Having children in your wedding party can be a marvelous addition to the feel of your wedding day. Children add spontaneity, fun and sometimes a bit of sass to what can be a nervous and excitable moment as you approach your walk down the aisle.

Consider the age of the children in the wedding party. Smaller tots may do better with a Junior Bridesmaid helping them down the aisle, whereas school-age children can usually perform on their own. If you are thinking of a pomander ball for your flower girl(s), a good age is 4 yrs. and older. Younger children tend to over handle the pomander balls and the flowers may become compromised as a result.

photo by Todd Duncan

Other ideas for flower girls include head halos, or rings of blooms and greens that they wear on their heads - add thin ribbon tendrils down the back for that extra cute factor. Mini bouquets and baskets with flowers are also fun accents. Teddy bears with ribbons and flowers are great for the slightly shy children (think security blanket).

remaining photos by: Jonetsu Photography

Ringbearers can have a boutonniere to match the Groomsmen or the Groom, and if the little boy is younger than about 8 years old, ask your floral designer to use a safety pin.

This last photo shows a unique idea where the young attendant wore a smaller version of the Groom and Groomsmen's tropical flower lei.

Check back next Friday for (Part 4 of 4) March series;
"Corsages, Flower Girls, Ringbearers & Boutonnieres"

I have so many stories and observations about family members and the shenanigans associated with family dynamics when it comes to planning a wedding. This post may shock many of you, but it is written after many years of shifting my thinking on this topic...and it has taken me a long time to get to this opinion, so please be kind...

Eventually I will share many tidbits, but here’s a thought for you to ponder;

How much consideration should you give to your family’s opinions and ideas for your wedding?

My answer is simple: more than you think you should!

Or at least try to. Here’s why;

When you have difficult times in your marriage, your parents, siblings, aunties etc, will be the people who help you through it all. They are with you through thick and thin. I know some of you out there will be screaming at the screen whilst reading my words. And yes, I KNOW it’s the Bride’s day and I KNOW that you are not marrying your in-laws.....But, after almost two decades of this industry and hearing about the lives of my clients post-wedding, I truly believe that Brides & Grooms shouldn’t be so quick to dismiss the opinions of their families.

This happens alot in my consultations with Brides and Grooms (usually with MOB and MOG). I’m constantly amazed at how many Brides and Grooms shut down all ideas from their families (at least SOME of the interactions I see).

Think of it this way - in ten years, will it really matter how many layers the cake was, or the exact number of orchids in your bouquet? But in ten years will your relationship with your family will still matter?

Maybe what I really mean to say is one word: compromise.