7 Ways to Keep Flower Girls and Ring Bearers Happy

Your attendants function as the drumroll that heralds your walk down the aisle—and the most popular ones are always the littlest. Flower girls and ring bearers add warmth and charm to your wedding, but they require extra attention. Here's how to keep them smiling.

No outfit, however adorable, is worth it if it's so itchy or cumbersome that it makes performing wedding-party duties a challenge. The same goes for hair and for shoes, which should look special but be sturdy enough for tender feet (think sparkly tops and thicker soles). Also ask moms to bring cardigans in case it gets cold.

Chances are your attendants' parents will be involved in buying their kids' attire, but if you are doing the shopping well in advance, remember, kids grow like weeds. Look for the size they'll be, not the one they are.

You'll want children to attend your rehearsal for a trial run in the actual ceremony space. But even before that, consider having them try on their clothes and walk down a hallway a few times to get into the swing of things.

Between getting ready for pre-ceremony photos, the vows, and more pics afterward, there's a lot of sitting around on the day-of—and mini-mes will be antsy. Pack simple activities, like sticker books, to help pass the time.

A hungry child is a meltdown in the making. Have a stash of non-staining treats on hand (think granola bars, cheese sticks, or cheese sandwiches, and leave the blue lollipops at home).

You'll be too busy getting married to make sure everyone is happy. Appoint an adult to be the child minder in the run-up to the ceremony. If none of your 'maids or groomsmen has experience with children, ask a parent of a flower girl or ring bearer to pitch in, or hire a sitter.

Younger kids may need an incentive to get down that intimidating aisle, so have a loved one waiting for them at the end with open arms (and the promise of a small prize for a job well done). And, just as you're giving gifts to grown-up attendants, choose something thoughtful (and not too expensive) for the little ones, too, whether it's a necklace or a model airplane.