Choosing The Bridal Party

Choosing the wedding party can be stressful for many brides and grooms.  The bridal party should be made up of those people who are closest to the bride or groom, are truly happy for you, and whom you forsee being a support to your marriage.  Normally, this includes siblings, best friends, or close family members that you have a special relationship with.  The style and vision for your wedding will help to dictate the size of the bridal party; small and intimate, traditional church wedding, or a grand affair.  Keep in mind that members of the bridal party will have to make a financial commitment in order to participate. Costs include attire, accessories, possible travel, parties or showers.  Also consider that larger wedding parties equals a larger expense, i.e. bouquets, limo transportation, attendant gifts, and rehearsal dinner costs. The following people are considered members of the bridal party.

• Bridesmaids
• Maid/Matron of Honor
• Groomsmen
• Best Man
• Flower Girls
• Ring Bearers
• Hostesses
• Ushers

Flower Girl Dresses

The attire for flower girls is really dependent upon the preference of the bride. Popular flower girl dresses traditionally include a white dress in a Cinderella style, sometimes with a sash to match to bridesmaids, a dress in a color matching the bridesmaids, or a mini-version of the bridesmaids dresses.  If you choose to wear off white the flower girl's dress can also be off white.  Most bridal shops offer a selection of flower girls dresses, however, flower girl dresses from a bridal shop are usually rather expensive. To save money, shop online or at a department store.  If you're wedding is not for several months, consider a larger size to account for growth spurts.

Flower Girls

A sweet addition to any wedding is a flower girl. Flower girls are usually a young girl under the age of 10.  It's customary to select a family member, such as a sister, niece, or cousin of either the bride, groom, or both. You can also choose the daughter of a friend. Flower girls add a cute and often funny element to your sentimental occasion.  The number of flower girls usually ranges from one to three depending on your family structure.  For girls over the age of 10, other options for participating in the wedding include junior bridesmaids or bell ringers.  The role of the flower girl(s) is to walk down the aisle after the bridesmaids and before the bride while dropping flower petals (real or fake) along the way.  Children often become nervous, so making sure they practice is vital to avoid a case of stage fright.  It's also a good idea to have her parent(s) sit on the front row so she has the option to sit with them, if needed.  Another option is to assign a specific bridesmaid for her to stand next to during the ceremony, preferably someone she knows.  A popular trend for smaller flower girls is to be pulled in a decorated wagon by an older flower girl. Flower girl dresses.