Flowergirl dress - wedding in Greece

[Sammy2k]

Hi all,

I've been let down at last minute with our flowergirl dress & the wedding is next month in Greece! My daughter (the flowergirl) is a major part due to the small scale wedding over there so I'm desperately trying to sort this ASAP.

My friend has suggested looking at communion dresses as a suitable alternative & I've found some on Gumtree & Vinted etc. I like the idea of one in particular which matches my dress pretty well - it's pretty much perfect apart from 1 thing...

I'm only unsure of it being suitable in the heat we'll likely get there.

The dress itself is 100% polyester, and the high waisted underskirt hoop is polyester & nylon. I'm not sure of the brand but apparently this was worn on a communion day in 20oC heat with no issues so hopefully it will be ok?

Also - what's the best way to keep the dresses clean before, during, and after the service before being back to the hotel to change? I've been recommended buying an apron for her to protect it whilst eating etc?

Just another issue which has cropped up... loads of fun though planning everything!

Sam x

Tights and a bolero are not a good idea. Sandals and making sure the wedding is no earlier than 5pm and in the shade is essential.

I would go with the beautiful cotton ones. Not keen on the shiny polyester ones.

I would choose a cotton sundress - sandals and bare legs. It’s going to be very hot.

Hi, @Sammy2k. I've been to Zakynthos in September and I can assure you, the heat will be nearer 40ºC than 20ºC, even then, and particularly given the temperatures currently being reached all over the Mediterranean this year. I echo others' remarks about having a late evening wedding and making sure your daughter is comfortable in short sleeves, cotton and bare legs. I love the Cyrillus dresses, particularly the suggestion from @OwlBasket, it looks just the thing for your daughter!
Congratulations on your marriage, have a wonderful wedding on Zakynthos, it's a gorgeous island!

Monsoon has a sale on ATM lots of nice pretty dresses for little girls

That dress will be too hot.

It's quite a simple style, do you k ow anyone handy with a sewing machine?

If I was making something I would actually have shorts and a top and then add a skirt to it and possible a overskirt like that one.

This pattern would work.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1246544239/girls-summer-top-and-shorts-pdf-sewing?click_key=e34252dc6c3e97edccc3c19430e22ddb5ec7df57%3A1246544239&click_sum=45aaef6d&external=1&rec_type=ss&ref=landingpage_similar_listing_top-1

We’re in Rhodes right now, it’s been 34 degrees every day and the 14-day forecast doesn’t show much of a drop in temperatures. Even the overnight lows haven’t dipped below 24 degrees. Definitely prioritise a cool, loose fitting dress for your DD!

I know it’s a simple style but the thick shiny bodice etc was one of the main reasons I liked it also when the hoop was worn it looked beautiful.

I took her today to try it and she struggled in indoor temps when I put her in the underskirt hoop petticoat so definitely change of plan!

mine is not suitable for high temps really either and is deffo look over comfort but for a young girl I agree her comfort takes priority

I hope therefore you’re going to buy something more suitable.

Don’t you remember the 40 degree weather here last year? You’re dressing for this temperature

I think I’ve just read that the dress is made from polyester, far too hot for Greece. I only ever wear cotton or linen for these destinations, have a look at Broderie anglaise cotton dresses, these can be so pretty. There’s a pretty dress on Next, an ivory white bridesmaid dress, it has a cotton lining and polyester outer fabric, the cotton liner will make it bearable. I’m not much of a whizz with technology, but the item number is A42-578. It’s A-line so very floaty and airy.

Yes deffo reconsidering somethings but I’m more used to the high temps from my cabin crew days - wearing uniform including cravat and tights in the Maldives is enough to make you feel cold anywhere else 🙈🙈

My brother got married in Rhodes 3 years ago and it was BOILING, my DN was flower girl and in most of the photos she's bright red in the face and visibly sweaty (we all were tbh) I'd strongly recommend cooling mist sprays and handheld rechargeable fans and keep photos etc as quick as possible, otherwise everyone will literally look hot no bothered!

Those are a great idea thanks I’ll definitely get cooling mist sprays!

what about how to keep the outfits for the flower girl and page boy especially clean during dinner / eating?

anyone bought aprons before for them? I know my DD will put just put her dinner down there lol

At the weddings we’ve been to in hot weather countries (one amazing one was on the beach) - everyone has been casually dressed - linen shorts for the men, sundresses for the bridal party etc). The photo session was very short - too hot to be standing around , the meal was in air conditioning and then everyone got changed into swim suits.

Surely you're eating after the photos so won't matter? But if you're actually having photos after food as well I'd change the kids into shorts and t-shirts so they can relax and cool down for a bit!

Its more the time between getting ready and the service plus food I’m concerned about - flower girl etc will get ready first so a lot of time sitting around for spills to occur.

photos taken at various times and places I have a few ideas I want at different locations so a lot of travel too at times so more chance of snack spillage!

You could buy two dresses (if not too £££) and keep one clean for photos?

I do mean this kindly but I'm not sure if you've really thought this through properly? Even the most perfectly behaved 8 year old is going to get fed up with several different locations of standing around for photos in seriously hot weather for hours on end, I'd imagine the adults won't be too happy either! If you're dead set on that idea why don't you leave the kids with family after the main pics and just you and the groom do the other locations? Otherwise you might end up with a lot of photos of people looking annoyed! I'd also put the flower girl dress on at the absolute last minute possible to avoid dirt and creases (and overheating). I think you're setting yourself up for an unnecessary amount of stress tbh, when weddings abroad are supposed to be more relaxed, but good luck and I hope it goes well

Honestly OP I’m worried about your dress too from what you’ve said. I think you have to consider carefully whether you are going to prioritise “the look” you want - but with grumpy hot faces above the clothes and everyone wishing the day was over so they can go shower - or choose lighter less formal clothes and people enjoying themselves. I would at least have some back up lightweight cotton clothes for everyone (including you) to change into asap after a few photos.

Thanks I do agree I think I got too over focused on the look and I did not appreciate how difficult the day would be based on my choices.

I've scaled my own ideas back a bit, and will utilise air conditioned spaces as much as possible. I have a few appointments arranged before hand but will try my best to alter as much as possible, but I know I'm very demanding and will not compromise on everything but I'm trying lol!!

Sounds good - being flexible based on the temperature is the key! Hope you have a wonderful time.

You might like to check out Abel & Lula. I got a dress by that brand for my daughter who was a flower girl at a wedding recently and it was absolutely beautiful and special but also 100% cotton. I got it on Vinted. So glad you've reconsidered on the polyester!

Find her something simple in 100% cotton. Dressing a child in layers of polyester and nylon in the heat is cruel imo.

I have decided this is the one I’m getting for her it’s much more airy then the one I had her try on the other day:

https://www.johnlewis.com/angel-rocket-kids-sylvie-ruffle-sleeve-bridesmaid-dress/p6133647

thanks for the suggestion for it!

The Boden dress is so pretty and I think it would be cool too. What a bargain price.