A floor-length ivory lace flower girl dress with 3/4-length sheer sleeves, floral lace appliqués on the bodice and sleeves, a sheer illusion back with pearl button closure, and a full-length tulle skirt. Ages 2 to 14. Also available in white.
When the venue is a church, the weather is cool, or the occasion calls for traditional modest dress, sleeves make all the difference. This lace flower girl dress with sleeves covers the arms with sheer 3/4-length sleeves adorned with three-dimensional floral lace appliqués, giving the dress a look that is at once delicate and fully appropriate for the most formal or religious of settings.
The appliqués are what set this dress apart from plain sleeved options. They are raised, dimensional floral motifs scattered across the bodice and continuing down the sleeves, creating a pattern that catches light and reads beautifully both in person and in photographs. The back is equally considered, with a full sheer panel and a long row of pearl buttons running down the centre closure from neck to waist.
Product Details
- Colour: Ivory. Also available in white
- Silhouette: Ball gown, floor length, flowing to the ground
- Neckline: Round neckline with a scalloped lace edge and sheer illusion panel across the collarbone and upper chest
- Sleeves: 3/4-length sleeves in sheer mesh fabric, adorned with large floral lace appliqués scattered from shoulder to hem. The sleeve edge finishes with a scalloped lace border
- Bodice: Sheer mesh front with large three-dimensional floral lace appliqués at the centre and sides, creating a raised pattern across the chest and midriff
- Back: Fully sheer panel with the same scattered lace appliqués, closed with a long column of pearl buttons running from the neckline down through the waist
- Waist: High waist with a narrow satin waistband where the bodice meets the skirt
- Skirt: Full-length tulle skirt with multi-layered cotton, satin and tulle underlining for volume and flow
- Underskirt: Not required but can be added for additional fullness
- Materials: Tulle, lace, satin, polyester and mesh
- Sizes: Ages 1 to 2 through to ages 13 to 14
- Occasions: Weddings, First Holy Communion, pageants, formal portraits and other special events
- Seasons: Suitable for all seasons. The sheer sleeves provide modest coverage without warmth in summer and can be layered under a bolero or jacket in winter
- Care: Hand wash recommended. Do not bleach
See the Dress on a Little Girl
The video below shows this dress worn by a child model, giving a clear sense of how the sheer sleeves look when worn, how the lace appliqués sit on the fabric and how the full-length tulle skirt moves in person.
Why Sleeves Make This Dress the Right Choice
Not every event or venue suits a sleeveless gown for a young girl. Church ceremonies, cooler outdoor weddings, winter receptions and formal occasions where modesty is expected all call for more coverage. This is the dress for those situations.
The 3/4-length sleeves are sheer rather than opaque, which means they provide arm coverage without adding warmth or weight to the dress. The mesh fabric is light enough that the dress remains comfortable throughout a long day. For colder settings, the sheer sleeves also layer naturally under a fitted bolero or a light jacket without bulking up the silhouette.
For First Holy Communion in particular, sleeves are widely expected and often required by individual parishes. This dress meets those requirements while looking considerably more elaborate than the average modest gown. The pearl button back, three-dimensional appliqués and illusion neckline all give it the special occasion character that the day deserves, without sacrificing the coverage that a religious ceremony requires.
Suitable for All Four Seasons
Spring and summer weddings are the obvious use case for most flower girl dresses. This one extends naturally into autumn and winter events where a sleeveless dress would leave a young girl cold during outdoor ceremony photographs or in a draughty church. The sheer construction of the sleeves means the dress does not feel heavy, but the coverage they provide makes a practical difference on a cooler day. Paired with an ivory bolero or a fitted satin jacket, the full look works comfortably even in the coldest months.
The Lace Appliqués in Detail
The lace on this dress is applied rather than woven into the fabric. Each motif is a raised, three-dimensional floral piece that sits on top of the sheer mesh background. This gives the bodice and sleeves a sculptural quality that flat printed or woven lace cannot achieve.
At the neckline, the appliqués trace the collar edge in a scalloped line. On the bodice, larger cluster motifs sit at the centre chest, with smaller leaf and floral pieces positioned symmetrically on either side and extending down toward the waist. On the sleeves, the appliqués are scattered more loosely, giving each arm a gently textured appearance without the pattern feeling rigid or uniform.
