If you’ve decided to ask a mini member of your inner circle to stand beside you on your wedding day, congratulations! You’ve got yourself a junior bridesmaid — aka JB. She’s someone who’s too old to be a flower girl and too young to be an official bridesmaid — perhaps she’s somewhere between the ages of 8 and 14 — but you still want her to feel included when you walk down the aisle. Though she probably won’t have the same duties as her older counterparts, she can still provide plenty of support (and cuteness) while you’re addressing stressful wedding tasks.

Whether she’s your cousin, your sister or your daughter, this pint-sized party-goer deserves as much attention as the rest of the crew. Selecting her dress is a fun part of the JB process, but you can’t treat it in the same way you treat the others. There are a few extra-special considerations that should be at the forefront of your mind, including:

1. Her Age: Let Her Dress Be More Youthful — There’s nothing cuter than a little one dressed up in a grown-up gown but remember that you want her to look and feel her age too. Your best bet is to opt for junior bridesmaid dresses that are specifically made for the juniors. These gowns are designed for girls and tweens, so they won’t cause unnecessary fit issues or feel inappropriate for her age.

2. The Cost: Her Parents Will Probably Pay — More than likely, your JB won’t be shelling out the dough for the gown, so you have to consider who will be. If her parents are also a part of the wedding or have other tasks and costs associated with your special day, try to keep your dress selection relatively reasonable. Be sure to communicate with her parents throughout the dress-selection process.

3. The Length: Consider Her Shoes — Unlike your older bridesmaids, your JB probably won’t be wearing super high heels. Thus, you want to make sure that her gown is the ideal length to go with bridesmaid flats or low-height heels. This is another reason it typically makes much more sense to pick a junior-specific bridesmaid gown rather than a regular dress sized down. The length of your JB’s dress will probably matter much more than that of your adult bridesmaids.

4. Her Comfort Level: Make It ‘Her’ — If you want to ensure that your youngest bridal party member feels completely comfortable while she saunters down the aisle, ensure that she’s wearing a gown that speaks to her personal sense of style. Like grown-up bridesmaid dresses, junior bridesmaid dresses should play to the wearer’s personality as well as the bride’s. To make sure it’s a perfect match, provide a few dress options and let your JB pick.

5. The Coordination: Does it Have to Match? — Do you want your junior bridesmaid to perfectly match the rest of the crew or do you want hers to be slightly different? It’s all up to you but know that you can be creative with the process. Consider dressing your junior in a patterned dress to coordinate with your bridesmaids’ solid colors or put her in a similar gown with a slightly different cut or color.

6. Her Accessories: Tying it All Together — Just because she’s younger doesn’t mean she shouldn’t get the royal treatment with the rest of your girls! Make sure to surprise her with coordinating accessories to go with her gown and invite her to join in on the fun with all the girls when you’re getting ready together. You can make sure she feels totally included with her very own matching bridesmaid robe.

Make it Fun and Memorable

Remember, your junior bridesmaid wants to be like one of the big bridesmaids, but she’s still a kid. As long as you keep that in mind while you’re selecting her dress, she’ll feel right at home when walking down the aisle and standing next to your besties at the altar. Dessy is here to help you find the prettiest, most age-appropriate junior bridesmaid dresses around. Explore our complete collection for trendy and adorable looks that will make your special miniature feel like a crucial part of your big day.

When you’re flipping or clicking through page after page of bridesmaid dresses, they may start to lose their luster. But occasionally you’ll stumble across a dress designer who totally vibes with your unique wedding-day vision, whether it’s ultra-glamorous or subtly sophisticated.  In addition to capturing your exact theme, a good bridesmaid dress must also be flattering for all and versatile enough to suit a plethora of bridal themes. For many, the dress designer who meets and often exceeds these expectations is Jenny Packham.

About Jenny Packham

Known for a style Vogue describes as “dazzling feminine glamour,” red carpet designer Jenny Packham is known throughout the fashion world for dressing celebs in bedazzled formal gowns that exude high style. She has dressed all sorts of British style icons, including Kate Winslet, Emily Blunt, Keira Knightley and, yes, the Duchess of Cambridge herself. In fact, Kate Middleton has been known to step onto many a red carpet in Packham’s creations, including several from her ready-to-wear collections.

