Junior bridesmaids are typically between the ages of 9 and 15. They are usually a relative of the couple, such as a sister, niece, or cousin, or the child of a very close friend. Junior bridesmaids are too old to be flower girls but too young to be bridesmaids, so they fill the gap between the other female attendants. They are often given age-appropriate versions of the bridesmaids' outfits to wear and are included in pre-wedding activities and events.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Age range | 9-16 years old |
Typical roles | Niece, cousin, sister, daughter, stepdaughter, friend |
Clothing | Same dress as bridesmaids if age-appropriate; otherwise, a more youthful version |
Bouquet | Smaller than the bridesmaids' |
Seating | With bridal party or parents; at the kids' table if under 12 |
What You'll Learn
Junior bridesmaids are usually between 9 and 15 years old
Junior bridesmaids often have similar responsibilities to adult bridesmaids, such as helping with invitations, putting together favours, and attending pre-wedding parties and events like the bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, ceremony and reception. However, they do not usually attend the bachelorette party. Junior bridesmaids may also be involved in the wedding procession, walking down the aisle before the bridesmaids and carrying a smaller bouquet, lantern or sign, or wearing a flower crown.
In terms of attire, junior bridesmaids should match the rest of the bridal party, but their outfits should be age-appropriate. Many designers offer coordinating gowns for younger attendants, with options for length and neckline. The junior bridesmaid's parents are typically responsible for the cost of their attire, although the bride may choose to pay for it as a gesture of thanks.
The role of a junior bridesmaid is a way to include younger members of the wedding party in the celebrations and make them feel valued and involved. It is a special role that allows them to participate in pre-wedding activities and the wedding day itself, without the full responsibilities of an adult bridesmaid.
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They perform many of the same duties as bridesmaids
A junior bridesmaid is a unique role in a wedding, often given to a young girl who is too old to be a flower girl but too young to be a bridesmaid. Junior bridesmaids are usually between the ages of 9 and 15, and they are typically relatives of the couple, such as a niece, sister, or cousin. They are official members of the wedding party and participate in activities before and during the wedding.
Junior bridesmaids perform many of the same duties as adult bridesmaids. Here are some of their responsibilities and how they can be involved in the wedding:
Pre-Wedding Duties
Junior bridesmaids can help with various pre-wedding tasks, such as adding postage to invitations, putting together favours, and setting up bridal shower decorations. They can also be included in the planning process, providing input on their dress, helping to plan games for the bridal shower, and joining the bride for gown fittings or cake tastings.
Attendance at Pre-Wedding Events
Junior bridesmaids should be invited to pre-wedding events such as the bridal shower, luncheon, tea, rehearsal, and rehearsal dinner. They can help with setup and cleanup at these events and participate in games. However, they should not be invited to the bachelorette party, as this is typically an adults-only affair.
Wedding Ceremony
During the wedding ceremony, junior bridesmaids usually walk down the aisle before the older bridesmaids and carry a smaller bouquet or other items such as a lantern or a sign. They stand at the altar with the rest of the bridal party and may be responsible for assisting the flower girls and making sure they are in the right places.
Wedding Reception
At the reception, junior bridesmaids often have specific duties such as passing out programs or sending off favours to guests. They should be included in the bridal party dances and given the opportunity to toast the newlyweds with sparkling cider. They can also be seated with their younger cousins or friends instead of the older members of the wedding party.
Overall, the role of a junior bridesmaid is more of an honour than a job, and it is important to include and make them feel valued during the wedding planning process and on the big day itself.
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They can walk down the aisle alone or with a partner
Junior bridesmaids are typically between the ages of 9 and 15. They are often relatives of the couple, such as a sister, niece, or cousin, or the children of very close friends. Junior bridesmaids perform many of the same duties as their older counterparts, such as helping with invitations and favours, and attending pre-wedding events like the bridal shower and rehearsal dinner.
When it comes to the wedding ceremony, junior bridesmaids usually walk down the aisle before the other bridesmaids. They can walk down the aisle alone or with a partner. If the junior bridesmaid is confident and extroverted, she may prefer to walk alone, but if she is shy, she may feel more comfortable walking with a junior groomsman, a guardian, or another bridesmaid. This ensures that she feels as comfortable as possible during the procession.
During the ceremony, the junior bridesmaid stands at the altar with the other members of the bridal party. Traditionally, she stands on the far left, farthest from the couple, and is one of the last people to exit during the recessional. After the ceremony, the junior bridesmaid can be seated at the reception with the bridal party, her parents, or, if she is under 12, at the kids' table.
