flower girls feel special on your big day.
The Roles of Ring Bearers and Flower Girls
Ring bearers and flower girls play essential roles in the wedding, symbolizing innocence, purity, and the future of the couple's union.
The ring bearer, usually a little boy, traditionally carries the wedding rings on a pillow or cushion. The flower girl's big job is to scatter petals along the aisle, leading the bride's entrance.
When It's Time to 'Propose'
Inviting a child to be a ring bearer or flower girl can be an exciting moment for both them and the couple.
Consider going the extra mile when you propose: It will make the moment even more meaningful to them and show them that they're valued.
Here are some creative ideas to make your proposal extra special:
Personalized Invitation
Creating printed invitations addressed specifically to the little ones you want in your wedding will move them and give them a special reminder of your proposal.
You can design the invitation with their favorite colors, cartoon characters, or themes that reflect their interests.
Include a heartfelt message expressing why you would love for them to be part of your wedding day.
Treasure Hunt
Organize a treasure hunt leading to a hidden treasure box containing the invitation and a small gift, such as a toy or a treat.
Leave clues around the kids' home or a favorite location, guiding them on an exciting adventure culminating in the surprise proposal.
This fun, interactive approach adds an element of fun and anticipation to the proposal.
Personalized Keepsake
Present the child with a personalized keepsake, such as a custom-made puzzle or storybook featuring illustrations of the bridal party.
As they piece together the puzzle or flip through the pages of the book, they'll discover your message inviting them to be your ring bearer or flower girl.
Video Message
Work with your partner to create a video that explains why you would love for the child to be your ring bearer or flower girl.
Include personal anecdotes or memories shared with the child to make the proposal more meaningful.
You can deliver the video request in person or send it electronically for a surprise reveal.
Special Outing
Plan a fun-filled day with your prospective ring bearer or flower girl like a visit to their favorite park, zoo, or ice cream shop.
Use this opportunity to casually broach the topic of your wedding and express how much it would mean to have them participate in your wedding.
Present them with a small gift or token of appreciation during the outing as a symbol of the proposal.
Family Gathering
Incorporate the ring bearer proposal or flower girl proposal into a family event like a birthday party or holiday gathering. Bring everyone together for a special announcement, where you can formally ask the child to be part of your wedding.
Celebrate the moment with cake, balloons, or other festive decorations.
Enlist Their Parents' Help
Coordinate with the child's parents or guardians to plan a surprise proposal that really resonates.
Maybe your ring bearer proposal can include a message tucked into a PAW Patrol storybook. Or, your flower girl's proposal can be delivered in a beautiful gift box decorated in her favorite colors.
Strategies for Wedding Day Success
To ensure a positive experience for your ring bearer and flower girl, involve their parents in the wedding planning process, at least when it comes to details that apply to their children.
Discuss outfits with the children's parents, too. You'll want them to wear something cute, but comfortable.
As your wedding date approaches, consider a few special rehearsals to familiarize your ring bear and flower girl with their roles and your wedding venue. Even if you're planning a wedding rehearsal, that extra time focused on them can make a huge difference when it's time for the real wedding ceremony.
We also suggest assigning a responsible adult to supervise and support the little ones throughout your ceremony.
Special Touches For the Ring Bearer
One decision you'll need to make with the children's parents is whether to keep their involvement in your wedding simple and traditional or to incorporate creative elements into their journey down the aisle.
If you want, instead of having the ring bearer carry rings resting on a traditional pillow, you can have him pull them to the altar in a miniature wagon.
For cuteness overload, you could also enlist a beloved pet to accompany the little man down the aisle.
Another possibility is to provide a cute sign for the ring bearer to wear. Here are a few options:
'Here Comes the Bride'
Keep it classic with a timeless sign that announces your entrance. This sign can be decorated with floral accents, ribbons, or embellishments that complement the wedding theme.
'Ring Security'
Let the ring bearer play the role of "ring security" by wearing a sign that declares their important duty. Decorate the sign with playful police badge graphics, handcuff illustrations, or other law enforcement-themed elements to complete the look.
'Happily Ever After Starts Here'
Set the tone for a fairy tale wedding. Adorn the sign with fairy lights, glitter, or whimsical fonts to capture the magic of the moment.
