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Find the perfect outfit for the children in your wedding

Sharing your big day with the children in your life -- siblings, nieces, nephews or your own -- is one of the best parts of a wedding. It's dress-up, but in some of the nicest clothing they'll ever wear.

Boys as ring bearers are transformed into little men with their dapper tuxes and boutonnieres. Flower girls can pretend they're the bride in adorable white lace dresses. The key to dressing children in wedding attire is to remember they're kids. Don't make the flower girls wear bright makeup or the ring bearer a too-tight bow tie. And do let them have fun.

Flower girls are usually between the ages of 3 and 10. To make pre-teens feel more grown-up, try a tiara or satin dress and shoes with small heels.

Younger girls love lots of bows and ribbons -- from a flowered wreath to a silky dress to ruffled socks and slippers.

"Flower girls love Bear Feet ballet slippers, because they fit like a glove," says Ellen Profitt of St. Charles’ Baby Petunia.

And don't forget that flower girls and the bride's trainbearers can be dressed in light pastels to match the bridesmaids' dresses.

Like the girls in the wedding, ring bearers generally are between the ages of 3 and 10. Boys at that age usually are apprehensive about getting dressed up, so make sure they try on their formal outfits ahead of the big day to avoid frustration or tears.

Unfortunately, kids have a shorter attention span than adults do. So make sure that your cute carriers know their jobs are important and appreciated. Tell children that their participation in the wedding is a big deal for them and important to you.

When the big day is over, don’t forget your special helpers. No child can resist a present, so take some time to pick out inexpensive toys, books or candy for the kids to show your gratitude.