Ring Bearer Role: Suitable For 10-Year-Olds?

While the typical age range for a ring bearer is between four and twelve years old, a ten-year-old can certainly be a ring bearer. Ultimately, it is the couple's wedding, and they can decide how they want the rings to be presented and by whom.

Is a 10-year-old too old to be a ring bearer?

A 10-year-old is not too old to be a ring bearer. In fact, children between the ages of five and ten are considered the best candidates for ring-bearing duties as they are old enough to walk down the aisle with minimal issues and can be relied on to carry out tasks. The typical age range for a ring bearer is between four and twelve years old, so a 10-year-old falls within this bracket.

If you are concerned about a 10-year-old being too old for the role, there are alternative options. You could have multiple ring bearers of varying ages, or you could assign the role to an adult. Ultimately, it is your wedding, so you can make whatever choices you feel are needed to ensure you are comfortable and your guests feel included.

If you are worried about a 10-year-old getting bored or distracted during the ceremony, there are some tricks you can employ to keep them engaged. You could give them a slightly more complicated task, such as throwing petals, blowing bubbles, or waving ribbon wands. You could also provide them with a small toy or treat to keep them occupied until it is their turn to shine.

It is also a good idea to have them attend the wedding rehearsal so they can meet the other members of the wedding party and familiarise themselves with the surroundings. This will help to reduce any nerves or anxiety they may have on the day.

What are some appropriate gifts for a 10-year-old ring bearer?

A 10-year-old ring bearer is likely to be excited about participating in a wedding and taking on an important role. Here are some thoughtful gift ideas to thank them for their involvement and make them feel appreciated:

Gifts for the Day of the Wedding

• Personalised glasses or funny glasses to wear during the ceremony.
• A ring bearer tote bag or duffel bag filled with treats and activities.
• A ring bearer superhero cape to make them feel like a superhero on the day.
• A ring bearer t-shirt or baseball tee with a fun message such as "ring security".
• Personalised sunglasses to make them feel like a VIP.
• A ring bearer ring pop box with a ring pop and other treats.
• A wedding colouring book and crayons to keep them entertained.

Gifts to Enjoy After the Wedding

• A personalised Football, Baseball, Soccer Ball, or Hockey Stick to enjoy outdoors.
• A pocket watch to make them feel like "one of the guys".
• A personalised Backpack for camping, hiking, school, or vacationing.
• A custom guitar pick if they play the guitar.
• Lego or game sets if you're having a game-themed wedding.
• A water bottle to stay hydrated.
• A dog tag with their name on it.
• A book from a popular series such as Harry Potter, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, or A Series of Unfortunate Events.
• A locked box to keep their treasures safe.
• A boy's diary such as Wreck This Book.
• An iTunes gift card if they have an iPod.

What are the pros and cons of having a 10-year-old ring bearer?

A 10-year-old ring bearer is on the older side for this role, but can be a good choice depending on the dynamics of your wedding. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide:

Pros:

• A 10-year-old is likely to be more responsible and reliable than a younger child. They can be trusted to carry out tasks and won't need constant supervision.
• At this age, the child can understand the importance of their role and will likely feel honoured to be included in the wedding.
• A 10-year-old will probably be excited about participating and won't need to be coaxed or bribed to walk down the aisle.
• You can give them more complicated tasks, such as carrying the real rings, and they will be able to follow instructions.
• They will be able to dress more independently and may even be able to get ready with the groomsmen, giving them a special role.

Cons:

• A 10-year-old may be less enthusiastic about wearing a costume or special outfit, especially if it is very formal or fussy.
• Their attention span may be shorter than an adult's, and they may get bored or fidgety during the ceremony or rehearsal.
• While they are less likely to have a tantrum than a younger child, a 10-year-old may still get overwhelmed or distracted and could benefit from having a parent or friendly face nearby.
• Depending on their height, a 10-year-old may not create the cute factor that younger children bring to the role.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the dynamics of your wedding party. If you have a special 10-year-old in mind, including them as a ring bearer can be a wonderful way to make them feel important and involved in your big day.

