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Updated May 03, 2023Flower Girl Outfit Basics That Every Parent Needs to Know
Now that your little one's ready to take on the role, it's time to learn the etiquette rules attached to the attire.
All eyes will be on the flower girl on the big day, so making sure she's in a flower girl outfit that'll make her look adorable and feel confident is a must. You could easily send your little lady walking down the aisle in a floral print dress, but there's more to the flower girl's attire than you might think. There are rules to who pays for the flower girl's dress, who picks it out, what color it should be and much more. We break down everything you need to know about the flower girl's outfit, give you tips for the buying process and even round up some of our favorite stores to get the perfect flower girl outfit.
In this article:
- Flower Girl Outfit Etiquette
- What to Do Before Buying the Flower Girl Outfit
- What to Do While Shopping for the Flower Girl Outfit
- Where to Buy Flower Girl Dresses
Flower Girl Outfit Etiquette
Before you start shopping for your little one, you'll need to consider the wedding etiquette attached to the flower girl outfit. Below, we have all the answers to ensure you, the flower girl and the to-be-weds are on the same page.
Who pays for the flower girl dress?
Traditionally, the flower girl's parents pay for the flower girl's outfit and accessories. During the shopping process, the parents should set a budget, and the couple should choose outfit options that fit that budget. This way everyone is happy and comfortable with the final decision. Some couples might go the unconventional route and pick an adult flower girl. If you're an adult flower girl, you're responsible for all of your flower girl costs. It's also possible that the couple will decide to pay for the flower girl's outfit because they have a big enough wedding budget. Just remember that if the couple didn't explicitly say they're covering the flower girl costs, you should assume you're on the hook for the expenses.
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Who picks the flower girl outfit?
Usually, the to-be-weds choose the flower girl's attire, so she can match the wedding theme and sometimes the wedding party. Some couples are more flexible and don't mind if the flower girl's parents choose the dress as long as the dress connects in some way to the wedding theme. It's polite for the couple to give the parents (and the flower girl) input on the outfit since the parents are expected to pay for it. If the couple has a specific dress in mind that happens to be a little expensive, it's proper etiquette for them to cover the cost of the flower girl's attire.
Does the flower girl match the bride or bridesmaids?
According to tradition, the flower girl's dress is supposed to be similar to the bride's wedding dress. Sometimes couples try to get a miniature and age-appropriate version of the bridesmaid dress for the flower girl to wear. Of course, this tradition doesn't have to be followed, especially since it may not work for LGBTQ+ to-be-weds or couples who have mixed-gender wedding parties. Beth Chapman, founder of The White Dress by The Shore, believes you don't have to stick to tradition for the flower girl's dress. "Often couples choose to have their flower girl's attire be unique to the child. Certainly, you would want the color of the dress to be cohesive with the bride or the bridesmaids, but there are absolutely no 'rules' that the attire of the flower girl should match the bridal party," Chapman says.
What color does the flower girl wear?
Another custom associated with the flower girl's dress is for the ensemble to be white to match the (typically) white gown that the bride wears. Once again, this tradition isn't required. Many couples and parents opt for something more festive for the flower so she can stand out. The color of the flower girl's outfit can be a beautiful blue to act as your "something blue" or forest green to match your winter wedding color scheme. Either way, the color of your flower girl's dress is completely up to you.
What to Do Before Buying the Flower Girl Outfit
Shopping for a flower girl outfit doesn't have to be a confusing or stressful experience. Here are a few tips on what to do before you hit the stores.
Make sure the dress is age-appropriate.
Flower girls can be anywhere between three and eight years old, which means they're at the age when growth spurts seem to happen overnight. So don't worry about altering the flower girl outfit to make it the perfect fit, instead, pick an outfit that allows for a little room for growth but also isn't oversized.
The Knot Expert Tip: If you're buying the flower girl outfit far in advance, like a year or more out from the wedding day, consider going up a size just in case the flower girl grows a couple of inches.
You'll notice while you're browsing flower girl dresses that they mostly come in two lengths: tea and floor-length. Tea-length silhouettes, with hemlines that fall a few inches below the knee, are the best for young flower girls because they decrease their chances of tripping. Floor-length dresses work the best with older flower girls since you can teach them to be aware of the dress's length and how to hold it to avoid hazards while walking down the aisle.
Stick to the wedding theme.
Many couples choose to have a wedding theme as one of the many ways to personalize their big day. The wedding theme is presented through the decor, food and, yes, even the flower girl's outfit. Avoid any awkwardness and talk to the couple about their wedding theme and what kind of style they want the flower girl outfit to be. You don't want to show up to a nautical wedding with your little one in a rustic flower girl dress.
