Jr Bridesmaids: Their Place In The Wedding Program

A junior bridesmaid is a role given to a younger member of the bridal party, usually a relative or family friend, who is too old to be a flower girl but too young to be a bridesmaid. Junior bridesmaids are often included in the wedding procession, but their position in the order of entrance can vary. Some sources suggest that junior bridesmaids should walk down the aisle before the adult bridesmaids, while others recommend that they follow the adult bridesmaids and precede the flower girls. Ultimately, the decision of where junior bridesmaids should go in the program depends on the preferences of the bride and groom and the structure of the wedding party.

Processional order: Jr. bridesmaids traditionally walk down the aisle before the bridesmaids

The role of a junior bridesmaid is a great way to involve younger female relatives and friends in your wedding celebrations. A junior bridesmaid is usually a girl who is too old to toss petals with the flower girls but too young to join the bridesmaids for champagne toasts and bachelorette parties. The role is typically given to girls between the ages of 8 and 15, but the ages are more of a guideline than a rule.

Junior bridesmaids can be included in a variety of ways throughout the wedding planning process and on the day of the wedding. They can provide input on their dress, help plan games and other details for the bridal shower, and join the bride for gown fittings or cake tastings. On the wedding day, they can be in charge of putting the bouquets in water, helping with the flower girls, or handing out programs.

When it comes to the processional order, junior bridesmaids traditionally walk down the aisle before the bridesmaids. If the groomsmen and bridesmaids are walking in pairs, the junior bridesmaid may be escorted by a groomsman. Alternatively, she may walk alone or with a family member such as her father, uncle, grandfather, or brother.

It is important to communicate with the junior bridesmaid and her family to ensure that she is included in the parts of the wedding she is most interested in without overwhelming her. The junior bridesmaid should be included in photos with the full wedding party, the flower girls, her family, and the couple, but she doesn't need to appear in every group shot.

Attire: Jr. bridesmaids' attire should complement the bridal party's overall look

Junior bridesmaids are typically between the ages of 8 and 16 and are often younger sisters, daughters, cousins, or nieces of the bride or groom. Their attire should complement the bridal party's overall look, with options ranging from matching outfits to something different due to sizing limitations. Here are some tips to ensure the junior bridesmaids' attire complements the bridal party:

• Choose age-appropriate attire: Junior bridesmaids are typically between 9 and 15 years old, so their attire should be age-appropriate in terms of length, neckline, and style. David's Bridal offers a range of modest yet youthful dresses for junior bridesmaids, including lace frocks with high necklines and subtle v-necks paired with floor-length chiffon hemlines.
• Complement the bridal party's look: The junior bridesmaids' attire should complement the bridal party's overall style and colour palette. Many brands offer junior and bridal party dresses in the same colourways, styles, and silhouettes, making it easy to achieve a cohesive look.
• Consider a coordinating look: While junior bridesmaids can wear the same outfit as the bridal party, they can also stand out by wearing a coordinating floral print or a slightly lighter colour. This will add a touch of variety to the bridal party's aesthetic while still maintaining a cohesive look.
• Be mindful of sizing: Junior bridesmaids may have different sizing requirements than the adult bridal party members. It is important to choose a style that is available in the appropriate sizing for the junior bridesmaids.
• Involve the junior bridesmaids: While the bride typically chooses the junior bridesmaid dresses, it is important to consider the input of the junior bridesmaids. They may have preferences or requirements that can help guide the dress selection.
• Plan ahead: Junior bridesmaids may go through growth spurts, so it is advisable to hold off on purchasing the dresses for as long as possible. However, it is also important to be mindful of ordering timelines to ensure the dresses arrive on time for the wedding.
• Accessorise: Junior bridesmaids can add their unique spin to their attire by incorporating accessories such as pearls, jewels, or anything with sparkle. This can enhance the overall look of the bridal party and make the junior bridesmaids feel special.

Pre-wedding events: Jr. bridesmaids can attend age-appropriate pre-wedding events and celebrations

Junior bridesmaids are younger members of the bridal party who are usually between the ages of 8 and 16. They are often included in the wedding party to involve younger female relatives or friends who are too old to be flower girls but too young to be bridesmaids. Junior bridesmaids can attend pre-wedding events, as long as they are age-appropriate. Here are some ideas for pre-wedding events that junior bridesmaids can participate in:

Bridal Shower

Junior bridesmaids can attend the bridal shower, a pre-wedding event that usually involves fun games, food, and gifts. They can help assemble favours, participate in games, and assist with cleanup. Their presence at the bridal shower will make them feel included and valued.

