I need a 'job' for someone!

180miles

I am asking two of my teen cousins to be bridesmaids, but their 8 year old sister is too young, and I don't want a flower girl or any kids in the wedding. Is there someway I can make her feel included in a nice way? I was wondering if she could hand out the programs or something in a cute way? Any ideas!

Leah&Christian09

She can be a bridesmaid or she can be a guest. Jobs like handing out programs or attending the guest book aren't going to make her feel honored or included. Instead, it will make her feel stuck and isolated, and probably uncomfortable having to talk to so many strangers.

trix1223

On this one I have to disagree with the usual prevailing opinion because the little girl is 8.  Because she's still a little girl, she might enjoy wearing a pretty dress, getting a corsage, and welcoming people and handing out programs.You can ask-the worst that can happen is she'll say no.  I'd also ask your aunt and uncle first, though.

mbcdefg

I think it depends on her personality. She might be thrilled to get to participate. Or she might figure, "Ugh, my sisters get to be bridesmaids while I'm stuck handing out programs like a baby."You know her better than us, so I think it's up to you. Maybe talk to her mom if you're unsure, and ask whether she'd be happy or bummed to be included in this way. I think handing out programs is an O.K. job for a kid. Or maybe she could participate in a religious ritual during the ceremony, like lighting candles or bringing up Communion. Would she be able to do a reading? If you're doing a sand or unity candle ceremony, can she do something with that? Maybe she could process down the aisle with roses for the two mothers?

aerinpegadrak

Ask her what she wants to do.  She may want to be a bridesmaid, she may want to hand out programs, or she may not want to do anything for the wedding at all.  If there are any pre-wedding activities that are age-appropriate (spa day yes, club crawl no), be sure to invite her and her sisters.

kmm2150

My mom had two "junior" bridesmaids in their wedding and the pics are really cute - girls she'd babysat for many years - and I think they were a little older than your cousin, but lots of designers/brands make "junior" bridesmaid dresses that are similar to their bm dresses but styled for younger girls. Also I agree that depending on her personality she may LOVE the attention of being a greeter and doing something special such as handing out programs, or she may be shy and find this to be torture...we are going to ask FI's young cousins - 7 and 10 - to do programs/guestbook, and the nice thing about these jobs is that, unlike a flower girl or ring bearer or jr. bridesmaid, if they get bored or don't like it, they can go sit with mom and dad and people can sign a guest book and pick up the program on their own.

ffmaid

Bridesmaid, jr bridesmaid, reader, singer, alter server, flower girl ( or other religious role if appropriate) guest are the honors. Handing out programs / guest book/flower pinners are jobs nt honors and an 8 year old will be bored out of her skull and not honored

180miles

Thanks for the input! She is very young and shy so I think being a guest will suit her just fine. Thanks!