Infant Ring Bearers: A Good Idea?

can you have an infant be a ring bearer

A ring bearer is a wedding party role typically given to young children, usually between the ages of three and eight. However, some couples choose to have infants as their ring bearers. While this can add a touch of innocence and charm to the wedding, it's important to consider the child's temperament and maturity, as well as the potential need for a backup plan.

If you're considering having an infant as your ring bearer, there are a few options to ensure their safe participation. One option is to have the parent(s) carry the baby down the aisle, coordinating their attire to show their significance. Another option is to decorate a wagon or carriage for the baby to sit in, perhaps with their favourite doll or toy to make them feel more secure. Alternatively, if the baby needs help standing but can move their legs, a personalised walker in the wedding colours can be a cute solution and a nice gift for the baby.

It's also worth noting that there's no rule that the ring bearer must walk down the aisle. If the baby is too young, you can include them in other ways, such as having a picture and a cute biography in the program. Ultimately, the decision to include an infant as a ring bearer is a personal choice, and it's essential to communicate clearly with the baby's parents to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Characteristics Values
Age Traditionally between 3 and 8 years old, but can be younger with assistance
Relationship to the couple Close relatives or friends of the couple, e.g. nieces, nephews, or children of close friends
Temperament Should be considered when choosing a ring bearer; ensure a backup plan is in place
Attendance Should be present at the wedding rehearsal and any pre-wedding events
Outfit Should complement the wedding party's outfits and be comfortable for the child
Walk down the aisle Should walk slowly and confidently, usually ahead of the flower girl or before the bride
Ring pillow Should practice with the pillow beforehand and carry it down the aisle with the rings attached
Presentation of rings Should present the pillow to the best man or couple during the ceremony
Standing with the wedding party Should stand with the wedding party, but may be seated with parents if too young

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The infant's parents can carry them down the aisle

If you want an infant to be a ring bearer at your wedding, the safest option is to have them carried down the aisle by their parents. This is a good option if the infant is too young to walk or might be unpredictable. It's also a good idea if you want to avoid the potential dangers of having the infant pulled in a wagon.

If the infant's parents are in the wedding party, you could ask another relative, like a grandparent, to carry the baby. However, some people believe that the infant's mother is best suited for this task, as babies can be fragile and unpredictable.

If you want a more unified look, the parents can coordinate their attire with that of the wedding party. This will also show the significance of their role in the ceremony.

If the infant is old enough to walk, you could also have one of their parents walk behind them as they make their way down the aisle.

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The infant can be pulled in a decorated wagon or stroller

If you want to include an infant in your wedding as a ring bearer, one option is to pull them down the aisle in a decorated wagon or stroller. This can be a cute and charming way to include a young child in your wedding ceremony. Here are some tips to consider if you choose this option:

Choose who will pull the wagon or stroller

Some people suggest that one of the infant's parents pulls them down the aisle. This can be a safe option as the parent can ensure the infant is comfortable and attended to at all times. It can also be a special moment for the parent and child to share. If the infant's parents are already in the wedding party, you could ask a grandparent or another family member to pull the wagon or stroller. Another option could be to ask an older child, such as an 18-year-old brother, to pull the wagon, although some people may consider this unsafe.

Decorate the wagon or stroller

You can decorate the wagon or stroller to match your wedding theme and colours. Consider adding flowers, balloons, or other festive decorations. You could also include the infant's favourite doll, push toy, or riding toy to make them feel more secure.

Consider the infant's comfort and safety

Some people have raised concerns about the safety of pulling an infant in a wagon, especially if they are being pulled by a young adult or teenager. If you choose this option, it is important to ensure that the infant is securely strapped in and that the person pulling the wagon is responsible and careful. It is also a good idea to check with the infant's parents to ensure they are comfortable with this arrangement.

Be prepared for the unexpected

Infants can be unpredictable, so it is important to be prepared for any potential issues. The infant may not enjoy being in the wagon or stroller, or they may become fussy or cry. It is a good idea to have a backup plan, such as having the infant's parent carry them or skipping their role in the processional altogether.

In conclusion, including an infant as a ring bearer by pulling them in a decorated wagon or stroller can be a charming addition to your wedding ceremony. Just be sure to consider the infant's comfort and safety, and be prepared for any unexpected issues that may arise.