Packham’s masterpieces have been seen all over the big screen. You may remember the bespoke gown Packham designed for British Oscar winner Adele back in 2013 or the one designed for Emma Watson to wear in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Her gowns have also made appearances in Sex and the City, Gossip Girl, Casino Royale, The Devil Wears Prada and Die Another Day. Indeed, they are some of the most photographed gowns in all of Hollywood.

The British-born, London-based designer studied fashion at Saint Martin’s School of Art in London before founding her namesake line in 1988. But it wasn’t until 1997 that Packham unveiled her bridal collection, instantly skyrocketing her into the world of bridal style. Her current collections include wedding dresses, ready-to-wear formal dresses, children’s occasion wear and, now, bridesmaid dresses.  Dessy has teamed up with this beloved designer for the creation of the truly exceptional Jenny Packham bridesmaid dresses.

Styles We Love

In addition to her stylish ready-to-wear women’s gowns, we can’t help but drool over the Dessy exclusive Jenny Packham dresses. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite bridal party styles by this must-wear designer.

• Jenny Packham JP1015 — This pretty floor-length bridesmaid dress perfectly captures the dazzling feminine glamour for which Packham is known. Available in dozens of different colors, the JP1015 gown features an elegant, airy lux chiffon material that’s glammed up with stacked mirror bead trim along the bateau neckline.
• Jenny Packham JP1006 — Simplicity meets sophistication with this pretty, ruffly bridesmaid gown by Ms. Packham. It has a totally airy and feminine look thanks to the ruffly V-neckline, delicate spaghetti straps, high-low skirt and open back. Not only does it come in lots of staple solids, but it can also be ordered in a few sweet patterns — including fresh florals — for a fabulously fun feel.
• Jenny Packham JP1005 — A flattering choice for all your bridesmaids, this pretty and simple empire waist bridesmaid dress offers shirring at the V-neckline with a crisscross midriff for full-body flattery. You’ll also love some of this gown’s vintage touches — it’s ideal for that Old Hollywood glam feel!

Picks from the Jenny Packham 2019 Line

Here at Dessy, we’re delighted to share with you some of the greatest selections from this year’s Jenny Packham bridesmaid line. These sweet styles will surely help you create a bridal look that’s all you. Here’s a sneak peek!

• Jenny Packham JP1024 — The wide band at the waistline of this calf-length bridesmaid dress makes it totally flattering for many body types. Like the JP1005, this look offers some vintage vibes for the bride who loves mid-century style.
• Jenny Packham JP1021 — This slightly more formal Jenny Packham bridesmaid dress gets a glamorous finishing touch with the help of its sheer cap sleeves. An elegant, pleated skirt and V-neckline provide the perfect detailing for the bride’s crew.
• Jenny Packham JP1023 —Love a simple look but don’t want to compromise on the glamour? This gorgeous and glammed-out style has two glimmering, beaded bands at the waist plus a unique column neckline for a high-fashion (and subtly sparkly) approach to bridal style.

Finding Your Dream Gown by Jenny Packham

Dessy is here to help you find the perfect Jenny Packham dress for your bridesmaids. We’re committed to simplifying the process of buying bridesmaid dresses online, so we offer simple sizing, easy and free returns and effortless customer service to help you get the exact look you’re after. Plus, we happily stock our gowns — including our Jenny Packham gowns — in many retail locations throughout the U.S. Try one on today!

If you’ve decided to tie the knot in the fall, there’s a good chance you’re all about the warm and cozy. And we don’t blame you! Autumn is everybody’s fave season for good reason. Cooler temps are in the air, the leaves are just beginning to change and everybody’s trading their flip-flops for ankle boots.

Plus, a fall wedding is an amazing excuse to integrate cozy throw blankets, hot chocolate and apple cider into everything. It’s also high time for some of the cutest bridesmaid dresses ever! If you’re struggling with how to style your best gals for fall, here’s some inspo for you based on this year’s top fall wedding colors.

