Junior Bridesmaids: Matching Or Mismatched Dresses?

Junior bridesmaids are typically younger members of the wedding party, often between the ages of 9 and 15, who are too old to be flower girls but too young to be bridesmaids. Junior bridesmaids can be nieces, cousins, sisters, daughters, stepdaughters, or anyone else close to the bride or groom. They are usually dressed in age-appropriate versions of the bridesmaids' dresses, or in complementary colours or prints. While there are no hard and fast rules, junior bridesmaids often carry smaller bouquets than the bridesmaids and walk down the aisle before them.

Junior bridesmaids' dresses: age-appropriate versions of bridesmaids' dresses or unique styles

Junior bridesmaids are a sweet way to include younger family members or friends in your wedding party. They are typically between the ages of 9 and 15, but can be older or younger depending on what feels right for you and them. Junior bridesmaids often have a family relationship with the bride or groom, but this is not a requirement.

When it comes to what they should wear, junior bridesmaids should coordinate with the rest of the bridal party. Some brides opt for matching dresses, in which case the junior bridesmaid's dress will need to be an age-appropriate version, with a different neckline and length. Other brides prefer the junior bridesmaid to stand out by wearing a dress that reflects her age, such as a floral print or a lighter colour.

Many designers create coordinating gowns for younger attendants, with options for age-appropriate lengths and necklines. If there are no age-appropriate options available, try an ankle-length dress with a higher neckline. It is important to find a dress that 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 dress as a nice gesture. It is recommended to have a conversation with the parents of the junior bridesmaid beforehand so that expectations are clear.

Who pays for the junior bridesmaid's dress?

While it is generally expected that bridesmaids pay for their own dresses, it is less clear who should pay for a junior bridesmaid's dress. Junior bridesmaids are often too young to pay for their own gown, so the responsibility typically falls on their parents. However, many brides have also opted to pay for the junior bridesmaid's dress themselves.

The average cost of junior bridesmaid dresses ranges from $60 to $120. It is recommended to talk with the parents of the junior bridesmaid before making a decision. In most cases, they will insist on paying. Depending on the cost of the dress, the bride can decide if she wants to pay for the dress herself.

It is worth noting that the junior bridesmaid's role is typically less involved than that of the older bridesmaids. Their presence at pre-wedding events and on the day of the wedding may be considered enough, and they can be given small tasks such as handing out favours or assisting with cleanup.

Junior bridesmaids' pre-wedding roles and responsibilities

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

Pre-Wedding Roles and Responsibilities:

Junior bridesmaids can be included in a variety of ways during the planning process. Here are some ideas for pre-wedding roles and responsibilities for junior bridesmaids:

• Input on their dress: Junior bridesmaids can provide their input on their dress, ensuring they feel comfortable and excited about their wedding attire.
• Planning bridal shower games: They can help plan games and other fun details for the bridal shower, adding a youthful and creative perspective.
• Assembling favours: Junior bridesmaids can assist in assembling and putting together favours for the guests.
• Gown fittings and cake tastings: They can join you for gown fittings, cake tastings, and other fun planning activities, creating special memories for both of you.
• Bouquets and flowers: On the wedding day, they can be in charge of putting the bouquets in water and helping the flower girls with their flowers or baskets.
• Handing out programs: Junior bridesmaids can greet guests and hand out programs before the ceremony.
• Helping with 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.
• Rehearsal dinner: They can also attend the rehearsal dinner and assist with any pre-wedding preparations or cleanup.

Junior bridesmaids should be included in pre-wedding events that are appropriate for their age group, such as an afternoon luncheon or tea for the bridal shower. As for the bachelorette party, it depends on the activities planned. If there are age-appropriate portions of the event, the junior bridesmaid may join for those parts.

Involving junior bridesmaids in pre-wedding activities is a wonderful way to make them feel valued and included, creating lifelong memories for both them and the bride.

