A flower girl is a participant in a wedding procession. Like ring bearers and page boys, flower girls are usually members of the bride's or groom's extended family, but may also be friends.Typically, the flower girl walks in front of the bride during an entrance processional. She may spread flower petals on the floor before the bride or carry a bouquet of flowers or thornless roses. Once the processional is over, a young flower girl will sit down with her parents. If the ceremony will not be particularly long, an older child may prefer to quietly stand at the altar with the other honor attendants.Because very young children are overwhelmed by the duties, and older girls may feel insulted by a "baby" role, the recommended age is between four and eight years of age, or even older, if not offensive to the girl's feelings.There may be more than one flower girl, particularly if the bride has several young relatives to honor. This practice is more common at British royal weddings, at elaborate weddings modeled after royal weddings, or at Victorian-themed weddings.

Historically, the clothing was provided by the families of the bride and groom, but most modern couples expect the parents of the flower girl to pay for her clothing and other expenses related to her participation.Her male equivalent is the ring bearer or page boy. Often the ring bearer and the flower girl are made to look like a couple, and they may be dressed in miniature versions of the bride's wedding dress and groom's clothes.

How to choose a Flower Girl?
For some of you, the choice will of the flower girl will be obvious. Others may have to worry about choosing between several possible candidates. There's no reason why you can't have two or even three flower girls – it will add to their confidence and ups the cuteness quotient. Never underestimate the power of the buddy system. We love the idea of having two flower girls or pairing up ring bearer and flower girl so that they can proceed together, side by side. Partnering will give them added confidence. Avoid choosing someone who is too young – she will be confused and perhaps scared. An older girl may be more suited for a job such as reader, or junior bridesmaid. If your only choices are unsuitable or not that close to you, there is no reason why you have to have a flower girl.

How to prepare your Flower Girl for her role?
One of the best ways to do this is buy her a book about being a flower girl which will explain her role, and get her excited. If possible, arrange to have the flower girl attend the shower and/or the bridesmaids' lunch (if the bride is having one) to boost her comfort level around the other (bigger) bridal attendants. Seeing friendly, familiar faces on the big day will help to ease any anxiety.  Seat the flower girl's parents toward the front of the ceremony so she can focus on them and be encouraged by their smiles of reassurance. The very young flower girl should sit with her parents after she walks; poised little ladies may stand at the altar with the other bridal attendants. Ask a bridesmaid to be her "buddy" and make sure she uses the restroom before the ceremony. Most of all, don't be too nervous that she will make a mistake. Keep in mind that having children in the ceremony means there's only so much one can control. If she dumps all her petals at the start of the aisle, runs instead of walks, or even starts to cry, rest assure that whatever the flower girl does, her personality and preciousness will make the guests smile.

What kind of Dress should a Flower Girl wear?
Very often, a flower girl is dressed in a mini-version of the bride's wedding dress, or a white dress with a sash that matches the bridesmaid's dresses. But you can choose any sweet dress that ties into the look of the wedding. Make sure it's comfortable and not too long, so that she won't be pulling at her dress or tripping down the aisle. If your flower girl doesn't like dresses, choose a pants outfit with the same level of formality as the bridesmaid dresses.

What is a Ring Bearer or Page Boy?
A page boy is a young male attendant at a wedding or cotillion. This type of wedding attendant is less common than it used to be, but is still a way of including young relatives or the children of relatives and friends in a wedding. A page is often seen at British royal weddings. There may be many pages for effect at cotillions.

Traditionally, page boys carry the bride's train, especially if she is wearing a dress with a long train. Because of the difficulty of managing the train, page boys are generally no younger than age seven, with older boys being preferred for more complicated duties.In a formal wedding, the ring bearer is a special page who carries the wedding rings for the bridal party. This is almost always symbolic, with the ring bearer carrying a large white satin pillow on which imitation rings are sewn, while the real wedding bands are kept in the safekeeping of the best man. If the real rings are used, they are tacked on with thread to prevent their accidental loss.The ring bearer as a separate role is a relatively modern innovation. In a white wedding ceremony, the best man carries the rings.Ring bearers are often nephews or young brothers (although they can also be nieces or sisters) and are generally in the same age range as flower girls, which is to say that they are no younger than about 5 nor older than 10.

Click here to read about the Bride's Wedding Dress for the Wedding Ceremony