Dusty Blues: A Cool Take on the Fall Wedding

When we think about fall, we often think about warm colors. Reds, oranges and yellows are indeed autumnal essentials, but they’re not the only colors that should be on your radar. This year, it’s all about the dusty blues. Here’s why we love this spectrum of stylish shades: It’s not your typical fall pick, but it still brings the soft, muted feel that you often get with traditional fall schemes. It also pairs perfectly with some of this year’s most popular fall accent colors, including burgundy, emerald and gold. These are this year’s must-haves in the dusty blue bridesmaid dresses department:

1. After Six 1512 — This gown features a dusty matte tone that’s perfect for a wide range of skin tones and accent colors. Your ladies will love the open back detail with crisscross spaghetti straps and the elegant trumpet skirt. It also comes in several of the most popular dusty bridesmaid dress colors, including dusty pink and dusty purple. Dust a move!
2. Lela Rose LR243 — If you’re going for a fall romance vibe, you can’t go wrong with a little bit of dusted lace. This pretty, off-the-shoulder gown keeps things sophisticated and classy with its softly draped trumpet skirt and bodice done top to bottom in luscious Marquis lace. It also comes in various dusty hues, including suede rose.
3. Jenny Packham JP1015 — Bring a little bit of autumnal glitz and glam to the table wth this luxurious chiffon gown available in an assortment of dusty hues. With a sweetheart neckline, a pleated overlay bodice and stacked mirror bead trim, this dusty delight is equal parts trendy and timeless. 

Deep Hues: Classic with a Twist

If you want more of a classic but still updated fall color palette, consider dressing your besties in some deep hues and jewel tones. This year, it’s all about the navy, emerald, burgundy, mauve and ruby. The beauty of these shades is that they play perfectly to your cool-weather vibe, so they’re especially ideal if you’re hosting an autumnal affair somewhere that’s likely to be chilly in October and November and you want to warm things up. From emerald to gold bridesmaid dresses, these looks scream fall. Pair any and all of these hues with soft creams and blushes or dusty accent colors for a perfectly pleasing palette.

1. After Six 6799 — This flattering floor-length gown is guaranteed to please your entire crew, thanks to the thick shoulders that make it supportive and bra-friendly. It features a stretch crepe feel that drapes just right, plus a cute low V-back for some 360-degree style. This gorgeous jewel-toned bridesmaid dress comes in a variety of fall-perfect shades, including burgundy and hunter green.
2. Alfred Sung D745 — We love the plunging illusion neckline on this aubergine bridesmaid dress. The elegant chiffon knit construction, center front slit and pretty pleating add extra intrigue without being overdone. If you’re not a huge fan of the eggplant color scheme, this style comes in an assortment of dusty colors and jewel tones. Be sure to explore all our burgundy bridesmaid dresses for more.
3. Dessy Collection 3027 — Try a little emerald on for size! This lovely fall bridesmaid dress bridges the gap between classic and up-to-date, thanks to the floor-length style and long sleeves coupled with a wrap-style top and side tie. It’s made of a jersey fabric that’s flattering and gives it a not-too-formal vibe.

Tying it All Together

The first step towards planning your perfect day is to pick a color scheme that captures your special vision. Once you’ve got that nailed down, it’s all about the fashion! Pull together your fabulous fall motif with all the fall wedding finishes you can dream of, from cozy plaid throw blankets to dreamy chrysanthemum bouquets. Just remember to be true to yourself and don’t feel like you have to adhere to a traditional fall theme if that’s not your thing.

We’ve got good news for the bride-to-be who believes that one size should not fit all! Ultra-trendy mix and match bridesmaid dresses are here to stay. With mismatched styles, the bride’s crew can sport dresses in different colors, styles and textures for a totally unique and one-of-a-kind approach to bridesmaid styling.

Why mix and match? This trend is both high-style and highly practical — because let’s face it, your girlfriends are not carbon copies of one another. It allows them to select gowns that are figure-flattering and complement their personalities. When your girls feel like themselves, they’ll shine like the stars they really are!

Ready to hop on the mix and match bandwagon? Here are some of our best tips for choosing mismatched bridesmaid dresses that please all bridesmaids and still play into your dreamy bridal theme.

