The Best Man: Ring-Bearer, A Unique Duty

The best man is typically responsible for keeping the wedding rings safe before the ceremony and holding them during the ceremony until the couple is ready to exchange rings. In some cases, the best man may also act as the ring bearer, carrying the rings down the aisle before handing them off to the couple or the officiant. However, it is more common for the ring bearer to be a young child, usually between the ages of three and eight, who walks down the aisle with the rings tied to a small pillow or box. Ultimately, the decision of who holds the rings and when is up to the couple, and they may choose to have the best man or another trusted adult act as the ring bearer if they prefer.

Who can be a ring bearer?

While the role of ring bearer is traditionally given to a young boy, it is not uncommon for couples to choose a girl, an adult, or even a pet to take on this role. The ring bearer is usually a child of the couple's close friends or family members, such as the son or daughter of the maid of honour or best man, a nephew, godson, or cousin. If the couple has a child, this can be a great way to involve them in the wedding.

The ring bearer is typically between the ages of three and eight, but this can vary depending on the couple's preference. It is important to note that the ring bearer does not have to be directly related to the couple, as long as they have a close connection.

The main duty of the ring bearer is to present the wedding rings to the couple during the ceremony. They usually walk up the aisle with the rings tied to a small pillow or in a ring box. However, it is not uncommon for the ring bearer to carry fake rings, while the best man holds the real rings to ensure their safety. The ring bearer usually walks down the aisle after the last bridesmaid and before the flower girl, if there is one.

Ultimately, the choice of who can be a ring bearer is up to the couple, and they can choose to break tradition and select whoever they see fit for the role.

What does a ring bearer do?

A ring bearer is a wedding party role typically given to young children, who walk down the aisle carrying the wedding rings on a small pillow. The role is usually given to boys, but girls can also be ring bearers. The ring bearer is usually a close relative or friend of the couple, such as a son, nephew, niece, or a child of a close friend.

The ring bearer walks down the aisle after the wedding party and presents the rings to the best man or wedding officiant. The bearer then stands with the wedding party or sits with their parents for the duration of the ceremony.

The role of the ring bearer is symbolic, adding a touch of innocence and charm to the wedding. The rings represent the couple's commitment to each other, and entrusting a young child with this responsibility symbolizes hope for a bright and joyful future together.

While the role is usually given to children, it is not a requirement to have a ring bearer at all. If the couple chooses to include one, they may opt to have the ring bearer carry fake rings to avoid the risk of losing the real rings. The best man traditionally keeps the real rings safe until the ceremony.

The ring bearer should be well-prepared for their role, attending pre-wedding events and rehearsals, and understanding the schedule for the day.

What does a ring bearer wear?

The ring bearer is usually a young boy, typically aged between three and eight years old. There are two common approaches to dressing young ring bearers. The first and most common method is for the ring bearer to wear a miniature version of the groom's outfit, including a jacket, pants, vest, shirt, shoes, bow tie or long tie, pocket square, studs and cufflinks. This is a memorable look, as the ring bearer looks like a mini-groom, but still ties into the overall style of the groom.

The second option is for the ring bearer to wear the same outfit as the best man or groomsmen, which allows him to feel like "one of the guys". This is a good choice for older ring bearers.

For a black-tie event, a tiny tuxedo is a great option, while khakis with bowties and suspenders are perfect for a more casual celebration. If the wedding is in the summer, a pair of shorts with suspenders and a matching bow tie will help the ring bearer keep cool.

If the ring bearer is too small for a tuxedo, another option is to dress him in a shirt, bow tie, suspenders and shoes.

The ring bearer's parents are usually responsible for purchasing his attire, but the couple may choose to pay for the ensemble as a sign of appreciation, or select an accessory that can be integrated into his look.

Does a ring bearer carry the real rings?

The ring bearer is usually a young boy, typically between the ages of three and ten, and is responsible for presenting the wedding rings to the bride and groom. However, the decision of whether the ring bearer carries the real wedding rings or not is entirely up to the couple.

If you're worried about entrusting a young child with something as expensive as a wedding ring, it's a good idea to have the ring bearer carry fake rings and leave the real rings in the care of the best man. The best man can then hold the real rings until the couple is ready to exchange them.

If you do decide to give the ring bearer the real rings, it's best to hand them over just before they start walking down the aisle to avoid the risk of them getting lost.

Some couples choose to secure the rings to a ribbon tied around their favourite poem or scripture, place the rings in a bouquet, or even have the wedding rings carried in a briefcase labelled 'Ring Security'.

Does a ring bearer need to attend the rehearsal and reception?

The ring bearer is a wedding party role typically given to young children, usually boys aged between three and eight. However, there are no steadfast rules when it comes to choosing a ring bearer, and the role can be performed by a girl, an adult, or even a pet.

The ring bearer has one of the most important jobs in the ceremony: presenting the wedding rings to the bride and groom. The bearer usually walks down the aisle after the maid of honour and bridesmaids, and before the flower girl, carrying the rings on a pillow or in a box.

If you are having a rehearsal dinner, this is a great opportunity to practice the aisle walk with the ring bearer so that they know what they are doing. As an integral part of the ceremony, the ring bearer will also need to attend the rehearsal and should be invited to the reception. However, if your ring bearer is a child and your reception is a childless event, it is up to you to decide whether to invite them.

Frequently asked questions