Flower Girls & Ring Bearer
Flower Girls are no longer just carrying flowers. They spread petals, hand out roses and carry the Brideʼs train among their new activities.
Ring Bearers also have new jobs to fill. They too, help in carrying the Brideʼs train, the passing out flowers and have romantic Signs to carry. Their traditional job of carrying the Wedding rings has produced elaborate pillows embellished in lace and beaded work. No longer to carry the “real” Wedding rings which are now held by the Best Man.
Here you will find many new ideas along with the more traditional views
Baskets
When choosing to include a Flower Girl or Girls in your Wedding you are presented with another decision within the Wedding Theme. Their age and size may help guide You toward that decision. Will the Flower Girl add more color and be dressed similar to the Bridesmaids or be a echo of the Bride in all white? Will She be walking down the aisle with an escort or be pulled in a decorated wagon? Will She carry flowers or a Wand, toss petals?
Flowers for Flower Girls Bouquets should be chosen from the ones used in Bridesmaids Bouquets or in all white.
A Fireside or flat basket with about a 6 - 7 inch diameter with an overall height of 7 inches.
Uses: as a basket to hold an arrangement of flowers; to spread petals from; to pass out flower stems from.
A Princess basket in about a 6-8 inch size with an overall height of 8 -9 inches.
Uses: an arrangement of flowers or to spread petals from.
Any basket you desire in appropriate size which adds to the Wedding Theme can be used. Basket size should depend on age and size of child. To help create a more festive appearance you can line the basket with fabric, attach ribbons and/ or bows in Wedding colors, and use other embellishments like pearls, pearl sprays, rhinestone sprays, brooches. You can design a Keepsake Locket for the Flower Girl or Bride to receive after the Ceremony.
Uses: as a basket to hold an arrangement of flowers; to spread petals from; to pass out flower stems from.
A Princess basket in about a 6-8 inch size with an overall height of 8 -9 inches.
Uses: an arrangement of flowers or to spread petals from.
Any basket you desire in appropriate size which adds to the Wedding Theme can be used. Basket size should depend on age and size of child. To help create a more festive appearance you can line the basket with fabric, attach ribbons and/ or bows in Wedding colors, and use other embellishments like pearls, pearl sprays, rhinestone sprays, brooches. You can design a Keepsake Locket for the Flower Girl or Bride to receive after the Ceremony.
Bouquets that are Hand Tied are the most easily handled bouquet for a small child. A few roses (3 to 5), or other Wedding Flower, combined with babyʼs breath and ribbon. This Bouquet style is not easily taken apart by the child during the Ceremony. It uses natural stems out of water.
Hand Wired, like the Hand Tied, are both not easily taken apart by the child. Unlike the Hand Tied, Hand Wired Bouquets with ribbons and/ or tulle have a fuller appearance. They also have a source of moisture under the stem wrapping.
Floral Foam Bouquets in Round, Teardrop and Crescent can be used. They should be kept with in the 6 inch size range. This Bouquet is not recommend for small children as they tend to pull the flowers out during the Ceremony or when bored. It is used more for young girls who are between the Flower Girl and Junior Bridesmaid age or size. It should be a smaller replica of the Bridesmaids.
Flowers for the Hair can be a wonderful way to continue your Wedding Theme. Weather it evolves a hair piece of a few flowers wired together or a full circlet of flowers the effect will show in your pictures.
Hair Pieces are often times used for the Mothers instead of Corsages. Whenever using Hair Pieces in the Wedding be sure to have Bridesmaids place them on the right side of the head. This will assure that they show in the Wedding pictures as all the Bridesmaids will face camera with their right shoulder.
Floral Halos or Circlets can be found in several designs:
Full Circlets - this type of halo uses small to medium size flowers (about the size of a quarter to the size of a 50 cent piece) individual wired and combined to produce a hairpiece of about 18 to 24 inches, which sits over the crown of the head. Ribbons added in as loops and streamers complete the picture.
Another type of full circlet for the Do It Yourself Bride, evolves the gathering of greens (usually ivy) into the appropriate size and lightly wired to hold it shape if necessary. Flowers and/or babyʼs breath are glued in with an
floral adhesive. Ribbons are tied to back for streamers. You can also add a small veil of tulle.
