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Children in weddings

Posted by Carolyn on December 23, 2023, 1:00 pm

I think I have asked this before, but was reminded of it when seeing four small children as attendants in Lady Jane's wedding. Why do folks in England have small children attendants in addition to the adult attendants? It seems odd to me. Children can be a distraction at a wedding. Why do they have them?

Re: Children in weddings

Posted by Karen on December 23, 2023, 3:27 pm, in reply to "Children in weddings"

The tradition of Pages and Flower Girls in a UK wedding dates back centuries. Some think the tradition, particulary Flower Girls, comes from Celtic/Roman times In that era they carried sheaves of wheat and herbs to ensure blessings of prosperity and fertility. The traditional role for a page boy is to carry the train of the bride’s dress, they can also be the ring bearer. The tradition of young boys as Pages seems have developed in Europe and then in the UK. Not all UK weddings have flower girls or pages. When my sister married she had her best friend and I as her two bridesmaids.

Re: Children in weddings

Posted by Candace on December 23, 2023, 5:49 pm, in reply to "Children in weddings"

We have the same tradition in the US. Depending on the size of the wedding party, there are the same reasons - ringbearer, flower girl, etc. When I was 5 I was the flower girl for my cousin's wedding. I think it's a matter of choice for the bride. Some have them and some don't.

Re: Children in weddings

Posted by Nellie on December 23, 2023, 6:45 pm, in reply to "Children in weddings"

In Australia it is for the bride to choose. Mother or mother-in-law might exert some influence of course.

But I think it will depend on the ages, at the time, of the closest relatives and close friends.

The bride might have many close friends so chooses a bridal party of all adults.
The bride might have one very best friend (sister or not) and many nieces and nephews - of bride and groom - of suitable ages.
The sole best friend might be a witness but not in the bridal party which would be all children.
And so on.

Re: Children in weddings

Posted by stephen on December 23, 2023, 10:11 pm, in reply to "Re: Children in weddings"

My Brother in Laws cousin was the ring bearer. That was the only child in the party I can remember.

Re: Children in weddings

Posted by karenl on December 24, 2023, 12:30 am, in reply to "Re: Children in weddings"

All the weddings I've attended have had the little ring bearer and flower girl. No children as bridesmaids. It depends on the bride and groom, if one or the other or both bride and groom have children from a previous relationship I have seen or read that their children are included in the bridal party.
Whenever we talk about children in weddings, I can't help, but think of Froilan in the wedding of Felipe and Letizia. Oh Lord, if that doesn't put you off having children in the wedding.....

Re: Children in weddings

Posted by Nellie on December 24, 2023, 1:41 am, in reply to "Re: Children in weddings"

Another child at a wedding.

Re: Children in weddings

Posted by Carolyn on December 24, 2023, 6:30 am, in reply to "Re: Children in weddings"

This is one example of why I don't like little children at wedddings. A flower girl and a ringbearer are enough.

Re: Children in weddings

Posted by Hollie24 on December 23, 2023, 7:07 pm, in reply to "Children in weddings"

When Anne married Captain Mark Phillips, she shocked people by having only her youngr brother Edward and her cousin Sarah as attendants. SHe dismissed having more as "yards of unwanted children."

Re: Children in weddings

Posted by Hollie24 on December 23, 2023, 7:41 pm, in reply to "Re: Children in weddings"

I've been in a few weddings, only one of which featured little flower girls (the groom's nieces). They were cute and very well-behaved. The others had all adults.

I like little children in weddings, but I don't think they should be at receptions where alcohol is being served. Hire sitters for the kids.

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