Having a Ring Bearer or Flower Girl in your wedding party is an option. Here are some things to consider when choosing to have a flower girl or ring bearer, keep in mind that the younger they are the higher the risk of a crisis. Young children are frightened easily and may decide at the last minute that they are not walking down the aisle. Be prepared of have them walk with a parent or towards a parent seated near the front.
Flower Girl
The flower girl usually carries a basket of flower petals to scatter across the aisle. I have seen them as young as 1 ½ yrs old to 9 or 10. Typically, flower girls wears a beautiful dress and may have flowers or a special ribbon in her hair. After walking down the aisle, the flower girl will sit with her parents/family members to watch the rest of the ceremony.
Ring Bearer
The ring bearer typically comes behind the flower girl, carrying a pillow with the wedding rings tied to it. His age can vary as the flower girls does. Many couples prefer that their ring bearer wear a tuxedo, (be prepared to pay almost as much in rental cost to an adult) but you can have your ring bearer wear whatever you want. Your ring bearer can either stand next to the groomsmen or be seated with his family depending upon his age.
Tips for Your Ring Bearer and Flower Girl
If the ring bearer and flower girl are prone to restlessness, have them sit with their families rather than standing for the wedding
If your ring bearer is fairly young, you may want to put fake rings on the pillow and have your best man hold the real rings. Likewise with a younger flower girl, you may want to have a ribbon secure the basket of flowers to their wrist for their entrance. Also, if needed, have the parents bring a change of clothing.
By preparing your ring bearer and flower girl for their roles, you can ensure that the wedding goes smoothly and that they understand what they’re supposed to do during the ceremony. Should all else fail, and they refuse, I have seen Maids of Honour delightfully scatter flowers on her way up the aisle or hold the hands of the little people and have them walk together.