The lace is the same ivory or white shade as the rest of the dress. There is no contrast between the appliqués and the background fabric, which creates a tonal effect that photographs well in both colour and black and white. In direct light, the raised dimension of the appliqués creates subtle shadow that adds depth to the images.
The Pearl Button Back
The back closure is one of the most distinctive elements of this dress. A long column of small pearl buttons runs from just below the neckline all the way down to the waist, sitting on the sheer lace panel that covers the upper back. The buttons are the closure itself rather than a decorative layer over a separate zip, which gives the back a cleaner appearance.
In photographs taken from behind, the pearl column draws the eye down through the lace panel and into the flowing tulle skirt below. This makes the back view of the dress as photographable as the front, which matters considerably on a wedding day when the flower girl will be walking away from the camera for much of the ceremony.
A small ribbon tie sits at the neckline just above the first pearl button, adding a final detail at the top of the back before the buttons begin.
The Skirt
The skirt is full-length and built from multiple layers of tulle over a lining of soft cotton, satin and additional tulle underlining. This construction provides the volume needed for a genuine ball gown silhouette without making the skirt stiff or uncomfortable to wear for a long day.
The tulle layers are clean and plain without additional embellishment, which allows the detailed lace bodice and sleeves to remain the visual focus of the dress. The skirt moves lightly with walking, creating a gentle floating quality that photographs especially well during ceremony processions and outdoor portraits.
Key Features at a Glance
Occasions This Dress Is Made For
Weddings
As a wedding flower girl dress, this style suits church ceremonies, country house venues, winter receptions and any setting where sleeves are preferred or required. The ivory shade coordinates naturally with most bridal gowns and the sheer back with pearl buttons creates strong photographic moments throughout the ceremony. For brides who want their flower girl’s look to echo the bridal gown, the sheer bodice panels and appliqué detailing mirror the kind of detail commonly found on wedding dresses.
First Holy Communion
This is one of the strongest choices available for First Holy Communion. The sleeves, high neckline and full-length skirt meet the modesty expectations of most Catholic parishes. The pearl buttons, dimensional lace and sheer detailing give the dress the special occasion quality this milestone deserves. Both the ivory and white versions are appropriate, with white being the more traditional choice for communion and ivory working equally well. If your parish has specific guidance on dress code, the coverage this dress provides makes it among the safest choices available.
Pageants and Portraits
The three-dimensional appliqués and pearl button back both read well under photography lighting and create strong visual interest from multiple angles. For formal portrait sessions or pageant events, the combination of a clean full-length skirt and an elaborately detailed bodice and sleeve gives photographers plenty to work with.
For more advice on choosing between styles for different occasions, the complete flower girl dress guide covers the key considerations for weddings, communion and formal events.
Size Guide
Measure your child’s chest, waist and hip using a soft tape measure. Compare these measurements directly with the size chart below before ordering. This dress is the floor-length version; the “Long Skirt” column shows the skirt length in inches from the waist for each age.
| Age | Chest (in) | Waist (in) | Hip (in) | Dress Length (in) | Long Skirt (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 2 yrs | 21 | 20 | 20 | 33 | 30 |
| 2 to 3 yrs | 22 | 21 | 21 | 35 | 32 |
| 3 to 4 yrs | 23 | 22 | 22 | 38 | 35 |
| 4 to 5 yrs | 24 | 23 | 23 | 40 | 37 |
| 5 to 6 yrs | 25 | 24 | 25 | 41 | 37 |
| 6 to 7 yrs | 26 | 25 | 26 | 42 | 38 |
| 7 to 8 yrs | 27 | 26 | 27 | 43 | 39 |
| 8 to 9 yrs | 28 | 27 | 29 | 44 | 40 |
| 9 to 10 yrs | 29 | 28 | 31 | 47 | 42 |
| 10 to 11 yrs | 30.5 | 29 | 33 | 48 | 43 |
| 11 to 12 yrs | 32 | 30 | 34 | 50 | 45 |
| 12 to 13 yrs | 33 | 31 | 34.5 | 51 | 46 |
| 13 to 14 yrs | 34 | 32 | 35 | 52 | 47 |
How to Measure Your Child
- Chest: measure at the fullest point, keeping the tape flat and level all the way around
- Waist: measure at the natural waistline, just above the navel, at the narrowest point
- Hip: measure at the fullest point, typically 7 to 9 inches below the waist
- For dress length, measure from the top of the shoulder straight down to where you want the hem to fall
- If between sizes, always choose the larger one for comfort and ease of movement
Care Instructions
Hand wash cold in a mild, colour-safe detergent. Do not bleach, machine wash or tumble dry. The three-dimensional lace appliqués require careful handling during washing to preserve their raised form. Wash gently and avoid wringing or squeezing the bodice section.
