From choosing a Jr. bridesmaid dress to helping with the decorations or invitations, a junior bridesmaid has plenty of responsibilities. Being a junior bridesmaid is usually an honor bestowed upon a younger family member, such as a daughter, cousin, or sister. Typically, junior bridesmaids fall somewhere between the ages of 8 and 16. She's an integral part of the wedding, chosen simply because the bride loves her. Let's talk about her responsibilities as a junior bridesmaid and what she needs to do, including selecting an illusion flower girl dress and attending the rehearsal.
Let Her Join the Bride for Dress Shopping
In many cases, the bride invites her bridesmaids and other members of the wedding party to join her as she tries to find the perfect dress. The bride may want your little girl to accompany her, as well, particularly if she's a close friend or relative. This is a fantastic way for the bridal party to bond. Quite often, in addition to picking out the wedding dress, the bride will help her bridesmaids to choose their dresses, as well. As such, it's also the perfect opportunity for your mini bridesmaid to take a look at the Jr. bridesmaid dresses on offer.
Make Sure Her Dress Matches the Other Bridesmaids
It's not uncommon for a junior bridesmaid to wear the same dress as the other bridesmaids, but depending on her age, you might need to browse for dresses that match or complement the other bridesmaids' dresses, even if they’re not identical. For younger bridesmaids, an illusion flower girl dress is a lovely choice.
Encourage Her to Help with the Wedding Planning
Busy brides always need help, and your little bridesmaid can lend a hand, too. Picking out the Jr. bridesmaid dress is the fun part. After that, the bride may need help with the finer details and minutiae of the wedding. For example, even the youngest bridesmaid can lick stamps for the wedding invitations. Older girls can help out in substantial ways, as well. Your little girl may even be able to join in on the cake tasting!
Allow Her to Attend Age-Appropriate Activities
Some activities may not be appropriate for younger members of the bridal party, but plenty of them are age-appropriate. Picking out her gorgeous new lace, tulle, or illusion flower girl dress counts. She can also attend the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner. If the bachelorette party is local and kid-friendly, encourage her to go to that, too.
Ensure She Knows Her Part in the Procession
Typically, the youngest bridesmaid precedes the other bridesmaids in the bridal procession. She usually goes after the flower girl, resplendent in her Jr. bridesmaid dress. That's why it's important that she attends the rehearsal. She may be the first member of the procession that everyone sees, so she has a moment to shine!
Have Her Pose for Pictures
Whether she wears an age- appropriate version of the other bridesmaids' dresses or an illusion flower girl dress, she will get to show off a bit in the wedding pictures. It's tradition to capture several photographs with the entire party. Many times, the bride will pose with just her bridesmaids, as well. Find out if the bride is having behind-the-scenes photos taken during the getting-ready process, too. She might want her junior bridesmaid to join in the fun!
Your little girl gets to play a special role in the wedding. Do what you can to help her fulfill her duties. Shop for a Jr. bridesmaid dress at Sara Dresses, and browse our blog for essential tips.