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3 years ago
For the little helpers in your wedding party
With wedding season well under way, we wouldn’t be surprised if you found yourself eager to get some ideas for your own big day. While your bridal gown, venue and flower arrangements may already be sorted, there’s still the very big question of what the little ones will be wearing on the day. If you’re welcoming children to take part in the ceremony, then you’ll probably need a bridesmaid dress or two. Fear not, we’ve brought together some of our favourite flower girl dresses of 2022 below, with picks from Monsoon, Pepa & Co. and My Wardrobe HQ.
Before we get into the thick of it, there are probably a few things you should keep in mind when looking for a flower girl dress. ‘A perfect flower girl dress should fit the occasion and ‘feel’ of the wedding, suit the personality of the little girl, be comfortable and most importantly fun for her to wear, all day long,’ says Helen Wall, Head of Brand Communication at Monsoon. ‘I would recommend the dresses aren’t ordered until nearer your big day, as so often little girls have growth spurts and this will ensure the size is perfect. It’s also worth having a couple of try-on sessions in the run up, especially for little ones, to ensure they are comfortable and get used to the idea of wearing their dresses with the perfect sparkly shoe.’
Traditionally, girls in the wedding party wore white to match the bride, but these days you’ll see flower girls wearing every colour of the rainbow down the aisle. From blush pink, summery yellow and something blue to florals and swirls, the modern flower girl can very easily bring a youthful splash of colour to the ceremony – and maybe a bit of sparkle, if you’re a fan of glitter.
As we all know, kids don’t sit still for very long. A haphazard slouch can quite easily undo any work done by an iron or steamer, so when picking out dresses try to go for fabrics that are less likely to crease. Possible contenders include tulle, crepe and lace.
There’s a certain magic that kids can bring to a wedding, but if they’re not happy about something it won’t take long for things to go a little awry. The last thing you want on the day are tears over uncomfortable dresses, itchy fabrics or cold limbs. It’s probably best to do your research beforehand, like checking the weather conditions of the season (and deciding if short or long sleeves are needed), thinking about how old the kids will be by then (and how much taller), and making sure dresses are lined with softer materials to avoid irritating skin.
(c) Monsoon
You may also want to think about where you’ll be getting married when it comes to finding the right dresses. If you’ve opted for a countryside wedding on a sprawling manor estate, for example, you could opt for more whimsical styles that fit in with the romance of the setting, or if you’re thinking of doing something in town, you might want to could consider vibrant colours that will stand out in photos.
As always, before you buy, check to see if you or someone you know has something at home that fits the bill. Kids quickly outgrow clothing, making it hard for them to re-wear the same thing over and over again. Repurposing an old party dress, borrowing something from a friend or using a rental platform can easily fit into your need for ‘something borrowed’, and buying second-hand could even become your ‘something old’. Re-wearing old clothes is the best way to be sustainable, but if you can’t avoid it then try to shop at responsible retailers where possible.
Organza Polka Dot Dress, £459, monnalisa.com
Ideal if you have flower girls of varying ages, this dress from Monnalisa has been made with polka dot organza and features a draped bodice, a glittery full skirt and a rhinestone belt fitted with a corsage. Ifeal if you want a bit of sparkle on your special day.
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Phoebe Dress (Multiple Sizes), rent from £5 per day or buy secondhand for £85, mywardrobehq.com
If florals and dazzling shades of pink aren’t your thing, then this could be the find for you. Ideal for twirling, this dress is decked out with satin stripes that ripple with every movement, and features Egyptian cotton lining for added comfort.
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Silk Star Bridesmaid Dress (11-12yrs), rent from £7 per day or buy secondhand for £35, mywardrobehq.com
This vintage find could be your ‘Something Borrowed’ on the big day, as it’s available to rent through My Wardrobe HQ. Crafted from silk, the dress features a tiny dotted star pattern, a matching sash and rosette on the front.
Kids’ Alice Satin Mesh Panel Bridesmaid Dress in Ivory, from £45, johnlewis.com
This sophisticated bridesmaid dress from John Lewis will make its wearer feel well and truly grown up. Featuring a flared skirt, mesh yoke and a cute corsage embellishment at the waist, this would work wonderfully for a modern ceremony.
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Bead-Embellished Tulle Midi Dress, £239, farfetch.com
A sweet dress with a minimal design, this flower girl dress will suit wedding celebrations that fall under the ‘low key’ label (but still want a bit of sparkle on the day).
Flower Girls Lace Sleeveless Party Dress Three-Piece Set in Peach Pink, from £49.99, etsy.com
If a summer wedding is on the cards, then you might be thinking of introducing some peachy tones to your wedding party. This dress from Flamingo Kids features a gorgeous tulle skirt and lace bodice decorated with faux pearls and flowers – and it even comes with a matching headband and handbag, which saves you the job of finding those all-important accessories.
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Imogen Coral Dress, from £285, nickimacfarlane.com
For a pop of colour, this dress from Nicki Macfarlane should do the job. Embellished with coral organza flowers, the Imogen dress also features a matching sash and shoulder ties, as well as a full petticoat.
Sleeveless Flower Girl Dress with Blue Silk Sash (12mths – 10yrs), £310, pepaandcompany.com
Avid royalists will recognise Pepa & Co. as the retailer that decked out Prince George and Princess Charlotte for Pippa Middleton’s wedding back in 2017. Charlotte, who was just two years old at the time, wore a white puff skirt dress with a pink sash – very similar to the one we’ve selected here.
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Audrey Duchess Twill Bridesmaid Dress in Pink, from £38, monsoon.co.uk
An ideal match for a blushing bride, this light pink dress features a full, puff skirt, a rose corsage, frill detailing and an oversized bow on the back to create a very whimsical design. If you’re big on girly details and whimsy, this could be the dress for you.
Flower Girl Dress, £POA, hermionedepaula.com
If coordination is key for your big day, then you’ll be a fan of Hermione de Paula. As well as designing wedding gowns, the label also creates stunning bridesmaid dresses decorated in floral details and lace. Keeping to the theme of your wedding party, Hermione de Paula can also make ‘mini me’ versions of its bridesmaid dresses for flower girls.
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Ribbon Bouquet Dress, £250, needleandthread.com
The queen of romantic silhouettes, delicate embroidery and soft pastels, Needle & Thread has many options to choose from when it comes to children’s dresses (and grown up dresses, in case you’re interested). Decorated with interconnecting spirals of vines and flowers, this dress in particular will help its little wearer truly embody the term ‘flower girl’.
Flower Embellished Lace Gown, £425, marchesa.com
Perhaps the perfect pick for a autumnal wedding. This red organza gown features sheer short sleeves, a voluminous lace skirt and velvet ribbons and flowers adorning the bodice.
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Juniper Tutu Dress (2-12 Years), £185, harrods.com
This princess-style gown would look right at home at spring wedding. Fluttering layers of tulle give this dress a very ballerina-esque feel – simply pair it with some flats and your sugar plum fairy will be all good to go.
Lola Lace Dress in Green, from £60, monsoon.co.uk
Monsoon’s elegant take on the bridesmaid dress consists of a green bodice decked out in delicate lace and a little pink rosebud, finished off with a dainty sash tied up in a ribbon on the back.
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Daisy Tulle Party Dress, £119, rachelriley.co.uk
Bring a little magic to your wedding celebrations with this fairy tale-themed dress from Rachel Riley, which features a taffeta bodice, daisy trim and full skirt in layers of candy pink tulle.
Featured image: Monsoon
