FLOWER GIRLS AND RING BEARERS
I was five years old when my oldest brother got married. I was the flower girl in the wedding.
What I remember about it now was the rehearsal, when the priest led me through my part, not the wedding itself.
If you’re including children as part of the wedding party, be sure they’re also included in the wedding rehearsal.
Children can be nervous about their roles, but, like the adults involved, it will soothe their worries to walk through their part the day before and to know where they will be, who will be helping them, and what they are expected to do.
I was five years old when my oldest brother got married. I was the flower girl in the wedding.
What I remember about it now was the rehearsal, when the priest led me through my part, not the wedding itself.
If you’re including children as part of the wedding party, be sure they’re also included in the wedding rehearsal.
Children can be nervous about their roles, but, like the adults involved, it will soothe their worries to walk through their part the day before and to know where they will be, who will be helping them, and what they are expected to do.
Although couples usually choose children between ages 4 and 10 for these roles, I have seen younger kids do just fine, particularly if one of them is older and escorts the younger one down the aisle.
In nearly 30 years of performing weddings, I have only seen one meltdown. The ring bearer, who was about 3, had attended the rehearsal and done well, but the best man had not been at the rehearsal. The ring bearer was to walk down the aisle and stand just in front of the best man, but he took an instant dislike to him on the wedding day and refused to walk down the aisle.
His mom came to the rescue, scooping him up and bringing him and the pillow down the aisle. She handed the pillow to the best man, took her little guy and sat down. It was a memorable moment, but not one that actually disrupted the wedding. It was certainly something all the attendees will remember when they think of that day!
It’s fine to have the kids sit down with relatives in the front row once they have entered with the procession. The flower girl’s job is really completed after that, and the ring bearer can come forward when the ring exchange is about to take place, then return to his seat when it’s completed.
Couples in about half the weddings I do include a flower girl and a ring bearer. If your circle of family and friends is family-oriented, kids will be welcome in the ceremony and among the guests.
Other couples prefer an all-adult wedding, and so choose to have the best man and maid or matron of honor carry the rings to be exchanged. Both ways work well. The most important thing is that the choice you make fits you so that you will be able to remember your wedding day with warmth and fondness.
Stay tuned for Part 2: Should We Have Family Vows in the Wedding for Our Blended Family?
In nearly 30 years of performing weddings, I have only seen one meltdown. The ring bearer, who was about 3, had attended the rehearsal and done well, but the best man had not been at the rehearsal. The ring bearer was to walk down the aisle and stand just in front of the best man, but he took an instant dislike to him on the wedding day and refused to walk down the aisle.
His mom came to the rescue, scooping him up and bringing him and the pillow down the aisle. She handed the pillow to the best man, took her little guy and sat down. It was a memorable moment, but not one that actually disrupted the wedding. It was certainly something all the attendees will remember when they think of that day!
It’s fine to have the kids sit down with relatives in the front row once they have entered with the procession. The flower girl’s job is really completed after that, and the ring bearer can come forward when the ring exchange is about to take place, then return to his seat when it’s completed.
Couples in about half the weddings I do include a flower girl and a ring bearer. If your circle of family and friends is family-oriented, kids will be welcome in the ceremony and among the guests.
Other couples prefer an all-adult wedding, and so choose to have the best man and maid or matron of honor carry the rings to be exchanged. Both ways work well. The most important thing is that the choice you make fits you so that you will be able to remember your wedding day with warmth and fondness.
Stay tuned for Part 2: Should We Have Family Vows in the Wedding for Our Blended Family?
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