Junior bridesmaids are a great way to include younger family members or friends in your wedding party. They are typically girls who are too old to be flower girls but not quite old enough to be full-on bridesmaids. Junior bridesmaids are usually between the ages of 9 and 15 and can be a niece, cousin, sister, daughter, stepdaughter, or anyone else close to the bride. They are official members of the wedding party and participate in activities before and during the wedding. This role allows them to feel honoured and respected and be an important part of the wedding excitement.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Age | Between 9 and 15 years old |
Relationship to the couple | Niece, cousin, sister, daughter, stepdaughter, friend's daughter, or anyone close to the couple |
Dress | Same as other bridesmaids, but more modest, shorter, or with higher necklines |
Bouquet | Smaller than the other bridesmaids |
Accessories | Lantern, sign with a quote, or flower crown |
Walking down the aisle | Alone or with a junior groomsman, older groomsman, or family member |
Standing at the altar | Far left, farthest from the couple |
Pre-wedding responsibilities | Helping with invites, setting up decorations, cleaning up, dress shopping, etc. |
Pre-wedding events | Bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, and age-appropriate bachelorette party activities |
Gift | Jewelry, clothes, or bags with monograms |
What You'll Learn
- Junior bridesmaids should attend the rehearsal dinner and bridal shower
- They can help with pre-wedding tasks like bridal shower games and favours
- They should walk down the aisle before the bridesmaids and stand at the altar
- The junior bridesmaid should wear a modest version of the bridesmaid dresses
- The junior bridesmaid's parents usually pay for her attire
Junior bridesmaids should attend the rehearsal dinner and bridal shower
Junior bridesmaids should definitely be included in the rehearsal dinner and bridal shower. They are an official member of the wedding party, after all, and their presence at these events will help them feel included and valued.
The rehearsal dinner is a super special moment that the couple sometimes plans for themselves. It usually takes place the night before the wedding and follows a quick run-through of the ceremony events. The wedding rehearsal ensures everyone involved in the wedding ceremony knows when to walk and where to sit and stand. The rehearsal dinner is then the couple's chance to invite everyone to one last pre-wedding party. The guest list should include all members of the wedding party and immediate family members. Some couples also choose to give their bridesmaids a plus-one, invite out-of-town guests who've arrived early, and the officiant.
The bridal shower is another pre-wedding event that junior bridesmaids should attend. It's a chance for the junior bridesmaid to get to know everyone in the wedding party and create long-lasting bonds. They can help assemble favours, participate in games, and assist with the cleanup. If the bride is having a bachelorette party, the junior bridesmaid shouldn't be invited if the activities are for those 21-and-over. However, if part of the event is age-appropriate, the bride may choose to invite the junior bridesmaid for that portion.
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They can help with pre-wedding tasks like bridal shower games and favours
Junior bridesmaids can be a great help with pre-wedding tasks, including bridal shower games and favours. They can be involved in the planning process, providing input on their dress and helping to plan games and other details for the bridal shower. They can also assist with setting up decorations and cleaning up after the party.
- Help to create a list of questions about the couple, such as who is messier or who said "I love you" first. These can then be used for a quiz or a game of Jeopardy!
- Assist in preparing props and decorations for games such as "Where in the World is the Couple?", "Wedding Movie Charades", or "Wedding Jeopardy".
- Help to set up and test any technical aspects of games, such as ensuring that music snippets play for the "Name That Tune" game.
- Be involved in brainstorming and preparing creative elements, such as the celebrity names for the "Celebrity Name Game", or the wedding traditions for the wedding traditions quiz.
Additionally, junior bridesmaids can be a great help with assembling favours and gifts for the bridal shower guests. They can:
- Help to put together favours for games and activities, such as the candy jar for the "Guess How Many Candies" game.
- Assist in preparing gifts and prizes for game winners, such as the jar of candy for the winner of the "Guess How Many Candies" game.
- Be involved in preparing any edible gifts or prizes, such as the cupcakes for the "Guess the Cupcake" game.
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They should walk down the aisle before the bridesmaids and stand at the altar
Junior bridesmaids are a wonderful way to include younger family members or friends in your wedding party. They are typically between the ages of nine and fifteen, and are often nieces, cousins, sisters, daughters, or friends' daughters.
