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Toddlers: 12 - 24 Months
ns1
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Flower Girl?
ns1
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DD is going to be a flower girl this weekend. She's 21/22 months old, and I'm already picturing worst case scenarios. Anyone have a kid in any "formal" event like this and have any advice? Anything at all?
TIA
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Re: Flower Girl?
I am in the wedding too, so I imagine she will walk down the aisle with me. I'm going to try to keep all my worst scenarios in the back of my mind! Haha; we'll see! I just know in a typical day it's interesting sometimes to even get her to hold my hand and walk next to me. So, holding my hand, wearing a dress, not messing her hair up, throwing flowers (maybe?), and walking down an aisle seems like a lot to ask! (Followed by sitting quietly through the ceremony and reception (although I think DH will be a huge help here, so I'm not as worried about that!).)
What kind of planning did you do before hand that made your day go more smoothly?
Our plan is for a groomsman and I to walk together and pull him and the flower girl in a wagon. When they get to the end my husband will take him back to his seat and the flower girl will go with her mom.
Even if she pulls out her hair and dumps all of the flowers out before she gets down the aisle and pulls her dress up it will still be adorable. Funny things that kids do at weddings are what make it extra memorable.
Have you prepared the bride and groom for the unpredictability of children? Knowing that they're cool if something happens (LO bursts into tears, etc) can be a huge relief.
In general, I think a good approach is to take away the unknown and add the fun.
What is DD into these days? If it's princesses, you can explain that she has the chance to practice acting like a princess. You should also do a few "rehearsals". Make it seem really fun (again, tie it to something she enjoys), reward her after the rehearsals, and have a small, noiseless toy waiting for her. If she's nervous about specific things, look for comfort objects or rituals she can use-can she bring her favorite stuffed animal with her, or have it waiting for her in the pew?
Good luck!
DD1 has been a flower girl twice, first at 20 months and again at 2.5. She did much better at 20 months, actually. The ring bearer was 4, and she held his hand and walked down the aisle perfectly, with her flowers slung over her shoulder
My sister was at the back of the church with her and told her if she walked nice to her papa at the front he had a treat for her. She walked right up to the front and got her gummy bear from papa, then came and sat with me in the front pew. I warned my brother and SIL a ton that she was completely unpredictable and we had no idea how she would be when the time came, but she did awesome.
When she was 2.5 she refused to walk down the aisle. She was not happy about everyone watching her and pitched a fit and ended up having to be carried in crying.
DD1 Feb 2010
DD2 Sept 2011
I didn't read the other responses, so sorry in advance if I'm repetitive
DD was a flower girl the week of her first birthday and again in the month of her second birthday and DS will be a ring bearer in less than two weeks, so we've got some experience
The one-year-old flower girl was walked down the aisle holding my hand. The two-year-old time she did herself and I was already up front, so I just knelt down and she walked toward me. I wouldn't expect her to stay up front for the whole ceremony--it's much easier for her just to be cute walking down the aisle, then go sit with a parent or grandparent. At least have a back-up plan if she starts to break down up front.
I think talking through the day several times so they know what's going on is really helpful. If it's an evening wedding, try to do as much of the day like you normally would (naps, etc.) so that they don't melt down by the time the main event comes. Make sure they're not hungry and try to get a good nap in if at all possible, of course. Have some small toys/books/snacks with you at all times to distract if necessary. There's lots of waiting with some weddings.
Also, understand that it most likely won't go perfectly. If you can't do it yourself, have someone she knows and likes available in the back to keep her occupied until it's her turn and to walk with her if she refuses to go by herself (if that's okay with the bride).
Weddings are so much fun--I'm getting antsy for my sister's on Aug. 2!!