Junior Bridesmaid

I would consider a 15 year old a regular bridesmaid, but the terminology honestly doesn’t matter, the role is the exact same.

I think 15 would probably be fine as a Regular bridesmaid. My junior bridesmaid was 8 and I had a bridesmaid that was 17

Personally, I would consider her a junior bridesmaid

Personally I would say bridesmaid. My jr bridesmaids are 11. But to me it’s the same role so it’s totally up to you

The only reason I can see for using Jr. With someone over puberty, is when you need a distinction from the other bridesmaids. For example, gowns. If some or all of your bridal party are wearing bare, sexy styles, and you want to avoid that for any teenager, she would be wearing something a little different to show she is a Jr BM. And the only member of the family, the others being friends. And if others are having airbrushed makeup and nails at great expense, she might just have her hair done by her mom. All you want is a touch more color than the natural look, and not to spend $250 more for eyeliner, a quick brush of blush, and lipstick. Have the MOH, a little different from BM also. If you are going away right after the wedding, and not keeping your bouquet, you could have her carry something different than an expensive bouquet, hold yours furring vows, and give it to her at the end of the wedding. Jr bridesmaids who are 1 of a kind, different style and shade dress, can shop differently. And cost $200-300 less for clothes and makeup. And if they volunteer to help with a shower, they can be asked to make out invitations, do party decorations and set up, labor rather than money as her age appropriate contribution. So think, do I want her identical in everything to the BM and MOH? A Bridesmaid. Simpler less sexy gown, less makeup and more natural hairstyle, no financial contributions? A Jr Bridesmaid.

I would ask her to be a junior. Because she’s not 18 or 21 she might be left out of some activities, would most likely wear a different dress. I would have her be junior.

I would say bridesmaid too. I would consider 13 and below as junior bridesmaid but honestly don’t think it matters either

My sister will be 13 during my wedding but I’m just calling her a bridesmaid since they’re virtually the same thing and I don’t want her to feel different if that makes sense.

For me, a junior bridesmaid is someone who may be too young to participate in all of your bridal party activities. For example, if you plan on having a Bachelorette party or other activities that include activities like drinking where she may be left out of participating because of her age, I would call her a junior bridesmaid because she is still part of the wedding party, but won't participate in all activities. My sister is 11 so she is a junior bridesmaid in my situation.

I also would consider anyone who is too young for adult conversation, alcohol, bachelorette party, and sexy clothing a junior.


We are doing a destination wedding just with our kids, so our bridesmaids are my 20 years old daughter and my older son’s 17 years old girlfriend (they’ve been together for 3 years).

We're advised the ages of 8 to 14.... My granddaughter is 7 and I'm using her as a junior bridesmaid versus a flower girl... I feel tat you could go in either direction. I would suggest thinking about the dress you have for your bridesmaid and if they would fit your cousin... Good luck with your decision...

I would consider anyone 13-17 to be junior bridesmaid. She's not old enough to sign legal paperwork as a witness if the situation arose.

I would consider your cousin, at 15, a junior bridesmaid. But it depends on your bridal party size and plans. If you had a smaller bridal party, it may make sense to just call her a bridesmaid, just to keep it simple. In a larger party, if most of your bridesmaids are over 21, you could consider anyone under 18 or 21 to be junior. Not being able to fully participate in events where drinking or adult themes are the main purposes of the event (read: happy hours, bachelorette party...) could be the distinction to make - that's what I would do.

A regular bridesmaid is 18+ because she can sign legal documents. A junior bridesmaid is 13-17

View Quoted Comment I wouldn't factor drinking into it at all. Many weddings have zero alcohol and they're still legally valid

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I don't think having alcohol validates a wedding - unsure where that came from?

It's just simply the distinction I would make, if it was my situation. My family and friends are all 21+. Having wine or cocktails during a happy hour, "girl's night" or bachelorette could be a bonding activity where anyone underage may feel left out. Everyone's situation will vary, though.

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This is from April, so the decision was made months ago. There will not be any events where drinking or "adult themes" will be the main purpose, so that was not a factor at all in my decision making. Plus, our wedding year has completely changed since I made this post.