'Wait Until You See Her'
Build anticipation for your grand entrance. Along the same lines, you could have the ring bearer wear a sign that reads, "Just Wait Until You See Her Dress."
'All Because Two People Fell in Love'
Celebrate your love story with a sign that reflects the sentiment behind your union.
This heartfelt message reminds everyone present of the profound impact of love and the joyous occasion they've come together to witness.
Baby Ring Bearer Ideas
Having a baby as your ring bearer is an incredibly sweet and adorable way to include the youngest member of your family or friend group in your wedding ceremony. Here are some ideas to make your baby ring bearer's role extra special:
Wagon Ride
Instead of having the baby walk down the aisle, have them pulled in a decorated wagon, stroller, or other wheeled vehicle. Adorn it with ribbons, flowers, and signs like "Here Comes the Bride/Groom" to make it festive.
Family Attendant
Assign a family member or trusted friend to be the baby's personal attendant for the day. This person can calmly guide them down the aisle while you exchange vows.
Mini Tuxedo or Dress
Outfit your baby ring bearer in an adorable mini tuxedo or dress that coordinates with your wedding colors and style. Add a cute newsboy cap or baby's first bowtie for extra charm.
Ring Bearer Pillow Alternative
Instead of a traditional pillow, have the baby present the rings in a special box, basket, or pouch attached to their wagon or stroller. Get creative with the container.
Stuffed Animal Buddy
Give your baby ring bearer a special stuffed animal "buddy" to hold onto as they make their way down the aisle. It can provide comfort and be a keepsake afterward.
Remember, flexibility is key with babies. Having backup ring bearers ready and focusing on making beautiful memories is most important.
Flower Girl Ideas for Your Wedding
Enhance the flower girl's role by offering her creative alternatives to traditional flower petals. Consider having her scatter confetti, bubbles, or even feathers along the aisle.
For a whimsical touch, adorn her basket with ribbons, flowers, or fairy lights. Encourage her to walk at her own pace, allowing her to savor the spotlight and enjoy her special moment.
Here are more creative ideas to make the flower girl's part of your wedding even more delightful:
Fairy Wings and Wand
Transform the flower girl into a magical fairy character by outfitting her with delicate wings and a sparkling wand. Encourage her to sprinkle fairy dust (biodegradable glitter or confetti) along the aisle as she walks.
Floral Crown and Basket
Adorn the flower girl with a beautiful floral crown that matches the bridal bouquet or the wedding theme. Pair it with a charming basket filled with petals, flowers, or herbs like lavender or rosemary.
Ribbon Wands
Replace traditional flower petals with ribbon wands for the flower girl to wave gracefully as she walks down the aisle.
Choose ribbons in your wedding colors or opt for a mix of pastel hues for a whimsical effect. Guests can wave their own ribbon wands in celebration as the flower girl passes by.
Balloon Bouquet
Instead of flowers, have the flower girl carry a bouquet of balloons in assorted colors and shapes. Attach ribbons or streamers to the balloons for added visual interest.
Book of Love
Have the flower girl carry a beautifully decorated book adorned with flowers, lace, or personalized embellishments. Inside the book, include passages about love, marriage, and family, creating a unique and meaningful prop that reflects your journey with your partner.
Pomander Ball
Create a pomander ball for the flower girl to carry, featuring a spherical arrangement of flowers, foliage, or fabric blooms. Hang the pomander from a ribbon or decorative handle, so she can carry it with ease as she walks down the aisle.
Parasol or Umbrella
Shield the flower girl from the sun or rain with a charming parasol or umbrella embellished with floral motifs or decorative trim. Choose a parasol in a color that complements your wedding palette.
Older Flower Girl Ideas
While the role of a flower girl traditionally falls to young girls, there's no reason why older flower girls can't add their own unique charm to your wedding ceremony. Here are some delightful ideas to make older flower girls feel special and included in your big day:
Junior Bridesmaid Role
Consider inviting an older flower girl to take on the role of a junior bridesmaid. This allows them to participate in pre-wedding events like getting ready with the bridal party and walking down the aisle alongside the bridesmaids.
