By Theresa Farrage

Flower girls and ring bearers have long been portraits of unabashed cuteness.

Dressed to the nines in frilly dresses and tuxedos, they look like miniature bridal couples coming down the aisle.

It’s not surprising that the bride’s dress style has the single biggest influence on the look of the flower girl’s dress. The newest kid collection at David’s Bridal features delicate dresses in white, ivory and champagne. Many feature the option of adding a sash, ribbon or bow, introducing a wedding color as an accent, says Cindi Freeburn, store spokeswoman. Fabrics include burnout floral patterns on organza, and embroidered netting.

There’s nothing like a pick-up skirt to make a little girl feel like a princess. The random tufts on these skirts often are accented with bows or flowers for a hint of color, says Jaimee Morgan of The Bridal Gallery. Jewelry or a tiara — as a gift from the bride and groom — and gloves add to the “Cinderella” factor. Ballet slippers keep little feet quiet and comfortable from ceremony to reception.

Ring bearers usually wear long pants and a tuxedo jacket, but short pants are an adorable option for spring andt summer weddings. Lisa Solberg of Gentleman’s Choice suggests pairing short pants with a jacket, shirt, tie, cuff links and patent leather shoes. The links could be a gift from the bridal couple.

The Smallest Detail
Preschool children typically serve as flower girls and ring bearers, and elementary school children are junior bridesmaids and junior groomsmen. The flower girl can dress like a mini bride; the older girl would wear a dress similar to what the bridesmaids would wear. An A-line dress with empire waist is the freshest look for the junior bridesmaid.

Baskets, Bouquets
A flower basket is appropriate for a young girl, but a tween should carry a nosegay or other scaled-down version of the bridesmaids’ bouquet, says New York wedding consultant Lynn Jawitz. Keep baskets and bouquets in proportion to the child’s size. A tiny girl needs a tiny basket that’s easily carried down that long aisle.