Dress Fittings

Junior bridesmaids can be included in dress fittings or dress shopping outings. They can offer their opinions on their dresses and ensure that their attire aligns with the bridal party's theme. This involvement will make them feel special and allow them to have a say in what they wear.

Rehearsal Dinner

The rehearsal dinner is a pre-wedding event that allows the wedding party and families to get acquainted. Junior bridesmaids should attend this event to familiarise themselves with the ceremony flow and bond with the other bridal party members. Their participation will help boost their confidence and ensure they feel prepared for the wedding day.

Bridal Brunch or Bridesmaids Luncheon

The bridal brunch or bridesmaids luncheon is a pre-wedding event hosted a few days before the wedding to thank the women who have helped with wedding planning. Junior bridesmaids can be included in this event, especially if they have been actively involved in the planning process. It provides an opportunity for them to bond with the other women in the bridal party and feel appreciated for their contributions.

Age-Appropriate Bachelorette Party Activities

While junior bridesmaids are typically too young to attend the entire bachelorette party, you can include them in age-appropriate portions of the event. For example, if you plan to have dinner before the main activity, they can join you for the meal and then head home before the adult-only activities begin. This allows them to feel included in the celebration without altering your original plans.

Welcome Party

The welcome party is a pre-wedding event that serves as a casual get-together for out-of-town guests to mingle. Junior bridesmaids can attend this event and socialise with other guests. It provides an opportunity for them to feel part of the wedding festivities and get to know the people who will be attending the wedding.

Remember, the key is to ensure that the pre-wedding events are age-appropriate and not overly burdensome for the junior bridesmaids. Their participation should be fun and engaging, creating lifelong memories for them and adding a youthful touch to your wedding celebrations.

Photographs: Jr. bridesmaids should be included in some wedding party portraits

Junior bridesmaids are a great way to involve younger female relatives and friends in your wedding who are too old to toss petals with the flower girls and too young to join the bridesmaids for champagne toasts and bachelorette parties. They are usually between the ages of 8 and 15 and can be a niece, cousin, sister, daughter, or a close family friend.

Junior bridesmaids should definitely be included in some wedding party portraits. They should be in photos with the full wedding party, the flower girls, their family, and the couple. However, they don't need to appear in every group shot. It's a good idea to communicate your wishes to your wedding photographer ahead of time so they can plan and take charge.

• Have some photos with the junior bridesmaid alone and with the other bridesmaids. If you want pictures with just the group of older bridesmaids, that's okay too. Just make sure to clearly communicate your preferences to the photographer.
• Include the junior bridesmaid in photos with the couple, the flower girls, and her family. These portraits can include the junior bridesmaid's parents, siblings, or other close relatives.
• If there are younger cousins or friends of the junior bridesmaid attending the wedding, consider including them in some of the portraits as well. This can make for fun and playful photos, especially if the junior bridesmaid is on the younger side.
• Discuss with the photographer the option of having the junior bridesmaid in some getting-ready photos. This can include shots of her helping the bride get ready, such as fixing her veil or holding her bouquet.
• If the junior bridesmaid has any specific roles or responsibilities during the wedding, such as handing out programs or escorting guests to their seats, capture portraits of her in action. These photos can showcase her important role in the wedding.
• For creative and fun portraits, consider using props or backdrops that are age-appropriate and reflect the wedding theme or venue. For example, if the wedding has a rustic theme, use a barn or a field as a backdrop for the portraits.

Responsibilities: Jr. bridesmaids can have scaled-down, kid-appropriate responsibilities

Junior bridesmaids are typically younger members of the wedding party, often acting as an honourary role for younger family members or friends. Their responsibilities can be scaled down and adapted to be kid-appropriate, ensuring they feel included and valued.

Junior bridesmaids can be involved in the pre-wedding planning, providing input on their dress and helping to plan games and other details for the bridal shower. They can also join the bride for gown fittings and cake tastings. On the day of the wedding, they might be in charge of putting the bouquets in water, helping with the flower girls, or handing out programs.

Junior bridesmaids should be included in pre-wedding events that are appropriate for their age group, such as an afternoon luncheon or tea for the bridal shower, where they can help assemble favours, participate in games, and assist with cleanup. They can also walk down the aisle in the bridal procession, either alone or with a partner, and pose for pictures with the wedding party.

Junior bridesmaids can also help with practical tasks like adding postage to invitations, setting up decorations, and cleaning up after events. They can also attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner, and if the bachelorette party is local and kid-friendly, they can be encouraged to attend.

The junior bridesmaid's dress should match or complement the other bridesmaids' outfits, with options for age-appropriate lengths and necklines. The parents of the junior bridesmaid typically pay for their child's attire, including any alterations, although the bride may also offer to pay as a gesture of thanks.

Frequently asked questions