1. Pick a Base Color — If you like the idea of a little bit of matchiness, you can start by choosing one main color and then ask your ladies to pick gowns in different variations of the same theme. For example, if you’ve decided that you want blue bridesmaid dresses, decide on a few specific shades of blue and then allow your ladies to choose the one they like the best. You can mix turquoise, dusty blue, navy blue, berry blue and more to create a cohesive look that doesn’t feel forced.
2. Pick Complementing Colors — Not keen on going all in one shade? No worries! Think about creating a color palette that includes a wide range of complementary colors and then allow your bridesmaids to choose the hues that speak to them. Popular palettes include soft hues, pastels and jewel tones. You can also pick just two colors, like pink and gold, to create a two-toned look.
3. Go Convertible — One of the simplest and most popular ways to achieve the mismatched bridal look is through convertible bridesmaid dresses. These dresses are designed so that they can be worn in an assortment of ways, from cap sleeve to halter to one-shoulder to backless. The beauty of going the convertible route is that your crew can match in color and texture (or you can opt to mismatch there too), but everyone gets a totally flattering fit. These are also some of the best bridesmaid dresses for destination weddings because they’re made with packable fabrics.
   
   
   
   
4. Mix Different Textures — Color isn’t the only thing that you can mix and match! You might also consider pulling together different fabrics to add a the-same-but-different feel to your bridesmaid style. Pair chiffon with velvet, jersey material with satin or mix them all together for a totally multidimensional look that still looks intentional and tailored. You can also mix and match with finishes. Pepper in lace, rhinestones, beaded trim, mesh, pleats and more for a fun take.
5. Add Some Prints — Who says bridesmaid dresses have to be solid-colors? Not us! In fact, patterned bridesmaid dresses are some of the trendiest options du jour. Dress a few ladies in floral prints, stripes, dots and other fun patterns, then ask the other bridesmaids to sport solid-colored gowns in matching hues. This is the perfect way to bring a little bit of excitement to the bridal party style without the overdone feel of dressing everyone in busy patterns.
   
   
   
   
6. Think Beyond the Dress — Some bridesmaids won’t feel comfortable wearing a dress, and it doesn’t hurt that nothing is more in-style than the dressy jumpsuit. Allow one or two of your ladies to swap the traditional gown for a bridesmaid jumpsuit that screams chic! You can have the entire crew don the jumpsuit or just include it here and there for a runway-ready feel.

Matching Is for the Birds

When you’re picking out bridesmaid dresses, remember one thing: There’s no formula to fashion. Don’t feel like you have to follow a specific set of rules or prescriptions when you’re tying together your wedding theme. If you’re all about breaking boundaries or if you want your best girlfriends to feel their absolute best on your big day, you can’t go wrong with a little mixin’ and matchin’! 

Steel blue bridesmaid dresses are elegant, chic and work beautifully from day to night. What's more, steel blue is an ideal color to choose for your wedding day for all sorts of reasons.

• It blends beautifully with white flowers or contrasting vibrant shades.
• It works through spring, summer and looks dazzling in winter

Above from left to right: After Six Bridesmaid Dress 1514, Dessy Bridesmaid Dress 3025

Dessy Real Wedding | Color: Larkspur, Fabric: Rococo Lace, Photographer: Carly Fuller
Shared by Norah: "...everyone looked beautiful in their Dessy dresses, ties and pocket squares. It was the perfect look for our winter wedding by the sea!"

What about the style?

Don't feel either that you have to put your girls in the same style dress. Think about who would suit a halter neck, who'd look good in something strapless and who would look best in sleeves. If your girls are curvaceous, Dessy styles are all available in plus sizes. If you have young, pre-teen bridesmaids who are too old to be flowergirls but won't fit an adult style, then check out our Junior Bridesmaid dresses. For more inspiration read our previous advice on necklines to suit your bridesmaids and dresses for different types of girls.

Above from left to right: After Six Bridesmaid Dress 6728, Studio Design Bridesmaid Dress 4525

Your color reference for Dessy steel blue shades are Windsor Blue, Larkspur, Cloudy. Use our Pantone color reference tool and fabric swatches to get your exact color match and share with your vendors.

A Final Touch

For your wedding bouquet, you could choose the blue shades that your bridesmaids are wearing. And then get the counter-contrast by having all-white bouquets made for your maids, to tie in with your wedding dress.

Now that would be super-stylish.

