Want to add some life to your wedding party? Consider adding a Junior Bridesmaid. This is a great way to include that special relative or close friend’s daughter in your wedding. A Junior Bridesmaid is very different from a traditional flower girl. Most are typically between the ages of 8-12, or what you might consider the tween years. For the bride, dealing with a tween does requires a little extra TLC. So, how do you handle a young lady who doesn’t want to feel like a little girl, yet isn’t ready for bridesmaid status? Here are a few guidelines to help you plan.
The Perfect Dress
If there’s one thing your Junior Bridesmaid doesn’t want it’s to look like a “baby”, so flower girl dresses are definitely out! Most tweens no longer want to be a princess! Any type of dress that can be categorized as cute, adorable, or sweet is probably a bad idea. Not only do little flower girl dresses look “childish” she may be going through that gawky and embarrassing growing stage. (Yes, we all remember that stage!) No reason to make matters worse by making her wear a fluffy white dress! That being said, those form fitting strapless numbers you’ve pick out for your bridesmaids aren’t appropriate for her either. Big girl dresses are cut for big girl bodies. You would be better off allowing her to get a dress from a department store than trying to alter a bridesmaid dress.
As Junior Bridesmaids become more and more popular so does a selection of dresses designed especially for them. There are shops that provide a more modest version of their bridesmaid dresses in tween sizes. Call your local salon to see if this is the case.Don’t be afraid to break out of the match everything mold if need be. The junior bridesmaid dress would be a great way to incorporate some different shades from your color palette.
Believe it or not this may be the first time this young lady has worn such dressy attire. For example, this might be the first time she has worn dress shoes and you may need to teach her how to scuff the bottoms . As silly as it seems, you may even need to show her how a lady sits in a nice outfit.
The Perfect Job
Just as she doesn’t want to look like the “baby” she doesn’t want the job of one either! She doesn’t need to go down the aisle tossing flowers! The great thing about tweens is that they are full of energy and a willingness to help with just about anything. They may even be more helpful than your bridesmaids! Do you need a bunch of ribbons tied on party favors? Need someone to help you decorate? Junior Bridesmaids are the perfect solution.
You will also want to give her a special task on the day of the wedding. It doesn’t have to be anything vital. Buy her a disposable camera and have her take pictures of everyone getting ready .You could allow her to be in charge of the wedding emergency supply kit. She could make sure everyone has their birdseed or bubbles to throw at you. Ask her what she thinks might be a good task for her on that day. You may be surprised at what she comes up with.
Have a Junior Bridesmaid Day
Chances are your bachelorette party is going to be a grown-up event. From the perspective of a tween this might feel a little isolating and as if she’s being excluded from the “real” bridal party. A good idea might be to plan a special day for just the two of you. With everything you have to accomplish it may seem as though there is no time for this. Make the time! Schedule it just as you would a cake tasting or trip to the florist.
There are a number things you could do such as a dinner date or movie night. The one on one time will help her feel included. Unlike your bridesmaids, who will probably be whining about how many weddings they’ve been in, your wedding will be a big deal to your Junior Bridesmaid. What a great way to become another positive female role model for her.
The Reception
You will want to make sure you don’t leave her out of some key events. If her parents are guests at your wedding she will probably wander to them eventually. Until that time, treat her as any other member of the wedding party. If the DJ is going to announce your party’s arrival you’ll want to include her. If you decide to have a wedding party table she needs to be there. The worst thing you can do is stick her at some sort of “kiddies” table or assume she will baby-sit any flower girls. Make sure she can participate in all activities. Let the caterer know she will need an appropriate drink to “raise her glass” with the rest of the bridal party. As the night progresses don’t leave her out of the dancing! Maybe you or your groom can take her for a quick spin on the dance floor.
Having a Junior Bridesmaid is going to add to the fun of your big day. It’s a great way to help a young lady start her journey into womanhood. It will also help you build a nurturing relationship and be a great example of love. It’s the best gift you could give any tween today. Best wishes and good luck on your special day.