Check the weather.
The flower girl's attire should not only match the wedding theme but the season too. If you're attending a summer or spring wedding, choose outfits with short sleeves and open-toed flower girl shoes. For a fall and winter wedding, buy a long sleeve dress or cardigan and tights. You want the flower girl to be as comfortable as possible, so she can do her job with no distractions.
What to Do While Shopping for the Flower Girl Outfit
Ready to grab an adorable flower girl outfit for the little attendant? Then read these final tips while you're on your shopping trip.
Involve the flower girl in the buying process.
No matter the flower girl's age, involving her in the decision-making process is key. By asking her for her opinion and respecting it, you're creating a close relationship that you and the flower girl will cherish. If the flower girl loves the outfit she's in, her confidence and excitement about the day will exude through the wedding photos. So show interest in her preferences by asking simple questions, like what colors do you like, do you want glitter on your dress, would you like to wear a tiara or do you want to wear a dress (yes, stylish flower girl jumpsuits are a thing and no, a dress isn't required)?
Not everyone likes going to the store to try on dozens of outfits to find the perfect one. Show the flower girl some possible options online first so you can get a better idea of what styles she likes. This way you save a lot of time at the store, and there are no tantrums.
Make sure the flower girl is comfortable in the outfit.
Unfortunately, some flower girl outfits are super cute but super uncomfortable. To steer clear of the flower girl trying to rip her outfit off while walking down the aisle, make sure you have her walk around and sit in the potential fit. So if you notice that she complains about the sequin sleeves being itchy or that her heels keep popping out of her ballet flats, move on to another dress and pair of shoes. "Select attire for the flower girl that is comfortable and that they are excited to wear! It can be difficult on the day to coax children down the aisle and to pose for photos, so having them excited about what they are wearing can be half the battle," Chapman says.
The Knot Expert Tip: Pick outfits made of satin since that fabric is wrinkle- and rip-resistant. Avoid buying anything made of silk because it's expensive and damages easily. If you want a princess or ballerina look, go for outfits that include tulle.
Don't forget the shoes and accessories.
Once you've chosen the flower girl's attire, you have to get shoes and accessories. There are lots of fun and chic options out there, like lace Mary Janes, moss-covered flower girl baskets or classic flower crowns. Luckily, buying the shoes and accessories is typically easier and quicker than buying the outfit, but you still need to choose comfortable shoes and accessories for the flower girl to wear. If the flower girl is younger than three years old, the couple might not mind if the child isn't wearing shoes but double-check with them first. If going barefoot is okay, have the child be carried or pulled in a wagon down the aisle. This way the child doesn't step on any dangerous objects that may fall in the aisle.
Where to Buy Flower Girl Dresses
Need some flower girl outfit ideas? Check out some of our favorite places to buy flower girl outfits below.
Azazie
Azazie is an online clothing store that sells all things bridal, like wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, jewelry and much more. The flower girl dress selection ranges from $30 to $109. They offer various styles and colors––all on the more conventional side. Unfortunately, Azazie doesn't have a brick-and-mortar store and doesn't offer a virtual showroom or at-home try-on option for the flower girl dresses, but customer reviews are a great reference point for shoppers. Many reviewers say the dresses are a perfect fit as long as you follow the store's size chart.
BHLDN
BHLDN (pronounced "beholden") is an online and in-store wedding shop from Anthropologie. BHLDN has flower girl dresses, shoes and accessories in ivory, blush and almond tones. The prices range from $41 to $180, and the dresses come in casual and formal styles.
Bloomingdale's
Bloomingdale's is a luxury department store that has an online and physical store that offers lots of flower girl outfit options. Bloomingdale's has a large selection of outfits in numerous different colors, patterns and styles. There are casual and formal outfits that can fit just about any wedding, with prices ranging from $64 to $200.
David's Bridal
David's Bridal is a formal clothing store that has outfits for weddings and other special events. David's Bridal has a collection of conventional and unique flower girl styles in a multitude of colors, which makes it a good choice for any wedding theme. David's Bridal has an online site and numerous stores nationwide, so your little one can try-on outfits in the store. The prices for the flower girl clothes, shoes and accessories range from $17 to $280.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom is a luxury department store that provides online and in-store flower girl attire options. Nordstrom doesn't have a large collection of flower girl outfits and accessories, but you can browse through their general "Girls' Clothing" section for some fun and colorful options. The prices for the flower girl dress and accessory items start at $9 and go up to $221.
