Youthful Bridesmaids: A Royal Tradition Explained

Royal bridesmaids are often young – usually children or early teenagers. This tradition is believed to have originated with Queen Victoria, who wore white on her wedding day and influenced the fashion and traditions of royal weddings for centuries to come. Royal bridesmaids have been dressed in white throughout history, with the belief that the colour deters evil spirits. While this practice may seem outdated, it could also be a way to honour Queen Victoria's legacy. In addition, having young bridesmaids ensures that all attention remains on the bride, and it is a charming way to involve younger family members in the wedding celebrations.

It's British tradition to have children as bridesmaids

It is British tradition to have children as bridesmaids and page boys. This tradition has been followed by the royal family, with bridesmaids typically being children or early teens since Queen Elizabeth's wedding. Royal bridesmaids are usually family members, such as sisters, nieces, or cousins, but they can also be close friends of the bride or groom.

Having children as bridesmaids adds a young, fresh perspective to the wedding party. It is a way to involve younger female relatives and friends in the celebration and honour the relationship between the bride and the bridesmaids. Junior bridesmaids, usually between the ages of 9 and 15, have fewer responsibilities than adult attendants. They wear similar dresses to the adult bridesmaids, but with age-appropriate lengths and necklines.

In royal weddings, having children as bridesmaids also ensures that all the attention is on the bride. This was certainly the case at Princess Kate's wedding, where her sister Pippa served as her bridesmaid, and at Princess Diana's wedding, where she had adult bridesmaids but was still the centre of attention.

The tradition of having children as bridesmaids is not unique to British royal weddings. For example, at the wedding of Princess Beatrice and Prince Henry of Battenberg in 1885, all ten of Princess Beatrice's nieces played a role as bridesmaids.

Royal bridesmaids are dressed in white to deter evil spirits

Royal bridesmaids are dressed in white due to a historical belief that the colour could deter evil spirits. By dressing her bridesmaids in white, a bride could disguise herself safely among the bridal party, confusing any such spirits.

Although not an official royal rule, this tradition is believed to stem from the historical association of white with purity, cleanliness, perfection, and immaculacy. Colour expert Gabi Winters from Chromology affirms that white is the "natural colour choice" for bridal dresses, doctors' coats, and seafarers for this reason.

The tradition of bridesmaids wearing white can also be traced back to Queen Victoria, whose choice of a white wedding dress sparked a centuries-long trend in bridal fashion. Before Queen Victoria's wedding, bridal dresses came in a variety of colours, and white gowns were not popular due to the difficulty of keeping them stain-free. However, Queen Victoria's decision to wear white influenced the perception of the colour, associating it with innocence and virginity.

In modern times, the choice of white bridesmaids' dresses can also be a stylistic choice, creating a cohesive and elegant look for the bridal party. It is believed to showcase the bride's sense of style and confidence, knowing that she will stand out regardless of the colour of her bridal party's dresses.

Royal bridesmaids are usually family members

Royal bridesmaids are often young, and they are usually family members. In British tradition, bridesmaids are typically children or young teenagers. This tradition has been followed by royal brides, including Queen Victoria, Princess Diana, Princess Kate, and Meghan Markle. Royal bridesmaids are often the bride or groom's younger sisters, nieces, or cousins. For example, Princess Diana's bridesmaids included her cousins, who were aged 17.

Royal bridesmaids are typically dressed in white, which is believed to be due to a historical superstition that white deterred evil spirits. Having young bridesmaids dressed in white could also be a way to confuse any such spirits, disguising the bride among the bridal party.

While royal bridesmaids are usually family members, there are exceptions. For instance, Pippa Middleton served as her sister, Princess Kate's bridesmaid, and Meghan Markle's friends' children served as bridesmaids at her wedding to Prince Harry. Additionally, royal bridesmaids may not always be closely related to the bride or groom. For example, a junior bridesmaid can be a way to honour a family that the couple is close to but who are not represented in the wedding party. Ultimately, the decision of who to include in a royal wedding party is a personal one, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

Royal bridesmaids are often young due to the bride's age

The age of bridesmaids is generally influenced by the age of the bride. For example, if the bride is 18, her bridesmaids will likely be close to her in age, such as 16 or 17. However, this may not be the case for older brides, who may opt for bridesmaids in their 50s or older. Ultimately, there is no clear rule for the age of bridesmaids and it is more important that the bride feels comfortable with her chosen attendants.

Royal bridesmaids often have fewer responsibilities than adult attendants and may only be expected to attend the wedding ceremony. They typically wear dresses similar in style to the adult bridesmaids but with age-appropriate lengths and necklines. The role of a junior bridesmaid allows younger female relatives or friends of the bride to be included in the wedding celebrations and honour their relationship with the bride.

In addition to their age, royal bridesmaids also stand out for their attire. Royal bridesmaids traditionally wear white, which is believed to be due to a historical belief that white deterred evil spirits. By dressing her bridesmaids in white, the bride could safely disguise herself among them. This tradition dates back to Queen Victoria's wedding, who wore a white satin gown and sparked the trend of bridal dressing for centuries to come.

Junior bridesmaids have fewer responsibilities

Junior bridesmaids, who are usually between the ages of 9 and 15, have fewer responsibilities than full-fledged attendants. They are often younger sisters, nieces, or cousins of the bride or groom, but can be anyone the couple wishes to honour. Junior bridesmaids can be included in a variety of ways throughout the planning process. 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, junior bridesmaids can be in charge of putting the bouquets in water, helping with the flower girls, or handing out programs. They can also assist with the flower girls, making sure they are in the right places with their flowers or baskets, and helping them to their seats at the altar. Junior bridesmaids may also participate in pre-wedding events such as an afternoon luncheon or bridal shower, as long as they are appropriate for their age group.

In terms of attire, junior bridesmaids should match the rest of the bridal party, but with age-appropriate lengths and necklines. They may also stand out by wearing a coordinating floral print or a slightly lighter colour than the other bridesmaids, carrying a smaller bouquet within the same design aesthetic. The junior bridesmaid's role is flexible and can be tailored to the specific needs and interests of the couple and the young attendant.

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