A bridal party can be as large or pared-back as you please. While some brides opt for a small group of friends to accompany her down the aisle, others seize the opportunity to incorporate all those most important in their lives in the big day—including those of the younger variety. Specifically, junior members of the bridal party are a thoughtful way to honor the young women you hold dearest.
The age range for junior members is typically between eight and 16 and can be anyone from a younger sister to a daughter to a cousin or niece, there are no rules! An easy rule of thumb is that they are typically too old to be a flower girl.If you've decided to have junior bridal party members in your wedding, the next course of action is to determine what they'll be wearing for the ceremony.
Junior Bridesmaids 101: Here's What You Need to Know About Having These Young Attendants in Your Wedding
Read on for the best junior bridesmaid dresses.
01of 17
Best Sparkle: La Novale Atelier Store Sequin Flower Girl Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/la-novale-atelier-store-sequin-flower-girl-dress-01940b9179b44c5e8d4f3972eea417ad.jpg "17 Junior Bridal Party Dresses for Every Age (1)")
If you’re all about a bold moment, then let that trickle down to your junior bridal party members and have her wear this glamorous sequin and tulle gown.
02of 17
Most Vintage-Inspired: Adrianna Papell Beaded Blouson Gown
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/adrianna-papell-beaded-blouson-gown-d5d28871da5b4877b5de17e9a7a88fe9.jpg "17 Junior Bridal Party Dresses for Every Age (2)")
Let your junior members sparkle in this Adrianna Papell number. The Art Deco-inspired detailing makes this a fitting choice for a vintage-themed soiree.
03of 17
Best Ruffle Dress: Needle & Thread Valentine Ruffle Kids Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/needle--thread-valentine-ruffle-kids-dress-90e0ee59dd9443ac82d0c55c3605947a.jpg "17 Junior Bridal Party Dresses for Every Age (3)")
If you're looking for a whimsy option (and something suited for someone younger), allow us to introduce you to Needle &Thread's ruffle dress. In a cream color, this is the perfect complement to a bridal party sporting neutral shades.
04of 17
Best Halter: Birdy Grey Kiko Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/birdy-grey-kiko-dress-9e7b4cee027940d0a738745acd1b8372.jpg "17 Junior Bridal Party Dresses for Every Age (4)")
While Birdy Grey is traditionally intended for the bridal party, their selection of dresses come in smaller size runs and could be tailored to fit a petite frame. This particular frock would look great on a teen.
05of 17
Best Cowl Neckline: Amsale Bridesmaids Corinne Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/amsale-bridesmaids-corinne-dress-1140d2a62263475798975fef2722de9b.jpg "17 Junior Bridal Party Dresses for Every Age (5)")
A modest option, Amsale's Corinne dress is a great pick for the young members of your bridal party. But don't the simplicity fool you—the cowl neck and slit skirt add some playful sophistication.
20 Winter Wedding Dress Ideas for Every Type of Bride
06of 17
Best High Neck: Celebrate DB Studio Flounced Crinkle Chiffon Junior Bridesmaid Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/celebrate-db-studio-flounced-crinkle-chiffon-junior-bridesmaid-dress-9541f773c86346378fc0ca3d58d332ec.jpg "17 Junior Bridal Party Dresses for Every Age (6)")
A halter neckline is a great choice for junior bridal party members as it’s on the more conservative side. This pretty shade of steel blue is a great fit for any season of the year.
07of 17
For a Boho Wedding: Mango Floral Print Long Jumpsuit
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/mango-floral-print-long-jumpsuit-13c0fa05b0694b9c89e6ced58b55bdb6.jpg "17 Junior Bridal Party Dresses for Every Age (7)")
If your wedding has a distinct boho vibe to it, then your junior bridal party outfit should reflect that. This earthy jumpsuit is a cool, casual pick, and comfortable to boot.
08of 17
Best Floor-Length: David's Bridal Cap Sleeve Lace and Mesh Long Girls Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/davids-bridal-cap-sleeve-lace-and-mesh-long-girls-dress-7e95a9631e40405c96e5962b5a9690e4.jpg "17 Junior Bridal Party Dresses for Every Age (8)")
If your ceremony is on the more formal side, this floor-length gown featuring lace and pleating is ideal. Plus, the skirt is perfect for twirling on the dance floor.
09of 17
Best Flutter Sleeves: Azazie Daphne Junior Bridesmaid Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/azazie-daphne-a-line-pleated-chiffon-floor-length-junior-bridesmaid-dress-agave--b5e87a2bd76d40318f7b3f0fa5b70db6.jpg "17 Junior Bridal Party Dresses for Every Age (9)")
Simple in design, this floor-length frock is feminine and fun thanks to the flutter sleeves. A versatile pick with strong group photograph potential.
10of 17
Dessy Tie-Shoulder Juniors Dress with Tiered Ruffle Skirt
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/dessy-tie-shoulder-juniors-dress-with-tiered-ruffle-skirt-48971b36890544e798e1bd7d0e7d2f00.jpg "17 Junior Bridal Party Dresses for Every Age (10)")
The shoulder ties and tiered ruffles make this mint dress feel unique and stylish–plus, the color is to die for. We love this sweet style for a garden wedding filled with fresh greenery and flowers.
