There might not be anything cuter on this planet than a little girl walking down the aisle dropping elegant petals from a darling basket. But what if you’re a bride who wants to take that sweet walk up a notch? From pets to parasols, here are ten alternatives to petals that you can provide your flower girl!
Here Comes the Bride Sign
There’s a reason these adorable signs are flooding your Pinterest board! Find a small and lightweight sign for your little lady to carry before you come down the aisle.
Pro tip: You can easily DIY this one using a picture frame! Just order and insert a custom sign, add a ribbon on two corners and you’re good to go!
A Parasol
Is your wedding on a warm day? Give your little lady a bit of relief from the sun by having her carry a dainty parasol over her shoulder. Want to take this petal alternative to the next level? Have a sweet saying like “Once Upon a Time” or “Just Wait Until You See Her!” printed on the parasol to give the guests a little giggle as she walks by.
A Balloon Bunch
Is there anything a small child loves more than balloons? Not likely! Make it a fun and special experience for your flower girl by having her carry a small bundle of balloons in your wedding color scheme as she walks down the aisle.
Pro tip: No matter what age your flower girl is, make sure to tie the balloon ribbons loosely to her wrist should they escape from little hands. You don’t want your balloons floating off in the middle of the aisle, plus they are bad for the environment should an animal find the rubber or latex remnants!
A Pet
Own a furry friend you’d like included in your wedding ceremony? Have your flower girl walk your pet down the aisle if she is able to! Just make sure a responsible adult can help entertain the pet throughout the ceremony or take them away from the ceremony space should they get too excited.
Pro tip: Looking for more ways to include your furry friend on your wedding day? Here are some of our suggestions to make your pets apart of your special day!
Bubbles
For an entrance that is equal parts eco-friendly and sweet, have your flower girl blow bubbles into the air while she walks down the aisle! If you think she’s too young to manage to blow the bubbles and walk at the same time, consider buying (and later gifting them!) a handheld bubble machine.

Lavender or Other Herbs
If the elegant hues of light purple and green coincide with your wedding color scheme, or if you just adore the smell of lavender, have your flower girl drop sprigs of it down the aisle.
Pro tip: Lavender not your favorite scent? This idea is easily adjusted by using rosemary, thyme, or even eucalyptus.
Leaves
Take your outdoor wedding to the next level by giving your flower girl a basket of leaves. For a fall wedding try vibrant maple, and for summer weddings do small faux monstera.
Confetti
For a petal alternative that will be truly magical in photos, have the little lady sprinkle glitter! Make sure to check with your venue first, as glitter is tough to get out of some flooring.
Pro tip: If your ceremony is in a carpeted room, you might want to skip this one.
Shells
Having a beach or a tropical-inspired wedding? Sprinkle sand with small shells for a whale-y great scene!
A Ribbon Wand
Nothing will make your flower girl feel more special than carrying a ribbon wand. Adorn it with ribbons in your wedding color scheme and let her dance her way down the aisle!
Who says your flower girl has to stick with the traditional rose petals down the aisle? Give her something to sprinkle that is relevant to your wedding, is a favorite of yours, or something that will make it even more fun for her! Do you have any other ideas for alternatives to petals? Share them in the comments below!
Erika focuses on email marketing, copywriting and merchandising at Zazzle, but she has a secret obsession with all things wedding! During the week you can find her writing punny subject lines while also pinning the latest wedding trends, and outside of the 9-5, she is usually cheering on the San Jose Sharks, reading a good murder mystery, or hunting for the best Philly Cheesesteak in the Bay Area.