Floral Crowns, these lovely accents for Flower Girls can be found in rhinestones or fresh flowers. Flower crowns are like small full circlets. Their size depends on the hair style worn by Flower Girl or Bridesmaid. Usually done in Baby's Breath or Wedding flowers, but hand made crowns in bead work are very popular Half Circlets- small to medium flowers are wired and combined to produce a halo of about 8 to 10 inches, with long ribbons tied to each end. The circlet is fit to size by tying the ribbons together at the back of the head. This type of halo can be less expensive than a full circlet and create the same effect. Also, it can be a better choice when you donʼt know the exact size of each persons head and for small children.
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Band Circlets - these are mostly associated with the Hawaiian style. The circle of flowers goes directly across the forehead and sits on the ears.
Hair Bands are 2-5 inches in width and about 8-10 inches in length. Made of hand wired flowers attached to a base or the flowers are glued directly to the base with floral adhesive. Flower heads, petals and greens may also be glued to a ribbon band of similar dimensions. This can be especially useful for small children and thin hair which can not support wired flowers. Use a green or coordinating ribbon.
Hairpieces can be single flowers such as a gardenia or orchid, multiple flowers like 2-3 roses or simply clusters of babyʼs breath. They can be pinned in to the hair, attached to combs or clips. You can find them pre-made in silk flowers and rhinestones at most Bridal shops. When making them in fresh flowers, consider pearl sprays, ribbons, silk leaves and such that can be incorporated in to their structure to add color, shape and reaffirm the Wedding Theme. Also, consider the weight of the hairpiece as it is attached in someoneʼs hair.
The Flower Ball or Pomander is an old fashioned idea reinvented for today. A 5-6 inch ball composed of flowers in Wedding colors or all white. Set in to floral foam or glued to a Styrofoam ball. The ball is carried by a ribbon handle. It is a very charming look for the garden style or any Wedding. Used for Brides and Bridesmaids, too.
A lovely item that is getting a lot of attention is the Flower Girl Wand, different from the Ribbon Wand-made of only ribbons. This sweet addition to any wedding can be as simple as a heart or star on a stick with a flower or two and some trailing ribbon. Use a more elaborate design with multiple flowers, jewels and ribbon wrapped handles.
Today's non-traditional Bride is using this design for her Bridesmaids as well. These more elaborate wands boast roses, orchids and other flowers along with crystals, rhinestones, pearls, and with rich satin ribbons and laces. For the Flower Girl this means having to carry the wand or Bouquet Wand with both hands. For the budget minded Bride these can be an inexpensive Do It Yourself project.
Today's non-traditional Bride is using this design for her Bridesmaids as well. These more elaborate wands boast roses, orchids and other flowers along with crystals, rhinestones, pearls, and with rich satin ribbons and laces. For the Flower Girl this means having to carry the wand or Bouquet Wand with both hands. For the budget minded Bride these can be an inexpensive Do It Yourself project.
Ribbon Wands are a very old Wedding tradition. Used predominately at festivals and celebrations through out Europe. Bought to the Americas with her immigrants. The basic idea is a stick with two or more ribbons attached at one end. Now, this can be upgraded by attaching more than two ribbons of different colors, adding lace, confetti cards or printed ribbon with name and date, jingle bells, charms on a chain or ribbon. What ever you find that adds to Your Wedding Theme.
Traditional the Ribbon Wand is used by the Flower Girl, but this whimsical addition is making its way in to Brides and Bridesmaids hands at the Ceremony.
Many Brides and Grooms use the Ribbon Wand as a alternative to the rice or rose petal toss as they exit the Ceremony. This can produce some really colorful and action packed pictures. Then again, Others use them as they exit the Reception. The Choice is Yours. Place the Wands in clear view of Your Guests with a short note of how and when to use them.
For today's budget conscious Brides this little item make the perfect DIY project for You and your Bridesmaids. Pressed for time? Find the Wands pre-made in bulk on the Internet in colors of Your choice.
Traditional the Ribbon Wand is used by the Flower Girl, but this whimsical addition is making its way in to Brides and Bridesmaids hands at the Ceremony.
Many Brides and Grooms use the Ribbon Wand as a alternative to the rice or rose petal toss as they exit the Ceremony. This can produce some really colorful and action packed pictures. Then again, Others use them as they exit the Reception. The Choice is Yours. Place the Wands in clear view of Your Guests with a short note of how and when to use them.
For today's budget conscious Brides this little item make the perfect DIY project for You and your Bridesmaids. Pressed for time? Find the Wands pre-made in bulk on the Internet in colors of Your choice.
