Should a Junior Bridesmaid Wear Makeup on the Wedding Day?

One of the most fun parts about the wedding morning is having your hair and makeup done with your attendants, but what should you do if you're having junior bridesmaids in the bridal party? Should these in-between attendants have their makeup done, too? While it can be nice to treat them to this special experience, you'll want to make age-appropriate selections and get the blessing of their parents.

To get a better understanding of how to toe the link in this scenario, we spoke to a wedding planner and a bridal beauty expert about whether or not junior bridesmaids should wear makeup on the big day. Their recommendations will help you make the decision that's right for your situation.

Talk to the Junior Bridesmaid (and Her Parents!)

Ultimately, this isn't a decision for you-it's a decision for the attendant in question and her parents. "Ideally, it should be up to the junior bridesmaid," says Billie Jo Kunkler, event planner at Michelle Leo Events. Some may not want to feel excluded by not wearing makeup, she suggests, while others may hate the thought of wearing makeup at this age. Allow the junior bridesmaid to make that decision (and don't forget to ask her parents if it's okay) before booking an additional appointment. If you are moving forward with makeup for your junior bridesmaid, make sure her parents feel comfortable with the style and amount of makeup you and your artist choose for her.

Keep Your Wedding Photos in Mind

Your wedding photos will be a reminder of the big day for years to come, so while you'll want any junior bridesmaids to look cohesive with the rest of the group, you also don't want to look back and wonder why you asked a 13-year-old to wear bright red lipstick. "Keep in mind how your bridal party looks, and how they will show up in all your wedding photos," says Mar R., creative director of TEAM Hair & Makeup, then work with your makeup artist to choose a complementary, yet age-appropriate look for your junior bridesmaids. A full-blown makeup look wouldn't really be the right choice, she adds.

Keep It Natural and Age-Appropriate

Your makeup artist will likely agree with this decision. "At TEAM Hair and Makeup, we will not place foundation or full makeup on the face of a ten-year-old," says Mar R. "Children have youth, which is the most valued treasure in the world." Still, that doesn't mean you have to leave the younger bridesmaids out of the fun. Go with a more neutral version of what your bridesmaids will be doing for a look that feels cohesive and appropriate.