10 Things to Keep in Mind When Shopping for Junior Bridesmaid Dresses

A Complete Guide to Finding the Perfect Dress for Your Younger Bridal Party Members

Planning a wedding with a junior bridesmaid can be exciting, but it also comes with unique challenges. Whether she’s your younger sister, niece, or daughter, finding the right dress for her requires balancing style, comfort, and age-appropriateness. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make shopping for junior bridesmaid dresses a breeze.

1. Age-Appropriateness is Everything

The most important thing to remember when shopping for a junior bridesmaid dress is that she’s still a kid. A junior bridesmaid typically falls between the ages of 9 and 14, occupying that space where she’s too old to be a flower girl but not quite ready for adult bridesmaid responsibilities.

Necklines and Coverage

When selecting a dress, pay close attention to the neckline. Deep V-necks, plunging backs, or strapless styles that work for adult bridesmaids may not be suitable for younger girls. Look for these age-appropriate options:

• High necklines: Scoop necks, jewel necklines, or modest square necks
• Added coverage: Cap sleeves, short sleeves, or spaghetti straps instead of strapless
• Modest backs: Covered backs or keyhole details instead of dramatic open backs

If you fall in love with a bridesmaid dress that needs modification, many retailers can add modesty panels for deep V-necks, close an open back, or add straps to a strapless bodice. This lets you maintain a coordinated look while keeping things appropriate.

Dress Length Matters

Floor-length dresses are beautiful and formal, but consider your junior bridesmaid’s height and comfort level. A dress that’s too long can be a tripping hazard, especially for younger girls who aren’t used to wearing long gowns. Tea-length or knee-length options can be both elegant and practical, giving her more freedom to move and dance without worrying about stepping on her hem.

2. Understanding Junior Bridesmaid Sizing

Junior bridesmaid sizing is different from both children’s clothing and adult bridesmaid dresses. Most brands offer junior sizes ranging from J6 to J16 or J18, specifically designed for tweens and early teens.

The Growth Spurt Factor

Girls in this age range can grow several inches in just a few months. When ordering, always size up if your junior bridesmaid falls between sizes. It’s much easier to take in a dress than to let it out. Professional seamstresses can typically alter a dress down two full sizes, but making a dress larger is nearly impossible.

Most junior bridesmaid dresses take 10 to 16 weeks to arrive from the time you order. Factor in another 4-6 weeks for alterations. This means you should order about 5-6 months before your wedding to account for production time, shipping, growth spurts, and alterations.

3. Coordinating vs. Matching with Adult Bridesmaids

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether your junior bridesmaid should wear the exact same dress as your adult bridesmaids or something different but coordinated.

The Matching Approach

Many brides prefer a fully matching bridal party. This creates a unified, polished look in photos. If you choose this route, make sure the style you select comes in junior sizes and is age-appropriate. Brands like Kennedy Blue, Azazie, and David’s Bridal offer matching collections where the junior version mirrors the adult style but with appropriate modifications.

The Coordinated Approach

Another popular option is to keep your junior bridesmaid in the same color family but choose a more youthful style. This might mean:

• A shorter hemline while adult bridesmaids wear floor-length
• A simpler silhouette with less embellishment
• Playful details like bows, ruffles, or floral appliques that feel more age-appropriate
• A patterned dress (like floral or polka dots) while adults wear solid colors

The coordinated approach lets your junior bridesmaid feel special and age-appropriate while still clearly being part of the bridal party. Choose fabrics like chiffon or satin that match your adult bridesmaids’ dresses for a cohesive look.

4. Budget Considerations and Who Pays

Unlike adult bridesmaids who typically pay for their own dresses, the financial responsibility for a junior bridesmaid dress is less clear-cut. Since the junior bridesmaid is usually a child, she won’t be paying for her own dress.

Who Foots the Bill?

There are typically three scenarios:

1. Parents pay: The most common arrangement. The junior bridesmaid’s parents cover the cost of the dress and alterations, similar to how adult bridesmaids pay for their own.
2. The bride pays: Some brides choose to pay for the junior bridesmaid dress as a thank-you gift, especially if the girl’s family is also involved in other aspects of the wedding or if budget is a concern.
3. Split cost: The bride and the parents split the cost of the dress and alterations.

Whatever you decide, have this conversation with the junior bridesmaid’s parents early in the planning process. Clear communication prevents awkwardness and helps everyone budget appropriately.

5. Comfort and Mobility Matter

Remember, your junior bridesmaid is still a kid. She needs to be able to sit, stand, walk, and yes, dance comfortably throughout your wedding day. An uncomfortable dress will show in photos and can make the experience unpleasant for her.