Velvet has a wonderful sheen, depth of color and drapes beautifully. And if you're planning a winter wedding or a wedding during the cooler months, it's the perfect fabric. Dessy has created a number of bridesmaid dresses in velvet, in different styles, to suit different girls and different wedding moods.

Velvet Dresses

For a formal wedding and top notch glamor, choose a full velvet dress with a diamante belt feature. Add some chandelier earrings and diamante detail on the shoes and you're dressed to perfection.

For an elegant wedding, choose a romantic velvet and tulle dress featuring a black velvet bodice with a flattering sweetheart neckline and matched with a floaty tulle skirt available in a variety of different colors from blush to burgundy.

Velvet Separates

Or what about separates? Choose a velvet spaghetti strap top or velvet halter top and match with one of Dessy's bridesmaid skirts - choose a matte finish for the skirt in a heavier fabric or a lighter tulle for a summer wedding. Of if you want to mix it up a bit, try Dessy's velvet skirt matched with a silk, strapless fitted camisole.

Choose a velvet dress for your girls and they'll certainly want to wear it over and over again. A velvet dress is a timeless classic that every girl should have in her closet.

So here's the thing. You're having an evening 'do' and you want your bridesmaids to look chic and elegant.

But you don't want them to wear black. (The bride above chose midnight blue for her girls and don't they look classy.)

Magic in midnight. Dessy Bridesmaid Dress 6767

Above: Studio Design Bridesmaids Collection 4503 and 4514

You want them to look classy, sophisticated and stylish during evening dinner and for the dancing.

But black bridesmaid dresses? Maybe you're a little superstitious about the color. Maybe you find it a little draining on some skin tones. Maybe ... you just don't want to.

Well, there are other colors than black which offer evening elegance and style. 

 

A post shared by The Dessy Group (@dessygroup) on Jul 4, 2018 at 8:26am PDT

Dessy style 8183

Think about some different shades of drama

If you want to go for the drama of dark shades then are plenty of hues to consider. Midnight blue - the new black. A deep aubergine. Burgundy. The darkest of dark green. Perhaps an eye-catching dark ruby red.

You could also opt for sequins, which would work dazzlingly from day through to night. Your maids would just love wearing one of these bridesmaids dresses to channel their inner diva!

Left: After Six Bridesmaid Dress 6786, Right: After Six Bridesmaids Style 6784

A dress your maids will want to wear again and again.

One of the advantages of choosing a long bridesmaid dress in a dark color that's suitable for an evening wedding is that your maids will probably want to wear it again to another smart event because it doesn't scream 'bridesmaid'. Like a school prom if they're teenagers.

These dresses aren't going to linger in the closet unworn. They're much too glamorous.

Left: After Six Bridesmaid Dress 6794, Right: Jenny Packham Bridesmaid Dress JP1011

Left: Studio Design Collection Style 4538, Right: Jenny Packham Bridesmaid Style JP1005

Think about the shades and colors that are found in the natural world and you'll realize that Nature doesn't get it wrong when it comes to blending hues.

To illustrate the point, we picked out two weddings featuring deep earth tones combined with neutrals - and we think you'll agree the color combo is perfection. Because there are so many shades of both, you can create a fabulous palette that will suit everyone's style and complexion.

Coffee & Cream Wedding

The bride at the wedding directly above, photographed by the wonderful Tucker Images, chose a variety of earth tones and neutrals for her bridesmaids and just see how great they all look. She's chosen strapless gowns for all her girls - but you could mix and match the necklines as you wish. However, it's usually best to keep to one skirt length, whether you go for cocktail style or ground sweeping.

Beach Wedding

At this gorgeous beach wedding shown above, the groom and groomsmen are in cream and the bridesmaids in a rich brown - and set against that beautiful blue sky with the greenery waving in the summer breeze, the photograph taken by the talented Gia Canali makes you almost taste the salt in the air and feel the sand between your toes. Even the celebrants are working the colors.

The groom and the groomsmen are perfectly dressed for the beach in their neutral suits, color merging the two sides. (Check Dessy's similar men's classic summer suits.)

If you're having a beach wedding, remember to choose dresses for your girls that won't float up too much (because you don't really want any of your girls having a Marilyn Monroe moment at your wedding ceremony, do you).

