How to Replace the Wedding Ring Bearer at the Last Minute

Part of the fun of weddings is that something always goes wrong. The trick is to keep it all in perspective because ultimately it's about two people who love each other and pledge their lives together. If the mother of the ring bearer calls 10 minutes before the wedding, telling you how he is vomiting all over everything, keep calm. You can replace him easily and keep the crisis under wraps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Select another ring bearer from the healthy small boys you see around you. The time has passed for balancing tasks between families; right now you need a boy who can walk. His formality can approximate that of the wedding party; if they are all in black tuxedos, he will stand out in a good way in his blue suit (or blazer). Bribe him with a promise of something later if he performs correctly (maybe a ride in the limo).
2. Place him alongside the flower girl. Although the ring bearer traditionally precedes the flower girl, this replacement has not practiced, so he will have to follow her lead. Of course, this means you must select a young man who will not hit, pinch, tease or make faces at the flower girl--so her brother is a poor choice.
3. Situation someone at the altar who can direct the ring bearer. Normally, the best man tells the ring bearer what to do once he gets in front of the witnesses. You may need to provide extra direction to seat the ring bearer once he has done his job of leading the procession.
4. Follow through on your promise of special treatment to acknowledge his help. Depending on the circumstances, thank his parent, announce his help at the reception or come through on that limo ride. This crisis could turn into a windfall for both you and the lucky youngster.