Junior Bridesmaids: Carrying The Right Accessories

Junior bridesmaids are often younger sisters, nieces, cousins, or daughters who are too old to be flower girls but not old enough to be bridesmaids. They are usually between eight and sixteen years old, but this can vary depending on the bride's preferences. Junior bridesmaids can participate in pre-wedding activities and celebrations, lend a hand with pre-wedding projects, and join in with age-appropriate pre-wedding events. During the wedding ceremony, they typically walk down the aisle before the other bridesmaids, carrying a smaller bouquet, a lantern, or a sign. They may also help with the flower girls and stand at the altar during the ceremony. It is common for junior bridesmaids to be seated with their parents or other relatives during the reception. When it comes to attire, junior bridesmaids should blend with the rest of the bridal party, wearing age-appropriate outfits that are similar in style to the bridesmaids' dresses.

Junior bridesmaids can carry a smaller bouquet than the other bridesmaids

While they may not be able to participate in all the same activities as the adult bridesmaids, they can still play an important role in the wedding. Junior bridesmaids can help with pre-wedding tasks such as addressing invitations, assembling favours, and setting up decorations. They can also join in with some of the pre-wedding celebrations, such as relaxed bridal showers and afternoon teas.

On the day of the wedding, junior bridesmaids typically walk down the aisle before the adult bridesmaids and stand at the altar for the duration of the ceremony. They can also help with flower girls, making sure they are in the right place and have their flowers or baskets. Junior bridesmaids should be included in photos with the full wedding party and flower girls, but they don't need to be in every group shot.

When it comes to attire, junior bridesmaids should blend in with the rest of the bridal party, but their outfits should also be age-appropriate. They can wear a more modest version of the bridesmaid gowns, with longer lengths and higher necklines. The parents of the junior bridesmaid typically cover the cost of the wedding outfit, including accessories, but it is wise to talk about budgets upfront to avoid any awkwardness.

They can hold a lantern

Junior bridesmaids can hold a lantern as they walk down the aisle, and this can be a great way to make them stand out. If you want to give them something unexpected to carry, a lantern is a perfect choice.

Lanterns can be a beautiful addition to any wedding, especially if you are going for a rustic or whimsical theme. You can choose lanterns in a variety of colours and materials to match your wedding aesthetic. For example, silver lanterns topped with fresh flowers can be a unique and elegant option.

If you want to add a touch of magic to your wedding, consider using lanterns with candles inside. The soft glow of candlelight will create a romantic and enchanting atmosphere. Just be sure to choose candles that are safe to use indoors and won't cause any fire hazards.

Another option is to use lanterns as part of your table centrepieces. This can be a unique alternative to traditional floral arrangements and will definitely be a conversation starter among your guests. You can fill the lanterns with flowers, fairy lights, or even small gifts for your guests.

They can carry a sign with a silly quote

Junior bridesmaids can carry a sign with a silly quote to make the bridal entry more fun and unique. It can be a creative way to include younger family members or friends in the wedding party, who are too old to be flower girls but not quite old enough to be full-on bridesmaids. Here are some ideas for quotes and signs that junior bridesmaids can carry:

• Personalised vows: A sign with personalised vows or a cute message for the bride and groom can be a heart-warming touch to the bridal entry.
• Humorous quotes: A funny or light-hearted quote can add a touch of humour to the occasion. For example, "For once on time?" or "Cannot do without the humour".
• Squad goals: If the junior bridesmaid is part of a squad or group of friends, they could carry a sign that showcases their unique bond and adds a touch of sass to the bridal entry.
• Role reversal: The junior bridesmaid could hold a sign that playfully warns the guests about the bride's squad or the "ladkewalas".
• Cute and sassy: A combination of a cute message and a sassy attitude can be a fun way to steal the show.
• Quirky signage: A quirky or unusual sign can be a fun way to close the deal with the groom or add a unique twist to the bridal entry.
• Friendship quotes: A quote about friendship can be a lovely way to celebrate the bond between the junior bridesmaid and the bride. For example, "Friends are those rare people who ask how we are and then wait to hear the answer" or "A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same".
• Sister quotes: If the junior bridesmaid is the bride's sister, a quote about the special sisterly bond can be a meaningful addition to the bridal entry. For example, "A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life" or "There is no better friend than a sister, and there is no better sister than you".

They can wear a flower crown

A junior bridesmaid is a role for a flower girl who is a little older and wiser. It is a sweet way to make younger loved ones feel honoured and respected, and to involve them in the wedding excitement. Junior bridesmaids are typically between the ages of nine and 14, but this can vary depending on what feels right for the child and their family.

Junior bridesmaids can wear flower crowns to make them stand out. Flower crowns are a beautiful and whimsical accessory that can be made from fresh or dried flowers, or artificial flowers for a more budget-friendly option. They can be purchased or handmade, and customised to match the wedding colour palette.

Etsy offers a wide variety of flower crowns for junior bridesmaids, with options to personalise and customise. Flower crowns can be made from silk flowers and pearls, or dried flowers like baby's breath and lavender. They can also be made from artificial flowers, which can be more cost-effective and convenient, especially if fresh flowers are not in season.

Flower crowns can be colour-coordinated to match the wedding theme or the bridesmaids' dresses. For example, a light blue flower crown with baby's breath or a pink floral crown with roses. Flower crowns can also be made from greenery, such as eucalyptus, for a more natural and rustic look.

In addition to flower crowns, junior bridesmaids can also carry small bouquets, hold lanterns, or display signs with silly quotes.

They can carry a basket of blooms

Junior bridesmaids can carry a basket of blooms, a smaller version of the bridesmaids' bouquets. This is a great way to make them feel included in the bridal party and add a youthful touch to the celebration.

Carrying a basket of flowers is a traditional role for junior bridesmaids, who are usually between eight and sixteen years old. They can walk down the aisle ahead of the adult bridesmaids, adding a touch of charm and innocence to the procession. The basket of blooms can be carefully curated to complement the bridal party's colour scheme and floral arrangements.

When choosing flowers for the junior bridesmaids' baskets, consider the season and the overall theme of the wedding. For a spring or summer wedding, delicate blooms such as daisies, baby's breath, or peonies in soft pastel shades can create a whimsical and romantic look. For an autumn or winter wedding, richer hues such as burgundy, navy, or forest green can be incorporated into the floral arrangement for a more dramatic effect.

The baskets themselves can also be customised to match the wedding theme and the junior bridesmaids' outfits. For a rustic wedding, consider using woven wicker baskets with a lace or ribbon trim. For a more modern or glamorous affair, opt for sleek metal or glass containers. The baskets can be decorated with ribbons, bows, or even personalised charms or pendants.

In addition to carrying a basket of blooms, junior bridesmaids can also wear floral crowns or carry lanterns or signs, adding to the overall aesthetic of the bridal party. Their outfits can be coordinated with the bridal party's colour scheme, and they can even wear a smaller version of the bridesmaids' dresses or a modified style with age-appropriate necklines and hemlines.

Overall, carrying a basket of blooms is a charming and age-appropriate way to include junior bridesmaids in the wedding festivities. It allows them to feel special and involved while also giving them a sense of responsibility during the ceremony and celebrations.

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