The role of ring bearer is typically given to young children, usually boys, who are between the ages of three and eight or twelve. However, anyone can be a ring bearer, and there is no requirement for there to be one at a wedding. The ring bearer is responsible for carrying the couple's wedding rings down the aisle during the ceremony, usually on a ring bearer pillow, although this is not mandatory. The role is often given to children of those close to the couple, such as the maid of honour or best man, or the couple's own children.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Typical Age Range | 3-8 years old |
Who Should You Pick | A young family member or the child of the maid of honor, best man, or other close friend |
Gender | Traditionally male, but can be a boy, girl, non-binary, or even a pet |
Number of Ring Bearers | No limit, but ideally no more than three |
What Should the Ring Bearer Wear | A small tuxedo, suit, suspenders, bowtie, classic page boy attire, or even a superhero costume |
What Should the Ring Bearer Carry | A ring bearer pillow, a ribbon tied to a book or bouquet, or a briefcase |
Real or Fake Rings | Depends on the age and maturity level of the ring bearer |
What You'll Learn
Who should be the ring bearer?
The role of ring bearer is typically given to young children, usually boys, aged between 3 and 8 years old. However, anyone can be a ring bearer, and it is becoming more common to see adults, girls, and even pets take on the role.
If you are opting for a child, it is best to choose someone you or your partner are close to and have a good relationship with, like the kids of your honour attendants or family members. You could also consider:
- Can they handle the task?
- Will they be excited to be chosen?
- Will they be available for the rehearsal?
If you are opting for a pet, consider:
- Their temperament
- The right accessories
- A pet handler
- Their comfort
If you are opting for an adult, it is still important to ask them if they are comfortable being in the spotlight.
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What should the ring bearer wear?
When deciding on the ring bearer's attire, it's important to consider the formality of the wedding and the overall look you want to achieve. Here are some ideas to help you choose the perfect outfit for your ring bearer:
Traditional Tuxedo or Suit
A classic choice for a ring bearer is a small tuxedo or suit, mimicking the groom's or groomsmen's attire. This can include a miniature version of the tuxedo jacket, pants, vest, shirt, shoes, bow tie or long tie, pocket square, studs, and cufflinks. This option is a popular choice, as it allows the ring bearer to stand out while still coordinating with the wedding party.
Casual Attire
If you're having a less formal wedding, such as a beach wedding, you can dress the ring bearer in more casual attire. This could include a linen shirt, lightweight jacket, bow tie, suspenders, and shorts. For a casual look with pants, consider dress pants with suspenders and a bow tie or a vest with a coordinating hat.
Matching the Wedding Party
To ensure the ring bearer coordinates with the wedding party, you can match their outfit to the groomsmen's attire. This could mean having the ring bearer wear the same colour scheme or a similar style of suit or tuxedo. If the groomsmen are wearing bow ties and suspenders, the ring bearer can mirror their look for a cohesive appearance.
Seasonal and Themed Options
Consider the season and theme of your wedding when choosing the ring bearer's outfit. For a summer wedding, lightweight and breathable fabrics such as linen or seersucker are ideal. You can also add accessories like a parasol or a hat to protect them from the sun. For a fall wedding, richer colours like burgundy or navy can be a stylish choice.
Creative Alternatives
While traditional options are always charming, you can also get creative with the ring bearer's attire. For a unique touch, choose a completely different outfit from the groom and groomsmen to make the ring bearer stand out. You can also incorporate props or accessories, such as a sword and shield or a colourful boutonnière.
Remember to involve the ring bearer's parents in the decision-making process and consider their preferences and budget. Enjoy this opportunity to dress up your little attendant and create lasting memories!
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Does the ring bearer carry the real rings?
The ring bearer is a wedding party role that is typically given to young children, usually between the ages of three and eight. However, the role can be performed by anyone, including adults or pets. The ring bearer usually carries the wedding rings down the aisle on a ring bearer pillow, but this is not required.
So, does the ring bearer carry the real rings? It's up to you! You can decide whether the ring bearer carries the real wedding rings or not, and this decision is usually based on the child's age and maturity level. If you're worried about the ring bearer losing the rings, your safest bet is to give them fake rings. If you do decide to entrust the ring bearer with the real rings, it's a good idea to ask your wedding planner or a member of your wedding party to hand the rings to the ring bearer right before the ceremony starts, reducing the risk of them being lost.
Some couples choose to have the best man carry the real rings as a precaution, especially if the ring bearer is very young. In this case, the ring bearer can hold an empty pillow or a decorative sign, or you can tie plastic rings to a ribbon on the pillow for the full effect.
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How old should the ring bearer be?
The age of the ring bearer at a wedding is usually between three and eight years old. However, the age range can be expanded to between four and twelve years if you want to stick to tradition.
If you don't want to follow tradition, you can be creative and choose anyone to be your ring bearer. It's your wedding, so feel free to make it your own and choose whoever you love and trust to be part of your big day. You can even have multiple ring bearers, and animals are not off the table either!
If you choose a child to be your ring bearer, it's a good idea to speak to their parents first to ensure they are willing to take on the responsibility. The child's parents will need to explain the ring bearer's duties to them, pay for their outfit and accessories, and attend all pre-wedding festivities. It's also a good idea to have the child attend the wedding rehearsal to get a feel for the ceremony and meet the other members of the wedding party.
When choosing a ring bearer, consider the following:
- Can they handle the task?
- Will they be excited to be chosen?
- Will they be available for the rehearsal?
Remember, the most important thing is to choose someone you love and trust to be part of your special day.
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What does the ring bearer do?
The role of the ring bearer is to deliver the couple's wedding rings down the aisle during the ceremony. The ring bearer is usually a child, typically between the ages of 3 and 8, and they walk down the aisle after the wedding party, carrying the rings on a pillow. However, the role can be performed by anyone, including adults, pets, or even grandparents!
The ring bearer is often a special member of the wedding party, such as the child of the maid of honour or best man, and is usually chosen because they are close to the couple. The ring bearer can be male or female, and the role can be adapted to suit the wedding theme. For example, at a tropical-themed wedding, the ring bearer might wear a lei with the rings attached around their neck.
The ring bearer's outfit is typically chosen to coordinate with the wedding party, with tiny tuxedos or suits being popular choices for boys, and poofy dresses for girls. The child's parents usually pay for the outfit, so it's important to give them options at different price points.
While the ring bearer traditionally carries the rings on a pillow, this is not required. Couples may choose to have the ring bearer carry the rings in a box or another creative container, or even tie the rings to a ribbon that is tied around their favourite poem or scripture.
Whether the ring bearer carries the real wedding rings or fake rings is also up to the couple. Some couples may choose to have the ring bearer carry fake rings and give the real rings to the best man or maid of honour to avoid any risk of losing them.
In addition to delivering the rings, the ring bearer may also be included in other parts of the wedding process, such as the rehearsal and the reception. It is customary to invite the ring bearer to the rehearsal dinner, and if other children are invited to the reception, the ring bearer should also be included.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the ring bearer does not have to be a child. While the role is typically given to children between the ages of 3 and 8, anyone can be a ring bearer.
A ring bearer is responsible for carrying the couple's wedding rings down the aisle during the ceremony.
The ring bearer is usually a young family member or the child of the maid of honour, best man, or another member of the wedding party. It is important to choose someone you trust and who will be excited to be part of your big day.
The ring bearer's outfit should coordinate with the groom or groomsmen's attire. Traditional options include a kid-sized tuxedo, suit, suspenders, a bow tie, or a hat.