The ring bearer is a beloved and integral part of any wedding ceremony. This young participant, usually between the ages of three and eight, is responsible for carrying the couple's wedding rings down the aisle and presenting them to the bride and groom during the ceremony. While the role of the ring bearer is not mandatory, their presence adds a touch of innocence and charm to the wedding. The rings they carry symbolise the couple's commitment to each other, and entrusting a young child with this responsibility signifies hope for a bright and joyful future for the newlyweds.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Age | Between 3 and 8 years old, but not a strict rule |
Gender | Usually a boy, but can be a girl |
Relationship to the couple | Close relatives or friends of the couple |
Responsibilities | Carrying the rings down the aisle and presenting them to the bride and groom |
Attire | Formal attire, such as tiny tuxedos, suits, or khakis with bow ties and suspenders |
What You'll Learn
Who chooses the ring bearer?
The ring bearer is a much-loved part of any wedding ceremony. This role is usually given to a young child, often a relative or friend of the couple, such as nieces, nephews, or children of close friends. The age range for a ring bearer is typically between three and eight years old, but this is not a strict rule. The child should be mature enough to handle the responsibility of carrying the wedding rings down the aisle and presenting them to the bride and groom during the ceremony.
The couple chooses the ring bearer, and it is a good idea to pick someone they are close to and have a good relationship with. The ring bearer is usually chosen from among the children of the couple's honour attendants or family members. However, the couple may also choose to break gender roles and select a girl as the ring bearer. If the couple has children, it is a sweet way to include them in the wedding as a family.
The role of the ring bearer is symbolic and adds 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 symbolises the hope for a bright and joyful future together. The ring bearer walks down the aisle, usually ahead of the flower girl or immediately before the bride, carrying the ring pillow with the wedding rings attached. Once at the altar, the ring bearer presents the ring pillow to the best man or the couple when it is time to exchange rings.
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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 pillow. They are usually boys between the ages of three and ten, but girls can also take on this role. The ring bearer is often a close relative or friend of the couple, such as nieces, nephews, or the children of close friends.
The ring bearer walks down the aisle after the wedding party and presents the rings to the best man or wedding officiant at the altar. If the ring bearer is too young to walk, their parent can carry them during the processional, or the flower girls can escort them. The ring bearer may also carry a banner or placard with a special message for the couple.
The ring bearer's role is symbolic, adding a touch of innocence and charm to the wedding. The rings they carry represent the couple's commitment to each other, so entrusting a young child with this responsibility symbolises the hope for a bright and joyful future together.
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What does a ring bearer wear?
The ring bearer is one of the youngest members of the wedding party, usually between three and eight years old. The child's parents typically pay for their outfit, but the bride and groom should provide guidance on what to wear.
The ring bearer's attire should match the formality of the wedding. If the wedding is formal, a classic choice is a kid-sized tuxedo or suit, perhaps with a bow tie, waistcoat, and suspenders. The ring bearer can either look like a mini-groom or a miniature version of the groomsmen.
For less formal weddings, such as a beach wedding, the ring bearer can wear more casual attire. For example, a linen shirt, lightweight jacket, bow tie, suspenders, and shorts. If the wedding is outdoors, the ring bearer can forgo the jacket and wear dress pants with suspenders and a bow tie, or a vest with a coordinating hat.
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Does a ring bearer carry the real rings?
The decision of whether or not a ring bearer carries the real wedding rings is ultimately up to the couple. It is common for the best man or officiant to carry the real rings, while the ring bearer carries fake rings or an empty pillow. This is done as a precaution, especially if the ring bearer is very young and might put things in their mouth.
However, if the couple chooses to have the ring bearer carry the real rings, it is recommended to give them the rings right before the ceremony to reduce the risk of losing them.
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Who holds the rings before the ceremony?
The wedding rings are usually entrusted to the best man or the maid of honour before the ceremony. However, the couple may choose to give the rings to another member of the wedding party, a close family member, or the officiant.
If the couple has children serving as ring bearers, it is recommended to have a trusted adult manage the wedding rings. The ring bearer can carry a pillow or ring box with fake rings, or no rings at all.
The ring bearer is usually a young boy or girl, often a close relative or friend of the couple, such as a niece, nephew, or child of a close friend. They are typically between the ages of three and eight but can be older if they are mature enough to handle the responsibility.
The ring bearer plays a symbolic role in the wedding, adding a touch of innocence and charm. Their presence signifies the couple's hope for a bright and joyful future together.
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Frequently asked questions
A ring bearer is a young boy or girl, usually aged between 3 and 8, who carries the wedding rings down the aisle during the ceremony.
The ring bearer walks down the aisle ahead of the flower girl or immediately before the bride, carrying the rings on a pillow, in a ring box or dish, or even in a briefcase. Once at the altar, they present the rings to the best man or the couple.
The ring bearer is often a close relative or friend of the couple, such as a niece, nephew, or child of a close friend. It is important to consider the child's temperament and maturity and to have a backup plan in case they are unable to perform their duties.
The ring bearer's attire should complement the wedding party's outfits and be comfortable for the child. It is also traditional for the ring bearer's parents to pay for their outfit and accessories.