The actual flowers in the care of each flower girl are a most important consideration. It is precisely the flowers that make the flower girl; in both literal and sentimental terms.

Flower girls will most often carry a bouquet of flowers, a basket of flowers, a hoop decorated with flowers, or a garland of flowers. The most popular choice is the basket of flowers as so many brides wish to float down an isle scattered with petals. Baskets are often covered in satins or silks to coordinate with the elegance of the brides own dress. Fancy baskets are also adorned with ribbons to match wedding accent colors and even lace appliques to resemble the fashions of the event. Always charming are simple, primitive baskets, hand woven...even spray painted white or other soft coordinating colors.

Baskets should be carried with both hands atops the handle. When tossing the petals , the flower girl should try to keep the basket close to her front with on hand on the handle. She tosses, of course, with the free hand. Petals should be tossed low in front of her; scattering the petals across the isle. Remember, practice makes perfect and in this case...it is fun, too.

Bouquets are found in several styles as well. Flower girls can carry a single stem rose, lily, dahlia, or other large bloom. Simple and sweet tussie-mussies are the smallest bouquet, cherished by the Victorians who would wear them for everyday charm. A nosegay is a larger, well rounded bouquet of rosebuds or other tiny blooms. Usually greenery is a kept at a minimum for the nosegay. Stems will be tightly bound in beautiful ribbons which may end in floating streamers or ends may be tucked completely away within the ribbon binding. Larger, more elaborate bouquets should be selected with care to not overpower the innocent beauty of childhood. Also, large bouquets will be more difficult for the child to handle.

Bouquets should be carried with both hands around the flower stems. If the flower girl has a special bracelet or ring that is a gift from the bride; that hand should rest atop the other. Small bouquets can be carried with elbows slightly bent; long stem bouquets can be carried with both arms elongated.

A hoop decorated with flowers and ribbons is a charming and historic floral accessory. A large round hoop is sympolic of eternal love; just like the wedding rings. Recall the beautiful idyllic drawings of Kate Greenaway and to envision the whimsy of the floral hoop. Years in the past, florist were not available for most country weddings. The hoop was decorated with wildflowers or blooms from a family garden and wound with beautiful ribbons and streamers. To ensure the correct size of a hoop for your flower girl, measure the distance between the childs clenched fist held down by her side to the ground beneath. For comfort and safety, the fully decorated hoop including ribbons and streamers should not exceed this measurement. Hoops are traditionally used when there are multiple flower girls. The hoop should be held in one hand, a few inches from the ground. The decoration on the hoop will also determine the position in which it should be held: some decorations should be carried so that the flowers are at the bottom of the hoop, the side, or the top.

Garlands are long streams of ribbons elaborately decorated with flowers and greenery. They are a wreath unwound. It will take at least two flower girls to carry a garland properly...sometimes more. But, there must be at least one flower girl holding the front and the end of the garland. Long garlands may require one or two attendants at the middle sections of the garland.

New traditions such as fairy wands decorated with flowers and ribbons and beautiful balls of flowers with ribbon loops to carry are creative options for flower girls. Flower girls can carry simple purses full of petals and adorned in blooms as well. Remember also, that fresh flowers are beautiful and classic additions to headwreaths, waistands, barettes, and headbands.