How Old Should A Ring Bearer And Flower Girl Be?
The idea of having a few kids at your wedding is a bit problematic. It's just hard to resist the presence of these adorable little ones in your entourage. Flower girls and ring bearers are natural charmers, and who wouldn’t like to see one? If you decide to make them a part of your wedding, you’ll have to brace yourself for what might happen when kids are around. Ahead, we’ll discuss how old should a ring bearer and flower girl be to avoid meltdowns on your big day, as well as behaviors that you should expect when kids make it to your day.
Is It Necessary to Include Kids in Your Entourage?
If you’re making your list for the entourage, but you aren't a kid person, you can let out that sigh of relief now. We’ve got some good news for you; flower girls and ring bearers aren't must-have members of the entourage. You can still get officially hitched even without shower flowers on the aisle and one to carry the ring. But would you miss this opportunity of seeing a dearie child in the family be a part of your most memorable day?
Who Should the Flower Girls and Ring Bearers Be?
If you’re all for onboarding a few kids on your big day, know that there’s no written or spoken rule as to who should be your flower girls or ring bearers. However, it’s common for the couple to choose children from their families. It can be nephews and nieces, your maid of honor’s or best man’s sons and daughters. Or if you have kids from your past relationship who are still too young to be your bridesmaid or groomsman, then it’s best to share this moment with them by making them a part of the proceedings.
How Old Should A Ring Bearer and Flower Girls Be?
When it comes to how old should a ring bearer and flower girl be, the decision is yours to make. Given that their presence is already optional, their age won’t matter. However, consideration has to be made, knowing fully well that kids behave erratically. Here’s how you should expect kids of different ages to behave during the event.
Infants or Children Below 1 Year Old
There’s no denying how adorable infants are, but most of the time, they're on deep slumber- which is good as infants are either asleep or throwing tantrums. It’s also not plausible to accompany them to walk the aisle. Making them a part of your entourage is more of a hassle on the infant’s parents and may not be worth the chance.
Toddlers
Children below two years old needs carrying down the aisle, and how charming they will be will largely depend on their mood when it’s time for the processional. They can be trusted to walk, but they need to be conveyed to be sure they don’t end up wandering somewhere else. When it comes to the seating arrangement, have their parents be on the visible part of the venue to run towards them easily should they start feeling fussy or withdrawn.
Kids Two to Four Years Old
At this age, the child will now be able to take simple directions, such as having them walk the aisle. But there’s no guarantee that they would. Meltdowns and tantrums are still very common their age, and they can happen with the flimsiest of reasons. If you find a child of this age suitable for the role, it would be best to have her/him be accompanied by an older child that they’re familiar with. That means one more child in the entourage, but it can work wonder, especially if you're insisting on the little one's presence in the entourage. It’s easier to gain a child's cooperation when someone they're friends of goes with them. They consider the task a play. They'd gladly participate. Just be sure not to upset the child, or the parents should be prepared to spend the whole time pacifying a tantrum-throwing kid at a wedding.
Kids of Age Five to Ten
This age is the ideal answer to the question ‘how old should a ring bearer and flower girl be.’ As we all have observed, kids of this age have somehow gained independence and can now better follow norms and perform simple duties. You wouldn’t need to constantly cheer on the child to do her/his part. Walking down the aisle should not be a problem, and meltdowns are least likely to happen. But it would be best if you have the join the rehearsals so that they can get a little familiar with the people they’ll be seeing on day. Rehearsals will also allow them to familiarize their task. Simply put, children of these ages make the best flower girls and ring bearers.
How Will They Go?
If you’ve rightfully picked a child who can already walk, the organizer should instruct the kids or their parents that they go down the aisle after the entire wedding entourage, and just before the bride. The flower girls shall be showering flowers on the aisle, and the ring bearer shall give the rings to the best man. If the child can’t walk yet, the parents shall carry the child, or when possible, have the child ride a decorated wagon, carried by another bigger child. Know more about wedding fashion.
Conclusion
The charm of kids is irresistible, much more so when they’re dressed beautifully for a wedding. But just as how lovely they can get, kids can also be rowdy and unruly. To prevent this from happening on your big day, you should learn how old should a ring bearer and flower girl be.
