Page boy and ring bearer outfit guide
Quick answers
- Same job, different name: “page boy” is the usual term in Australia, New Zealand and the UK; “ring bearer” is used in the US and Canada.
- Usual age: 3–8 years. Boys of about 9–14 are often junior groomsmen or ushers instead.
- What to wear: a mini version of the groomsmen's outfit – a 3-piece suit, or a waistcoat, trousers and bow tie in the same colour.
- Toddlers: a soft 4–5 piece set with an elastic waist is easiest to wear all day.
- When to order: 4–8 weeks before the wedding. Tracked delivery to Australia, the US, Canada and the UK takes 7–9 business days.
Page boy or ring bearer: what's the difference?
| Country | Usual name | What he usually does |
|---|---|---|
| Australia & New Zealand | Page boy | Walks with the flower girl, may carry the rings, a sign or the bride's train |
| United Kingdom | Page boy | Walks ahead of the bride; may carry the rings or a sign |
| United States | Ring bearer | Carries a ring pillow or ring box down the aisle |
| Canada | Ring bearer | Carries a ring pillow or ring box down the aisle |
In practice the roles overlap: a ring bearer is a page boy who carries the rings. Many couples give a young child a decoy ring pillow or a sign (“Here comes the bride”) and leave the real rings with the best man.
How old should a page boy or ring bearer be?
Most are between 3 and 8 years old. Children under 3 can do it with a parent or an older child walking alongside. From about 9, many boys prefer a more grown-up role such as junior groomsman or usher, wearing a suit like the groomsmen's.
What should a page boy or ring bearer wear?
1. A mini groomsman suit
The classic choice: a 3-piece suit in the groomsmen's colour with a matching tie or bow tie. See our boys suits and tuxedos.
2. Waistcoat, trousers and bow tie
Smart, cooler than a full suit, and ideal for summer and outdoor weddings. Add braces for a vintage look. See our waistcoats and kids ties and bow ties.
3. A 4–5 piece toddler set
For boys under about 4: shirt, waistcoat, trousers and bow tie (sometimes a jacket) in one set, with an elastic waist. See our toddler suits and the baby and toddler suit guide.
4. A tuxedo
For black-tie weddings, or when the groomsmen wear tuxedos. A tuxedo-style set with a bow tie is easier for small boys than a full tuxedo.
5. Shorts and a shirt for beach weddings
For a relaxed beach or garden wedding, tailored shorts, a white or pastel shirt and a bow tie or braces look smart and keep him cool.
How do you match him with the wedding party?
- Groomsmen: the same suit colour, or the same tie or bow tie colour, is the easiest way to connect him.
- Flower girl: pick up her dress colour in his tie, bow tie or pocket square. Our flower girl dress guide covers her side of the look.
- Season: light grey, beige and light blue for spring and summer; navy, charcoal and burgundy accents for autumn and winter.
Sizing and comfort tips
- Measure his height, chest and waist and compare them with the size chart on the product page (in centimetres; 1 inch = 2.54 cm). Between sizes, choose the larger one.
- Some of our suits are Mix & Match: you choose the jacket, waistcoat and trouser sizes separately for a better fit.
- Choose an elastic or adjustable waist for young boys, and a pre-tied bow tie.
- Let him wear the outfit and shoes at home before the day so nothing feels new or scratchy.
- Have a practice walk at the rehearsal, and plan a reward for after the ceremony.
Not sure about the size? Send us his measurements through our free size consultation.
When should you order?
4–8 weeks before the wedding. Tracked delivery to Australia, the US, Canada and the UK takes 7–9 business days, and the extra weeks leave time for a size exchange. In Australia and New Zealand the busiest wedding months are October–November and March–April; in the US, Canada and the UK, roughly May to October.
Delivery and exchanges
- Tracked delivery in 7–9 business days to Australia, the USA, the UK and Canada, with prices in your own currency.
- Exchange once within 28 days, unworn with tags attached. Outfits with the purple “Free Size Exchange · Free Return” badge include a free return label for a new size. See Return & Exchange.
Frequently asked questions
Is a ring bearer the same as a page boy?
Nearly. “Ring bearer” is the American and Canadian term for the boy who carries the rings; “page boy” is used in Australia, New Zealand and the UK, and he may or may not carry the rings.
What age is a page boy?
Usually 3 to 8. Older boys often become junior groomsmen or ushers.
Does the page boy have to match the groomsmen?
Not exactly, but matching the suit colour or the tie colour makes the photos look planned. A waistcoat and bow tie in the groomsmen's colour is a comfortable alternative to a full suit.
Should a ring bearer carry the real rings?
For young children, most couples use a ring pillow or box with decoy rings, and the best man keeps the real rings.
What should a toddler page boy wear?
A soft 4–5 piece set – shirt, waistcoat, trousers and pre-tied bow tie – with an elastic waist, in the groomsmen's colour or navy or grey.
Written by the Lucy's team in Auckland, New Zealand – children's formal wear specialists since 1996. Updated November 2026. Browse our boys suits, toddler suits and bow ties.
