The best fabric depends on your wedding style, the season, and how important comfort is for the child wearing it. For most weddings, soft satin or mikado works beautifully for a structured, formal look, while lined tulle or organza is perfect for a softer, more ethereal aesthetic. The key is choosing a fabric that photographs well, drapes naturally, and won't irritate the flower girl's skin over several hours of wear.
Here's what you need to know about the most common flower girl dress fabrics — and how to choose the right one for your wedding.
Satin: Classic, Formal, and Elegant
Satin is one of the most popular choices for flower girl dresses, and for good reason. It has a subtle sheen that photographs beautifully without looking overly shiny or synthetic (if you choose quality satin). It drapes naturally and holds structure, making it ideal for formal weddings or classic bridal aesthetics.
The key with satin is quality. Premium satin — often a silk blend or high-grade polyester satin — feels soft, has weight, and moves fluidly. Cheap satin is stiff, shiny, and photographs with a harsh, synthetic glare. If you're choosing a satin dress, feel the fabric before you buy. It should be smooth and slightly cool to the touch, not slippery or plasticky.
Satin is comfortable for most children as long as the dress is properly lined. Unlined satin can feel slippery and awkward, especially for younger flower girls. Look for dresses with a soft cotton or satin lining to keep the dress comfortable against skin.
Best for: Formal weddings, classic or elegant aesthetics, structured silhouettes (A-line, ballgown), cooler weather or indoor venues.
Mikado: Structured, Luxurious, and Modern
Mikado is a heavier, more structured fabric with a subtle texture and a beautiful drape. It's stiffer than satin but still soft to the touch, and it holds shape exceptionally well — making it perfect for dresses with clean lines, architectural silhouettes, or minimal embellishment.
Mikado photographs with depth and richness. It doesn't wrinkle easily, which is a massive advantage for a flower girl dress that will be worn for hours, potentially in unpredictable conditions (outdoor ceremonies, long photo sessions, dancing at the reception). The fabric has a slight sheen but it's muted and elegant, not shiny.
Because mikado is heavier, it works best for older flower girls (5+) who can comfortably carry the weight of the fabric. For very young children or toddlers, it can feel restrictive. It's also better suited to cooler weather — mikado is warm, so it's not ideal for summer outdoor weddings in the Australian heat.
Best for: Modern or minimalist weddings, structured silhouettes, older flower girls, autumn or winter weddings, brides who want a high-end, polished look.
Tulle: Soft, Romantic, and Timeless
Tulle is the quintessential flower girl fabric — soft, layered, and undeniably romantic. When done well, tulle creates a dreamy, ethereal look that works beautifully for garden weddings, whimsical themes, or classic fairy-tale aesthetics.
But here's the critical distinction: not all tulle is created equal. Premium tulle is soft, lightweight, and layered in a way that creates volume without stiffness. Cheap tulle is scratchy, stiff, and uncomfortable — the kind that makes a child squirm and complain within 20 minutes of wearing it.
Always check if the tulle dress is lined. A lined tulle dress has a soft inner layer (usually satin or cotton) that sits against the skin, with the tulle layered on top. This makes all the difference for comfort. Unlined tulle sits directly against skin and can be itchy, especially around the arms, neckline, and waist.
Tulle photographs beautifully — it catches light in a soft, diffused way and creates movement and texture in photos. The layers add dimension without looking heavy or overdone.
Best for: Garden or outdoor weddings, romantic or whimsical themes, spring and summer weddings, younger flower girls who need a lightweight dress.
Will a Tulle Flower Girl Dress Be Itchy for My Daughter?
It depends entirely on the quality of the tulle and whether the dress is lined. High-quality, soft tulle that's properly lined will not be itchy. Cheap, stiff tulle — especially if it's unlined — almost certainly will be.
Here's how to tell the difference before you buy: feel the tulle. Premium tulle should feel soft and slightly silky, not rough or scratchy. If you can, rub it gently against the inside of your wrist (sensitive skin). If it irritates you, it will irritate a child. Check the lining. A properly lined tulle dress will have a smooth, soft inner layer that covers the bodice, waist, and any area where tulle touches skin directly. If the dress is unlined, the tulle sits against bare skin — and even soft tulle can feel scratchy after a few hours.
If you're buying online and can't physically check the dress, read reviews obsessively. Look for mentions of comfort, itchiness, or whether kids were able to wear the dress all day without complaints. If multiple reviews say the tulle was scratchy, believe them.
Pro tip: if you're concerned about comfort but love the look of tulle, choose a dress with a satin or mikado bodice and a tulle skirt. This gives you the romantic, layered skirt without the risk of tulle irritating the child's torso, arms, or neckline.
Organza: Lightweight, Crisp, and Ethereal
Organza is similar to tulle but slightly more structured. It's a sheer, lightweight fabric with a crisp hand (meaning it holds its shape) and a subtle sheen. Organza is often used as an overlay on satin or silk dresses, or layered to create volume and texture without the full, fluffy look of tulle.
