Junior bridesmaid dress guide
Quick answers
- Age: a junior bridesmaid is usually 8–14 years old – too old to want to be a flower girl, too young to be a bridesmaid.
- Style: an age-appropriate version of the bridesmaid look – straps or sleeves rather than strapless, a modest neckline, and knee, tea or floor length.
- Colour: the same colour as the bridesmaids, or a lighter shade of it.
- Size: tweens are between girls' and women's sizes, so measure her chest, waist and height and compare with each dress's size chart.
- When to order: 4–8 weeks before the wedding. Tracked delivery to Australia, the US, Canada and the UK takes 7–9 business days.
What is a junior bridesmaid?
A junior bridesmaid is a girl, usually aged about 8 to 14, who is part of the bridal party with the bridesmaids. She walks down the aisle, may carry a small bouquet, and joins the bridal party for photos. She usually doesn't take on adult duties such as organising the hen party or bridal shower. Younger girls are normally flower girls – see our flower girl dress guide.
| Role | Usual age | Typical dress |
|---|---|---|
| Flower girl | 2–8 | White, ivory or soft colour; full or A-line skirt |
| Junior bridesmaid | 8–14 | Bridesmaid colour; age-appropriate cut |
| Bridesmaid | 15+ | Adult bridesmaid dress |
How do you choose an age-appropriate junior bridesmaid dress?
- Straps or sleeves: wide straps, cap sleeves or short sleeves stay in place and are comfortable all day. Avoid strapless styles for this age.
- Neckline: a round, square or modest V neckline.
- Length: floor length to match long bridesmaid dresses; tea or knee length for garden, beach and summer weddings.
- Skirt: A-line chiffon or tulle moves well and suits most figures; satin looks more formal.
- Details: a sash, lace bodice or soft pleats look grown-up without being too old for her.
Involve her in the choice – tweens are much happier in a dress they helped pick, and it shows in the photos.
Should a junior bridesmaid match the bridesmaids?
The most popular approach is the same colour as the bridesmaids in a simpler, younger cut. Other options that work well:
- The same fabric (for example chiffon or satin) in a lighter shade of the bridesmaid colour.
- Ivory or champagne with a sash in the bridesmaid colour, linking her to both the bride and the bridesmaids.
- A similar neckline or detail (lace, pleats, a bow) in a coordinating colour.
Popular colours: sage green, dusty blue, blush, champagne and lilac for spring and summer weddings; burgundy, navy, emerald and dusty rose for autumn and winter. Screen colours can differ slightly from real fabric, so compare the photos with the bridesmaid fabric in daylight if an exact match matters.
How do you find the right size for a tween?
Girls aged 8–14 can change size quickly, and many are between children's and women's sizing. Measure:
- Height – barefoot, against a wall.
- Chest – around the fullest part, under the arms.
- Waist – at the natural waist, above the belly button.
- Length – for a floor-length dress, from shoulder to floor in her wedding shoes.
Compare her measurements with the size chart on the product page (in centimetres; 1 inch = 2.54 cm). Size labels vary by maker – ages (Size 10, 12), age ranges (Size 8~9) or US sizes – so go by the measurements. Between sizes, choose the larger one, especially if the wedding is more than a month away. For a fuller figure, our plus-size dresses for girls have more room in the chest and waist. You can also send us her measurements through our free size consultation.
| Height | Approx. age | Australia / NZ | US & Canada | UK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 128–134 cm | 8–9 years | 8 | 8 | 8–9 years |
| 134–140 cm | 9–10 years | 10 | 10 | 9–10 years |
| 140–152 cm | 10–12 years | 10–12 | 10–12 | 10–12 years |
| 152–164 cm | 12–14 years | 12–14 | 12–14 | 12–14 years |
A general guide only – always check the chart on the dress you choose.
Shoes, hair and accessories
- Shoes: ballet flats, Mary Janes or a low block heel (no more than about 3 cm). She will be standing for photos and dancing at the reception. See our girls' dress shoes.
- Hair: a simple half-up style, braids or a low bun with a headband or hair clips.
- Cover-up: a bolero or cardigan for church ceremonies and cool evenings.
- Bouquet: a smaller version of the bridesmaid bouquet, or a single flower.
When should you order a junior bridesmaid dress?
4–8 weeks before the wedding. Tracked delivery to Australia, the US, Canada and the UK takes 7–9 business days, and the extra time allows for a try-on and a size exchange if needed. Order matching dresses for several girls together so they arrive at the same time. In Australia most weddings fall in October–November and March–April; in the US, Canada and the UK the busiest months are roughly May to October.
Delivery and exchanges
- Tracked delivery in 7–9 business days to Australia, the USA, the UK and Canada, with prices in your own currency.
- Exchange once within 28 days, unworn with tags attached. Dresses with the purple “Free Size Exchange · Free Return” badge include a free return label for a new size. See Return & Exchange.
Frequently asked questions
What age is a junior bridesmaid?
Usually between 8 and 14. Younger girls are normally flower girls, and from about 15 most girls are bridesmaids.
Does a junior bridesmaid wear the same dress as the bridesmaids?
Usually the same colour but a more age-appropriate style, for example with straps or sleeves instead of strapless, and a higher neckline.
Can a junior bridesmaid wear heels?
A low block heel of about 3 cm or less is fine for older girls who are used to them. Flats are more comfortable for a long day of standing and dancing.
Does a junior bridesmaid carry a bouquet?
Often yes – a smaller version of the bridesmaids' bouquet, a posy or a single flower.
What if she is between children's and adult sizes?
Go by her chest, waist and height rather than the size label, compare them with the dress's size chart, and choose the larger size if she is in between. Our plus-size girls' dresses are another option for a fuller figure.
Written by the Lucy's team in Auckland, New Zealand – children's formal wear specialists since 1996. Updated November 2026. Browse our junior bridesmaid dresses.
