Is there anything more adorable than the smallest members of the wedding party? We're talking precious little girls all dressed up, their hair styled in “princess” hairdos, walking down the aisle scattering rose petals. Then there are those handsome little boys in miniature tuxes carrying the wedding rings tied to a ring pillow.

While you can never be quite sure about how they'll behave that day — they are, after all, children — you can depend on having them be a very special part of your day. Since parents have enough expenses, they'll appreciate your help in keeping down the costs of the clothing.

Not Just Playing Dress Up

You can find flower-girl and junior-bridesmaid dresses in a bridal store, of course, but also in the regular children's section of a department store, especially at holiday time.

A dress that's displayed for a Christmas party can be wonderful for a wedding, too. Ask the parent to buy the dress in the size she anticipates the child will be when the wedding takes place. Prices for holiday dresses, especially through after-holiday sales, can be a significant savings. Pageant stores can also be a source of dresses for a flower girl.

Looks for children tend to stay in style for a long time. You would be safe, for instance, in using a dress worn in a wedding a few years earlier, perhaps by a sibling or a cousin.

Some dresses can even be dyed a different color for a fresh look. Try adding a new sash in a color to match the bridal attendants or sew some silk flowers or sparkly trim on an old dress to add charm.

Ring bearers, like the groomsmen, are easier to shop for. You can buy or rent a little tuxedo at a bridal salon. For a more casual look, you can buy a regular suit at a department store or let the ring bearer wear a suit he already owns. Buy him a tie to match the groomsmen so that he'll fit right in.

Go Online for Bargains

eBay and other online auctions are an invaluable source of formalwear for little girls and boys. The clothing has usually been worn just one time. Some bridal-wear and formalwear stores also sell new items online. Either way, the seller must state whether the clothing is new or used. Remember that you can always have clothing professionally dry-cleaned if you buy it used.

Baskets and Pillows

Bridal salons strategically lay out flower-girl baskets and ring-bearer pillows for brides to notice when they shop for themselves. However, you can easily save money by buying or renting these items yourself.

You'll find baskets in all sizes at any crafts store, which you can spray-paint whatever color you like and then attach ribbons to the handles to make them fancier. For a variation of the traditional flower-girl image, you can forgo the basket and let your flower girl carry a mini bouquet or pomander.

Making your own pillow for your ring bearer ensures that you save money and get the design you like the best. You can pick the fabric and color you prefer and accent it with ribbons or appliqués. There's no rule that says the ring bearer needs a pillow, either. You can have him carry the rings in a jewelry box you inherited from your great-grandmother or another piece that has a special significance for you or your fiancé.