Weddings are filled with people who play different roles – all of which are important: all of which are fulfilled out of love. The future in-laws on both sides are usually the most obvious: they give the wedding for the couple; and in a manner of speaking, they give the bride to the groom to one another. Next come the bridesmaids and maid of honor – chosen by the bride – and the best man – chosen by the groom. Probably the most charming, aside from the bride, of course, are the children, the flower girl and the ring bearer; followed by groomsmen, if the groom so chooses; and the person who will perform the marriage ceremony, as well as the photographer. Lots of roles to fill: lots of things to get done. And, lots of accessories!
The flower girl has quite a bit of antiquity associated with her role. Her ancestry lies in the Roman Empire; and her more recent history in Victorian England where her presence symbolized virtue and simplicity. She was dressed in white; and in essence she was a childlike representation of sanctity of the bride. Today’s flower girl is also adorned in a white dress and accessorized with a veil and carrying a small bucket decorated with ribbons color coordinated with the theme of the wedding.
The flower €child€ is gifted with additional accessories which give her a sense of belonging to and kinship with the bride and the ceremony. These accessories can be notes of recognition, praise, and appreciation for her contribution to the bride’s €walk down the aisle.€
The flower girl’s counterpart is the ring bearer. His role has less history because it was only in the past several centuries that husbands and wives exchanged rings at their wedding ceremony. Perhaps he is thought of a mere child dressed up in a tuxedo, but he carries more import than he is given credit for. This €child-man€ may be the final step before the bride and groom become husband and wife, but the part he plays, the symbolism of the pillow he carries, and upon which the ring rests, is very majestic in its history. During the time of the Egyptian Pharaohs, jewels were gifted on silk covered pillows at wedding ceremonies. In today’s wedding ceremonies, such pillows €” though always square and silk covered €” can be accessorized in a variety of ways. They can have a layered effect; they can be monogrammed; and can be ribboned so the rings remain stationary and secure. So, it is actually the ring bearer who carries the most significant accessory because that accessory cradles the rings, the symbols of unity between bride and groom. But, that is a silent significance. The flower girl and the ring bearer should always feel that their part in a wedding is equally vital to the bride and groom.
Remember, the flower girl dressed and veiled in white is tomorrow’s bride, and the ring bearer carrying the silken pillow and wedding rings will be a flower girl’s groom of tomorrow. They are tomorrow’s future standing in anticipation under a canopy of hope and dreams.
