Involving Junior Bridesmaids: Creative Ways To Include Them

Junior bridesmaids are a great way to include younger female relatives and friends in your wedding party. They are typically between the ages of 9 and 15 and are too old to be flower girls but too young to be bridesmaids. Junior bridesmaids can participate in pre-wedding activities such as bridal showers, gown fittings, and cake tastings, and help with tasks like addressing invitations and assembling favours. On the wedding day, they can walk down the aisle before the bridesmaids, stand at the altar, and be included in the bridal party dances. Their attire should be a modest version of the bridesmaid gowns, with age-appropriate lengths and necklines.

Junior bridesmaids' pre-wedding roles

Junior bridesmaids are a great way to include younger female relatives and friends in your wedding party. They are usually between the ages of 9 and 15, but this can vary depending on the comfort level of the individual. Here are some pre-wedding roles and responsibilities that you can assign to your junior bridesmaids:

Pre-Wedding Roles

Junior bridesmaids can be included in various pre-wedding activities and tasks. Here are some ideas:

• Invitations and postage: They can help with adding postage to invitations and envelopes.
• Bridal shower: Junior bridesmaids should be invited to the bridal shower and can even help with planning games and other details, as well as assembling favours and assisting with cleanup.
• Rehearsal dinner: They are expected to attend the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner. If they are younger, their parents should also be invited.
• Wedding dress shopping: They can join you for wedding gown fittings or even the initial shopping trip.
• Cake tasting: They can be included in cake tasting sessions.
• Party planning: The junior bridesmaids can help the Maid of Honour with party planning, such as creating DIY favours or shopping for décor.

Pre-Wedding Events

Junior bridesmaids should be included in age-appropriate pre-wedding events:

• Luncheon or tea: They can be included in an afternoon luncheon or tea bridal shower.
• Bachelorette party: Their attendance depends on the activities and venues. If part of the event is age-appropriate, they can join for that portion.

Dress Considerations

When it comes to attire, junior bridesmaids should wear a modest version of the bridesmaid gowns, with age-appropriate lengths and necklines. It is important to consider their potential growth spurts and schedule their fittings as close to the wedding date as possible.

What to wear

When it comes to what a junior bridesmaid should wear, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, it is important that the junior bridesmaid's outfit coordinates with the rest of the bridal party. This can be achieved by having the junior bridesmaid wear a dress that is a similar style to the bridesmaids' dresses but with a more age-appropriate neckline and length. Many bridesmaid gown designers offer coordinating gowns for younger attendants, so it should be possible to find something that matches the vibe and theme of the wedding.

Another option is to have the junior bridesmaid stand out by wearing a coordinating floral print or a slightly lighter colour than the other bridesmaids. This can help to make their role clear and add a young, fresh perspective to the bridal party. In this case, the junior bridesmaid can choose any dress that the bride approves of.

It is also worth noting that the junior bridesmaid should carry a bouquet that is smaller than the bridesmaids' bouquets but within the same design aesthetic.

The ceremony

Junior bridesmaids are a great way to include younger female relatives and friends in your wedding ceremony. They are typically between the ages of 9 and 15 and are often nieces, cousins, sisters, or daughters of the bride or groom.

Junior bridesmaids are official members of the wedding party and should be included in the ceremony in a number of ways. Firstly, they should walk down the aisle before the older bridesmaids, either alone or with a junior groomsman, older groomsman, or family member. They can carry a small bouquet, similar to the other bridesmaids, or hold a lantern or wear a flower crown to make them stand out.

Junior bridesmaids should stand at the altar during the ceremony, traditionally on the far left, farthest from the couple getting married. They can also be responsible for helping any flower girls, making sure they are in the right place and have their flowers or baskets. After the ceremony, the junior bridesmaid should help the flower girls to their seats before taking their own place at the altar. If there isn't room, they can be seated with the flower girls.

It is a good idea to include the junior bridesmaid in some photos with the full wedding party, the flower girls, and her family. However, she doesn't need to be in every group shot.

The reception

Junior bridesmaids are typically between the ages of 9 and 15, and they are a great way to involve younger female relatives and friends in your wedding celebration. They are usually too old to toss petals with the flower girls and too young to join the bridesmaids for champagne toasts and bachelorette parties. But that doesn't mean they can't still play an important role in the reception!

Seating Arrangements

At the reception, it is recommended to give junior bridesmaids a seat at a table where they will have the most fun, which might be with their younger cousins instead of the older friends of the bride. This will ensure they feel comfortable and can enjoy the celebrations.

Food and Drink

The junior bridesmaid's parents are typically responsible for paying for her attire and food, so it is worth communicating with them about any dietary requirements or preferences she may have.

Dancing

Junior bridesmaids can be included in the dancing at the reception. If there is a band or DJ, they could be dedicated a special song to dance to with the other junior bridesmaids or the flower girls.

Photos

The junior bridesmaids should be included in photos with the full wedding party, the flower girls, and their family members. They can also be included in any group shots with the older bridesmaids, but these are not necessary.

Other Activities

Junior bridesmaids can also be involved in any other activities that are planned for the reception, such as games, toasts, or cake-cutting. They can be given special responsibilities, such as helping the flower girls or handing out programs, to make them feel included and valued.

How to ask

Asking a junior bridesmaid to be part of your wedding party is a wonderful way to include younger relatives or friends in your special day. Here are some tips on how to ask:

• Talk to their parents first: Before you extend the invitation, it's a good idea to consult the parents or guardians of your prospective junior bridesmaid. They can advise on their child's schedule, comfort level, and whether they are able to cover the costs of the junior bridesmaid's attire and other expenses. It's important to ensure everyone is on the same page and happy to proceed.
• Get creative with your invitation: Make the experience memorable and special. You can ask them in person or provide a thoughtful gift. Consider taking them out for a special lunch, a manicure, or a coffee date to pop the question. You could even tweak the invitation method you used for your adult bridesmaids and create a similar age-appropriate version for your junior bridesmaid. For example, if you curated gift baskets for your adult bridesmaids, you could replicate this idea with age-appropriate items for your junior bridesmaid.
• Enthusiasm is key: When you ask, be enthusiastic and let them know you're excited to have them as part of your wedding party. Make sure they feel comfortable and free to ask any questions or voice any concerns they may have.
• Provide details about the role: When asking, give them an overview of what the role entails, including any pre-wedding events and activities, as well as the wedding day responsibilities. This will help them understand what to expect and make an informed decision.
• Offer a proposal: Create a special moment by officially proposing to your junior bridesmaid. You can find creative proposal ideas on sites like Etsy, including personalised cards, gift boxes, and bracelets.

Frequently asked questions