Small Wonders

For little girls, it’s the chance to be a princess for the day and they get a thrill out of the frills. For little boys, you might have to work harder to make the idea appeal.

MAKE, BUY, OR HIRE

Flower girl dresses can be purchased at bridal and ballet shops or made at the same time as your own gown. For a less expensive option, find a simple white or cream dress in a childrenswear shop or department store and trim with your particular theme/style of embellishments. Little lads’ suits can be purchased from bridal shops but hiring is probably a more sensible option for the once-in-a-lifetime pageboy.

FOR HER

Keep it simple and match detail from your gown, such as a rosette or appliqué or crystal beads that shimmer and shine just like yours.

Little boys don’t much like being constricted by a suit, but if you do go the suit route, let him discard the jacket later on and wear a waistcoat instead. For a less formal ceremony, your pageboy can still look adorable in a cotton shirt and casual trousers.

TOPS AND TOES

Keep hairstyles, hair decorations or hats as easy to wear as possible and make sure shoes fit properly without slipping or rubbing. Don’t expect them to enjoy hours of fussing to get them ready and don’t get them dressed too early on the day or you risk creases, stains, and crayon.