They’re little angels and they just might steal the show. They’re flower
girls, with their bouncing ringlets and starry eyes — and maybe even a magic
wand or pixie wings. As more and more designers loosen the restrictive reins on
bridal fashion, knowing that brides are opting for more of a distinctive,
personal approach to the gown they choose for their wedding ceremony, the
dresses for those charming little flower girls have blossomed, too.
After all, the history of including flower girls in weddings dates back to
Greek and Roman matrimonial ceremonies where children scattered herbs and grains
which were symbolic of fertility in the bride’s path. Young girls waved sheaves
of wheat in front of the bride in medieval times. Bouquets of flowers were
popular in the Elizabethan era before flower-filled baskets and decorated hoops
became the norm in Queen Victoria’s day.
But in 2006, the flower girl has evolved into a spirited part of the modern
wedding, wearing dresses and accessories that invoke a more capricious attitude.
One of the most important ways to put a little magical sparkle into the flower
girl’s dress in today’s world is with color.
Shimmer and shine are lighting up organza dresses at Pink Princess where
sprinkled with stardust tulle skirts sparkle with rhinestones. In other satin
A-line dresses, gold is the color of choice (a great complement to bridal gowns
embroidered or beaded in a metallic gold or bronze) as well as lilac, pink, blue
and sage green.
At US Angels, flower girl dresses glisten with satin cummerbunds pinned with
jeweled brooches — a very grown-up touch. Beaded sequin bows and headbands are
other gleaming accessories that will dazzle wedding guests. And if the bride
really wants more of a formal look for her youngest attendants, US Angels has
rhinestone and pearl wreaths with detachable veils.
With deeper jewel-tone colors easing into the bridal apparel market, brides
who opt to buy dresses accented with darker hues may also want flower girl
attire that harmonizes with their choice of more colorful gowns. For instance, a
French-blue satin ball gown might be the perfect complement to a blue silk
organza dress accessorized with an ivory sash and silk flowers. Designer Joan
Calabrese has even brighter ideas, conjuring up organza confections in hot pink
and coral with shimmering iridescent sashes.
Accessories are another way brides can spark up the celebration with the
younger set. While wedding ceremonies are sacred occasions, children always seem
to charm their way into the photographs and memories for years to come. So take
advantage of their youthful playfulness and give them a chance to express
themselves, not only by strewing baskets of rose petals down the aisle but in
other ways as well. David’s Bridal has a selection of flower girl dresses with
colorful rose petals sewn right into the netting of the skirt.
Or choose a more whimsical approach — outfit the flower girls with a little
wedding magic. Make it a storybook time for them by giving them ribbon-wrapped
wands decked out with glittering stars, flowers or poufs of feathers. Headpieces
can also take flights of fancy with flower-woven headbands, jeweled tiaras and
wreaths dripping with ribbons. Big bows, decorated hats or plump flowers pinned
in the hair also make little girls even more adorable.
Many wedding boutiques carry these fanciful accessories, but an upscale
costume shop might provide lots of inspiration, too. Add light and airy gossamer
wings to their dresses — perfect for those little angels at a fairy-tale
wedding.