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The infant can be pushed in a personalised baby walker

If you want to include an infant in your wedding as a ring bearer, one option is to have them pushed down the aisle in a personalised baby walker. This can be a cute and memorable addition to your wedding ceremony, and the walker can even be painted in your wedding colours or personalised with the names of the bride and groom and the date of the wedding.

If you are concerned about the length of the aisle or the infant's ability to manage the walker, you could have someone carry the baby halfway down the aisle and then pull out the walker as they get closer. Alternatively, you could ask the infant's parents to accompany or carry their child down the aisle.

It is important to consider the infant's safety and comfort when making this decision. Some people may feel that it is not appropriate to include an infant in a wedding party, and it is essential to communicate clearly with the infant's parents and ensure that they are comfortable with the arrangement.

Additionally, it is worth noting that there is no rule that a child must walk down the aisle to be a ring bearer. If the infant is too young to participate in the processional, you could include a picture of them in the program along with a cute biography. Ultimately, the decision to include an infant as a ring bearer is a personal choice, and there are various options to ensure their safety and comfort during the ceremony.

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The infant can be carried halfway and then pushed in a walker

If you want an infant to be a ring bearer at your wedding, you could consider carrying them halfway down the aisle and then putting them in a walker. This is a good option if the infant needs help standing but can move their legs enough to keep the wheels of the walker in motion.

The walker can be painted in the wedding colours and personalised with the names of the bride and groom, the date, or even the name of the ring bearer. It can also be a gift for the baby. If the aisle is long, the baby can be carried halfway and then the walker can be pulled out for the second half of the journey.

If the infant's parents are attending the wedding, you could ask them to carry their child down the aisle. The parents could also coordinate their attire to show the significance of their child's role. If the infant is too young to participate in the wedding procession, you could include a picture of them in the program along with a cute biography.

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The infant can skip the processional and have their photo and a biography in the program

If you want to include an infant in your wedding but are hesitant to have them walk down the aisle, there are several options to consider. One suggestion is to include the baby in the wedding party by having their parents carry them down the aisle or pulling them in a decorated wagon or stroller. This can be a cute and charming addition to the wedding procession.

However, if you would like to skip the processional altogether for the infant, you can still include them in other ways. One idea is to feature their photo and a fun biography in the wedding program, introducing them as an honorary ring bearer. This way, they can still be a part of your special day without the complexity of coordinating their entrance.

For example, the biography in the program could say something like: "Ring Bearer: John Smith, nephew to the bride, is three months old and loves to play with his toy giraffes, drink from his bottle, and take naps. Currently, John is probably taking a nap!" This option allows you to include the infant in your celebration without the potential stress of coordinating their walk down the aisle or managing any unpredictability that comes with very young children.

Ultimately, the decision is up to you and what you feel comfortable with. If you feel that including an infant in the processional would add stress or complexity, skipping their role in the processional and including them in other ways, such as through photos and a biography in the program, can be a great alternative.

Frequently asked questions

A ring bearer is a wedding party role typically given to young children. The child walks down the aisle ahead of the flower girl or immediately before the bride, carrying the wedding rings on a pillow.

Traditionally, ring bearers are between the ages of three and eight years old. However, this is not a strict rule, and you can select a ring bearer outside of this age range based on their maturity and ability to handle the responsibility.

The ring bearer's duties include attending the wedding rehearsal and any pre-wedding events, trying on their outfit and practicing walking down the aisle with the ring pillow, and being aware of the wedding day schedule and their role in it. On the wedding day, they will walk down the aisle, carrying the ring pillow, and present the rings to the best man or the couple during the ceremony.

The ring bearer's attire should complement the wedding party's outfits and be comfortable for the child, considering the weather and venue conditions. Options include tuxedos, suspenders, bowties, classic page boy attire, or even superhero costumes.

When choosing a ring bearer, consider the child's temperament, maturity, and ability to handle the pressure of being in front of a large crowd. It is also essential to have a backup plan in case the child becomes overwhelmed or unable to perform their duties on the wedding day. Pick someone you or your partner have a good relationship with, such as kids of your honor attendants or family members.

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