The Bridal Train Garland is a new idea for Flower Girls. Approximately 3 - 4 feet of green garland decorated with flowers, each end has a small floral wristlet attached to it. The garland is attached to each Flower Girl at the wrist (one on the left wrist, one to the right wrist). The garland spreads over the Brideʼs train from were the girls hold it, each in one hand.
The Flower Girls stop at a designated spot, drop the train and the bride continues to move forward. Remove one side of the garland from one flower girls wrist to separate girls. This garland can be done in fresh or silk flowers to match Wedding theme. May also, be reused as table adornment at Reception.
Ring Bearer/Page Boy
A Page or Page Boy traditionally is used to carry the Bride’s long train. You will often find them in British Royal Weddings and in Europe. A young family male of between 5-10 years, it is a way to introduce the young child in to society. They are also used for walking with Flower Girl, carrying a wedding sign or pulling a decorated wagon.
In a formal Wedding the Ring Bearer is a special Page who carries the symbolic rings in to the Ceremony. The Ring Bearer pillow may be simple or elaborate, this will depend on the Brides desires and her Wedding Theme. It does not have to be a pillow, it could be a sea shell, a small decorated dish or ceramic heart, wooden boxes, floral pillows of fresh flowers, any item You want is acceptable. There is nothing is more precious than a young man in a tuxedo. However, many Brides, and Grooms, will dispense with the formal suits for a more casual look of shirt, vest and tie. The Page or Ring Bearer should have a Boutonniere either in white or a color like the Groomsmen.
We also have our Furry Ring Bearers-Our Dogs. This wonderful idea of including Your Best Friend in the Wedding is gaining in popularity each year. Ideas ranged from a pillow strapped to the dog for the rings to a simple wreath around the dog's neck. Please be sure to remember to have water at the Ceremony and Reception, with treats for this special participant. |
Throw Bouquet/ Going Away Corsage
This part of the Ceremony is one of the most enjoyable traditions held with in a Wedding. When the Bride throws her Wedding Bouquet to the flock of unmarried women. However, with the elaborate and intricate assembly in many of todayʼs Bridal Bouquets you may do injury to someone with the flowers and holder they are put into. My suggestion is to have a separate Bouquet to throw. Many florists include a Throw Bouquet or going away Corsage as part of the Bridal Bouquet price. Be sure to check when ordering. If not, have one made for you. It can be a loose gathering of cut flowers, in Wedding flowers or colors, or a hand wired Bouquet. The hand wired works best as the recipients tend to pull the bouquet apart as they catch it.
Recently I have had many Brides order a “Fall-Apart Throw Bouquet”. It is a wired Bouquet made up of 2 to 5 smaller bouquets. These are then loosely place in a vase until the appointed time. The Bride grasp all Bouquets as one, tossing what everyone thinks is only one Bouquet. The group of women are showered with flowers. The addition of charms, confetti cards or ribbons makes each piece a memorable keepsake
You can also use a smaller Bouquet such as a Bridesmaid or Flower Girl to throw. Silk Bouquets are often used for this tradition. The Throw Bouquet should be kept at the Guest Book Table or Cake Table. This provides not only more decoration and color but, also ensures the Bride can find the Bouquet at the appropriate time.
This part of the Ceremony is one of the most enjoyable traditions held with in a Wedding. When the Bride throws her Wedding Bouquet to the flock of unmarried women. However, with the elaborate and intricate assembly in many of todayʼs Bridal Bouquets you may do injury to someone with the flowers and holder they are put into. My suggestion is to have a separate Bouquet to throw. Many florists include a Throw Bouquet or going away Corsage as part of the Bridal Bouquet price. Be sure to check when ordering. If not, have one made for you. It can be a loose gathering of cut flowers, in Wedding flowers or colors, or a hand wired Bouquet. The hand wired works best as the recipients tend to pull the bouquet apart as they catch it.
Recently I have had many Brides order a “Fall-Apart Throw Bouquet”. It is a wired Bouquet made up of 2 to 5 smaller bouquets. These are then loosely place in a vase until the appointed time. The Bride grasp all Bouquets as one, tossing what everyone thinks is only one Bouquet. The group of women are showered with flowers. The addition of charms, confetti cards or ribbons makes each piece a memorable keepsake
You can also use a smaller Bouquet such as a Bridesmaid or Flower Girl to throw. Silk Bouquets are often used for this tradition. The Throw Bouquet should be kept at the Guest Book Table or Cake Table. This provides not only more decoration and color but, also ensures the Bride can find the Bouquet at the appropriate time.
