Styling tips for flowergirls
As the bride, you're not the only one excited at the thought of dressing up like a fairy princess. Here's how to make sure your flowergirls look as pretty as a picture - and keep them happy
Smooth operators
Bridesmaids usually draw as many "oohs" and "aahs" as the bride and most stylists would agree that simplicity is key. On an occasion like this try to let children look like children rather than mini adults in smaller versions of grown-up styles.
Make the most of silky, floaty, fairytale fabrics and be careful with intricately decorated or lacy materials that can catch on jewellery, handbags, bouquets and furniture. Children also trip easily so keep skirt lengths to just below the knee.
Debenhams, Mothercare, Next and Monsoon all have a wide range of affordable off-the-peg styles and can be found in most high streets, which avoids the need to take the children long distances for their fittings.
Selection of dresses, Debenhams 08445 616161
Keep it simple
Children tend to fiddle with fussy outfits, especially when they are overawed by a big occasion, so try to keep any ribbons, bows and sashes at the back of dresses and away from temptation.
Keep skirts full and unrestrictive too, and try to avoid too many layers of scratchy net, especially in hot weather. Youngsters rarely feel comfortable in fitted dresses and skirts and much prefer to be able to sit and play freely.
Keep an open mind when choosing actual styles too. It's not compulsory to wear special, expensive occasionwear. For an informal summer wedding, a pretty cotton dress designed for everyday wear can work perfectly - cool, sweet-looking and easily jazzed up with fresh flowers or feathers.
Flower print dress, Next 08702 435435, www.next.co.uk
Goldilocks
While flowergirls often like the idea of having a special hairdo they generally don't have the patience to sit still for long, complicated styling sessions. Very young flowergirls tend to pull at updos, ringlets or plaits, so unless you know your youngsters will be able to resist fiddling, keep hair natural-looking and loose, maybe scrunched-dried to make waves. Use pretty clips or alice bands to keep hair gently under control. If your flowergirls have pierced ears, treat them all to a small under-stated matching studs to avoid someone turning up on the day with a pair of earrings that you feel is inappropriate.
Gold empire-line bridesmaids dresses, Mothercare 08453 304030, www.mothercare.co.uk
Accessories
Little girls may love wearing their mums' heels, but for a long day on their feet and then an evening of running about and skidding across the dance floor, they need something practical. Avoid slip-on styles and go for something fitted such as pumps, T-bar shoes or sandals with ankle straps.
Gold metallic shoes, Next 08702 435439, www.next.co.uk
And so to bed
Remember that little people get very tired with all the excitement, so try to dress very young children in outfits which are comfy enough to let them nap. Avoid too many buttons, zips or hooks and eyes which are fiddly to undo. Simple single-button cardigans and loose-fitting dresses with back fastenings are ideal.
Cardigan and dupion dres, both Monsoon 0870 412 9000, www.monsoon.co.uk
Don't forget to check out our Supplier Directory for bridesmaid dress stockists in your area
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