Guide To Having a Junior Bridesmaid

Written by   Angela Phelan

When there are so many people who you would love to include in your wedding, it is sometimes hard to find the perfect job for everyone. Well, if you have a young woman in the age range of 8-16, she may be a perfect candidate for a junior bridesmaid. Junior bridesmaids are at an age that is too old to be a flower girl and too young to be a bridesmaid. Girls at this age usually love to be involved in wedding planning and will feel very honored to be part of the bridal party.

Junior bridesmaids generally wear the same dress as the other bridesmaids, or one similar. If you have bridesmaids dresses that are a little risque, you may want your junior bridesmaid to be a little more covered up. Or if you want to add a little more color or add a little variety, you could have her in a different, but complimentary color. Since all of the bridesmaids traditionally pay for their own dresses, she is responsible to buy her attire, as well. Of course, if she is too young her parents will be responsible for that. She can carry the same bouquet as the bridesmaids, but you may opt to have her carry something a little different. Some brides have their junior bridesmaid carry kissing balls that match the bouquets for a special touch. You could also have her carry a candle, a small nosegay bouquet, or have her wear a corsage. The junior bridesmaid will walk down the aisle in the processional, just like the other bridesmaids, and stand along side them. They usually will stand at the end of the line, furthest away from you. They should have an escort, but who you pair them up with is up to you. Pick someone who she will feel comfortable with or someone close to her age. If you would like her to walk alone or with other junior bridesmaids, that is fine as well.

How you include you junior bridesmaid in other wedding tasks is really up to you. If you choose to have her perform only her basic duties, that is fine. If you would like her help with other things, I'm sure she would be very happy to lend her hand. You can invite her to attend the bridal shower and give her special duties there. She would not be expected to help throw the shower, but she can still help with the planning and decorating. Bachelorette parties are usually off-limits since they often contain "adult material." However, if you feel that it is G-rated enough and feel comfortable having her there, you may choose to invite her. If you have jobs that you will need help with while preparing for the wedding; favors to be made, bubbles to decorate, or other special projects, it would be a fun project for her to help with. You can even invite her to go wedding dress shopping with you! She will love to help find the perfect dress for you. At the wedding, she can help pass out programs, pass out bubbles, or greet people before the wedding. She may be a great person to ask to do small errands at the reception, too. She can partake in the duties that you have set aside for the bridesmaids, as well.

Take her personality into account to help you decide which tasks are right for your junior bridesmaid. By involving her and making sure she feels comfortable, it will bring the both of you closer together and make her feel important. Add your special junior bridesmaid to your wedding party and you will have a fun and unique memory!