The junior bridesmaid's attire should be age-appropriate and match the colour scheme and theme of the wedding. Many designers offer coordinating gowns for younger attendants, with options for length and neckline adjustments. The junior bridesmaid usually carries a smaller bouquet than the other bridesmaids, but it should still be within the same design aesthetic.
In conclusion, junior bridesmaids play an important role in the wedding party, and their participation adds a young, fresh perspective to the celebration. Their presence is a wonderful way to honour and include special young women in the couple's life, creating lifelong memories for everyone involved.
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They can be included in pre-wedding planning
Junior bridesmaids are typically between the ages of 9 and 15. They are usually a relative of the couple, such as a sister, niece, or cousin, or the daughter of very close friends. Junior bridesmaids can be included in pre-wedding planning in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to make them feel included and valued:
Involve them in dress decisions
The junior bridesmaid should wear something age-appropriate that complements the bridal party's attire. The bride can involve her in choosing a dress that she feels comfortable and excited to wear.
Include them in pre-wedding events
Junior bridesmaids can attend pre-wedding events such as the bridal shower, luncheon, tea, rehearsal, and rehearsal dinner. They can also be invited to the bachelorette party if the activities are age-appropriate and the bride feels comfortable including them.
Assign them pre-wedding tasks
Junior bridesmaids can help with pre-wedding tasks such as addressing invitations, assembling favours, and setting up decorations for the bridal shower. These tasks will make them feel involved and contribute to the success of the wedding.
Bring them to gown fittings and cake tastings
The junior bridesmaid can join the bride for gown fittings and cake tastings, especially if they are the bride's sister or daughter, or someone with whom the bride has a close relationship.
Ask for their input on bridal shower details
The junior bridesmaid can provide input on games and other details of the bridal shower. This will make her feel valued and allow her to contribute her unique perspective to the planning process.
Involve them in the bridal shower cleanup
Junior bridesmaids can also assist with any post-party cleanup after the bridal shower. This task is often appreciated by the bridal party and helps teach responsibility and the importance of pitching in.
Remember, the goal is to make the junior bridesmaid feel included and honoured while also creating lifelong memories for both her and the bride.
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They are often related to the bride or groom
Junior bridesmaids are typically younger relatives of the couple who are too old to be flower girls but too young to be bridesmaids. They are usually between the ages of 9 and 15, though this is more of a guideline than a rule. Junior bridesmaids often have a family relationship with the bride or groom; they may be younger sisters, nieces, cousins, daughters, or stepdaughters. However, it is not a requirement for them to be related to the couple.
Junior bridesmaids play a special role in the wedding and are considered official members of the wedding party. They participate in activities before and during the wedding day, such as helping with pre-wedding tasks like adding postage to invitations, putting together favours, and setting up bridal shower decorations. They may also attend pre-wedding parties, such as the bridal shower and rehearsal dinner, but they are usually not invited to the bachelorette party.
The junior bridesmaid's outfit should be age-appropriate and modestly match the other bridesmaids' outfits. The junior bridesmaid's parents are typically responsible for purchasing their attire, but the couple may offer to pay as a gesture of appreciation.
In terms of wedding-day responsibilities, junior bridesmaids can help with flower girls, making sure they are in the right places and have their flowers or baskets. During the processional, they usually walk down the aisle before the other bridesmaids and stand at the altar with the group during the ceremony. At the reception, they can be seated with the bridal party or with their parents, depending on their age and personality.
Overall, the role of a junior bridesmaid is a great way to include younger female relatives or friends in the wedding celebrations and make them feel honoured and respected. It allows them to be a part of the excitement and not just watch from the sidelines.
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Frequently asked questions
Junior bridesmaids are typically between the ages of 9 and 15, but this can vary depending on the specific circumstances. Some people consider the range to be from 9 to 14, while others say it can go up to 16 or 17.
Junior bridesmaids have similar duties to adult bridesmaids, including helping with invitations, putting together favours, and attending pre-wedding events like the bridal shower and rehearsal dinner. They may also help with pre-wedding tasks such as setting up decorations and cleaning up after parties.
Junior bridesmaids should wear something that is age-appropriate and complements the rest of the wedding party. They may wear the same dress as the adult bridesmaids, or a coordinating dress with a slightly different colour or print.
Typically, the parents of the junior bridesmaid are 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 gesture of appreciation.
Junior bridesmaids usually walk down the aisle before the other bridesmaids during a traditional wedding processional. They may carry a smaller bouquet or hold a lantern or sign.