Organza photographs beautifully — it has a translucent quality that adds depth and dimension to photos. It's perfect for brides who want a softer, more sophisticated look than tulle but still want movement and lightness.
Like tulle, organza can be itchy if it's not lined properly. Always check that the dress has a soft lining, especially if the organza is used in the bodice or sleeves.
Best for: Spring and summer weddings, elegant or sophisticated aesthetics, brides who want a lighter alternative to tulle, outdoor or destination weddings where lightweight fabric is essential.
Lace: Delicate, Detailed, and Timeless
Lace adds texture, detail, and a vintage or romantic feel to a flower girl dress. It's often used as an overlay on satin or tulle, or as a feature on the bodice, sleeves, or hem. High-quality lace is intricate, delicate, and photographs with beautiful detail — it adds visual interest without overwhelming the dress.
The challenge with lace is comfort. Lace can be scratchy, especially on sensitive skin or if the dress is unlined. Always check that lace dresses have a soft lining beneath the lace layer. If the lace sits directly against skin, it's likely to irritate — particularly around the neckline, arms, and back.
Lace also requires careful handling. It's more delicate than satin or tulle, so it's not ideal for very active or young flower girls who might snag or tear the fabric. For older, more careful flower girls, lace is a beautiful choice.
Best for: Vintage, romantic, or classic wedding themes, older flower girls (6+), brides who want intricate detail and texture, cooler weather (lace dresses are often layered and warm).
Chiffon: Soft, Flowing, and Relaxed
Chiffon is a lightweight, sheer fabric that drapes beautifully and has a soft, flowing quality. It's less common for flower girl dresses than tulle or satin, but it works wonderfully for relaxed, bohemian, or outdoor weddings.
Chiffon is comfortable — it's soft, breathable, and doesn't irritate skin. It's also forgiving in terms of fit, which makes it a good choice if you're uncertain about sizing or if the flower girl is between sizes.
The downside of chiffon is that it's very lightweight and doesn't hold structure well. It's not ideal for formal, structured silhouettes — it works best for loose, flowing, empire-waist dresses or simple A-line shapes.
Best for: Bohemian or relaxed weddings, beach or garden ceremonies, spring and summer, brides who prioritize comfort and ease of movement over structure.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What Lining Should a Flower Girl Dress Have So It's Comfortable All Day?
A good lining is non-negotiable if you want the flower girl to be comfortable for more than an hour. The lining should be soft, breathable, and cover any areas where the outer fabric (tulle, lace, organza) might irritate skin.
The best linings are cotton or cotton-blend (breathable, soft, and hypoallergenic — ideal for sensitive skin or very young children), satin lining (smooth, soft, and common in formal dresses), or polyester lining (acceptable if it's a high-quality, soft weave — but check that it doesn't feel synthetic or rough).
What to avoid: stiff netting or tulle as a lining (this is not a lining — it's just another layer of scratchy fabric), thin, cheap polyester that feels plasticky or rough, or no lining at all (even soft fabrics can feel uncomfortable against bare skin after several hours).
When shopping, check the product description or ask the boutique directly: 'Is this dress lined? What is the lining made of?' If they can't answer, or if the dress is unlined, move on — especially if the outer fabric is tulle, lace, or organza.
How Does a $200 Flower Girl Dress Compare to a $400 One in Photos?
The difference is visible — especially in professional wedding photography. A $200 dress typically uses cheaper fabrics that photograph flat. Polyester satin has a synthetic sheen that looks harsh and reflective on camera. Basic tulle is stiff and doesn't move naturally, so it photographs as bulky or lifeless rather than soft and romantic.
A $400 dress uses premium fabrics that photograph with depth, richness, and natural movement. Quality satin or mikado catches light beautifully without looking shiny. Soft, layered tulle has dimension and texture in photos. Lace shows intricate detail rather than blurring into a flat pattern.
Photographers work hard to make every element of your wedding look beautiful, but they can't fix fabric. If the dress is cheap, it photographs cheap — no amount of editing will make stiff tulle look soft, or synthetic satin look luxurious.
Think about it this way: you're investing in professional photography so you have beautiful images of your wedding day forever. The flower girl appears in dozens of those photos. If her dress looks visibly cheaper than everything else in the frame — your gown, the bridesmaids, the florals — it creates visual dissonance. Your eye goes to it.
A well-made dress in a premium fabric blends seamlessly into your aesthetic. It enhances the overall look rather than detracting from it. That's the difference $200 makes — and it's worth it.
Are There Flower Girl Dress Brands That Are Known for Fabric Quality in Australia?
