Who Are Jr Bridesmaids And What Do They Do?

A junior bridesmaid is a role for a young girl who is too old to be a flower girl but too young to be a full-fledged bridesmaid. Junior bridesmaids are typically between the ages of 9 and 14 and are often nieces, cousins, sisters, daughters, or close friends of the couple. They get to participate in many of the same activities as the bridesmaids before and during the wedding, such as attending the rehearsal dinner, helping with pre-wedding tasks, and walking down the aisle. They may also be included in some of the bridal party photos. It is important to speak with the junior bridesmaid's parents or guardians before offering the role and to ensure that she feels comfortable and included throughout the process.

Who can be a junior bridesmaid?

A junior bridesmaid is typically a young girl who is too old to be a flower girl but too young to be a full-fledged bridesmaid. They are usually between the ages of 8 or 9 and 14 or 15, but this is not set in stone. Junior bridesmaids are often nieces, cousins, sisters, daughters, stepdaughters, or other close relatives or friends of the couple.

Junior bridesmaids are official members of the wedding party and participate in activities before and during the wedding. They may have some of the same responsibilities as adult bridesmaids, scaled down to be kid-appropriate. These duties may include helping with pre-wedding tasks such as addressing invitations, setting up decorations, and cleaning up after parties. They may also attend pre-wedding events like the bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, and engagement parties.

When it comes to the wedding ceremony, junior bridesmaids typically walk down the aisle before the other bridesmaids and stand at the altar with the bridal party. They may also be responsible for passing out programs or favours during the reception.

It is important to note that junior bridesmaids should not be expected to contribute financially to wedding-related expenses. Their main role is to have fun and feel special for being included in the wedding.

What does a junior bridesmaid wear?

A junior bridesmaid's attire should complement the bridal party's look. Typically, junior bridesmaids are expected to wear a dress chosen by the bride. While some brides prefer their junior bridesmaids to wear a dress that matches the bridesmaids' dresses, others prefer a dress that is more reflective of the junior bridesmaid's age. In the latter case, the junior bridesmaid can choose a dress with the bride's approval.

Junior bridesmaids' dresses should be age-appropriate, with modest necklines and lengths. Many designers offer age-appropriate versions of their bridesmaid dresses for younger attendants. These dresses often feature higher necklines and shorter lengths while still coordinating with the bridal party's attire.

If you are unable to find a junior version of the bridesmaid dress, you can opt for a complementary dress in a similar colour, style, or fabric. It is not necessary for the junior bridesmaid's dress to match exactly, and mixing it up can add a fun element to the bridal party's look.

The junior bridesmaid's bouquet should also be considered. Typically, junior bridesmaids carry a smaller bouquet than the bridesmaids, but it should still be within the same design aesthetic.

The cost of the junior bridesmaid's attire is typically the responsibility of the junior bridesmaid's parents. However, some brides choose to pay for the dress as a gesture of appreciation for the junior bridesmaid's participation in the wedding. It is recommended to have a conversation with the junior bridesmaid's parents to set clear expectations regarding attire and costs.

What are a junior bridesmaid's duties?

A junior bridesmaid is typically 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 14, but this can vary depending on what the bride and the junior bridesmaid are comfortable with. They are often a niece, cousin, sister, daughter, stepdaughter, or any other young female relative or friend that the bride is close with.

Junior bridesmaids have similar responsibilities to adult bridesmaids, scaled down to be kid-appropriate. Here are some of their duties:

Pre-Wedding Duties

• Help with pre-wedding tasks such as addressing invites, putting together favours, setting up bridal shower decorations, and cleaning up after parties.
• Attend pre-wedding events like the bridal shower, rehearsal, and rehearsal dinner. They can also be included in other pre-wedding celebrations like gown fittings, cake tastings, and vendor meetings if the bride thinks they would enjoy it.
• Help plan games and other details for the bridal shower.

Wedding Day Duties

• Participate in the ceremony processional, usually walking down the aisle before the other bridesmaids. They may walk alone, with a junior groomsman, or with a family member.
• Stand at the altar with the bridal party during the ceremony, usually on the far left, farthest from the couple.
• Pass out programs or send-off favours at the reception, such as bubbles, confetti, or sparklers.
• Be included in the bridal party dances and have a bottle of sparkling cider to toast the couple.
• Assist with the flower girls, making sure they are in the right places and have their flowers or baskets.

It's important to note that the role of a junior bridesmaid is more of an honour than a job, and they should not be expected to take on any duties that they are uncomfortable with. Their main role is to have fun and feel special for being included in the wedding.

When does a junior bridesmaid walk down the aisle?

A junior bridesmaid is a role for a young girl who is a little older than a flower girl but not quite old enough to be a full-on bridesmaid. Junior bridesmaids are usually between the ages of nine and fourteen, but this can vary depending on the comfort level of the child. They are typically a niece, cousin, sister, daughter, stepdaughter, or anyone else close to the bride or groom.

Junior bridesmaids usually walk down the aisle before the other bridesmaids during a traditional wedding processional. If the groomsmen and bridesmaids walk in pairs, the junior bridesmaid may be escorted by a groomsman. If there are two junior bridesmaids, they can walk down the aisle together.

Junior bridesmaids can walk down the aisle alone, but this depends on their confidence and comfort level. If the junior bridesmaid is extroverted, she may want to walk by herself. However, if she is on the shyer side, she may prefer to walk with a junior groomsman, her guardian, or another bridesmaid.

The junior bridesmaid is usually one of the last people to exit during the recessional. During the ceremony, she stands at the far left at the altar, on the outer end of the bridesmaids and farthest away from the couple getting married.

Where does a junior bridesmaid sit at the reception?

A junior bridesmaid is a role given to a female relative or friend who is a bit too old to be a flower girl but too young to be a full-fledged bridesmaid. Junior bridesmaids are usually between the ages of 9 and 14, but this can vary depending on what feels right for the individual and the wedding party. They are typically included in pre-wedding activities and have scaled-down responsibilities during the ceremony.

During the reception, the junior bridesmaid should be seated at a table where she will have the most fun. This might be with her younger cousins or other relatives, rather than with the older members of the wedding party. Ultimately, the goal is to seat her where she will be most comfortable and able to enjoy herself.

Junior bridesmaids are often responsible for passing out programs or send-off favours during the reception. They should also be included in the bridal party dances, and it is a thoughtful gesture to have a bottle of sparkling cider available so they can join in the toasts.

It is important to remember that a junior bridesmaid's main role is to have fun and feel special for being included in the wedding. While they can take on some responsibilities, they should not be expected to take on too much or feel overwhelmed.

Frequently asked questions