Junior bridesmaids should walk down the aisle before the bridesmaids and stand at the altar. Traditionally, the junior bridesmaid leads the procession, walking ahead of the bridesmaids. If the bridesmaids are paired with groomsmen, the junior bridesmaid should also be escorted by a junior groomsman, an older groomsman, or a family member. She can walk alone, but if she is shy, she may prefer to be accompanied.
The junior bridesmaid should stand at the far left of the altar, farthest from the couple getting married. For the recessional, she is one of the last people to exit. Before the ceremony, she can help the flower girls get ready and ensure they are in the right places with their flowers or baskets.
Junior bridesmaids should wear dresses that are modest and age-appropriate, and similar to the other bridesmaids' outfits. They can carry a smaller bouquet or hold a lantern or sign.
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The junior bridesmaid should wear a modest version of the bridesmaid dresses
Junior bridesmaids should wear an outfit that is age-appropriate and coordinates with the rest of the bridal party. Typically, junior bridesmaids are between the ages of 9 and 16, so their attire should reflect their youthfulness while also complementing the other bridesmaids' outfits.
If you want the junior bridesmaid to wear a dress that matches the adult bridesmaids, adjustments can be made to ensure it is modest and suitable for a younger girl. For example, you could add a modesty panel to a deep V-neckline, close an open back, or add straps to a strapless bodice. These modifications will make the dress more age-appropriate without sacrificing cohesion with the bridal party's overall look.
Another option is to keep the junior bridesmaid in the same colour palette as the adult bridesmaids but choose a dress with a more youthful style. This could include a shorter hemline, a flouncier skirt, or bow embellishments. This approach allows the junior bridesmaid to feel included and part of the bridal party while still standing out as a younger member.
When selecting a junior bridesmaid dress, it is important to consider the fit and style to ensure it is age-appropriate. You can find dresses specifically designed for junior bridesmaids that offer a perfect blend of elegance and youthfulness. These dresses often feature higher necklines, ankle-length hemlines, and comfortable, flowy styles.
Ultimately, the junior bridesmaid should feel special and included while also feeling comfortable and confident in her outfit. It is a good idea to involve the junior bridesmaid and her parents in the decision-making process to ensure everyone is happy with the chosen outfit.
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The junior bridesmaid's parents usually pay for her attire
Including junior bridesmaids in your wedding party is a wonderful way to make your younger relatives and friends feel valued and involved in the excitement of your wedding. Junior bridesmaids are typically between the ages of 9 and 15 and are often the bride's niece, cousin, sister, daughter, stepdaughter, or a friend's daughter.
The junior bridesmaids' parents are usually responsible for covering the costs of their attire and any necessary alterations. However, it is not uncommon for the bride to offer to pay for the dress as a gesture of gratitude for the young attendant's participation in the wedding. It is essential to communicate with the parents of the junior bridesmaid to ensure clear expectations regarding attire and associated expenses.
When selecting attire for junior bridesmaids, it is important to consider age-appropriate styles and lengths. Many designers offer bridesmaid collections that include garments specifically designed for junior attendants, ensuring a cohesive look with the older bridesmaids. If age-appropriate options are not available, opt for ankle-length dresses, higher necklines, or styles that align with the wedding's theme and vibe.
To make your junior bridesmaids feel extra special, consider involving them in dress shopping or offering them a say in their attire choices. This not only ensures their comfort and confidence but also allows them to feel more connected to the wedding party.
In conclusion, while the junior bridesmaids' parents typically pay for their attire, open communication and thoughtful consideration of the junior bridesmaids' preferences can enhance their overall experience and make them feel valued members of your wedding celebration.
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Frequently asked questions
A junior bridesmaid is a young member of your family who is too old to be a flower girl, but not old enough to be a bridesmaid. They are usually between the ages of 9 and 15.
Junior bridesmaids can be included in organising a bridal shower or bachelorette party, attending the rehearsal dinner, participating in the ceremony by walking down the aisle and standing at the altar, and assisting bridesmaids with the cleanup.
Junior bridesmaids should wear the same dresses as the other bridesmaids, but in a more age-appropriate style. If this is not possible, there are dresses specifically made for junior bridesmaids that can match the style and colour of the other bridesmaids' dresses.
It is customary for the junior bridesmaid's parents to pay for her dress, but it is not uncommon for the bride to offer to pay as the junior bridesmaid may be too young to do so herself.