Flower girls and ring bearers are undoubtedly the cutest members of a wedding. But getting a young child to walk down the aisle without tears or tantrums seems impossible. From the perspective of the children, they are asked to wear formal clothes, walk along a path, and either scatter petals or carry a pillow, all while being stared at and photographed by dozens of people. Can we blame them for feeling a bit overwhelmed? So, we need to think of some simple ways to help these young attendants play their important roles on the big day.
Practice Makes Perfect: Before the ceremony, have the flower girl and ring bearer practice their entrance multiple times, as close to the actual wedding ceremony time as possible. Relying on just one or two rehearsals before the formal ceremony may not be enough for young children to remember the process. Sufficient practice will make the flower girl and ring bearer feel more comfortable and confident.
Create a Relaxed Atmosphere: Most flower girls and ring bearers are between the ages of three and eight. Young children often don't understand what a wedding ceremony is, and they don't hide their emotions. If you are recruiting a toddler as part of your wedding ceremony, consider having one of their parents or both accompany them down the aisle. Young children feel more natural and comfortable when they are with a trusted adult. Similarly, if your ring bearer and flower girl know each other, allow them to play together, as this may prevent them from feeling nervous or throwing tantrums.
Shorten the Tasks: Children's attention spans may not be long enough, so it's important to control the length of the aisle. Consider having them walk only half the distance and reduce the tasks they need to perform.
For children over the age of four, try emphasizing the importance of their role in the wedding. Understanding the uniqueness of their job will encourage them to do it well. Make them feel like little heroes saving the world, just like their favorite cartoon characters. Help them enjoy and understand the significance of their role in such an important event. The more they look forward to walking down the aisle, the more likely they will enjoy the task and fully engage in it. You can also have a conversation with the child's parents before the wedding, allowing them to inform the child about the "special job" they will be doing in the days leading up to the ceremony.
Choose Comfortable Attire: Ensure that the flower girls and ring bearers are dressed comfortably. Avoid itchy fabrics, clothes that are too tight or too big, and inappropriate shoes.
Give Them a Task: Assign the flower girls and ring bearers a special task, such as holding a sign or a flower basket. This will give them a sense of purpose and make them feel important.
Provide Treats for the Children: Children of all ages can't resist a little bribery. Let's face it, sometimes it's hard to predict how young children will behave. Consider offering small rewards or snacks to motivate them to confidently walk down the aisle. If you're working with young children, invite their parents or members of the bridal party to host a small snack party for the children before the aisle walk. If you're working with older children, parents can promise them a long-awaited toy after the wedding if they behave well during the procession.
Allow for Adequate Rest Time: The unfamiliarity and fast pace of a wedding can quickly exhaust children, disrupting their daily routines. Make sure they have plenty of rest time throughout the day. If you want to add extra tasks for the children before or after the ceremony, such as taking family photos, sufficient rest is especially important.
Prepare Backup Plans: Even with practice and preparation, things can still go wrong. Have backup plans ready for the flower girls and ring bearers in case they get nervous or decide not to walk down the aisle. Look for suitable replacements from the bridesmaids, groomsmen, or trusted friends and family. Alternatively, if there are other children present, they can step in as substitutes for the flower girls or ring bearers during the ceremony.