Children add so much to a wedding. Whether walking down the aisle or weaving in and out of festivities, their presence lends a colorful and lively tone to the occasion. In Europe, children make up the wedding party almost exclusively. At Lady Diana’s wedding to Prince Charles in 1981, her eldest attendant was a junior bridesmaid.  The rest were satin-clad flower girls and pages, reflecting traditional costume of the English Court. Whatever theme or direction your wedding takes, children’s fashion usually echoes that of the wedding party. For instance, if you are marrying in a bouffant gown, and your groom in a tux, the ring bearer can wear a diminutive version of the groom’s tux. The flower girl(s) could wear pouffy white dresses with a contrasting sash, possibly integrating some of the laces from the bride’s gown.   

     The most important thing to remember when dressing children is keeping everything in scale. If your Flower Girl is wearing a wreath of flowers around her head, make sure it’s one with smaller flowers and rosebuds. The same goes for bows and barrettes. And if your Flower Girls carry bouquets or baskets of flowers, remember, small baskets and diminutive sprays of flowers work best. 
 
    There are many ways to dress kids so your wedding will be all the more special.  You may be wearing a ballgown and like the storybook theme.  Go all out.  Dress your boy attendants in page costumes and girls in tulle dresses with floral wreaths on their heads.  Present them the gift of ballet slippers to wear.  They’ll cherish these long after the wedding.  Other ideas around the storybook could be a Scottish Wedding with all the groomsmen in kilts.  Ditto the little groomsmen.  

    There’s no rule that says your ring bearer must be in a tux.  You can put him in a nice navy blazer, tie and pants.  If you are getting married in say, a vineyard setting, consider an Eaton Jacket with shorts, and flower Girl in linen or dupioni, the same shade as the bridesmaids.  If it’s a more casual wedding and/or money is tight, here are some options: he can go without a jacket and wear a dress shirt with tie.  Find her a special little cotton or linen nightgown she can use afterwards.  She’ll look Kate Greenaway chic in it, especially if she goes barefoot.  Barefoot is okay on kids, particularly at an outdoor or beach wedding.  The trick to getting away with this informality is making sure the rest of your little one’s appearance looks festive enough— ribbons or wreaths on the head; possibly straw baskets of flowers

Where To Find Kid's Couture

    Boy attendants can get their tuxes fitted right alongside the groomsmen.  Most formalwear shops have boy’s sizes available to rent or buy.  Formal page outfits can be found by perusing bridal magazines. Magazines are good resources for familiarizing you with trends and where to look for what.  Retailers are listed in back.  Also, you can go online and order direct from manufacturers.  Specialty kid’s shops can order or have suits made. If you have an idea of what you want but can’t find it in the right color or fabric, consider going custom and having a suit made or making it yourself. If this is beyond your expertise or you don’t have time, find the right tailor or dressmaker. He or she can help put together patterns and fabrics.

    Flower Girl’s dresses are easier to find. As mentioned above, bridal magazines and online sites have special sections devoted to your little attendants.

    Still, if you can’t find the dresses you want, go custom. Once you go this direction there are some things you need to know about fabrics, particularly fabrics flattering on children. If you use silks, use medium-weight ones like dupioni or shantung. These will work for winter weddings too, provided you pick a style with long sleeves, jackets, etc. Heavier satins and brocades are out—too weighty for a child to carry off and be comfortable in all day. Instead try lightweight velvets in deep jewel tones for those Christmas/Winter weddings. For spring/ summer dresses, lightweight fabrics like organza, chiffon, and tulle can overlay medium weight silks like those mentioned above. Linen is great for casual and beach weddings.

    Prices for children’s ready made dresses and suits run from $50.00 to 400/00. Custom will cost about 200.00-450.00 and up. If you have the budget, it’s worth it. On the other hand, if a dress or suit is lovingly put together and accessorized, regardless of price, a kid will always look great 

RESOURCES

kayacollection.com-Children’s silk formalwear. Will customize.
 
katinakatoo.com- Adorable girl’s dresses in finer silks and organdy.
 
pegeen.com-An everything site for children’s formalwear.
 
voguepatterns.com-the best patterns anywhere for children’s clothing. .
 
tuxgear.com- Actually cheaper to buy one here than rent.

Discuss this article with other readers by clicking here.