Junior Rasmussen
The ring bearer pillow is a small but significant component of a wedding ceremony. The pillow highlights the importance of the rings and the commitment and love they symbolise.
The tradition of ring bearer pillows is thought to have originated in ancient Egypt, where adults carried treasured jewels on ornamental pillows during wedding ceremonies. However, some historians believe the tradition began in the medieval era, when pillows were a symbol of wealth.
Today, the ring bearer is usually a young child, typically aged between three and eight, who walks down the aisle carrying the wedding rings on a pillow. While the pillow is usually included, it is not required. Couples may choose to replace the pillow with something more creative, such as a briefcase, a bouquet of flowers, or a sign.
If you are having two ring bearers, you could have them carry one pillow together, or give them each their own pillow or alternative item.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of ring bearers | 1 or 2 |
| Age of ring bearers | Between 3 and 8 years old |
| What the ring bearer carries | Pillow, box, briefcase, bouquet, etc. |
| Real or fake rings | Depends on the child's age and maturity level |
What You'll Learn
Pillow Fabric
The pillow fabric is an important consideration when choosing a ring bearer pillow. Here are some tips and options to consider:
Fabric Choice
When selecting the fabric for your ring bearer pillow, opt for a smooth and strong material that won't easily tear or have loose threads. This is crucial to prevent any snags or damage to the wedding rings. Smooth fabrics will ensure the rings can be securely attached and removed without any issues.
Traditional Fabrics
Traditionally, ring bearer pillows are made of plain satin or silk. These fabrics give a classic and elegant look to the pillow. Satin and silk are smooth and lustrous, creating a beautiful backdrop for the rings. They are also relatively easy to find and can be embellished with ribbons or embroidery to match your wedding theme.
Alternative Fabrics
If you want to break away from tradition, there are many alternative fabrics to choose from. For a rustic or natural look, consider burlap or linen. For a beach wedding, a soft cotton fabric with a jute twine accent could be a lovely choice. You could also opt for a crocheted pillow, adding a handmade and whimsical touch to your ceremony.
Personalised Fabrics
To make your ring bearer pillow even more special, consider personalising the fabric. You can have your names or initials embroidered on the pillow, adding a unique and sentimental touch. Alternatively, you could use fabric from the wedding dress to create the pillow, making it truly meaningful and one-of-a-kind.
Colour Considerations
When choosing the fabric, remember to consider the colour as well. Select a colour that complements the rings and makes them stand out. Ivory, white, and champagne are popular choices, but you can also opt for bolder colours like burgundy or black. The colour you choose can also tie into your wedding theme or the ring bearer's outfit.
Remember, the ring bearer pillow is a small but significant detail of your wedding ceremony. Taking the time to choose the right fabric and colour will ensure it beautifully showcases the rings and adds a unique touch to your special day.
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Pillow Colour
The pillow colour is an important consideration when choosing a ring bearer pillow. The pillow colour should complement the colour of the rings and make them stand out.
Traditionally, ring bearer pillows are white or ivory, made of satin or silk, with embellishments like ribbons, lace, pearls, or rhinestones. These colours are neutral and elegant, and can easily be paired with other colours or themes in your wedding.
However, you can also choose a coloured pillow that matches your wedding colour palette or the season of your wedding. For example, a champagne-coloured pillow with green ribbons for a spring wedding or a burgundy pillow for an autumn wedding.
If you want to add a personal touch, you can opt for a monogrammed or personalised pillow with your names or initials. This can be a lovely keepsake from your special day.
Ultimately, the choice of pillow colour depends on your preferences and the overall aesthetic of your wedding. It's a fun way to showcase your creativity and add a unique touch to your ceremony.
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Pillow Appearance
The appearance of the ring bearer pillow is an important consideration for your wedding. The pillow should complement the colour of the rings and make them stand out. It should also securely hold the rings in place. If the pillow material is slippery, you can modify it by adding ribbons to attach the rings.
Traditionally, ring bearer pillows are plain and made of satin or silk in white or ivory. However, you can opt for a unique and creative design that reflects your personality and wedding theme. For example, you could choose a coloured or patterned fabric, add embellishments like bows, pearls, lace, or embroidery, or personalise the pillow with your names or initials.
If you want to deviate from the traditional pillow, there are many alternative options to consider. You could use a themed object, such as a seashell for a beach wedding or a horseshoe for a western-themed wedding. Other ideas include a ring box, ring dish, ring holder, briefcase, or even your pet!
The size of the pillow is also a factor to consider. Original pillows were square-shaped and measured 8 inches by 8 inches, but you can choose a slightly smaller or larger size depending on the age of your ring bearer.
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Number of Ring Bearers
The number of ring bearers you choose to include in your wedding is entirely up to you. While some opt for the traditional single ring bearer, others decide to include multiple children in this role. If you have a long list of people you'd like to be ring bearers, you can have multiple children act as extra security for the rings or have them carry funny signs. It is recommended to have no more than four ring bearers to ensure the wedding processional is not longer than the ceremony itself.
If you have two ring bearers, you can have them share a pillow by holding one side each, or give them each their own pillow, with one ring on each. Alternatively, you could give them each a ring box or have one carry the pillow and the other a sign. If you're worried about the rings being dropped, you could always give the ring bearers fake rings and have the best man or maid of honour transport the real ones.
If you're looking for creative ideas to include multiple ring bearers in your wedding, you could dress them up as "security guards" with sunglasses and badges, and have them carry lockboxes with the rings inside. Or, if your wedding has a vintage theme, you could have them carry the rings in an antique box or heirloom. For a beach wedding, the ring bearers could carry the rings in a decorative seashell or a small pumpkin (for an autumn wedding).
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Real or Fake Rings
The ring bearer pillow is a small but significant part of the wedding ceremony. The pillow emphasises the importance of the rings and the commitment being made.
The ring bearer is usually a young child, typically between the ages of three and eight. They walk down the aisle, often with the flower girl, and carry the wedding rings on a pillow.
Whether the ring bearer carries real or fake rings is up to the couple. Some people prefer to use decoy rings to avoid the risk of the real rings being lost, damaged, or dropped. The best man can hold the real rings in his pocket, to be safe. Fake rings can be purchased from many places, including Etsy, Walmart, Forever 21, and Amazon.
If you do choose to use real rings, it is recommended to have the wedding planner or a member of the wedding party hand the rings to the ring bearer right before the ceremony begins.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not necessary to purchase a pillow for your ring bearer. You can have them hold something else, like a ring box, or simply walk with the flower girl.
Alternatives to a ring bearer pillow include a ring box, a bouquet of flowers, a sign, a small pumpkin, a bible, a briefcase, a treasure chest, or a ring dish.
Traditionally, ring bearers are between the ages of three and eight. However, you can choose a child younger than three or older than eight if you think they would enjoy the role.
The ring bearer's outfit should be coordinated with the other wedding attendants. Some options include a tux, suspenders, bowtie, classic page boy attire, or even a superhero costume.
Yes, it is a nice gesture to get the ring bearer a gift as a way of asking them to be involved in your special day or to show your appreciation for their help.
