The Complete Guide to Flower Girls: Dresses, Hair, Flowers & Gifts
With their cheeky grins and twirling dresses, there’s no denying the energy and charm that a flower girl brings to a wedding. But they’re also so much more than the cutest members of the party.
According to Bridebook, the UK’s #1 wedding planning platform used by over 2.8 million couples, the flower girl moment is one of the most photographed of the day. Having a flower girl at your wedding isn’t a necessity, but it is a great way to make your favourite minis feel a special part of your wedding. And a great opportunity to capture some meaningful snaps.
If you’re considering having a flower girl (or two) at your wedding, we’ve got all you need to know, with our guide to the flower girl role.
From duties and dress advice to flower girl gifts and fun ways to ask your favourite little ones to be part of your day, we’ve answered all your burning questions below.
Disclaimer: Product prices, availability and designs are correct at the time of publication but may change. Always check the retailer’s website for current pricing and stock.
What Does a Flower Girl Do?
Aside from charming everyone at your wedding with their smiles and adorable outfits, a flower girl’s main duty is to walk down the aisle ahead of the couple as they enter the ceremony venue.
Usually, they’ll scatter petals from a basket or carry a small posy or wand, but modern-day flower girls have been known to walk down the aisle with anything from colourful balloons to blowing bubbles.
You could have one flower girl, or you could split the role across multiple children if you have lots of young family members, for example, that you want to include in your day.
The flower girl is typically the youngest person in the wedding party, and a girl, though some couples choose to have adult flower girls or even a male equivalent, such as a flower boy or flower man. It’s your wedding, so anything goes!
Though a flower girl’s wedding duties are short and sweet, if you are planning on having a particularly young loved one as a flower girl, always check in with the parents about what feels manageable for them. A shy three-year-old may feel more comfortable walking down the aisle hand in hand with an adult bridesmaid or page boy, rather than alone, for example.
Flower Girl Dresses: What to Look For
Just when you thought they couldn’t get any cuter, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite inspired ideas for flower girl outfits
All the frills
Frothy skirts and underskirts in a two-tone shade add a flash of colour – and are ideal for whirling and twirling! Keep the look soft with feather-light fabrics such as tulle and chiffon, floaty layers and dainty pleats.
We love this style from Monsoon at John Lewis (run, don’t walk – it’s currently in the sale!)
- Age: 3-13 years
Palette play
For a coordinated look, choose outfits for your flower girls in the same colour palette as the bridesmaids’ dresses, rather than a direct match. Or mix and match the same dresses with different coloured accessories.
The satin sashes on these beautiful dresses from Smock London will give your petite wedding party an intentional but not-to-formal look.
- Age: 1-10 years
Head-to-toe white
Ivory flower girl dresses are a popular choice. Match all your flower girl dresses to your wedding gown for spectacular visual impact. We love this gorgeous design from Phase Eight with its smocked detail and 3D florals.
- Age: 3-12 years
Cute cover-ups
Cropped jackets and snuggly shrugs look adorable in size mini! Perfect for winter weddings. We love this style from Next.
- Age: 3 months – 7 years
Sugary shades
Candy shop hues like butter yellow, dusky pink and sage green flower girl dresses are all popular options. This embroidered mesh dress from Monsoon has a satin belt with an adorable bow at the back and also comes in pale pink.
- Age: 3-13 years
Where to buy flower girl dresses
Shopping for flower girl outfits couldn’t be easier. If you’re looking for elevated styles that are as fashionable as they are fun, some of our favourite flower girl dresses come from Monsoon, Boden, and Anthropologie, but we also can’t overlook high street favourites like Marks & Spencer, Next and John Lewis for excellent quality and reliable sizing at a mid-range price point.
If you want bespoke flower girl dresses or beautiful hand-smocked styles, consider Smock London, royal favourites Little Bevan and Pepa & Co, or independent designers on Etsy.
If you’re going down the made-to-order route, just remember to leave yourself plenty of time.
Flower Girl Hairstyles
Tall or small, tween or tiny, we’ve got style ideas for every kind of flower girl…
- Flower crowns: One of the most iconic flower girl hair dos, flower crowns are still a popular choice. A faux-flower crown is more likely to survive the day (and over-excited little hands) than real blooms. Not on the High Street and Etsy have some gorgeous designs. If you want a fresh or dried flower crown, consider asking your florist to match the blooms in your bouquet.
