So the big day is about to arrive; and in preparation for the occasion of your wedding, you have selected the perfect young man to fill the role of your ring bearer.

Ah, but the question is, is the child himself prepared for the role that plays such an integral role in the biggest occasion of your life?

No pressure there, right? You yourself are probably stressing the day of your wedding; so just imagine how a young child or teen must feel; especially if they have to hold or keep track of the ring—perhaps the most important symbol in the ceremony. Here are a few practical tips on how to groom the ring bearer:

• Make sure that the young man understands the duties and responsibilities that come with the position of ring bearer. This isn’t the easiest role in the wedding, so be sure that the boy knows when to claim the ring, when to carry it, and when to hand it off to the best man. The ring bearer is, in some ways, the second best man in any given wedding—make sure he knows and understands this role.
• At the same time, encourage the ring bearer to ‘ring in’ the festivities and have fun. A wedding is a loving and festive occasion, especially for the young people involved—encourage him to look forward to and celebrate the festivities.
• Let the ring bearer know that he doesn’t have to be perfect; after all, no one else in the ceremony will be; everyone is bound to make a mistake or two. And all will be forgiven in the name of love and family.
• Encourage the ring bearer to get the hang of it—or perhaps the ring of it. The more he understands and practices his duties, the more confident he’ll be on the big day.