The Bridal Corsage is a floral tradition of the past. As far back as the late 1800’s, You can find many photographs of Brides who have a bouquet and wear a corsage too. Some were no more than a boutonniere size, made to match the Bridal bouquet. This tradition continued in some part up into the 1970’s. It is, however, a tradition that had fallen out of favor with Brides over the ensuing years.
This Bridal decoration morphed in to the “Going Away” Corsage. When the Bride was ready to leave her Reception she would pull a Corsage out of her Bridal Bouquet, pin it on and go. Single and double flower corsages were the style to wear. For many Brides during War time this floral adornment may have been the only flowers at their wedding. Today, a corsage could be made of Wedding flowers and anchored to the Bouquet holder. With both concepts the removal of the corsage creates an empty space in the Bouquet. As this is at the end of the Reception there should be no problem. Another option is to have a small corsage made and held at the Reception site until it is time for the Wedding Couple to leave. |
Mother's Flowers,
An elegant surprise at any Wedding. It is a more recent tradition to the Wedding Event, but has grown more popular each year.
Customarily a single rose, fresh or silk, that is decorate with ribbons to be presented to each Mother as a token of appreciation from the Bride to Groom’s Mother and one from Groom to Bride’s Mother. White is the most popular color but any color from the Wedding Theme or another flower can be used. Sometimes two Flowers in same or different Wedding colors are used, tied with coordinating ribbons (printed or plain). As an added adornment and keepsake for the Mothers, add a Locket carrying a small piece of Wedding dress or Lace, a special Brooch or Charm tied to the Flower by the ribbons.
These Flowers are prepared unknown to the recipients and set up on the altar or another spot known to the Bride and Groom. At a designated point in the Ceremony, usually toward the end with a small speech, the Bride and Groom turn from the altar area to make the presentation. Fathers can also be singled out for this show of gratitude.
Originally, these Flowers were to come from the Brideʼs Bouquet. A token from the Bride to each Mother. But today’s Bouquets are design masterpieces being reused at Reception in floral displays so pulling out flowers is not recommended. You could lightly tie the Roses to the handle of the Brideʼs Bouquet for the Bride to carry them and she will bring them in to the Ceremony.
A third option is to present the Flowers to the Mothers at the Reception, say before the First Dance or at a Toast from the Head Table.
This can also be a simple DIY project by getting your own Rose, fresh or silk, and decorate it with a few feet of ribbon and other embellishments to match Your Wedding Theme. Display it at the Reception in a clear Eiffel Tower vase, here are a 16 inch and 20 inch Eiffel Tower vase are used.
An elegant surprise at any Wedding. It is a more recent tradition to the Wedding Event, but has grown more popular each year.
Customarily a single rose, fresh or silk, that is decorate with ribbons to be presented to each Mother as a token of appreciation from the Bride to Groom’s Mother and one from Groom to Bride’s Mother. White is the most popular color but any color from the Wedding Theme or another flower can be used. Sometimes two Flowers in same or different Wedding colors are used, tied with coordinating ribbons (printed or plain). As an added adornment and keepsake for the Mothers, add a Locket carrying a small piece of Wedding dress or Lace, a special Brooch or Charm tied to the Flower by the ribbons.
These Flowers are prepared unknown to the recipients and set up on the altar or another spot known to the Bride and Groom. At a designated point in the Ceremony, usually toward the end with a small speech, the Bride and Groom turn from the altar area to make the presentation. Fathers can also be singled out for this show of gratitude.
Originally, these Flowers were to come from the Brideʼs Bouquet. A token from the Bride to each Mother. But today’s Bouquets are design masterpieces being reused at Reception in floral displays so pulling out flowers is not recommended. You could lightly tie the Roses to the handle of the Brideʼs Bouquet for the Bride to carry them and she will bring them in to the Ceremony.
A third option is to present the Flowers to the Mothers at the Reception, say before the First Dance or at a Toast from the Head Table.
This can also be a simple DIY project by getting your own Rose, fresh or silk, and decorate it with a few feet of ribbon and other embellishments to match Your Wedding Theme. Display it at the Reception in a clear Eiffel Tower vase, here are a 16 inch and 20 inch Eiffel Tower vase are used.