Fabric Choices

Choose soft, breathable fabrics that move well:

• Chiffon: Lightweight, flowy, and comfortable in any season
• Satin: Smooth and elegant but can be warm in summer
• Cotton blends: Breathable and comfortable for outdoor or summer weddings
• Tulle: Can be itchy; look for lined options
• Lace: Beautiful but ensure it’s not scratchy against sensitive skin

Shoes: Skip the Heels

Unlike your adult bridesmaids, your junior bridesmaid probably won’t be comfortable in high heels all day. Consider these alternatives:

• Ballet flats in a coordinating color
• Low kitten heels (1-2 inches max) if she wants a little height
• Dressy sandals with a small wedge or block heel
• Even matching sneakers for a casual, modern wedding

Keep in mind that shoe choice affects dress length. Junior bridesmaid dresses should be hemmed with her wedding-day shoes in mind, not the 4-inch heels your adult bridesmaids will wear.

6. The Fitting Process and Timeline

Getting the perfect fit requires planning and patience. Here’s a realistic timeline for the entire process:

Alteration Costs

Budget an additional $50-$100 for alterations. Common alterations for junior bridesmaid dresses include:

• Hemming (most common): $30-$60
• Taking in sides: $20-$40
• Adjusting straps: $15-$25
• Adding a modesty panel: $25-$50
• Bustle (if floor-length): $20-$35

7. Involving Your Junior Bridesmaid

Your junior bridesmaid wants to feel included in the process, but she’s not the one making the final decision. Strike a balance between letting her have input and keeping control of your overall wedding aesthetic.

How to Include Her

Take her dress shopping with you and let her try on a few options. Even if you already know what you want, letting her feel involved makes the experience special. Ask for her opinion on colors she likes or styles she feels comfortable in.

If you’re choosing between two similar dresses, let her break the tie. This gives her ownership over the decision while you maintain control over the overall look.

Share photos of the dress with her ahead of time. Build excitement by showing her how beautiful she’ll look and how special her role is.

Managing Expectations with Parents

The junior bridesmaid’s parents will likely have strong opinions about what’s appropriate for their daughter. Involve them early in the process and be receptive to their concerns about modesty, comfort, or budget.

Show them the dress options you’re considering before making a final decision. If they have concerns about neckline or length, be willing to compromise or modify.

8. Seasonal and Venue Considerations

The time of year and location of your wedding should influence your dress choice. What works for a December ballroom wedding won’t work for a July beach ceremony.

Summer and Outdoor Weddings

Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics like chiffon or cotton blends. Avoid heavy satins or long sleeves. Consider shorter hemlines (tea-length or knee-length) to keep her cool. Light colors reflect heat better than dark colors.

For beach weddings, think about wind. A-line or flowy dresses might blow around, so consider weights sewn into hems or choose a more structured silhouette.

Fall and Winter Weddings

Rich fabrics like duchess satin or velvet look stunning and provide warmth. Long sleeves, cap sleeves, or a coordinating shawl or bolero jacket can keep her comfortable during photos outside.

Jewel tones like burgundy, emerald, or navy look beautiful for fall weddings. For winter, consider metallics, rich reds, or even white or ivory to match the season.

Indoor vs. Outdoor

For outdoor weddings, consider the terrain. A long, flowing dress might not work well on grass or gravel. Your junior bridesmaid might need sturdier, closed-toe shoes instead of delicate sandals.

Indoor venues with air conditioning can be chilly. Even for summer weddings, have a wrap or cardigan available for your junior bridesmaid during the reception.

9. Shopping Timeline and Where to Buy

Knowing where to shop and when to start makes the process much less stressful. Different retailers offer different benefits.

Top Places to Shop

Online vs. In-Store

Both options have benefits. In-store shopping lets your junior bridesmaid try on multiple styles and see the fabric and color in person. She can work with a consultant who knows what looks good.

Online shopping offers more variety and often lower prices. Many online retailers now offer try-at-home programs where you can order multiple sizes and styles, keep what works, and return the rest. This is perfect if you don’t live near a bridal shop.

10. Accessories and Finishing Touches

The right accessories complete the look and make your junior bridesmaid feel extra special.

Jewelry

Keep it simple and age-appropriate. A delicate necklace or bracelet, small stud or drop earrings, and maybe a simple ring are plenty. Avoid anything too flashy or expensive. Many brides give matching jewelry to all their bridesmaids as a gift, which is a nice way to tie the look together.

Hair Accessories

Hair accessories are a fun way to differentiate your junior bridesmaid from the adults while keeping her coordinated. Consider:

• A flower crown (while adults wear just flowers in their hair)
• A sparkly headband or hair comb
• Ribbon or bow that matches the dress
• A small tiara or jeweled clip for more formal weddings

Bouquet

Junior bridesmaids typically carry a smaller bouquet than adult bridesmaids but larger than flower girls. Work with your florist to create something proportional to her size. An 8-10 inch bouquet usually works well.

Alternatively, she could carry something different altogether, like a lantern, a sign, a pomander (flower ball), or even a small clutch that matches her dress.