What are some tips for including a 10-year-old ring bearer in the wedding?

Including a 10-year-old ring bearer in a wedding can be a great way to involve a special young person in the ceremony and create some adorable photo opportunities. Here are some tips to ensure the ring bearer feels included and has a positive experience:

Involving the Ring Bearer in the Planning

• Involve them in the rehearsal: Including the ring bearer in the wedding rehearsal can help them feel more comfortable and confident about their role. It gives them an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the surroundings and meet the other members of the wedding party.
• Ask about their interests: Consider the ring bearer's interests when planning their outfit and props. For example, if they love dinosaurs, a dinosaur-themed backpack could be a fun addition to their attire.
• Give them a say in their attire: While their outfit should align with the wedding theme, involving the ring bearer in choosing their attire can make them feel more excited about their role. For example, they could choose between a few different bow tie options or select their favourite colour for their ring bearer tote bag.
• Propose to them creatively: There are many creative ways to propose to a ring bearer and make them feel special. Some ideas include sending a video of the engaged couple asking, mailing a handwritten note, or giving them a gift box with some of their favourite goodies.

On the Wedding Day

• Keep them entertained: Provide the ring bearer with activities and toys to keep them occupied before and after their walk down the aisle. A wedding colouring book or a glow-in-the-dark terrarium kit can help keep them entertained.
• Incentivise good behaviour: Keep snacks and toys on hand to reward good behaviour. A small treat or their favourite snack can go a long way in encouraging the ring bearer to walk down the aisle confidently.
• Have a backup plan: It is always a good idea to have a backup plan in case the ring bearer gets cold feet or decides they don't want to participate at the last minute. The best man can keep the rings as a precaution.
• Don't stress the small things: Remember that a little unpredictability adds charm to the ceremony. Wedding guests are used to seeing flower girls and ring bearers being themselves, whether that means waving to guests, stopping to say hi, or even throwing a tantrum.
• Position a friendly face at the end of the aisle: Having a parent or another familiar face at the end of the aisle can help encourage the ring bearer to keep walking and provide a sense of comfort.
• Practise beforehand: Practising the walk down the aisle a few times can help build the ring bearer's confidence and reduce nerves.

What are some alternatives to having a 10-year-old ring bearer?

If you're looking for alternatives to having a 10-year-old ring bearer, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to consider:

• The Best Man or Maid of Honour: As long as they have a secure pocket, having the best man or maid of honour carry the rings is a safe and convenient option. They can then hand the rings to the officiant when the time comes.
• The Officiant: If you're having a small ceremony without a large wedding party, the officiant can hold onto the rings during the ceremony.
• The Flower Girl: If you've already decided to have a flower girl, you can have her carry the ring pillow inside her flower basket. This option combines the duties of both roles and avoids the need for an additional person in the wedding party.
• The Couple: While it may not be the most romantic option, the couple getting married can hold onto their own wedding rings. This ensures that the rings are secure and readily available during the ceremony.
• An Adult Family Member: If you prefer to have an adults-only wedding party or want to include adult loved ones in the ceremony, consider assigning the role of ring bearer to an adult family member such as aunts, uncles, or grandparents. This is a wonderful way to make them feel special and involved in your big day.
• A Pet: Including your pet, such as a dog, cat, or even a llama, as the ring bearer can be a unique and memorable option. Just make sure to choose a calm and well-trained animal that is comfortable around people and crowds.
• A Remote-Controlled Car: For a dramatic entrance, the rings can be placed in a box inside a remote-controlled car, driven by the ring bearer or managed by someone else in the wedding party.
• A Sign: This option is versatile, inexpensive, and easy to execute. You can showcase your sense of humour by writing lighthearted phrases on the sign, such as "I'm just here for the cake" or "Has anyone seen the rings?".
• A Briefcase: For a professional and sleek look, especially for black-tie affairs, the ring bearer can carry the rings in a briefcase. This adds a sense of importance and security to the role.

Remember, the choice of ring bearer is ultimately up to you and should reflect your personal preferences and the theme of your wedding. Get creative and choose an option that aligns with your vision for your special day!

Frequently asked questions