Special Responsibilities
Give older flower girls special responsibilities to make them feel more involved. This could include assisting with wedding planning tasks, helping younger flower girls with their duties, or even giving a reading during the ceremony.
Personalized Attire
Allow older flower girls to have a say in their attire, whether it's choosing a dress style that reflects their personality or selecting accessories like jewelry or hairpieces.
Customized Bouquet
Instead of scattering petals, older flower girls can carry a small bouquet of flowers down the aisle. Work with your florist to create a personalized bouquet that complements the overall floral theme of your wedding.
Escorting Duties
If you have multiple flower girls, consider pairing older flower girls with younger ones to provide guidance and support during the ceremony. This can help younger flower girls feel more at ease while also giving older ones a sense of responsibility.
Solo Performance
Give older flower girls the opportunity to shine with a solo performance during the ceremony or reception. Whether it's singing a song, reciting a poem, or showcasing a talent, this allows them to showcase their unique skills and talents.
Flower Girl Alternatives
While the traditional role of a flower girl adds a charming touch to wedding ceremonies, there are alternative options for couples looking to put a unique spin on their procession. Here are some creative alternatives to flower girls for your wedding.
Petal Tossing Pups
Invite your furry friends to join in the festivities as petal tossing pups. Adorn their collars with flowers or attach small baskets to their backs filled with petals to scatter along the aisle as they walk.
Bubble Blowers
For a whimsical and eco-friendly alternative, have guests blow bubbles as you make your grand entrance. This adds a playful element to the procession and creates stunning photo opportunities.
Balloon Bearers
Replace flower petals with balloons carried by young attendants. Whether they hold a single large balloon or a bunch of smaller ones, it adds a colorful and fun twist to the ceremony.
Lantern Carriers
Create a magical ambiance by having young attendants carry lanterns down the aisle instead of flower baskets. Fill the lanterns with fairy lights or candles to cast a warm glow as you walk towards your partner.
Ribbon Wavers
Provide ribbon wands for young attendants to wave gracefully as they walk down the aisle. Choose ribbons in your wedding colors or opt for a mix of pastel hues for a whimsical effect.
Book Bearers
Have young readers carry books down the aisle instead of flower baskets. Choose books that hold special meaning to you as a couple or ones that reflect the theme of your wedding.
Music Makers
Enlist young musicians to serenade you down the aisle with live music. Whether it's playing the violin, flute, or guitar, their musical talents will add an extra layer of romance to your procession.
Confetti Throwers
Encourage guests to toss biodegradable confetti as you walk down the aisle. This adds a festive atmosphere and allows everyone to participate in the celebration.
Thank You Gift Ideas
Consider showing your appreciation for your ring bearer and flower girl with thoughtful gifts that they can treasure long after the wedding day.
For Your Flower Girl
To thank her for being part of your special day, gift possibilities include personalized jewelry, a stuffed animal, or a charm bracelet featuring symbols of your wedding theme.
Another option would be to create a custom wedding coloring book with pictures of the bride and groom, best man, maid of honor, and the wedding party, along with her and the ring bearer.
For the Ring Bearer
Gift possibilities for the little man in your wedding could include a personalized toy or keepsake box, a mini sports jersey, or a themed book.
Consider gifts, or at least thank you notes, for the kids’ parents, too. Without their help, it wouldn't be possible to have their children in your wedding.
More Ideas
Incorporate the ring bearer and flower girl into your wedding photoshoot, capturing candid moments of their excitement and joy. Have your flower girl pose with the bridal party while the ring bearer poses with the groomsmen.
Include the children in pre-wedding festivities like the rehearsal dinner or bridal party preparations, making them feel like integral members of the celebration.
Provide age-appropriate entertainment and activities to keep the little ones engaged during downtime at the reception, such as coloring books, puzzles, or a designated play area.
The Bell Tower on 34th, a wedding venue in Houston, TX, is committed to helping recently engaged couples bring their wedding vision to life.
Our elegant venue, suitable for big weddings and for small weddings, is known for our beautiful garden setting, waterfall, and grand staircase.
The Bell Tower on 34th
901 W. 34th St.
Houston, TX 77018