The ring bearer, traditionally a small boy aged four to eight, walks down the aisle just before the flower girl, carrying a pillow with two rings tied to it. Since it's not the greatest idea to entrust gold rings to a rambunctious 6-year-old, the rings are usually fakes.

Are you the trusting sort? Well, if you trust the little prince with your jewelry, at least have someone hand him the pillow replete with real rings just before he begins trekking down the aisle. If he gets hold of them too far in advance, it's more likely he'll lose them.

Whatever you choose to have the ring bearer carry, be sure he's told about his duties ahead of time. It's probably best to include him in the rehearsal dinner, so the full implications of his duties (walking down an aisle all by himself with a hundred people watching) don't come as a big shock.

You'll probably want to choose a young family member. Perhaps your first or second cousins already have children. You can also choose a godchild or a family friend. If you don't know any young boys, don't sweat it: Having a ring bearer is a great way to include young family members in your wedding ceremony, but a ring bearer isn't a necessity. In most cases, the best man will be holding the real rings anyhow.

They can wear a miniature tux of the groom and groomsmen, or a dark matching suit is fine.

~ photo courtesy of Tonesha Housen