Where do you start when it comes to styling your junior bridesmaid? We’re here to give you the lowdown on all things junior bridesmaid dresses! That way, you can feel confident about your entire bridal party’s looks. Learn what ages a junior bridesmaid can be, what she should wear, and who should pay for the dress. Plus, get inspiration from some of this year's most popular junior bridesmaid dress styles! 

What is a Junior Bridesmaid?

So what exactly is a junior bridesmaid? A junior bridesmaid special girl in your life that you want to include in your wedding! She likely doesn't fit the age range of other roles.

Who should you consider for the role of a junior bridesmaid? Many couples choose to ask a sister or niece, children of attendants, or their own children. Note that a junior bridesmaid is not required in the wedding party lineup. Rather, it’s a title afforded to a person who fits in neither the category of flower girl or bridesmaid. Curious about how many junior bridesmaids you can have? You can have as many as you'd like! There are no limitations on how many people you can have in your bridal party.

How Old is a Junior Bridesmaid?

8 to 16-years-old is too young to be a bridesmaid and too old to be a flower girl. It's typically the perfect role for a younger teenager since the responsibilities are small, yet she'll feel included in the events.

Who Pays for the Junior Bridesmaid Dress?

Everyone knows that bridesmaids should pay for their own bridesmaid dresses. But, it’s a bit more unclear who should pay for the junior bridesmaid’s dress. Oftentimes, a junior bridesmaid is too young to pay for her own gown. So, the responsibility typically falls on the parents of the junior bridesmaid. However, plenty of brides have opted to pay for the junior bridesmaid dress themselves.

Kennedy Blue Lanie Junior Bridesmaid Dress  |  Basically Emily Photo

We recommend talking with the parents of the junior bridesmaid before making a decision. In most cases, they’ll insist on paying. The average cost of junior bridesmaid dresses range between $60 to $120. Depending on the dress cost, you can decide if you want to pay for the dress yourself.

What Should a Junior Bridesmaid Wear?

When it comes to your wedding party line-up, what should the junior bridesmaid wear? The junior bridesmaid(s) should coordinate with the rest of the wedding party, so that she looks like she fits in with the group!

Some brides prefer to have their entire bridal party match for the wedding. In this case, you may choose to have the junior bridesmaid and bridesmaids opt for matching dresses. Of course, the junior bridesmaid’s dress will need to be an age-appropriate version. Most often, this applies to the neckline and length of the dress. Other brides prefer the junior bridesmaid to stand out in a way that makes their role clear. Instead of matching the bridesmaids, the junior bridesmaid can wear a dress more reflective of her age; after all, mismatched bridesmaid dresses are a popular choice. In this case, the junior bridesmaid can choose any dress she pleases - with your approval of course.

What Does a Junior Bridesmaid Do?

Ultimately, it's up to the bride to decide what the Junior Bridesmaid's responsibilities are. In many cases, the junior bridesmaid's presence at pre-wedding events and the day of is more than enough! When it comes to pre-wedding parties, the junior bridesmaid will likely be expected to attend age appropriate events, such as the bridal shower and rehearsal dinner. It is also helpful if she assists with small tasks, such as handing out favors or assisting with the clean up.

When it comes to the actual wedding day, the junior bridesmaid will play a similar role to the older bridesmaids. Oftentimes, the junior bridesmaid will participate in getting ready with the bridal party, photos, and standing up with the bride during the ceremony. However, this may vary by wedding and the couple's preferences.

Adorable Coordinating Junior Bridesmaid Dresses

Ready to start finding the cutest dresses for your junior bridesmaid?! Here are some customer favorites - and they coordinate flawlessly with our bridesmaid dresses! The fabrics and colors seamlessly match, so your junior bridesmaid will fit in perfectly.

1) Satin Junior Bridesmaid Dress with Bows

Satin Junior Bridesmaid Dress Elsa

If your bridesmaids are wearing satin styles, the Elsa dress will be perfect for your junior bridesmaid! Available in the same color and fabric, you junior bridesmaid will coordinate perfectly with the rest of the group.

2) Junior Bridesmaid Dress with Flutter Sleeves: Nica

Kennedy Blue Nica Junior Bridesmaid Dress

Nica is one of the best-selling junior bridesmaid dresses. This darling style features secure straps and adorable ruffle sleeves. It'll look perfect amongst your bridesmaid group! Plus, this dress also comes in many more colors.

3) Embroidered Junior Bridesmaid Dress: Ireland

Kennedy Blue Ireland Bridesmaid Dress

Looking for an embroidered junior bridesmaid dress? Check out the style Ireland! It's the perfect option for complementing the other bridesmaid dresses, without being too matchy-matchy. Not to mention this style is super comfy, with an a-line skirt and pockets!

4) Halter Neck Junior Bridesmaid Dress

Kennedy Blue Gretta Junior Bridesmaid Dress

Gretta is the ideal dress for garden or warm-weather weddings! For junior bridesmaid dresses, brides tend to be prefer a more delicate and flowy style. With a modified halter neckline and lace details, this dress will check all your boxes. Plus with a band at the natural waist, it is as comfortable as it is beautiful.

5) Comfortable & Flowy Junior Bridesmaid Dress

Kennedy Blue Presley Junior Bridesmaid Dress

One of our most casual styles, Presley is a fan favorite junior bridesmaid dress. With a loose-fitted, comfy fit, it's still elegant! It features a jewel neckline, high v-back, and a flowing a-line skirt with pockets. This style looks gorgeous no matter the season or your wedding theme.

White vs. Ivory Junior Bridesmaid Dresses

White junior bridesmaid dresses and ivory junior bridesmaid dresses are debated topics. Some feel that it’s inappropriate for anyone besides the bride to wear white. This is due to long standing traditions. However, as the wedding industry shifts further away from tradition, this idea is changing.

It can be completely normal for a junior bridesmaid to wear a white or ivory dress.  This is true especially for younger junior bridesmaids.  In fact, these colors often complement most color palettes extremely well!  So, it’s up to you to decide if a white or ivory gown is appropriate for your wedding!

What Size Junior Bridesmaid Dress Should I Order?

If at all possible, it's recommend that a junior bridesmaid get measured by a professional. That way, you’ll get the most accurate fit! However, you can measure at home following the Kennedy Blue sizing guide here. If the junior bridesmaid falls between two sizes, go with the larger. It's possible to take in a bridesmaid dress up to 2 sizes, while making a dress larger is nearly impossible.

Also, make sure to allow enough time before your wedding when placing the bridesmaid dress order. Junior bridesmaid dresses can take between 10 and 16 weeks (from the point of sale) to ship.

Find Your Perfect Junior Bridesmaid Dress!

Between 8 and 16-year-old, the junior bridesmaids will be eager to get all dolled up for your wedding. When choosing a dress, it is important to consider the fit, so that it's age-appropriate. Luckily, our versatile gowns make it easy to find a style that aligns with your wedding day vision. Plus, with our easy to follow measurement guide, you can feel confident in ordering online.

Are you ready to buy junior bridesmaid dresses? Be sure to check out our latest line of Kennedy Blue junior bridesmaid dresses. Let us know which style and color combination is your favorite in the comment section below!