Double Rosary (Lazo) /Arras
A Double Rosary or Lazo is a recreation of the Rosary with two halves and an extending cross. During the Wedding Ceremony, before the vows are spoken, the double rosary is placed over and around the Wedding couple. Itʼs significance is aimed toward well wishes and prayers for the happy couple, linking them in name and soul.
These unique Rosaries can be found in many Latin Wedding supply stores. Another option for this ritual is a single large rosary, available at florist or floral suppliers, made from fresh or silk flower heads. These Rosaries, single and double, can be used on Head Tables and Cake Tables for extra decoration at Reception.
Arras are 13 coins representative of Jesus and the 12 Apostles. Carried in to the Ceremony usually by the Parents, or can be someone else special. Presented in a small coach, box, bible, beaded container or decorative sack. Usually brought in before the Bride. They are then presented to the Bride by the Groom at a specific spot during the Ceremony.
A Double Rosary or Lazo is a recreation of the Rosary with two halves and an extending cross. During the Wedding Ceremony, before the vows are spoken, the double rosary is placed over and around the Wedding couple. Itʼs significance is aimed toward well wishes and prayers for the happy couple, linking them in name and soul.
These unique Rosaries can be found in many Latin Wedding supply stores. Another option for this ritual is a single large rosary, available at florist or floral suppliers, made from fresh or silk flower heads. These Rosaries, single and double, can be used on Head Tables and Cake Tables for extra decoration at Reception.
Arras are 13 coins representative of Jesus and the 12 Apostles. Carried in to the Ceremony usually by the Parents, or can be someone else special. Presented in a small coach, box, bible, beaded container or decorative sack. Usually brought in before the Bride. They are then presented to the Bride by the Groom at a specific spot during the Ceremony.
TOASTING GLASSES
As early as the 6th century BC, the Greeks were toasting to their Friends health- to prove the wine they were offering was not poisoned. It had become a common method of the times in dealing with many social problems, removing the enemy permanently. Drinking to one’s health was then adopted by the Romans. It shows up in writings in the 16th century when Shakespeare writes of it in one of his plays. In the 1700’s it was popular to “toast” to persons not present at the gathering or party, thus started the saying “Toast of the Town”. By the 1800’s it was considered one of the traditional Ceremonies at a Wedding. Today’s Toasting Ceremony has evolved in to a verbal keepsake for the new Couple to remember always. This includes the Traditional Best Man/Bride of Honor Toast. As a token of this moment, each new Bride and Groom will purchase or receive a set of Toasting Glasses, and some times two sets. The shapes and designs of these glasses have changed over the years. And new designs appear each year. The Original Champagne Glass was invented during the time of Napoleon, at that time there were only wine goblets used for drinking champagne. It is rumored the shape was pattered after the breasts of Marie Antoinette. Flutes have now become the new standard for champagne toasting glasses. They can be found in many different styles, colors and materials. Crystal is a favorite. Flutes are hand painted and embossed, etched or engraved with names and dates. There are new designs that combine glass and metal, these can be found with stem and base of intertwining shapes like hearts, dragons, skulls to name a few. King and Queen designs are very popular. Along with rhinestones and brooches for decoration. Another shape that is often used is the Pear shaped flute. In Eastern Europe they will decorate the champagne bottle and the glasses to match with the Wedding Theme. Here in America it is considered to be Shabby-Chic to have matching mason jars for the Toasting. There is also the combination of beer glass for the Groom and a wine glass for the Bride. Popular for all Wedding Party participants are the Wine Glass Tags, these rings with wedding themed charms, letters or names are secured around the stem or handle of the glass. This tagging of a glass adds a festive touch and helps the owner recognize her or his drink throughout the night. If You do receive two sets, fear not. The answer lies in the placement. Use one set at the Head Table and the other set on the Cake Table. Enjoy having the Toasting Ceremony twice! |
Glass Corsages
A lovely, special touch for the Toasting Ceremony. They are made in the same manner as a small corsage: 1-2, medium or small flowers, in fresh or silk flowers along with ribbons and/ or tulle. The addition of pearls, pearl sprays, and other embellishments will depend on Wedding Theme or Brideʼs desires. Glass corsages are tied onto the stem of the Toasting Glasses usually at the base however, final placement will depend on the glasses themselves. Many of todayʼs Toasting Glasses are beautifully decorated crystal or elaborate silver and gold goblets not needing any other adornments. But, to tie them into the Wedding, use a single flower with little to no ribbon can add that festive touch.