To think that's it will be impossible to get a 3yr old page boy to stand still

[FlutterShyPinkiePie]

DS1, age 3 has been asked to be a page boy and I was thrilled to bits. However I am now more than a bit worried about the day.

Apparently, being so young, he has no 'role' other than to look cute and be in the photographs. Great, except he doesn't stand still. Ever.

99% of the photos I have of him are blurry as he just doesn't stop moving. Even during meals, despite our best efforts he wriggles, fidgets and tries to escape to run about. I refer to him as the Tasmanian devil.

All I can think of is chocolate buttons as bribes (but the sugar might make it worse) or rigging up a giant tv in front of where the photos are being taken to play ITNG (probably not feasible)

It's going to be impossible isn't it?

If you have a highly active toddler, yes, it might be impossible. But he's three, and as long as he looks cute in a couple of photos after the event which I'm sure he will, then nothing else matters.

You might find the little suit helps him stay still long enough for a decent photo.

YABU - I had 2 18 month page boys - mind you it was snowing so they were frozen to the spot.

He won't stand still for a second!

Let him come up and sit on your knee if he wants to. The bride won't notice as she'll be far too busy staring into her new DHs eyes! If he really is a nuisance, take him outside to play for a minute or two.

You'll probably also find that some of the most memorable moments will be when he runs up to the Vicar, or knocks the little bridesmaid over whilst dancing with her! He will be funny and help all those strait-laced solemn grown-ups to relax and get back to reality!

Honestly, he and you will love the day, so relax, let him be a bit of a monster [to a point obviously] and create some memories!

Love it, my friend might hate me if I pray for snow though! He's wearing a kilt too, so if anything he'll have even more freedom

You should worry!
When my sister and I were bridesmaids at a rather posh wedding, halfway through the blurb she got out an old tobacco tin full of maggots and started playing with them.

It'll be fine. If the couple use a professional photographer they'll probably be used to dealing with children and they'll have expensive cameras with fast shutter speeds to take action shots. He won't need to be in all the photos and with digital equipment these days photographers can take thousands of shots and pick the best ones.

my son wasnt much cop as a ring bearer, he had every one laughing when he refused to hand over the rings. He look cute in a little suit so all forgiven

X-posted. A 3yo in a kilt! Adorable :)

We had a 3 year old ring bearer. Very cute, if a bit reluctant at his job. Everyone did an "Awwww" and giggled when he finally handed us the rings. He was funny and totally relaxed the mood. He looks mega grumpy in all the pictures, but extremely cute in his little suit. He is 8 now and absolutely cringes at those pics!

My DS was a 3yo pageboy, in a kilt too! He is not really smiling in the photos, instead going for a more bemused expression, and there are only around 3 photos where he is actually looking at the photographer. Still cute though! ;)

DD is lying in the grooms arms, having a hug, in one picture. She looks very cute.

You would be surprised. My 3 year old doesn't stop running and he was a pageboy recently. But when the photos came back the photographer had somehow managed to entertain him for a moment or two, and got some really beautiful photos. Don't stress, it will be fine.

See I wouldn't even mind maggots (maybe) if I knew he would stand still in the pictures!

Hopefully he will do the cute bit well and maybe I will just have to book a hypnotist to stand in front of him for the formal shots!

I hadn't thought about the shutter speeds, multiple pics etc, that's reassuring (& maybe I can blame the photographer!!)

Meant to say thanks for all the stories too, they're making me feel calmer, I'm sure it will be fine and hopefully they'll get some nice informal pics

You'll have to go for a combination of big bribes, and perhaps seeing if someone in the group photos can hold him down.

Take something new...a few pocket money toys...bribe him with a new one for each stressful moment. I did this on the plane to Australia with my toddlers.

Little surprise toys, to be produced at crucial moments . My two year old grandson was a page boy recently at my youngest son's wedding, and we grandparents had a variety of tiny new toys hidden in various bags/sporrans. If he got restless at any point during the day, he was quickly distracted.

He also wore the full kilt outfit, complete with Argyll jacket and brogues - and much to everyone's surprise, he was delighted with himself. He stood at the front alongside his daddy who was best man, but near grandparents and mummy.

There's a lovely video shot of the moment during the ceremony when he realised he could get the kilt pleats to swing by gently rocking back and forth on his heels. He brought a smile to everyone's face.

Baby - that sounds so lovely. The small toys idea is great, will be going v prepared.

i took a packed lunch & picnic blanket & set out an impromptu lunch on the lawn of the venue. that occupied my kids for a while, they tend to get hyper when hungry.

A magic bag of treats, toys and bubbles. capture his attention by asking what's in the bag?