- Half-up, half down: A timeless and easy-to-recreate look that works with most hair types and lengths. Pin a small section back and keep the rest of the hair loose in soft waves or curls.
- Simple braids: A single or two plaits is a great way to keep the hair tied back on particularly hot or windy days and can look beautiful with some flowers woven in.
- Low bun: Again, if you want something low maintenance and out of the way, pin back long hair into a low bun and consider adding a hair vine, decorative clip or fresh flower to make it feel special.
- Au natural: For a boho-inspired look or fussy flower girls, sometimes it’s best to keep it simple with pretty, natural waves. Add a decorative hairband or small clip if you’re worried about hair being on their face.
Whichever flower girl hairstyles you choose, do a trial run ahead of the wedding day to ensure your little one is happy with what you’ve chosen, particularly if you are incorporating flower crowns or accessories.
Lots of young children have sensitive scalps – or simply strong preferences – and will prefer not to be surprised on the day.
What Do Flower Girls Carry?
- Flower girl basket: Flower girl baskets or similar remain the most traditional and popular option for flower girls to carry, and these are usually filled with petals to scatter as they walk down the aisle. Dried petals or confetti are often the more practical choice, since they won’t stain clothes or carpets, and they tend to hold up better on warmer days.
- Flower girl wand: Sparkly wings and a glittery wand make for a magical day. Look for wands with ribbon streamers or dried flowers for something extra special.
- Small posy or bouquet: If your flower girls are on the older side and able to comfortably carry a small bouquet, have your flower girl flowers mirror that of yours and any bridesmaids for a coordinated look.
- Flower alternatives: There’s no reason why your flower girl must carry flowers of any kind down the aisle. Couples can choose something completely different, including colourful balloons or a lantern, a decorated hoop or even have them blow bubbles.
The key thing to consider when choosing what your flower girl should carry down the aisle is their age; those under the age of three, for example, would ideally not carry anything at all – nobody expects a toddler to scatter petals with grace!
Simply allowing your flower girl to walk or skip down the aisle without holding anything takes the pressure off them, and their parents.
Flower Girl Gifts & Keepsakes
Want to find the perfect thank-you gifts for your little fairies? Let these flower girl presents inspire you.
Pops & Dudes Personalised Sunglasses – Not on the High Street
For small gifts they can open on the morning of the wedding – and make use of throughout the day – Not on the High Street has a really vast selection. These cute, personalised sunnies from Pops & Dudes work brilliantly for summer celebrations.
Gold Children’s Pearl Initial Bracelet – Lily & Roo
If you are looking to spend a little more or want a beautiful keepsake, personalised jewellery is a classic flower girl gift. This flower girl bracelet from Lily & Roo is an elegant option.
My Adventures in Wonderland Personalised Book – Wonderbly
Books about being a flower girl are always welcome, but if you are looking for something more tailored to their interests, we love the exciting and personalised selection from Wonderbly. The illustrated characters can even be designed to look like your flower girl recipient!
Flower Girl Wand – Not on the High Street
Flower girls love wands! Gift them this pretty, personalised design on the morning of the wedding and watch their faces light up.
Mini Me Spa Day for Two – Virgin Experience Days
For older flower girls, a shared experience can feel more meaningful than a physical gift. Consider something like an afternoon tea, a trip to the theatre or a spa afternoon.
House of Hooray Pennant Flag – Holly & Co
Gifts for flower girls don’t have to be wedding related – you can simply gift them something you know they will love. This keepsake pennant flag from House of Hooray will brighten up any child’s bedroom, and there a`re named versions available, too.
Flower Girl Proposal Box – Etsy
Many couples now send a gift box when asking a loved one to be their flower girl and you can get some beautiful pre-made designs from Etsy.
How to Ask Someone to Be Your Flower Girl
Much like popping the question to your bridesmaids, asking your favourite mini to be your flower girl doesn’t need to be fancy, but it should be meaningful. It’s a special moment that both of you – and the child’s parents – will always treasure.
Aim to ask early, at least six months ahead of the wedding, if possible, to give the parents time to plan their child’s outfit and prepare them for what to expect on the day.
