No one can deny that the flower girl is the prettiest, the cutest, and the best dressed in the bridal entourage. While you are running up and down to ensure that every detail of your wedding is picture-perfect, the chances are that you have coaxed your little one to try a myriad of flower girl dresses. That’s where Sara Dresses can come in especially handy. Sure, you may have found a flower girl dress that will knock your guests’ socks off. But, how much do you know about the history of the flower girl? Let's explain so you can get the historical perspective of this enchanting role.
The Flower Girl: A Little History
The flower girl is the staple of today’s weddings. But the story behind the littlest member of the wedding party is as cute as the flower girl herself. Although the historical origins of most wedding traditions are not well known, most people believe the role of the flower girl dates back to Ancient Rome. According to a few available records, the flower girls of the era lugged around herbs and wheat to wish the wedding couple a happy marriage full of fertility and prosperity. Interestingly, the flower girls of the Medieval age carried a bouquet of garlic to help the married couple ward off evil spirit. This comes as no huge surprise because then people believed that evils spirits roamed the forests and alleys. Although they didn’t wear ritzy flower girls dresses like today, the young ladies were beautiful nonetheless.
Throwing Flower Petals
I’m sure you’re wondering: when did flower girls start throwing flower petals during weddings? That’ll be the Elizabethan era. Coincidentally, that’s also when the concept of flower girl dress was conceived. Like your little angel, Victorian flower girls adorned elegant white dresses and scattered flowers down the aisle.
Present-day Flower Girls
Carrying anything from confetti to flower petals, today’s flower girl follows the maid of honor down the aisle. Up to this date, however, the flower girl introduces the bride and leads the bridal party, symbolizing the bride’s evolution into a wife and possibly a mother. Clad in a fantastic flower girl dress, she’s meant to manifest innocence, beauty, and young love.