Remember the days when a small toddler walked tepidly down the aisle carrying a pillow with two rings on the top? Well, today many couples are turning to alternative options when it comes to who (or what) will bring those rings down the aisle and how they will carry the rings.
One of the most popular non-traditional choices for the ring bearer is the family pet. For some couples a dog, cat, or ferret is an essential member of the family that needs to take part in the wedding ceremony. There are companies that specialize in making ring-bearer merchandise specifically designed for pets. However, it is a good idea to keep any pets on a leash and designate a specific person to walk the pet down the aisle.
While your family dog may be great at coming when called, he or she can get spooked by the large crowd of people watching. Also, some people are fearful or allergic to animals, so you may want to keep your pet close to those who are more comfortable with your family companion.
Another alternative to the young child walking by himself down the aisle is to use an older child who brings the couple down the aisle in a wagon. This is especially useful for very young children carrying flowers and rings. They are confined to an area and the fear of all those eyes watching them is eased by being in a group.
Besides using a ring-bearer pillow, some couples are using alternative ways to carry the ring down the aisle. Many brides are considering bells instead of a pillow. Others have used treasure boxes that have slots specifically designed to hold the rings. It can make for a beautiful addition to a ceremony to open the box and pull out the rings.
No matter what you choose for your ring bearer, make sure it fits for your particular ceremony. Plan ahead and, especially with young children and animals, a few practice runs is best.
Preparing Your Flower Girl
A flower girl is usually a young girl between the ages of 4 and 8 who has a special connection to the bride and groom. Perhaps she is a niece or cousin, or a family friend. She follows behind the bridesmaids (sometimes before and sometimes after the maid of honor) with a basket of flowers, scattering them down the aisle.
How to Choose a Flower Girl
For some of you, the choice will be obvious. Others may have to worry about choosing between several possible candidates. There's no reason why you can't have two or even three flower girls – it will add to their confidence and ups the cuteness quotient. Avoid choosing someone who is too young – she will be confused and perhaps scared. An older girl may be more suited for a job such as reader, or junior bridesmaid. If your only choices are unsuitable or not that close to you, there is no reason why you have to have a flower girl.
Preparing Your Flower Girl For Her Role, and Calming the Jitters
One of the best ways to do this is buy her a book about being a flower girl which will explain her role, and get her excited. Seat her parents on the aisle, near the front so that she can see them when she walks down the aisle and during the ceremony itself. Ask a bridesmaid to be her "buddy" and make sure she uses the restroom before the ceremony. Most of all, don't be too nervous that she will make a mistake. If she dumps all her petals at the start of the aisle, runs instead of walks, or even starts to cry, guests will think it's cute.
What She Should Wear
Often, a flower girl is dressed in a mini-version of the bride's dress, or a white dress with a sash that matches the bridesmaid's dresses. But you can choose any sweet dress that ties into the look of the wedding. Make sure it's comfortable and not too long, so that she won't be pulling at her dress or tripping down the aisle. If your flower girl doesn't like dresses, choose a pants outfit with the same level of formality as the bridesmaid dresses.
Where to Find a Flower Girl Dress
You can find flower girl dresses at bridal shops, children's clothing stores, and department stores. Since the parents typically pay for their daughter's dress, try to choose something relatively inexpensive.
