| The junior bridesmaid is a young girl generally | | | | match the dresses. The girls should also have |
| from the age of about 7 to 14, too old to be a | | | | either small bouquets to carry, or matching |
| flower girl, but too young to be a full-fledged | | | | corsages or hairpieces. |
| bridesmaid. Girls of this age shouldn't be left out | | | | If the junior bridesmaid is a child of either the |
| of the festivities as they will usually treat their | | | | bride or groom, she can play an extra special role |
| role with great seriousness and honor. | | | | in the wedding by either escorting the bride down |
| While the junior bridesmaid isn't responsible for | | | | the aisle, reading a poem, or even singing or |
| giving the bridal shower, they can still play an | | | | playing a special song or instrument during the |
| active role in the planning process, and shouldn't | | | | ceremony. Another lovely idea is to have |
| be excluded from meetings and get-togethers | | | | everyone participate in an exchange of family |
| regarding the wedding. For the shower they can | | | | vows. After the bride and groom say their vows, |
| assist with decorating, clean up, make favors, help | | | | the junior bridesmaid and any other children of the |
| with the games, and also help with guests who | | | | newlyweds can gather around as their parents |
| may have special needs, among many other | | | | promise to love and cherish each of them equally. |
| things. | | | | Some duties of the junior bridesmaid include: |
| Since junior bridesmaids aren't invited to racy | | | | - Helping to assemble favors for the shower and |
| bachelorette parties, they can still attend the | | | | wedding reception. |
| milder pre-party that mom, grandma, and the | | | | - Helping decorate for the shower or rehearsal |
| other conservative guests are invited to. | | | | dinners. |
| However, if the party is appropriate for all ages | | | | - Going dress shopping. |
| such as a daytrip to the spa, the junior bridesmaid | | | | - Giving wedding programs to the guests as they |
| should definitely be invited to partake in the fun. | | | | arrive. |
| Ask the junior bridesmaid her opinion about her | | | | - Handing out rice, confetti, rose petals, or bubbles |
| dress and she'll feel honored that her input is so | | | | to guests for after the ceremony. |
| important to the bride, regardless of her young | | | | - Helping ushers seat guests before the |
| age. Junior bridesmaid dresses should be a similar | | | | ceremony. |
| color and either the same or a similar style as the | | | | - Walking down the aisle as part of the procession |
| bridesmaids. Strapless gowns or dresses that are | | | | and standing in attendance during the ceremony. |
| cut too high may not be appropriate for younger | | | | - Standing in the receiving line, which is really only |
| girls, so straps could be added to existing gowns, | | | | necessary at the request of the bride and groom. |
| or simply choose a similar style gown but with | | | | - After the wedding, the junior bridesmaid should |
| sleeves. | | | | also write a note to the bride thanking her for |
| Junior bridesmaids shouldn't wear high-heels, but | | | | including her as such a special part of her big day. |
| instead can wear flats or ballet slippers that | | | | |