Jr. Bridesmaids And Bouquets: Who Should Hold Flowers?

Junior bridesmaids are typically younger members of the wedding party, often acting as an honourary role for younger relatives or friends of the bride or groom. They are usually between the ages of 9 and 15, but this can vary depending on the preferences of the couple. Junior bridesmaids often have similar responsibilities to adult bridesmaids, such as helping with pre-wedding tasks and attending pre-wedding events. They also usually walk down the aisle during the processional, carrying a bouquet or other alternative accessory. So, do junior bridesmaids need bouquets? While it is not a requirement, providing them with a smaller bouquet or alternative arrangement can be a nice way to include them in the wedding festivities and make them feel special. Ultimately, the decision is up to the couple, and there are various options to consider when deciding what, if anything, junior bridesmaids should carry down the aisle.

Junior bridesmaids' bouquet alternatives

Junior bridesmaids are a great way to involve younger female relatives and friends in your wedding celebration. They are usually between the ages of 10 and 15 and can have a variety of roles and responsibilities during the wedding planning and on the big day. While it is not mandatory, junior bridesmaids often carry bouquets, just like the bridesmaids. However, if you are looking for some unique alternatives to the traditional flower bouquet, here are some creative and fun options:

Single Stem

Junior bridesmaids can carry a single flower instead of a full bouquet. This could be a flower that matches the bridal bouquet or a bloom in a muted tone or neutral colour like black, white, or beige. You can also dress up the solo blooms with ribbons, beads, small balloons, or other accessories that match your wedding theme, such as shells for a tropical wedding.

Corsages

Corsages are another elegant option for junior bridesmaids. They are usually worn on the wrist and can be made with fresh or artificial flowers. When choosing flowers for corsages, consider species that sit flat and can last longer without water. Match the flowers in the corsage to the bridal bouquet or opt for contrasting or muted colours. You can also add accent accessories like jewels, leaves, silk, bows, or sparkles.

Hair Pieces

Junior bridesmaids can also wear flowers in their hair instead of carrying a bouquet. A single oversized flower can make a stylish statement, while floral bands or crowns can create an instant boho or formal look. For a more dramatic effect, consider floral headdresses, which are usually larger and more eye-catching.

Hoop Bouquets

Hoop bouquets, also known as bridal hoops, are a trendy alternative to traditional bouquets. They are wreath-like arrangements made from wood or metal, adorned with foliage, buds, feathers, ribbons, bows, or shells. Hoop bouquets are versatile and can be easily customised to match your wedding theme.

Feathers

Feathers can be a unique and elegant alternative to flowers. You can choose a few eye-catching quill feathers for a rustic touch or opt for fluffy ostrich feathers for a graceful and feminine look. Peacock feathers will pop against a neutral colour palette or blend seamlessly with blue, green, or teal hues. Feathers can also be used as embellishments for flowers or dangled from a hoop bouquet.

Mason Jars

Mason jars are a versatile DIY option for junior bridesmaids. They can be painted to match your wedding colour palette, tied with ribbons, or filled with baby's breath or lavender. For a beach or tropical wedding, you can fill the jars with sand or shells. Mason jars can be a unique and creative alternative to flower bouquets.

Lanterns

Lanterns are another alternative to bouquets and symbolise good luck, health, and prosperity in many Asian cultures. They are especially suitable for winter or evening weddings, adding a romantic glow to the ceremony. You can personalise the lanterns with flowers or feathers and later repurpose them as lighting for the reception.

Fans

Wedding fans are a timeless accessory that can be used as elegant alternatives to bouquets. Woven or lace fans are perfect for a beach or glam wedding, while coloured paper fans can match your colour palette. Fans are a practical choice for a summer wedding, as they can help keep your junior bridesmaids cool.

Balloons

Balloons are a fun and creative alternative to bouquets. You can use helium or nitrogen-filled balloons in various shapes, such as letters, numbers, flowers, or hearts. Decorate the balloons with ribbons or match them to your wedding colours. Balloons can add a playful touch to your junior bridesmaids' look.

Books

If you want to add a sentimental touch, consider having your junior bridesmaids carry books down the aisle. It could be a favourite book or one that holds a special meaning for you and your friends. This alternative is especially fitting if books or literature play a significant role in your life.

Junior bridesmaids' pre-wedding roles

Junior bridesmaids are a great way to involve younger female relatives and friends in your wedding celebrations. They are usually between the ages of 9 and 15, but this is more of a guideline than a rule. Junior bridesmaids can be anyone, from younger sisters and nieces to cousins or daughters of close family friends.

Input on Dresses and Other Details

Junior bridesmaids can provide input on their dresses, ensuring that they feel comfortable and excited about what they will be wearing on the big day. They can also help plan games and other fun details for the bridal shower, adding a youthful and creative perspective to the celebrations.