All the ones we've picked out here by Dessy are suitably airy - but won't fly up in the breeze! You're looking for a breezy, fluttery effect but with some structure.

Left Alfred Sung Style D538, right After Six Bridesmaid style 1505

Left After Six Bridesmaid Dress 6786, right After Six Bridesmaid Dress 1515

Bateau, boat neck, off the shoulder, Bardot  - whatever you prefer to call it, this neckline is having a real moment and we think we know the reason why. 

 

A post shared by Duchess of Sussex (@meghan.markle19) on Jun 25, 2018 at 9:18am PDT

It's probably Meghan Markle - now the Duchess of Sussex - who has done the most to popularise the style, having chosen a bateau neckline for her beautiful wedding dress. 

From left: Studio Design Collection 4513, Dessy Style 3002

Who should choose a boat neckline? 

• It's great if you want to show off a slim neck and shoulders
• If you have a large tummy or bust it's flattering because it draws the eye upwards
• Good for pear and hourglass figures
• Off the shoulder - can sit on the shoulder or just below it

From left: Bella style BB112, Dessy Collection Style 3016

Remember to think about your underwear when you're choosing this style as visible bra straps are an absolute no starter. Choose a good strapless bra instead. 

Bateau necklines look wonderful with a hat as they leave a clear neckline, allowing the dress to work with the hat and vice versa. In the case of your bridesmaids, you might want them to wear flower crowns or some sort of fascinator in their hair. 

Talking of hair, a bateau neckline works best with an updo. It doesn't have to be super formal - a messy bun like Meghan's is a fantastic choice. Chandelier earrings also look amazing. 

 From left: Alfred Sung D686, After Six Style 6763

• If you leave locks long and flowing it will detract from the line of the dress - so put that hair up!  
• The other name for this neckline is a 'Sabrina' after the Audrey Hepburn film in which the heroine wears just such a style. 
• It's supremely elegant and timeless, so it will look good in your wedding photographs for a long time to come. 

However, as you know, it's always best to choose bridesmaids dresses that flatter your girls - so if one of your maids is self conscious about her waist or has a larger bustline, then a bateau neckline probably isn't for her. Ask her what she'd like to wear and browse through some alternative styles. 

Jenny Packham Bridesmaid Style JP1001 in Midnight Blue

Of course you want your maids to look wonderful as they walk behind you up the aisle. 

But when you think about it, how they look from behind is important too. (And it's how one Pippa Middleton almost stole the show at her sister's wedding.)

All eyes are going to be on your bridesmaids as they hold your train and accompany you, and people are going to be judging and thinking about what your girls are wearing. 

So you really owe it to them to make sure that they look pretty from all angles. 

Making the back special 

Take a look at these dresses, which all share something in common. They look as good from the front as from the back. We've used lace, ties, ribbon, pleats, folds ... 

Left: Dessy Collection Style 3014 Midnight Blue  Right: Dessy Collection Style 3014 shown in Platinum

Let's start with lace. This is a supremely elegant style that is 'covered up', yet superbly glamorous. Lace details are very on trend and your girls would love the form fitting cut of this design. Choose from a light, muted shade or something darker and more dramatic. Ideal for a winter wedding, don't you agree? 

Left: Alfred Sung Style D751 in Silverstone Right: Alfred Sung Style D751 in Aubergine

Here's another form-fitting dress, with quite a different look. It's probably more suitable for a spring or summer wedding but either way would translate well from afternoon through to evening. In a rich, luxurious fabric with a sheen, the criss cross back is eye-catching - as is the off the shoulder neckline. 

Left:  After Six Bridesmaids Style 6779. Right: Jenny Yoo Bridesmaid Style JY540. Both in Suede Rose. 

Ruffles are coming back into weddings big time. You're going to see them on chairs, on table displays and on bridemaids dresses, as here. If a ruffle isn't your thing, then maybe a simple tie back and a higher neckline would suit. Love this colour too. It's Mist. 

Left: Bella Bridesmaids style BB111. Right: Dessy Collection Style 3022

We think the style on the left is just shouting out to be worn at a beach wedding. It's simple and unfussy. On the right there's another idea for working with ruffles. The front of the dress is relatively unadorned, whilst it's all happening in the prettiest way possible at the back.