The Significance Behind The “Flower Girl”
The Significance Behind The “Flower Girl”
Many brides decide they want to have a flower girl in their wedding, usually to include a younger family member, or to have a pretty sprinkling of petals down the aisle. But there is actually significance behind the flower girl. Her purpose is to lead the bride forward and symbolize the innocence fading away, and her role as a mother and wife coming forward.
The tradition began in Ancient Rome, where the flower girl serviced the bride and groom by carrying wheat and herbs. This was to bless them with prosperity and fertility. Throughout Western Europe, the only people who attended to the bride were those of youth. So all of the attendants in the wedding party were children. Finally, and the most notable of “flower girl visions” is the Victorian flower girl: a young, little girl in a white dress carrying a basket full of rose petals.
Today brides still use flower girls in their wedding, and a lot of the time they prefer to choose a flower girl that will mirror their own image. Sometimes the flower girl wears a small version of the bride’s gown, though most of the time she wears a dress similar to that of the other bridesmaids, whether it is in color, style or both. She is to symbolize innocence, beauty and even good luck!
Though there aren’t many alternatives to a flower girl, if you’re not having one, you could simply give your guests petal cones and have them sprinkle the aisle as you walk down it. Petal cones make a great alternative to rice or bubbles, but in this case they would be used during the ceremony rather than after.
And just in case you were wondering where the wedding ring bearer tradition originated? After a tireless search, it’s safe to say most have struggled to pinpoint the origin of the wedding ring bearer tradition. Some sources say the tradition was born in Ancient Egypt, where it was customary for treasured jewels to be carried on ornamental pillows during wedding ceremonies. Either way, it’s nice to have another young person included in the wedding party – if not just to make things super cute!