A ring bearer is a young boy or girl who carries the wedding rings down the aisle during the ceremony.
This role is typically given to a child between the ages of three and ten, often a relative or close family friend of the bride and groom.
The ring bearer traditionally walks down the aisle after the bridesmaids and groomsmen, carrying the rings on a decorative pillow.
The role is symbolic, and in most cases, the rings on the pillow are not the actual rings to be exchanged during the ceremony. The real rings are usually kept with the best man for safekeeping.
Let’s get straight to the point
A ring bearer is a young child, traditionally a boy but sometimes a girl, who carries the wedding rings down the aisle during the ceremony.
The role is symbolic, with the child often carrying fake rings on a decorative pillow, while the best man holds the real ones. The ring bearer is typically aged three to ten and is usually a close relative or family friend of the couple.
Choosing a ring bearer involves considering the child’s relationship to the couple and their ability to handle the responsibility. With proper preparation and practice, the ring bearer adds a charming and memorable touch to the wedding.
The Role of a Ring Bearer in a Wedding Ceremony
The ring bearer’s main duty is to carry the rings down the aisle and present them to the bride and groom or the officiant.
The rings are often tied to a small pillow or placed in a special box, which the child carries carefully.
Once the ring bearer reaches the altar, they hand off the rings and can either stand with the wedding party or sit with their parents for the rest of the ceremony.
This part of the wedding is often adorable, especially if the ring bearer is very young.
How to Choose a Ring Bearer
Choosing a ring bearer is a personal decision for the couple. The child selected is typically someone special to the bride and groom, such as a nephew, godchild, or close friend’s child.
The child’s relationship with the couple is often a key factor in the decision. In some cases, couples may have more than one ring bearer, especially if there are multiple young children they want to involve in the ceremony.
Age Range
The ideal age for a ring bearer is between three and ten years old. Younger children may need assistance walking down the aisle, while older children can handle the task independently.
It’s important to consider the child’s maturity level and comfort with being in front of a crowd. If the child is very young, it’s a good idea to have a bridesmaid or groomsman escort them down the aisle to avoid any accidents or stage fright.
Gender Considerations
Traditionally, the role of the ring bearer is given to a boy, but there’s no rule that says a girl can’t serve as the ring bearer. Some couples choose to have a girl take on the role, especially if there are no boys in the family.
The girl may wear a special outfit that complements the flower girl or the overall wedding theme. The most important thing is that the child is comfortable with the role and enjoys being part of the ceremony.
Relationship to the Couple
When choosing a ring bearer, the couple typically looks for a child they have a strong connection with, whether through family ties or a close friendship. Nephews, godchildren, and children of close friends are often chosen.
It’s also common for couples to ask the children of friends who had their own child serve as ring bearer in a previous wedding, creating a reciprocal arrangement.
What a Ring Bearer Wears
The ring bearer’s outfit usually reflects the formality of the wedding. For formal weddings, the ring bearer often wears a miniature version of the groom’s tuxedo or suit.
In more casual weddings, the child may wear a simpler outfit, such as a dress shirt and pants.
The ring bearer’s outfit should coordinate with the rest of the wedding party, but it’s important to choose something that is comfortable for the child to wear for several hours.
Traditional Attire
In traditional weddings, the ring bearer wears a suit or tuxedo similar to the groomsmen.
This miniaturised version of the groom’s attire helps the child feel like an important part of the wedding party. A classic look for young boys is a short suit or an Eton jacket paired with a bowtie or tie.
Coordinating with the Flower Girl
If the wedding includes a flower girl, the ring bearer’s outfit should complement hers.
For instance, if the flower girl is wearing a white dress, the ring bearer might wear a suit with a white shirt or a tie that matches the colour of the bridesmaids’ dresses. This coordination helps create a unified look for the wedding party.
Preparing the Ring Bearer for the Ceremony
The key to ensuring the ring bearer performs his or her role well is preparation.
Children can be unpredictable, so it’s important to give them plenty of practice before the big day.
A rehearsal the night before the wedding is essential, as it helps the child understand what they will be expected to do during the ceremony.
Practice Walking Down the Aisle
The ring bearer should practice walking down the aisle several times before the wedding.
This can be done at the rehearsal dinner or during any wedding rehearsals. If the child is very young, you may want to have an adult walk with them to provide guidance and support.
