If you have a (much) younger brother or a favorite nephew or a friend's child who is like a nephew to you, you may want to consider including the youngster in the wedding party as a ringbearer (a job for the very young — think eight and under) or a junior groomsman (something every eight-year-old ringbearer aspires to be). The young man (or men) will dress the part and stand at the altar during the ceremony (if his age allows this for kind of patience).

Stressed out over this choice? Too many kids in your life? Well, there's good news and bad news, depending on how many little guys are in line for the role. You can include more than one junior attendant in your side of the wedding party, but three should be your absolute limit. Should the ringbearer or junior attendant come to the reception? Ask his parents. If he's a very little tyke, he probably won't last long anyway, but if he's nearing middle school, he might cut a rug with your bride all night long. In any event, his parents may or may not want him at the reception, so let them make the call.