After washing, reshape the bodice by hand and lay flat or hang on a padded hanger to air dry. Once dry, use a garment steamer on the tulle skirt rather than a direct iron, holding the steamer 10 to 15 cm from the fabric. Do not steam directly on the appliqués, as the heat may affect the dimensional quality of the raised motifs.
Store in a breathable garment bag away from direct sunlight. For the pearl buttons, check that the button fastenings remain secure before and after washing. If the dress is purchased well in advance of the wedding or communion, check it for fit and condition a few weeks before the event.
Who This Dress Is For
- Parents of flower girls for all-season and church weddings
- Families preparing for First Holy Communion
- Parents who need a modest, sleeved formal gown
- Autumn and winter wedding families
- Pageant and portrait occasion parents
- Brides choosing formal, covered attire for their flower girls
- Grandparents gifting a special occasion dress
For families where one or more flower girls need sleeves and one or more prefer sleeveless, both styles can work together as part of the same bridal party. The clean tulle skirt and the ivory colour coordinate naturally across both options. For junior bridesmaids in the same party, the junior bridesmaid dress guide has options that complement this style well.
Frequently Asked Questions
The sleeves are sheer. They are made from a fine mesh fabric with floral lace appliqués scattered across them. The skin on the arms is gently visible through the mesh, similar to the illusion neckline effect on the bodice. They provide full arm coverage in terms of length while remaining light and visually delicate rather than solid and covered.
Yes, and it is one of the strongest choices in the collection for communion. The sleeves, high neckline, full-length skirt and modest silhouette meet the traditional requirements of most Catholic parishes. The pearl button back, dimensional lace appliqués and sheer detailing give it the special occasion quality the day calls for. White is the traditional communion colour, but ivory is also widely accepted. Always check with your parish for any specific dress code guidance before purchasing.
The back closes with a column of pearl buttons running from just below the neckline down to the waist. The buttons are the actual closure rather than a decorative overlay. There is a small ribbon tie at the neckline above the buttons. The closure is neat and fully concealed from the front of the dress.
Yes. Both ivory and white are available. Ivory is a warmer, slightly creamier shade that coordinates naturally with most bridal gowns that are not a stark bright white. White is crisper and more traditional for Holy Communion. Select your preferred colour from the product options before adding to cart.
The multi-layered tulle and satin underlining provides good volume on its own and the dress does not require an underskirt. An optional underskirt can be added if you want a fuller, more structured skirt shape for a pageant or more theatrical occasion.
Measure your child’s chest, waist and hip and compare with the size chart above. If between sizes, always order the larger one for comfort, as the high waist and button back both allow some flexibility in fit. Contact us with your child’s measurements if you would like a recommendation before ordering.
Allow at least six to eight weeks from ordering to the event date. This gives time for delivery, trying the dress on, and making any alterations if needed. For communion, ordering several months in advance is advisable given how busy the spring season is for formal children’s wear. If your child is likely to grow between ordering and the day, consider sizing up by one and adjusting the fit if needed.
Because the dress already has considerable detail in the lace appliqués and pearl buttons, accessories should be kept simple. A small floral crown or a plain white or ivory headband keeps the attention on the dress. White or ivory ballet flats or Mary Jane shoes complement the style without competing with it. For communion, a simple white veil is a natural addition. Avoid heavy jewellery or elaborate hair accessories that draw focus away from the lace detailing.
More Flower Girl Dresses
If you are comparing options or dressing multiple flower girls for the same event, here are other styles from the collection:
V***u –
This dress is absolutely gorgeous, its unbelievable. The stitching of the fabric is perfect and its soo white, my daughter looked like an Angel. Shipping was quick, customer service fantastic. I highly recommend. Thank you
R***l –
Beautiful custom made equal photo
M***y –
Beautiful dress
I***r –
A little bit big, but material is great
Customer –
Very nice dress, just like in the picture. My daughter is 6 years old but I ordered size 4 and it’s perfect; I followed the measurements in the description and everything matches. I am very satisfied, the dress will be for her first communion. Thank you very much.