Ring-Bearing Tots: A Cute Wedding Idea?

Including a 22-month-old in a wedding ceremony as a ring bearer can be a cute and fun idea, but it's not without its challenges. While some people think toddlers are too young to be ring bearers, others believe that their unpredictability and cuteness make the best stories and memories. If you're considering having a 22-month-old ring bearer, it's essential to be flexible and prepared for any outcome.

At 22 months, the child may not fully understand the concept of a wedding or their role as a ring bearer. They might need guidance or someone to walk them down the aisle. It's also important to consider the child's temperament and whether they are easily distracted or prone to tantrums.

To increase the chances of success, involve the child in the rehearsal, and coordinate with the parents to bring toys or treats to encourage their participation. Ultimately, the decision to include a 22-month-old ring bearer depends on the couple's preference and their level of comfort with potential disruptions during the ceremony.

What is a ring bearer?

A ring bearer is a child who walks down the aisle at a wedding ceremony, usually after the bridesmaids and groomsmen have made their entrance. They are often dressed in miniature suits or tuxedos, and their role is to carry the wedding rings on a pillow to the altar, handing them off to the newlyweds.

The ring bearer is usually a boy, and traditionally, he is a young relative of the bride or groom, such as a nephew or godson. However, girls can also be ring bearers, and they would stand on the bridesmaid's side. The ring bearer is often the son of a close friend or relative of the couple, such as the child of the maid of honour or best man.

The ring bearer is usually between the ages of three and ten, with younger children being more prone to tantrums, crying, and stage fright. The best man usually carries the real rings, while the ring bearer carries fake rings, to avoid any disasters.

The role of the ring bearer is considered a great way to involve young children in a wedding ceremony, but it is not required. If the couple does not know any young boys, they can opt to have a flower girl instead, or forego the tradition altogether.

What age is appropriate for a ring bearer?

The typical age range for a ring bearer is between three and eight years old, or four and twelve years old if you want to adhere to tradition. However, there is no one "correct" age for a ring bearer, and ultimately it is up to the couple to decide.

Children younger than three may be too unpredictable for the role, with a higher likelihood of tantrums, crying, and stage fright. However, some two-year-olds have successfully served as ring bearers with the help of an adult guiding them down the aisle.

If you don't want to include young children in your wedding party, you can assign the role of ring bearer to an adult or even a pet.

What are the pros and cons of having a 22-month-old as a ring bearer?

Including a 22-month-old as a ring bearer in a wedding ceremony has its pros and cons.

Pros:

• It can be a great way to involve a family member in the wedding ceremony and make them feel special.
• A 22-month-old ring bearer can add a cute and entertaining element to the wedding.
• It can be a good opportunity to create memorable moments and stories for years to come.
• The child might surprise everyone and take their role very seriously, strutting and posing for the camera.

Cons:

• A 22-month-old might be too young to understand the significance of the wedding and their role in it.
• They might be unpredictable and prone to tantrums, crying, or stage fright.
• The child could get overwhelmed, distracted, or scared during the ceremony.
• There is a risk of the child not cooperating, having a meltdown, or refusing to walk down the aisle.
• The child's parents or caregivers might need to be flexible and prepared to deal with unexpected behaviour.

Ultimately, the decision to include a 22-month-old as a ring bearer depends on the comfort level of the couple getting married and the child's caregivers. It is essential to be prepared for different scenarios and have backup plans in place if needed.

What are some alternatives to having a 22-month-old as a ring bearer?

If you're looking for alternatives to having a 22-month-old as a ring bearer, here are some ideas to consider:

Assign the Role to an Adult

If you want to stick with the tradition of having a ring bearer but are hesitant to give the role to a toddler, you could assign the role to an adult friend or family member. This could be a fun way to involve a special person in your wedding and create a unique twist on the traditional ring bearer role.

Opt for a Pet Ring Bearer

If you're a pet lover, you could consider having your furry friend serve as the ring bearer. This option adds a charming and delightful element to your ceremony. However, it's important to ensure your venue allows pets and that your pet is well-trained and comfortable in large gatherings.

Have the Best Man or Officiant Handle the Rings

Traditionally, if there is no ring bearer, the best man or officiant can be entrusted with the rings. This is a simple and stress-free alternative, ensuring the rings are in safe hands.

Include the Toddler in a Different Role

If you still want to involve the 22-month-old in your wedding, you could assign them a different role that might be more suitable for their age. For example, they could be a flower girl or boy, or they could be included in the wedding procession with the bridal party.

Create a Romantic Aisle Display

If you prefer to forgo the ring bearer tradition altogether, you can focus on creating a romantic atmosphere for your ceremony. Decorate the aisle with petals, candles, or beautiful flower arrangements. This eliminates the need for a ring bearer while still making your ceremony memorable and enchanting.

Involve Grandparents

Involving grandparents in your ceremony can be a heartwarming alternative to a traditional ring bearer. For example, you could have a grandmother as a flower girl or a grandfather as a ring bearer. This adds a special touch and creates lasting memories for your grandparents.

What are some tips for including a 22-month-old in a wedding?

Including a 22-month-old in a wedding can be a fun and special experience for everyone involved. Here are some tips to help ensure things go smoothly:

Involving the Toddler in the Wedding

• Assign them an appropriate role: While a 22-month-old may be too young to be a ring bearer, they can still participate in other ways. Consider having them walk up or down the aisle with a parent or caregiver, include them in a ritual like a sand ceremony, or give them a special role within the bridal party, such as a flower girl or page boy.
• Rehearse their role: If the toddler has a specific role, such as walking down the aisle, it's a good idea to have them practice beforehand. This can help them feel more comfortable and confident on the big day.
• Include them in special moments: Share a first look with the toddler, include them in a special dance, or have them stand beside you during your vows. These moments will create cherished memories and wonderful photo opportunities.
• Give them a special job: Toddlers often love having a sense of responsibility. Assign them a job that is appropriate for their age, such as handing out wedding programmes or confetti bags to guests.
• Include them in the wedding attire: Dressing the toddler in a comfortable and age-appropriate outfit that coordinates with the bridal party can make them feel included and excited to be a part of the celebration.

Keeping the Toddler Entertained and Comfortable

• Pack a distraction bag: Bring a bag filled with their favourite toys, colouring books, stickers, or small comics to keep them entertained during the ceremony and reception.
• Plan for their comfort: Bring a buggy or stroller to make transportation easier, especially if the venue involves a lot of walking. Also, consider bringing a travel potty for convenience during bathroom breaks.
• Provide kid-friendly food options: Make sure there are toddler-approved food options available to keep them happy and well-fed throughout the day.
• Create a kids' table: Seating children together at their own table can make them feel included and allow them to enjoy age-appropriate activities and conversations.
• Assign a dedicated caregiver: If possible, have a relative or friend dedicated to helping care for the toddler throughout the wedding. This will allow you to relax and enjoy the celebration while knowing your little one is being well looked after.
• Be flexible and embrace the chaos: Remember that toddlers are unpredictable, and things may not always go according to plan. Embrace the laughter and chaos that comes with including a toddler in your wedding, and don't stress over minor hiccups.

Frequently asked questions