Junior Bridesmaid Dress

What is a Junior Bridesmaid Dress?

A junior bridesmaid is a member of the wedding party who is younger than the rest of the bridesmaids, but older than the flower girl. Generally a junior bridesmaid is an attendant whose age falls between 6 and 12. A junior bridesmaid dress is similar to that of the older bridesmaids, but the style is age appropriate.

Tips for Purchasing a Junior Bridesmaid Dress

• Purchase the junior bridesmaid dress at the same time as the bridesmaid dresses so the material comes from the same dye lot.
• Choose a classic style. Opting for a knee or ankle length dress and less formal style ensures the junior bridesmaid can wear the dress for another “dressy” occasion.
• Ask the alterations expert for a “swatch”, a small bit of material. This is to give to the person who will dye the shoes for reference.
• Avoid styles that are too grown up. Mini dresses and plunging necklines are for grownups and have no place at a wedding.
• If there is no matching junior bridesmaid dress, choose a different style made in the same colors as the older bridesmaids. If you can choose a style by the same manufacturer or designer, you might be able to use material from the same dye lot.

Junior Bridesmaid Accessories

• Shoes – Junior bridesmaid shoes should also be age appropriate. Avoid teetering heels or grown up strappy sandals. Instead consider satin ballerina flats or pumps or sandals with a low heel. Be sure to have them dyed to match the junior bridesmaid dress. Remember, you can always dye them black after the wedding.

• Jewelry – Jewelry should also be age appropriate. For a young junior bridesmaid, try to avoid large dangling earrings and chokers, which tend to make young girls look too grown up.

• Flowers – Flowers can match the older bridesmaids and bride. If the junior bridesmaid is small, you may want to get a smaller bouquet so she’s not overwhelmed by the flowers.

• Hair accessories – Nothing looks more darling on a junior bridesmaid than a flower in the hair or a decorative barrette or hair band. Choose a style and color matching the junior bridesmaid dress. See what types of hair accessories are offered at the dress salon. The designer might even have some special matching pieces.

Where to Buy

Generally you can buy a junior bridesmaid dress at the same place you’d buy a wedding or bridesmaid dress. Bridal or formalwear shops are your best bets. Stores selling “dressy” dresses might also have styles appropriate for weddings.

Some suggested retailers:

• Is there any name more trusted for wedding attire than Davids Bridal? Here you’ll find stylish dresses at affordable prices.
• Perfect Bridesmaids offers a lovely selection of affordable, age-appropriate junior bridesmaids dresses. There are plenty of flower girl/bridesmaid/junior bridesmaid sets for a perfect match.
• Magic Moments is a seller of special occasion dresses including junior bridesmaid dresses.
• Angel Wears sells formal wear including junior bridesmaid dresses.