11of 17
Most Simple: Azazie Oceana Junior Bridesmaid Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/azazie-oceana-junior-bridesmaid-dress-e3a44d24e0ff40cbb2dae756e0d451e5.jpg "17 Junior Bridal Party Dresses for Every Age (11)")
Keep things classic with this v-neck floor-length gown. It comes in over 50 colorways so you'll be sure to find a shade that matches the wedding palette. To add a delicate finish, add in a string of pearls.
12of 17
For a Formal Wedding: David's Bridal Chiffon Surplice Tank Junior Bridesmaid Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/davids-bridal-chiffon-surplice-tank-junior-bridesmaid-dress-957aa476bed44e58a378701ccbf851e7.jpg "17 Junior Bridal Party Dresses for Every Age (12)")
Ballet pink for the win! There’s no going wrong with this gorgeous gown, just add flats or a low heel and you'll be all set for a formal wedding.
13of 17
Best Under $60: JJ's House A-Line V-neck Asymmetrical Chiffon Junior Bridesmaid Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/jjs-house-a-line-v-neck-asymmetrical-chiffon-junior-bridesmaid-dress-bfafdae9d3c54cdb8d96dcb0a782ac33.jpg "17 Junior Bridal Party Dresses for Every Age (13)")
A sweet silhouette with cascading ruffles and a flowing skirt—what’s not to love? Keep it casual and simple with flats or dress the look up with low block heels and a sparkly bracelet.
The 15 Best Bridal Party Dresses With Sleeves
14of 17
Best White: JJ's House A-Line One-Shoulder Floor-Length Chiffon Charmeuse Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/jjs-house-a-line-one-shoulder-floor-length-chiffon-charmeuse-dress-fc215136ed67405eb39db6dc3ce5a223.jpg "17 Junior Bridal Party Dresses for Every Age (14)")
If you’re having your bridal party also wear white, this is a cute pick for the junior dress. It subtly nods to a Grecian style that’s well-suited for a wedding.
15of 17
Best Cheery Color: The Dessy Group Dessy Collection Junior Bridesmaid
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/the-dessy-group-dessy-collection-junior-bridesmaid-964ac05cd67f4b45899d86aaa58c95ca.jpg "17 Junior Bridal Party Dresses for Every Age (15)")
A cheery yellow hue is a fun pick for junior bridal party members, particularly this lace frock from David’s Bridal. Bring on the sunshine!
16of 17
Most Unique Neckline: David's Bridal One Shoulder Mesh Junior Bridesmaid Dress
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/davids-bridal-one-shoulder-mesh-junior-bridesmaid-dress-d2c1252d57a948e2908b60da2cc1fd36.jpg "17 Junior Bridal Party Dresses for Every Age (16)")
The one-shoulder silhouette on this junior bridal party dress is balanced by the single strap on the alternate side. It’s a subtle touch that makes a noticeable difference.
17of 17
Best Pastel: David's Bridal Long Sleeveless Mesh Dress with Ruched Waist
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/davids-bridal-long-sleeveless-mesh-dress-with-ruched-waist-e1364e1186194f999e9f7e53460f4866.jpg "17 Junior Bridal Party Dresses for Every Age (17)")
A powdery blue dress with a v-neck silhouette and floor-length hemline, this option offers it all. Plus, the color would look so pretty with white flowers.
What to Look for in a Junior Bridesmaid Dress
Sizing
Just like bridal party dresses, junior bridesmaid dresses must keep within the wedding theme and color palette. While some junior bridesmaids may wear the same outfit as the bridal party, others may have to wear something different due to sizing limitations. Whatever you choose for your junior bridesmaid, it's important that the youngest member of your bridal party feels comfortable and confident in their dress. This means picking a style that's available in the appropriate sizing for your junior bridesmaid.
Color
If you're going for a cohesive look and want your junior bridesmaid dress to match your bridal party perfectly, it's helpful to pick dresses from the same brand. Many occasion brands will offer junior and bridal party dresses in the same colorways, styles, and silhouettes. However, if you're going for a mismatched look and want your junior bridesmaids to wear a different color, it's always a good idea to order color swatches to make sure all the different colors work nicely together.
FAQ
Who chooses the junior bridal party dress?
Typically, the dress is chosen by the bride with the junior bridesmaid's input. However, sometimes the bride will give the junior bridesmaid free rein to choose her own gown.
Can the junior bridal party wear the same dress as the rest of the bridal party?
Yes! This usually depends on the bride's preference and if the bridal party dress comes in junior sizes.
Do junior bridal parties carry bouquets?
Junior bridal party members usually carry the same bouquet as the rest of the bridal party. However, the choice is truly up to the bride!
Why Trust Brides
Nicole Kliest is a fashion, travel, and food & wine writer based in New York City. With over nine years of experience in the digital publishing industry, her work has appeared on sites includingWho What Wear, The Zoe Report, Cools, Popsugar, Harper's Bazaar, Elle.
The 25 Best Places to Buy Bridal Party Dresses Online
