6 Tips for Choosing a Flower Girl Dress

Perhaps no member of the bridal party draws more attention than the flower girl. All eyes will be on the little lady as she walks down the aisle, tossing petals, and smiling adorably for the cameras. Whether your flower girl is a niece, cousin, sister, or family friend, wearing the perfect dress will make her feel special and confident throughout the big day. Here are six factors to think about when choosing a flower girl dress. Follow our tips and you'll end up with an attendant that's cute, comfortable, and a fit for your wedding.

FLOWER GIRL ACCESSORIES LITTLE ONES WILL LOVE

A bride has free reign over choosing the flower girl dress, since no rules dictate proper style, color, fit, or fabric. However, most brides opt for a dress that ties into her wedding aesthetic. One popular option is a white or ivory frock that mimics the bride's wedding dress. Alternatively, some brides choose a flower girl dress in a similar hue to the bridesmaids' dresses, which visually connects her the bridal party. If you don't have a strong feeling about the look of the flower girl dress, consider asking the littlest member of your bridal party for her opinion!

Flower girls should don attire that works with the season. Stick with short sleeves and open-toed shoes for warm-weather weddings, and consider adding tights or sweaters to the ensemble for cold-weather weddings. That way, she won't be too hot or cold throughout the day.

When picking a flower girl dress, don't fret about finding the perfect fit. The flower girl shouldn't wear anything frumpy or oversized, but form-fitting gowns often feel too restrictive. Save the alterations for the bridesmaids and let her wear the dress as it comes-she'll look equally as adorable! Keep in mind, however, that young children grow very quickly. If you're ordering the dress a year or so in advance, consider going one size up to account for growth spurts.

28 GIFTS YOUR FLOWER GIRL WILL LOVE

While the fabric of the flower girl dress should match the wedding aesthetic, stay away from anything too heavy, stiff, or itchy. Since the flower girl will likely move around while wearing the gown, choose something that resists wrinkles and rips, like satin, one of the most popular fabrics for flower girl dresses, which is durable and comfortable. Chiffon and organza are also safe choices for layering, and tulle can be used as an accent fabric to lend ballerina vibe to any dress. Avoid silk; although the material is extremely comfortable, it tears easily and costs a pretty penny.

Most flower girl dresses are either floor-length or tea-length (falling a few inches under the knee). Younger girls may fair better with tea-length dresses, since they won't drag on the ground and create a tripping hazard. Floor-length dresses, on the other hand, tend to look more formal and elegant, and may be best suited for older girls. Consider the length of the neckline as well. Gowns with high necklines better prevent wardrobe mishaps-especially with younger children.

A bride-to-be can buy a flower girl dress at many places, such as bridal shops, online retailers, and department stores. Some brides opt for dresses specifically designed for flower girls, while others go the more affordable route and buy a party dress. Before settling on a dress, always check the price with the flower girl's parents, since they'll likely pay for it. Out of courtesy, try to stay away from anything overly expensive. If you prefer, let the parents choose from a couple different options, or give them free reign over choosing any dress in a particular color.