There are no rules that you have to follow about having a flower girl. It is completely up to you whether you have one or not. If you do have one, she can be whatever age you want and her dress doesn't have to match the bridesmaids if you (or she) doesn't want it to. We have some gorgeous gowns for flower girls of all ages.

Flower girls

Flower girl toddlers

If anyone can take on the bride in the white dress stakes at her own wedding, it’s the flower girl. Walking down the aisle in a short, fun, white dress with a coloured ribbon at the waist to add youth will not only create the ‘ahhhhhhhh’ moment intended, but also makes for a cute wedding photo with the bride, post ceremony. As for the shoes, something comfortable is most appropriate yet a bit of sparkle wouldn’t go amiss. Loose curls pinned back and a delicate bow holding them in place finishes the ensemble.

Flower girl children

At this age, wearing white is still an acceptable colour for the flower girl to showcase, just maybe not as practical! If a few years older than a toddler, a longer dress is usually the way forward. For what is inevitably going to be an active reception for children, including dancing and possible hide and seek around the venue, a tight bun will ensure hair stays elegant and fuss free for the entire day.

Flower girl tweens

Although not the norm, choosing an older flower girl approaching teenager years is not entirely unheard of. The older the flower girl, the more grown-up the dress can be. Although not an absolute rule, usually the dress is longer again and tying it in with the style/colour of the bridesmaids is an option. As for the hairstyle, a flowery headband works beautifully, creating a more casual vibe and separates the flower girl from the bridesmaids.

Flowers

The actual scattering of the flowers whilst walking down the aisle can be tweaked ever so slightly to fit in with the overall theme. Carrying a single flower is becoming as much a tradition as a bunch; a basket filled with flowers of the brides choice really could not look cuter on the arm of a younger flower girl; for a cowboy themed wedding, if you so dare, the petals could be placed in a cowboy hat or why not forgo the tradition of flowers and have your flower girl walk down the aisle blowing bubbles for a more kitsch take on things?

- Michelle Storey

Image credits: Three girls: Polka Dot Bride | Flower girl with wand: Southern Weddings | White flower crown: Wedd Book | Ballet skirt: One Wed | Basket of flowers: Wedd Book | Girl and boy: Style Me Pretty

Pink flower girl waving: We Heart It | Pink flower: Lace and Love Hearts | Flower crown: Wedding Bee | Girls under veil: Inside Weddings

Teenager with basket: Elegance and Enchantment | Flower girls in pink: Bravo Bride | Rose flowers: Wedding Spot | Fairy dust: Indulgy | Pink flower wand: Pinterest