How to Buy a Flower Girl Dress

For fans of Modern Family, there was a recent episode in which Lily Pritchett, the four-year-old daughter of Cam and Mitchell, wears a LED infested flower girl dress. Halfway down the aisle, she trips, falls, and curses. While this isn't the typical flower girl scenario -- parents usually get some say -- it is a hilarious example of what can go wrong.

So what is a flower girl? A flower girl is usually a young girl between the ages of 4 and 8 who has a special connection to the bride and groom. Often, a flower girl is dressed in a miniature version of the bride's dress, or a white dress with a sash that matches the bridesmaid's dresses. If your flower girl doesn't like dresses, choose a pantsuit with the same level of formality as the bridesmaid dresses.

Where to look?

You can buy flower girl dresses at bridal shops, children's clothing stores, and department stores. Since the parents typically pay for their daughter's dress, try to choose something relatively inexpensive.

Formality

The formality of her dress will depend on the formality of the wedding. If you are having your wedding on the beach, then your flower girl’s dress should be something in light and airy colors, such as pastels (light pinks, blues, yellows, etc.) and simple designs. While some brides will want to dress your flower girls in floor length dresses, tea length dresses are harder to trip in.

Color

When choosing the color of your little flower girl’s dress, you can also match them to your color palette. If you choose to go with having her dress in a miniature version of the bride’s gown, but you still want some color in it, you can incorporate some color by putting pretty ribbons and bows in her hair or maybe some small flowers pinned on her dress. You could also just use a colored floral accent that will match the color in the bridesmaid dresses.

Comfort

You still want her to be comfortable in her dress. It should be a positive experience, but uncomfortable clothes or shoes can also lead to whining. It is recommended you buy her flats (no matter how much she may beg for heels) that are made of patent leather or high quality vegan shoes. Cheaper shoes can chafe and blister young tender feet.