What is the appropriate age for a bridesmaid?

Choosing the perfect bridesmaids for your wedding can be challenging. You need friends who will stand by you on your wedding day and share in the joy of this significant event. At the same time, you want everyone to feel at ease and enjoy themselves. As you consider who will stand beside you during your vows, you might wonder about the ideal age for your bridesmaids. So, what age is suitable for bridesmaids?

There isn't a definitive answer to this question. It often depends on the bride's age. For instance, 16 or 17 might appear too young for a bridesmaid, but if the bride is 18, her closest friends—and likely bridesmaids—will be around the same age. However, what about brides who are older? If you're marrying at 55, should your bridesmaids also be in their 50s?

Certainly not. You have the freedom to choose anyone you prefer, but it's essential to consider age suitability. What types of events will your bridesmaids be involved in? Do these events require participants to meet a specific age requirement? For instance, if your bachelorette party is at a bar, ensure your bridesmaids are of legal age to attend. Similarly, if you're hosting a lingerie shower, would you feel at ease unwrapping intimate gifts in front of your 13-year-old sister? Likely not. Therefore, consider how comfortable you and your bridesmaid will be during all wedding-related activities.

If you're still unsure whether a friend or family member is too young for this role, there are alternative ways to include her in your special day. Continue to the next page for more ideas.

Other Potential Roles

Weddings often involve a diverse group of participants. A grand ceremony might include over 20 individuals: the couple, an officiant, a best man, a maid of honor, bridesmaids, groomsmen, a ring bearer, and a flower girl. Additionally, there may be readers and musicians contributing to the ceremony.

If you wish to include someone in your wedding but feel she's too young to be a bridesmaid and too old to be a flower girl, consider making her a junior bridesmaid. Typically aged 9 to 14, junior bridesmaids have fewer duties than regular attendants. They wear dresses similar to the bridesmaids and stand with the wedding party. However, you can decide which events she attends. She might only participate in the ceremony or be invited to other pre-wedding activities like the bridal shower or dress shopping, while skipping the bachelorette party.

In the end, there's no specific rule for deciding the ideal age for your bridesmaids. Choose individuals you cherish and feel at ease with to stand by your side during the ceremony. If a 14-year-old friend or relative appears more mature and both of you are comfortable with her role, there's no reason she can't be a full bridesmaid. On your wedding day, guests are unlikely to focus on the ages of your attendants—they'll be captivated by you, your partner, and, naturally, your stunning dress!