***

When most people think of a wedding party they think bride, groom, bridesmaids and groomsmen, but that leaves out the cutest part of a wedding party – the flower girl(s) and ring bearer.  James and I will have 3 flower girls, Emma, Kate and Tess; and 1 ring bearer, Jackson.  They are all siblings and we can’t wait to see them decked out for the wedding.

Once we had decided on colors and bridesmaid dresses, I was able to move on to outfitting my flowers girls and ring bearer.  Emma is the eldest girl at 8 years old and Kate and Tess are 3.  With the age difference, I thought it would be nice to have Emma wear a more “grown up” dress that showcased her head flower girl position.

Luckily, our color scheme of navy blue and pink lends itself to endless options for the flower girl dresses.  I started my search at Nordstrom and found Emma’s dress instantly, a gauzy white dress with a pink bow and pink petals.  For Kate and Tess, I found a pretty pink dress with an empire waist and a full skirt.

Not to be outdone by the girls, Jackson will also turn heads at the wedding.  For a cute ring bearer I love the idea of a bowtie like the one below from Brooks Brothers.  Paired with a summer suit like this one from Tom and Drew, he just may steal the show from the girls!

When you determine what florals the flower girl(s) should have on your big day, there are quite a few fabulous options to consider.  I love an angelic hair wreath, a darling pomander ball, or a traditional petal basket.

Keep in mind that the age and interests of your little friend will impact what the best choice is for her…Can she pretend that the wreath is a princess crown? How about thinking that the pomander is a purse? In any case, it is best to ask the parents of the flower girl what they think she will prefer, let her practice and remember that no matter what, the flower girl will be cute coming down the aisle!

Photo Credits: Martha Stewart Weddings

Well, this morning I found this.  This so-cute-I-can’t-STAND-it little girl in her little pink dress.  If you are having a garden wedding, or a coastal wedding, or a southern seersucker wedding, look at this flower girl dress!  I am loving it — and her “hey, you, look at me!” pose.  

Tracey, you are the best!  Keep doing what you do!

From Lindsey…

My wedding is in Costa Rica, but I’m planning it from the DC area.  I am having a new dilemma with what I should have my 13 and 10 year old cousins wear. The 13 year old is going to pass out fans on the beach, and the 10 year old is going to drop orchids along the walk way, although she does not wan to be called a “flower girl”. The bridesmaids are wearing alternating colors between clover green and a mango pink. Any ideas?

A wedding in Costa Rica — how fun!  You may be sensing that the 10-year-old doesn’t want to be called “flower girl” because she feels too old for the title.  You could consider calling them both “junior bridesmaids” to alleviate her concern.  Even though she’s dropping orchids along the aisle, she can still be called a “junior bridesmaid” for the sake of the title.

These two little ladies don’t need to perfectly match the bridesmaids, but it would look very nice to coordinate their dresses with the rest of the wedding party.  Since you have already chosen mango pink and green, I think a nice shade of eggplant, salmon, or even a lemon yellow, would complement your color palette, depending on the exact shade of the bridesmaids’ dresses.  These lovely dresses are from the Juniors department of Bloomingdale’s (girls sizes 7-16)…

Bloomingdale’s is located in both Chevy Chase, MD and Tysons Corner, VA.

A few other ideas from Nordstrom…

Photo: Brooks Brothers

Wondering what to wear to a September wedding in D.C.?  Looking for suggestions for what to tell your guests?  Tomorrow we’ll be featuring different looks for guests, and how to word your invitation so your guests will know exactly what to wear!

Photos: The Magic Wardrobe

And for the more casual wedding…

Photo: The Magic Wardrobe

Photos: Martha Stewart Weddings

Whimsical garden wedding or big city chic affair, a wedding is just a little sweeter when there’s a little one around.  Maybe it’s their wobbly walking/running down the aisle, or maybe it’s the look on their faces when the music is playing and they realize they are the center of everyone’s attention, or maybe it’s simply their a-dor-a-ble outfits.  So sweet.

Photos: Martha Stewart Weddings (top); Ladybug Collection (bottom)

Isn’t this last little one precious?  With her billowing white dress and that bow!  This dress is part of the Ladybug Collection and is available at Hannelore’s of Olde Town in Alexandria, Virginia.

Photos: Top Row – Sasha Obama (www.bet.com), White Flower Headband (J.Crew Crewcuts), Bottom Row – Girls’ Silk-Ruffle Pierre Top in Antique Purple (J.Crew Crewcuts), Cupcakes by Fancy Cakes by Leslie.

I am so excited to watch these sweet girls blossom into fashionable little young ladies over the next four years!