Wraps and Cover-Ups

For cooler weather or air-conditioned venues, have a coordinating wrap, shawl, or cardigan. This is especially important for dresses with spaghetti straps or sleeveless styles. A fleece-lined pashmina or a light cardigan in a coordinating color works well.

Pre-Shopping Checklist

Use our Interactive Size Chart to get started with accurate measurements, and check out the Clothing Budget Calculator to plan your expenses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Expert Tips from Bridal Stylists

Wedding professionals who work with junior bridesmaids every day have seen what works and what doesn’t. Here are their top tips:

“Use Prom Search Terms for More Options”

Many bridal stylists recommend searching for “prom dresses” when looking for junior bridesmaid dresses, especially for formal weddings. Prom dresses are designed for teenagers, come in a huge variety of styles and colors, and are often more affordable than bridesmaid dresses. Just make sure to choose age-appropriate styles without overly mature details.

“Bring Her to Bridesmaid Dress Shopping”

Include your junior bridesmaid when your adult bridesmaids try on dresses. This helps her feel part of the group and gets her excited about her role. It also lets you see in real-time which colors and styles might work for both age groups.

“Order Fabric Swatches First”

Most online retailers will send free or low-cost fabric swatches. Order these before committing to a dress, especially if you’re trying to match colors. What looks like “dusty rose” on your screen might actually be more pink or more mauve in person.

“Consider Custom Sizing”

Many online retailers offer custom sizing for little or no extra cost. While it takes longer and can’t be returned, it ensures a perfect fit and can actually save money on alterations. This is especially helpful for girls who are between standard sizes or particularly tall or short for their age.

“Dress Length Depends on Shoes”

Before ordering or hemming the dress, decide on shoes. The dress should be hemmed to the correct length with her wedding-day shoes on. If she’ll wear flats and you hem it with heels, she’ll be tripping over the hem all day.

Real Wedding Examples

Example 1: Beach Wedding with 10-Year-Old Niece

The Situation: Sarah was planning a casual beach wedding in June and wanted to include her 10-year-old niece as a junior bridesmaid. Her adult bridesmaids were wearing floor-length dusty blue chiffon dresses.

The Solution: Sarah chose a knee-length chiffon dress in the same dusty blue color for her niece. The shorter length was more appropriate for a child on the beach and prevented her from tripping in the sand. She paired it with jeweled sandals instead of heels. The matching color kept the bridal party cohesive, while the different length clearly distinguished her as the junior member.

The Result: The junior bridesmaid was comfortable all day, could run and play at the reception, and looked adorable in photos. The dress cost $95, well within the budget her parents had agreed to.

Example 2: Formal Church Wedding with Teenage Sister

The Situation: Maria’s 14-year-old sister wanted to feel grown up and be part of the bridal party. The adult bridesmaids were wearing long, elegant burgundy satin dresses with a deep V-neckline.

The Solution: Maria found a floor-length burgundy satin dress in a junior size with a modest high neckline instead of the plunging V. The fabric and color matched perfectly, but the neckline was more appropriate. She had a seamstress add delicate lace cap sleeves for extra coverage and a touch of elegance.

The Result: The sister felt included and mature but looked appropriate for her age. Maria’s mother was happy with the modest neckline, and the sister loved the sophisticated lace detail that made her feel special.

Example 3: Mismatched Bridal Party with Two Junior Bridesmaids

The Situation: Jennifer had a mismatched bridal party where each adult bridesmaid wore a different style in shades of sage green. She had two junior bridesmaids, ages 9 and 12, and wanted them to fit the mismatched theme while still looking cohesive together.

The Solution: She chose two different junior styles in the same shade of sage green. The 9-year-old wore a tea-length dress with flutter sleeves and a bow at the waist, while the 12-year-old wore a floor-length A-line dress with a higher neckline. Both dresses were in the same color and fabric (chiffon), tying them together visually.

The Result: The two junior bridesmaids looked coordinated with each other and with the overall mismatched theme. Each girl felt her dress suited her age and personality. The different lengths and styles accommodated their age difference perfectly.

Example 4: Winter Wedding on a Tight Budget

The Situation: Rachel was having a December wedding and wanted to include her cousin’s daughter, but the family was on a tight budget. Adult bridesmaids were wearing emerald green velvet dresses.

The Solution: Instead of ordering a custom junior bridesmaid dress, Rachel found a similar emerald green velvet dress at a department store for $45. She had a seamstress add a satin sash to match the adults’ dresses for an extra $20. The dress was close enough in color and fabric to look intentional.

The Result: Total cost was $65 plus minimal alterations, well within budget. The junior bridesmaid looked coordinated with the bridal party, and no one could tell her dress wasn’t from the same collection. Rachel gave her a matching bracelet as a thank-you gift to tie the look together.

Frequently Asked Questions