And of course, it goes without saying that you should always get permission from the parents beforehand before asking your flower girl directly. They know their child best and for those children who are especially shy or who may find the attention overwhelming, the last thing you want to do is put anyone on the spot.
Here are some of our favourite ways to ask, ‘will you be my flower girl?’…
- A handwritten card: The simplest and most personal way you can ask is to write a handwritten note or card. Not only is this something they can keep forever, but it also gives you a chance to explain what the role involves and why you’d like them to be a special part of your day.
- A flower girl proposal box: Alongside the growing trend of bridesmaid proposal boxes, mini versions for your mini maids might include things like sweet treats, a ‘will you be my flower girl’ card, cute hair accessories in the colours of your wedding, or token gifts like jewellery or nail polishes. Assemble your own, or order something ready made from the likes of Etsy.
- In person: Undeniably the most memorable way to ask is face-to-face – maybe even on bended knee. Cue all the hugs…
Flower Girl FAQ
What does a flower girl do at a wedding?
A flower girl’s only duty is to walk down the aisle ahead of the couple during the wedding processional, usually scattering flower petals or confetti from a basket or simply holding a small posy or bouquet. They can either walk alone or together with an adult, bridesmaid or page boy.
How old should a flower girl be?
Most flower girls are aged between three and 10 years old, though there is no rule – some couples choose adult flower girls or teen attendants.
What do flower girls carry down the aisle?
The most popular option is a small basket filled with petals or confetti that the flower girl can scatter as she walks, however, other options include a small posy of flowers, a floral wand or decorated hoop.
Your flower girl can hold anything you like though, including balloons or a lantern.
For very young children, it might be best if they simply walk without holding anything.
What is the difference between a flower girl and a bridesmaid?
The biggest difference between flower girls and bridesmaids is their age. Flower girls tend to be under 10 years old while bridesmaids tend to be aged from ‘tween’ years and up (so around 11 years plus).
Bridesmaids also tend to have a more active role in the wedding planning and will likely stand alongside the wedding party at the altar.
The flower girl’s professional duty tends to stop after they have walked down the aisle, where they will then go and sit with their parents for the duration of the ceremony.
What should a flower girl wear?
A flower girl can wear anything – there are no hard and fast rules that say they must wear a dress. However, a dress of some kind is the most popular option, usually something light and floaty and great for twirling, made from chiffon or tulle.
What are good hairstyles for a flower girl?
There are lots of lovely flower girl hairstyle ideas to choose from, including flower crowns, half-up half-down curls, simple braids, or a low bun with a hair vine or decorative clip. The best choice usually comes down to your flower girl’s age, hair length, and how long the style needs to hold up through the day. It’s worth doing a trial run beforehand, especially if you’re using an unfamiliar accessory like a flower crown.
What are good gifts for a flower girl?
There are lots of ways you can thank your flower girls for being part of your day; books, activity packs, thank-you boxes, toys, and personalised keepsakes such as jewellery, teddy bears and photo frames all make lovely gift ideas.
How do I ask someone to be my flower girl?
A handwritten card or note is a lovely way to ask young relatives and loved ones to be your flower girl, as is asking in person. However, proposal boxes filled with treats and a card are becoming a popular choice and will undoubtedly go down well with little ones.
Always check in with the child’s parents before asking though, to avoid putting anyone on the spot.
Can you have more than one flower girl?
If you have lots of children in your family to choose from, you can absolutely have more than one flower girl. In many cases, having them partnered down the aisle will boost their confidence, too.
If you already have a few bridesmaids, we’d recommend sticking to three or four flower girls at most to avoid logistical complications or a wedding party that’s too big.
Can a boy be a flower girl?
Yes, you can have a boy as a flower girl. They can play whatever role they feel most comfortable doing. Many couples choose to have a ‘flower boy’ or even incorporate their furry friend into the role instead!
Why Trust Bridebook
Bridebook is the world’s #1 wedding planning platform, used by over 2.8 million couples. Our content is informed by real data from the Bridebook UK Wedding Report, which draws on responses from thousands of couples planning their weddings each year. Where expert input is included, contributors are named, and their credentials are verified. We update our articles regularly to ensure prices, statistics, and advice reflect current market conditions.
Ready to tick something else off your list?
Choosing your flower girl is one of those lovely early decisions in the planning process. If you haven’t already, check out Bridebook’s free wedding planning checklist, which has everything you need in one place.
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