Junior Bridesmaid

From LoveToKnow Weddings

The role of a junior bridesmaid is perfect for a girl who isn't quite old enough to be a bridesmaid, but she is too old to be a flower girl. A junior bridesmaid's role offers those in-betweens the opportunity to participate in the wedding and be an important part of the bridal party. Be sure and ask our wedding expert Sharon Naylor all of your wedding questions, and don't forget to post a comment in the comments section at the bottom of this article.

junior bridesmaid

Age of a Junior Bridesmaid

Since the bride will choose her maid of honor and the rest of her attendants, she will ultimately decide whether a young girl should have the role of flower girl or junior bridesmaid. The typical age of a junior bridesmaid, however, is usually between eight and fourteen.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of a junior bridesmaid really aren't that different from a flower girl. Her duties will generally include the following:

  • Purchase a Dress-Unless otherwise agreed upon, the junior bridesmaid is responsible for paying for her dress. Of course, this will really fall upon her parents, and in many cases, the bride may have already chosen the dress she'd like the junior bridesmaid to wear. On other occasions, however, the bride may only give a few stipulations regarding the length, color, and material of the dress, and then the parents and the junior bridesmaid may shop for the dress of her choice. Typically, the bride wants final approval before the purchase is completed though.
  • Attending the Rehearsal-While a junior bridesmaid's role may not be as extensive as a bridesmaid's, she will still be expected to attend the rehearsal and maybe the rehearsal dinner. In many cases, her parents may also be invited to the rehearsal dinner as well if the junior bridesmaid is expected to attend.
  • Participate in the Processional-A junior bridesmaid will also be a part of the processional. Unless there is an extra young man in the bridal party, the junior bridesmaid generally does not require an escort. She may precede the bridesmaids in the processional or walk among them if she does have an escort.
  • During the Ceremony-A junior bridesmaid will take a place among the other bridesmaids during the ceremony. While flower girls may need to be seated with their parents during very long ceremonies, junior bridesmaids should remain with the bridal party.
  • Receiving Line-Unless the junior bridesmaid is a member of the immediate family, she will typically not be a part of the receiving line at the wedding reception.
  • During the Reception-The junior bridesmaid may hand out rice bags, bubbles, bird seed, or any other item that will be used during the bridal couple's departure.
  • Attending a Shower-The junior bridesmaid is not responsible for hosting or even attending a bridal shower, although she is typically more than welcome to come and often is included in the planning and hosting.
  • Attending a Bachelorette Party-The junior bridesmaid's attendance at a bachelorette party really depends upon the nature of the party and how appropriate it would be for a younger girl.

Attire and Accessories

The clothing or attire of a junior bridesmaid will really depend upon what the bride prefers. It goes without saying, however, that a junior bridesmaid's dress should be appropriate for the style of the wedding. For example, if the wedding will be a Renaissance ceremony, then the junior bridesmaid will need to find a dress that matches the occasion.

While the junior bridesmaid's dress might be similar to the bridesmaids' attire, her dress should always be modest. She shouldn't wear low-cut dresses or dresses with slits up the side. If the bridesmaids' dresses are strapless, a junior bridesmaid's dress may be similar but with a strap added. Shoes and stockings should also be pre-approved by the bride. Low-heeled shows are preferred unless the junior bridesmaid is an older teen. Her bouquet should be a smaller version of the bridesmaids' bouquets.

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Comments

Alesha - There are no really firm age guidelines for flower girls and junior bridesmaids. In part, it depends on the style of your wedding, the number of attendants, and what the girls are comfortable with. In general, young girls from 2-6 years old are flower girls, while older girls up to the age of 15 or so are junior bridesmaids. From the age of 16 and up, a young woman would typically be just a bridesmaid.

-- Contributed by: Melissa Mayntz

how old do juniors bridesmaids start? what age does a flower girl stop?

-- Contributed by: alesha

Jennifer - Traditionally, a junior bridesmaid would stand at the end of the bridesmaids, but since she is the groom's daughter and will be part of your family, it may be better to have her closer to the center of the line so she feels closer to the promises that are being made. She can be right next to you, then your maid of honor, then the other bridesmaids - she'll also be able to see and hear better in that position. It's all up to what you, your groom, and his daughter are comfortable with. Best wishes!

-- Contributed by: Melissa Mayntz
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