Walking down the aisle in front of a crowd can be intimidating for young children, so the more practice they have, the more comfortable they’ll be on the wedding day.
Discuss the Importance of the Role
It can be helpful to explain the significance of the ring bearer’s role to the child.
Let them know that they are helping the bride and groom by carrying the rings, which are a symbol of love and commitment.
Making the child feel proud and important can help them take their role seriously and reduce the chances of any mishaps.
Ceremony Duties of the Ring Bearer
During the wedding ceremony, the ring bearer’s primary responsibility is to carry the rings down the aisle.
They typically follow the bridesmaids and groomsmen, walking ahead of the flower girl. The rings are usually tied to a small pillow, but some couples opt for a special ring box or other creative container.
The ring bearer hands off the rings once they reach the altar and then either stands with the wedding party or sits with their parents.
Carrying the Rings
It’s common to use fake rings on the pillow, especially if the ring bearer is very young.
The real rings are usually kept safe with the best man, who will present them when it’s time for the ring exchange. This prevents any accidents, such as the rings falling off the pillow or being misplaced.
After the Ceremony
After the ring bearer hands over the rings, their job is done. Depending on the child’s age and the couple’s preferences, the ring bearer may stand with the wedding party for the remainder of the ceremony or sit with their parents.
Once the ceremony is over, the ring bearer can join the recessional, walking back down the aisle with the wedding party.
Reception Duties of the Ring Bearer
At the reception, the ring bearer doesn’t have any specific duties, but they are still considered part of the wedding party.
If there are formal introductions at the beginning of the reception, the ring bearer may be introduced along with the rest of the bridal party.
However, young children may be tired after the ceremony and may not want to participate in all of the reception activities.
Seating at the Reception
The ring bearer and their family are typically seated near the front of the reception venue, close to the head table.
If the ring bearer is older or closely related to the couple, they may be seated at the head table with the bride and groom. Otherwise, the child can sit with their parents.
Participation in Reception Activities
While the ring bearer is welcome to participate in the dancing and other reception activities, it’s important to remember that young children may tire easily.
The child’s parents may decide to leave the reception early, especially if the ring bearer is very young.
It’s a good idea to plan for this possibility and ensure that the couple’s expectations align with what the child is capable of handling.
Importance of a Ring Bearer in a Wedding
The ring bearer plays a special role in the wedding, symbolising the importance of the rings in the marriage ceremony.
Although the role is mostly symbolic, it adds a charming and memorable moment to the ceremony. Having a ring bearer can also be a meaningful way to include a young family member or close friend in the wedding.
Conclusion
A ring bearer is a key part of many wedding ceremonies, responsible for carrying the rings down the aisle and presenting them to the bride and groom.
Choosing the right ring bearer involves considering the child’s age, relationship with the couple, and ability to handle the role.
With proper preparation and support from parents, the ring bearer can confidently fulfil their duties and add a special touch to the wedding ceremony.
Whether the child is a young boy, a girl, or even a pet, the ring bearer brings charm and significance to this important day.
The ring bearer’s role doesn’t require a great deal of responsibility, but it holds significant symbolic value in the wedding.
By carefully choosing a ring bearer, preparing them for their duties, and ensuring they are comfortable, couples can create a memorable and meaningful moment in their ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the ring bearer do with the rings?
The ring bearer is a direct name for his role. That is to carry the ring down the aisle to the altar. It is a young male between the ages of five and ten. Any younger and you may have trouble having them pay attention or they may get fussy.
Who carries the rings in a wedding?
In a traditional ceremony, the ring keeper is the Best Man, and he holds the rings until called upon for the Ring Exchange in the wedding ceremony.
But it doesn’t have to be the Best Man; anything goes here. I’ve had couples choose one ring to go to the Best Man and the other to the Maid of Honour.
Who picks the ring bearer?
Typically the ring bearer is the nephew of the bride or groom, or the child of the maid of honour, best man, or another close friend.
How old is a ring bearer in a wedding?
One of the most adorable parts of any wedding is the charming duo of a flower girl and ring bearer.
Typically the age range most appropriate for a ring bearer or flower girl falls between ages 4 to 10 years old. However, weddings today showcase toddlers and even infants in these distinguished roles.
Do ring bearers actually carry the rings?
The ring bearer carries fake rings. Yes, you’ll surprisingly be using decoy rings for the ring bearer to carry down the aisle. The Best Man should hold onto the REAL rings in his pocket.
