The Ultimate Guide to Having Junior Bridesmaids at Your Wedding

While the wedding party typically includes the couple's closest friends, other loved ones can be included, too. And if someone they love feels a little too old to be a flower girl but not quite old enough to be a full-on bridesmaid, a junior bridesmaid role may be the perfect fit. But exactly what is a junior bridesmaid? Simply put, it's a child that's graduated from their flower girl days and is ready for the big leagues. But there are also more specific questions that need answering, like "Does a junior bridesmaid need a partner?" or "Does a junior bridesmaid walk alone?" or "Where does a junior bridesmaid stand?"

Whether you're thinking about having a wedding party with junior bridesmaids or letting your child step into the role, read on to learn everything there is to know about the junior bridesmaid role and responsibilities.

In this article:

• What is a junior bridesmaid?
• How old are junior bridesmaids?
• How does a junior bridesmaid fit into the ceremony?
• What do junior bridesmaids do?

What is a junior bridesmaid?

A junior bridesmaid, also known as a "junior attendant," is a wedding party member typically younger than the other bridesmaids. They're usually related to one of the to-be-weds—like a niece, cousin, sister, daughter, stepdaughter—or related to someone they're close to, like the daughter or sister of a best friend. (If there's a boy or gender-nonconforming person the couple wants to include, this role can easily be made into a junior bridesman or bride's person role!) Despite their younger age, they're an official member of the wedding party and participate in activities before and during the big day.

How old are junior bridesmaids?

Typically, junior bridesmaid age is between nine and 14. It's all about what feels right to the soonlyweds (and the young person they ask, of course!). Both the junior bridesmaid and her guardian(s) should be consulted to ensure everyone is comfortable with the idea. (Psst! A junior bridesmaid proposal is a great way to get them excited once their involvement in the big day is confirmed.) If you're wondering about the age of a flower girl vs. a junior bridesmaid, flower girls are usually three to eight years old. However, either attendant can be older or younger.

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How does a junior bridesmaid fit into the ceremony?

Including younger loved ones in a wedding party is a sweet way to make them feel honored, respected and an important part of the wedding excitement. They no longer have to watch from the sidelines while the older kids have all the fun!

When do junior bridesmaids walk?

Usually, the junior bridesmaids walk down the aisle before the other bridesmaids during a traditional wedding processional. Many to-be-weds have their junior bridesmaid carry a smaller bouquet than the other bridesmaids while walking down the aisle.

Pro tip: If you're asking yourself, "Can a junior bridesmaid throw flowers down the aisle?" that duty is typically reserved for flower girls. Instead of throwing flowers or holding a bouquet, a junior bridesmaid may also hold a lantern, sign with a silly quote or wear a flower crown to make them stand out.

Do junior bridesmaids walk alone?

Whether a junior bridesmaid walks down the aisle alone or not depends on how confident they are with being the center of attention. If the junior bridesmaid is extroverted, they should be asked if they want to walk alone. For junior bridesmaids on the shyer side, the couple may suggest a junior groomsman, their guardian or another bridesmaid walk with them to ensure they're as comfortable as possible.

Where do junior bridesmaids stand?

Unlike the flower girl and ring bearer, the junior bridesmaid stands at the altar after the processional. Traditionally, the junior attendant stands on the far left, farthest from the to-be-weds, during the ceremony. For the recessional, the junior bridesmaid is one of the last people to exit.

Photo: Weddings with Tara

What do junior bridesmaids do?

A junior bridesmaid's responsibilities are very similar to those of an "adult" bridesmaid. From helping with tasks to attending pre-wedding events to standing at the altar with the rest of the bridal party, the info below will help you answer, "What does a junior bridesmaid do?"

They help with prewedding tasks.

Junior attendants can help with prewedding assignments, such as adding postage to invites, putting together favors, setting up the bridal shower decorations and cleaning up the mess after the party.

They attend prewedding parties.

Prewedding events like the bridal shower and the rehearsal dinner should definitely have the junior bridesmaid on the invite list. This allows them to get to know everyone in the wedding party and create long-lasting bonds. The only affair we strongly discourage a junior attendant from being invited to is the bachelorette party. That type of event should be adults-only, no matter how tame the activities will be.

They match the other bridesmaids' outfits.

As for what the junior bridesmaid wears, bridesmaids and junior bridesmaids should wear similar outfits so that the wedding party looks are cohesive. Many designers make bridesmaid collections that include garments for the junior attendants so every party member can look alike. If there are no age-appropriate options available, the junior bridesmaid should find something that matches the vibe and theme of the wedding.

It's also important to note that the guardian of the junior bridesmaid is responsible for buying their attire. Just like the other bridesmaids, attendants are expected to pay for their outfits and accessories—unless the couple has stated otherwise. Guardians are encouraged to speak with the to-be-weds about their budget and ask them what they have in mind for the junior bridesmaid wedding day look.

Additional reporting by Shyla Watson