How to Outfit Your Junior Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo design / Courtesy of L’elite Bridesmaids

Too old to be a flower girl. Not ready for a sophisticated bridesmaid gown. What’s a tween to do?

Being part of the bridal party for girls in this age group (between youth and teenager) is exciting. But like most things at this age, it can feel awkward and challenging. Finding something that’s appropriate for her to wear can be tough.

“You should provide her with a look of her own that’s coordinated with the rest of the bridal party,” says Salwa Khoory, owner of L’elite Bridesmaids. “Designers have given thought to this age group, so they offer special matching collections using the same fabrics and colors as the bridesmaids’ dresses. This allows junior bridesmaids and bridesmaids to mix, match, and coordinate on a very elegant level.”

Here’s what this local gown guru had to say on choosing the right junior bridesmaids’ dresses.

Color: Khoory suggests having the tween/junior bridesmaid wear a white or an off-white dress, similar to the flower girl’s dress, with a sash that matches the color of the bridesmaid gowns.

Fit: Depending on the girl’s age and size, she may be able to reasonably fit into an actual junior bridesmaid gown. With just a few moments in the alterations department, straps are adjusted and the bust area is changed to fit and flatter her body.

Neckline: “These days, it’s customary for the bridal party to wear the same dress or gown style and color, but each member selects a neckline that’s most suitable for her shape, age, and taste,” explains Khoory. “If the tween/junior bridesmaid can fit into a bridesmaid gown size, she can add cap sleeves or straps to complement the look of the other bridesmaids, who may be wearing a strapless version of the dress or gown.” Also consider sweetheart necklines and scoop necks—styles that look great on junior bridesmaids, especially if it’s difficult for them to wear a strapless gown.

Hair: Hairstyles are another way for a tween/junior bridesmaid to look congruous with the bridesmaid party. To look-age appropriate, Khoory suggests having a junior bridesmaid wear a more youthful style, such as having her hair pulled back into a low ponytail, or wear loose curls with a headband or other hair accessory that coordinates with the bridesmaid accessories.

“There are numerous ways to make the tween/junior bridesmaids look and feel spectacular on the wedding day,” she says. “The goal is to make each person look and feel comfortable in her dress and look spectacular on this monumental day.”

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