Junior bridesmaids' wedding-day roles and responsibilities

Junior bridesmaids are younger members of the wedding party who are usually between the ages of 10 and 15. They are often younger sisters, nieces, cousins, daughters, or friends of the bride or groom. Their responsibilities are small, and they typically don't attend bachelorette parties or other adult-only events.

Junior bridesmaids can be included in a variety of ways throughout the planning process and on the wedding day itself. Here are some ideas for their wedding-day roles and responsibilities:

Getting Ready

Junior bridesmaids can get ready with the bridal party on the morning of the wedding. They can also be included in pre-wedding activities such as hair and makeup trials, manicures, and pedicures.

Photos

Junior bridesmaids should be included in photos with the full wedding party, the flower girls, their family, and the couple. They don't need to be in every group shot, but it's a good idea to have them pose for pictures with the other bridesmaids and the bride before the ceremony.

Walking Down the Aisle

Junior bridesmaids usually walk down the aisle after the older bridesmaids and before the flower girls. They don't need an escort but can walk with a junior groomsman, older groomsman, or family member if desired.

During the Ceremony

Junior bridesmaids can be responsible for helping the flower girls before and during the ceremony, making sure they are in the right places with their flowers or baskets. They can also help the flower girls to their seats before taking their own place at the altar. If there isn't enough room, they can be seated with the flower girls.

At the Reception

Junior bridesmaids should be seated where they will have the most fun, which may be with their younger cousins or friends rather than the older wedding party members. They can also help with small tasks such as handing out programs, putting bouquets in water, or assisting with cleanup after the reception.

Transportation

Logistically, it often makes sense for junior bridesmaids to share transportation with the bridal party. However, some younger maids may find it easier to travel with their parents, especially if they are included in the early-morning hair and makeup appointments.

Attire

Junior bridesmaids should wear attire that coordinates with the rest of the bridal party, with options for age-appropriate lengths and necklines. They can either match the bridesmaids or stand out with a coordinating floral print or a slightly lighter colour. They should carry a bouquet that is smaller than the bridesmaids' bouquets but within the same design aesthetic.

Costs

The junior bridesmaids' parents are typically responsible for the costs of their attire and any alterations. However, it isn't uncommon for the bride to pay for the dress as a gesture of thanks. It's essential to have a clear conversation with the junior bridesmaid's parents about expectations regarding attire and costs.

How to ask a junior bridesmaid to be in your wedding

Asking a junior bridesmaid to be part of your wedding is a wonderful way to include younger relatives or friends in your bridal party. A junior bridesmaid is typically between the ages of 9 and 15, but can be older or younger depending on what feels right for you and them. They are often younger sisters, nieces, cousins, or daughters, but can be anyone you are close to.

Lunch, Coffee, or a Manicure

Take your junior bridesmaid out for a special activity where you can pop the question. This could be a fun lunch or coffee date, or even a manicure. This is a great way to make them feel special and create a memorable experience.

A Creative Invitation

Get creative with your invitation! You can use a gift basket filled with age-appropriate goodies and a personalised note asking them to be your junior bridesmaid. This could be similar to the invitations you use for your bridesmaids, just adapted for a younger audience.

A Shared Activity

Plan a shared activity that you can do together, such as a workshop or a class. This could be a fun way to ask your junior bridesmaid to be part of your wedding, especially if you have multiple attendants to invite. You can make it a celebration with a toast at the end.

A One-on-One Chat

If you prefer a more intimate approach, a simple one-on-one chat can be just as effective. This gives you an opportunity to ask them in person and have a meaningful conversation about their role in your wedding.

An Age-Adjusted Gift

If you are planning to give gifts to your bridesmaids, consider creating a similar, age-appropriate gift for your junior bridesmaid. This could be included in your invitation or given to them during a special activity or chat.

Remember to speak to the guardians of your junior bridesmaid before asking. This will give them time to discuss the request with their child and ensure everyone is comfortable with the commitment. You can also involve the guardians in the proposal or invite the child to a bridesmaid proposal event to make them feel included.

Frequently asked questions