Even though having a flower girl or ring bearer is optional, including one of your favorite little ones is always a nice way to make them feel a part of your special day. Traditionally, their main job was to make it down the aisle, scatter floral petals or carry the rings on a pillow, but nowadays, brides are thinking beyond the petals and the pillows and letting them make their own grand entrance. Depending on your theme, here are seven alternative items your flower girl or ring bearer could carry (or walk) down the aisle with:

1. Bird’s Nest 

Perfect for any garden wedding, have you flower girl carry the rings in an artificial bird’s nest.

Photo: Live View Studios

You can find inspiration for your wedding theme and decor anywhere – and we mean anywhere. You can even look to your favorite addictive app for ideas. Yes, you read that right – a group of talented North Carolina vendors created wedding decor completely inspired by Angry Birds. A few of our favorite details from this – the slingshot pens, the adorable cake pops, the abundance of feathers and eggs (check out those nest escort cards!), and the colorful origami ceremony backdrop. It’s witty and whimsical – but feels modern and, yes, even romantic all the same. Would you create a wedding like this? Let us know in the comments!