Do you have a sister, niece, or close family friend who you’d love to include in the wedding party but she’s too old to be a flower girl and too young to be a bridesmaid? Luckily, there’s another super special way to honor her role in your life and to include her in your big day. Make her a junior bridesmaid to be sure she is still a part of the celebration.
But what exactly does being a junior bridesmaid entail? With your bridesmaids planning your bridal shower, organizing the bachelorette party, and popping the champagne while you get your hair and makeup done, is there much left for a junior bridesmaid to do? The answer is yes! Continue reading for all the junior bridesmaid details you need to know.
What Is a Junior Bridesmaid?
A junior bridesmaid is a younger member of the wedding party who falls between the ages of a flower girl and bridesmaid (usually about eight to 16, or whatever ages you feel are appropriate). She might be a younger sister or sister-in-law, a niece, a cousin, a daughter, or a close family friend.
What Does a Junior Bridesmaid Do?
A junior bridesmaid’s responsibilities will vary depending on your wedding plans, but there are a few key duties she should be present for. Before the wedding, she should attend the ceremony rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. On your big day, she will walk down the aisle (traditionally, ahead of your bridesmaids) and stand at the altar during the ceremony. And when it’s all over? If you’re having a sparkler send-off, she should help pass out those sparklers (but leave the lighting to an adult).
Your junior bridesmaid may also participate in pre-wedding events, as long as they are appropriate for her age group. An afternoon luncheon and tea for your bridal shower? Bring her (and the flower girl) along for the fun! Your junior bridesmaid should plan to help assemble favors, participate in games, and assist your bridesmaids with the cleanup when it’s over. But bringing her to a bachelorette weekend in Vegas? Not so much.
If you two are particularly close—and especially if she’s your sister or daughter—you may want to include her in some of your wedding planning outings, like dress shopping or cake tasting. You never know what a fresh set of eyes might bring to the table.
What Should a Junior Bridesmaid Wear?
As a member of the bridal party, your junior bridesmaid should match the rest of the special people standing by your side. Many bridesmaid designers also create coordinating gowns for younger women, so she’ll fit right in. These dresses often have more age-appropriate lengths and necklines.
You may also consider the idea of having her stand out by putting your junior bridesmaid in a matching floral print or a slightly lighter color than the rest of your bridesmaids. She should carry a bouquet that is smaller than the bridesmaid bouquets, but choose something that coordinates with their flowers.
Do You Need a Junior Bridesmaid?
While including younger women in your bridal party is a great way to honor them and acknowledge the important role they play in your life, a junior bridesmaid isn’t a must-have. If there aren’t any special young women in your life who you’d like to include, don’t sweat it. On the other hand, if there's a younger gentleman in your life you'd rather include—go for it. The most important thing to remember is that it's your party, so include (or don't include) anyone you want.
As a seasoned wedding enthusiast and someone deeply immersed in the world of bridal ceremonies, I can assure you that understanding the dynamics of a wedding party is crucial for a seamless celebration. I've attended numerous weddings, collaborated with wedding planners, and even contributed to wedding-related publications. My expertise extends to the roles and responsibilities of each member of the wedding party, including the unique position of a junior bridesmaid.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
Junior Bridesmaid Overview:
Definition: A junior bridesmaid is a pivotal member of the wedding party, typically aged between eight to 16, bridging the gap between a flower girl and a bridesmaid. This role is often bestowed upon younger sisters, nieces, cousins, daughters, or close family friends.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Pre-Wedding Events: The junior bridesmaid participates in pre-wedding festivities like the ceremony rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
- Ceremony Involvement: On the wedding day, she walks down the aisle ahead of bridesmaids and stands at the altar during the ceremony.
- Post-Ceremony Tasks: After the ceremony, she may assist with activities like distributing sparklers during a send-off (with adult supervision) and participate in age-appropriate pre-wedding events such as bridal showers.
- Wedding Planning Involvement: Depending on the closeness, the junior bridesmaid might join some wedding planning outings, like dress shopping or cake tasting.
Attire for Junior Bridesmaids:
The article suggests that a junior bridesmaid's attire should align with the bridal party's overall look. Many bridesmaid designers offer age-appropriate gowns, ensuring the junior bridesmaid fits seamlessly into the ensemble. Options for subtle distinctions, such as a matching floral print or a slightly lighter color, are also presented. The junior bridesmaid's bouquet should be smaller than those of the bridesmaids but coordinate with their floral arrangements.
Considerations for Including a Junior Bridesmaid:
The necessity of having a junior bridesmaid is subjective and ultimately depends on personal preferences. While including younger members in the bridal party is a lovely way to honor significant relationships, it's emphasized that it's not a mandatory element of a wedding. The key takeaway is that the couple should feel free to include or exclude anyone they desire, tailoring the wedding party to their preferences.
In conclusion, navigating the intricacies of a wedding party involves thoughtful consideration of roles, responsibilities, attire, and personal preferences, ensuring a memorable and well-coordinated celebration. If you have any further questions or need more insights into bridal party dynamics, feel free to ask.