Attend Pre-Wedding Events

Junior bridesmaids should be included in pre-wedding events, such as an afternoon luncheon or tea for the bridal shower. They can help assemble favours, participate in games, and assist with cleanup afterward. Their attendance at the bachelorette party depends on the activities planned and whether they are age-appropriate.

Gown Fittings and Cake Tastings

Junior bridesmaids can join the bride for gown fittings and cake tastings, offering a fresh perspective and making lasting memories.

Help with Flower Girls

On the wedding day, junior bridesmaids can take on responsibilities such as putting bouquets in water and assisting with the flower girls. They can ensure that the flower girls are in the right places, have their flowers or baskets, and help them to their seats during the ceremony.

Junior bridesmaids' wedding-day roles

Junior bridesmaids are a great way to include younger women in your bridal party and acknowledge the important role they play in your life. They are usually between the ages of 9 and 15, but this can vary depending on the relationship and comfort level of the junior bridesmaid and the bride.

Junior bridesmaids have a range of roles and responsibilities on the wedding day, including:

• Helping the flower girls prepare and get into position before the ceremony
• Walking down the aisle after the older bridesmaids and before the flower girls, either alone or with a junior groomsman, older groomsman, or family member
• Standing at the altar during the ceremony, usually on the far left, and exiting during the recessional
• Being included in photos with the full wedding party, flower girls, her family, and the couple
• Helping to round up family members for photos
• Sitting at a table at the reception where they will have the most fun, which may be with their younger cousins instead of the older friends of the bride
• Helping with pre-wedding tasks such as addressing invitations, putting together favours, and setting up bridal shower decorations
• Attending pre-wedding events such as the bridal shower and rehearsal dinner, as long as they are appropriate for their age group

Junior bridesmaids' attire

Junior bridesmaids are typically younger than the other bridesmaids, often filling the gap between the ages of a flower girl and a bridesmaid. Junior bridesmaids are usually between the ages of 9 and 15, but this can vary depending on what feels right for the bride and the junior bridesmaid.

Junior bridesmaids should wear attire that matches the rest of the bridal party. Many designers create bridesmaid collections with coordinating gowns for younger attendants, offering options for age-appropriate lengths and necklines. If there are no age-appropriate options available, consider ankle-length dresses or skirts and higher necklines. The key is to ensure the junior bridesmaid's outfit matches the vibe and theme of the wedding.

The junior bridesmaid's parents are typically responsible for the cost of her attire, including any alterations. However, it is not uncommon for the bride to pay for the junior bridesmaid's outfit as a gesture of appreciation for their participation in the wedding. It is essential to have clear communication with the junior bridesmaid's parents regarding attire expectations and when the outfit needs to be ordered.

When it comes to the wedding day, the level of involvement of a junior bridesmaid depends on their age, interests, and relationship with the bride. They can be included in photos with the full wedding party, flower girls, their family, and the couple, but they don't need to be present in every group shot. Junior bridesmaids can also help with flower girls, ensuring they are in the right places with their flowers or baskets and helping them to their seats during the ceremony.

During the reception, the junior bridesmaid can be seated with their younger cousins or friends, as they may enjoy sitting with people their age more than the older members of the bridal party.

Junior bridesmaids' age

A junior bridesmaid is a younger member of the wedding party who falls between the ages of a flower girl and a bridesmaid. Event planner Kelly McWilliams says that junior bridesmaids are usually between the ages of 10 and 15, but this is more of a guideline than a rule. If you want to include a group of cousins or sisters who fall on both sides of this age range, you can ask girls who are older or younger to be junior bridesmaids.

Junior bridesmaids often have a family relationship to the bride or groom—they might be younger sisters, nieces, or cousins. However, this is not a requirement. "A junior bridesmaid can be anyone!" says McWilliams. "It's a great way to include a family or group that hasn't been represented in the wedding party." For example, if you're close friends with a family but it doesn't make sense to have them as a bridesmaid or groomsman, you can extend that honour to their daughter.

Junior bridesmaids can have a variety of roles and responsibilities before and during the wedding. They can provide input on their dress, help plan games and other details for the bridal shower, and join the bride for gown fittings or cake tastings. On the day of the wedding, they can be in charge of putting bouquets in water, helping with the flower girls, or handing out programs. They can also be included in some wedding planning outings, such as dress shopping or cake tasting.

Junior bridesmaids should participate in pre-wedding events that are appropriate for their age group, such as an afternoon luncheon or tea for the bridal shower. They can help assemble favours, participate in games, and assist with cleanup. Attendance at the bachelorette party depends on the activities planned and whether the junior bridesmaid is comfortable joining.

On the wedding day, junior bridesmaids should match the rest of the bridal party. Many bridesmaid gown designers create coordinating gowns for younger attendants, with options for age-appropriate lengths and necklines. However, you may also want to have your junior bridesmaid stand out by putting them in a coordinating floral print or a slightly lighter colour. Junior bridesmaids should carry a bouquet that is smaller than the bridesmaid bouquets but within the same design aesthetic.

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