Yes — but the key is knowing what to look for rather than relying on brand recognition alone. In Australia, specialist boutiques that focus exclusively on formal children's wear or bridal party attire tend to have the highest fabric quality standards. These boutiques source premium fabrics, offer custom or made-to-order options, and have a reputation to protect — so quality is non-negotiable.
When evaluating a brand or boutique, look for customer reviews that specifically mention fabric quality, comfort, or how the dress photographed. If reviews consistently say the tulle was soft, the satin felt luxurious, or the dress held up beautifully all day, that's a strong signal. Check whether the boutique offers detailed fabric descriptions (e.g., 'soft Italian tulle,' 'silk-blend satin,' 'lined bodice with cotton lining'). Vague descriptions like 'premium fabric' or 'high-quality materials' mean nothing — specifics matter. Also see if they offer custom sizing or made-to-order options, which usually indicates a higher level of craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Avoid brands or retailers that can't or won't tell you what the fabric is made of, who have inconsistent reviews (some raving, some saying the dress was terrible — this suggests quality control issues), or who use stock photos rather than real photos of their dresses.
At Annie Belle Boutique, every gown is made from premium fabrics — soft satin, lined tulle, Italian lace, and mikado — chosen specifically because they photograph beautifully and feel comfortable for children to wear all day. We don't cut corners on fabric because we know it's the foundation of a dress that looks as good in photos as it does in person.
Can I Use a Regular Party Dress as a Flower Girl Dress?
You can — but there are trade-offs. A regular party dress is designed for a birthday party or casual event, not a formal wedding. The fabric is often cheaper (basic polyester or cotton blends rather than satin or tulle), the construction is simpler (minimal lining, basic closures, less attention to detail), and the silhouette may not suit a formal bridal aesthetic (too casual, too trendy, or mismatched with the bridesmaids and bridal gown).
That said, if your wedding is low-key, the flower girl is very young (under 4) and won't be in many photos, or budget is genuinely tight, a party dress can work. Just be realistic about how it will photograph and whether it fits the overall aesthetic of your wedding.
If you're considering a party dress, ask yourself: does the fabric look formal enough to sit alongside my bridesmaids' dresses? Will it photograph well, or does it look visibly cheaper? Is the child comfortable in it for several hours (or does it have scratchy details, a tight fit, or cheap closures that will irritate her)?
For most weddings with professional photography and a carefully planned aesthetic, a purpose-made flower girl dress is worth the investment. The difference in fabric quality, construction, and how the dress photographs is significant — and it shows.
What Should I Look for When Buying a Flower Girl Dress Online?
Buying online can be efficient and convenient, but it comes with risks — especially for something as specific as a flower girl dress. Here's what to check before you click 'buy.'
First, check the fabric description. The listing should specify exactly what the dress is made of (e.g., 'polyester satin,' 'soft tulle with cotton lining,' 'mikado'). If it just says 'premium fabric' or doesn't list materials at all, that's a red flag. Read reviews with photos, not just star ratings. Look for reviews from real weddings where you can see how the dress photographed, how it fit, and whether customers mention comfort or quality issues.
Check the return policy before ordering. Can you return or exchange if the dress doesn't fit or the quality isn't what you expected? Some sellers (especially on marketplaces) don't accept returns on 'custom' items — even if the dress is a standard size.
Look at sizing charts carefully and measure the child properly. Don't guess based on her usual clothing size — formal dresses are sized differently. If the boutique offers customer service (email, phone, chat), use it. Ask questions about fabric, lining, sizing, and shipping times. A reputable seller will respond quickly and thoroughly.
Finally, check shipping times and build in buffer. Even 'fast' shipping from Australia can take 1–2 weeks. International shipping can take 4–8 weeks — and that's before you account for potential delays or the need to return and reorder.
If you're nervous about buying online, look for Australian boutiques that offer by-appointment showroom visits. You get the convenience of browsing online plus the confidence of seeing and feeling the dress in person before committing.
The Bottom Line: Choose Fabric That Serves Your Wedding
The best fabric for your flower girl dress is the one that matches your wedding aesthetic, photographs beautifully, and keeps the child comfortable all day. For most weddings, that means soft satin or mikado for structure and elegance, or lined tulle for a romantic, ethereal look.
Prioritise quality over price. A cheap dress in stiff, scratchy fabric will photograph poorly and make the flower girl uncomfortable — which means fidgeting, complaints, and a distracted child in your photos. A well-made dress in premium fabric blends seamlessly into your bridal aesthetic and ensures the flower girl is happy, comfortable, and picture-perfect all day.
At Annie Belle Boutique, every gown is crafted from premium fabrics chosen specifically for how they photograph and how they feel. Soft satin that drapes beautifully. Lined tulle that's comfortable for hours of wear. Italian lace and mikado that add structure and elegance without sacrificing comfort. Because the flower girl is part of your bridal party — and she deserves a dress that's as carefully considered as every other detail of your wedding.