Some brides simply cannot envision their walk down the aisle without a little girl dressed to the nines strewing rose petals before them. They bestow the honor on a young friend or family member, and more often than not, it goes well. Other brides are not keen on the idea of having children in their wedding or have no real good candidates to serve as their flower girl. Lucky for them, there are other options.

A well-trained pet can make a great flower girl, or ringbearer, for that matter. Who wouldn’t enjoy the sight of a bride’s beloved Pomeranian pup walking down the aisle in a lacy floral collar? No petals would be strewn, but for venues that do not allow the practice, having a pet for a flower girl might be ideal. Exotic pets may serve as flower girls as well, providing they can be escorted, carried or rolled down the aisle. For pets willing to be dressed up, there are dozens of formalwear styles available from dresses and tuxedos to hats, veils and dressy collars and leashes.

Performers are another option. Brides interested in making a spectacular entrance can hire a juggler, acrobat, clown, etc. to serve as their flower girl. Who wouldn’t enjoy receiving a rose from a ballet dancer pirouetting down the aisle or a daisy pulled from a magician’s hat? Flower girl performers work rather well for themed weddings, especially in venues that do not permit petals to be thrown.

Guests may also serve as flower girls. Baskets or bags of flower petals can be placed randomly among the seating, attached to the ends of pews or handed out at the guestbook. Whatever the method of delivery, guests will have access to flower petals to scatter down the aisle. For venues that do not allow petals to be strewn, guests may blow bubbles, ring miniature bells or sing softly. Brides just need to make sure they note in the program what guests are to do with the items provided.

Brides who have too many people to choose from may want to select a group of kids to walk down the aisle in place of a flower girl or ringbearer. Who wouldn’t take great delight in a 10-year-old pulling a small red wagon with his two younger sisters in it? Small children’s choirs or junior bridesmaids are other options.

These are just some of the alternatives to the flower girl tradition. With some thought, brides are sure to come up with ideas of their own.

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