The role of the ring bearer is a direct reference to their duty of carrying the wedding rings down the aisle to the altar. The bearer is usually a young child, typically between the ages of three and eight, though some sources suggest the age range can go up to ten. The child usually carries the rings on a pillow, but this is not required.
The ring bearer is not required to carry the real wedding rings. Most couples choose to have the best man carry the real rings as a precaution. If the ring bearer is older, they can carry the real rings, but it is recommended to tie them down to the pillow or place them in a pouch to prevent them from slipping away.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Age | Traditionally between 3 and 8 years old, but can be older if they are given more responsibility. |
What they carry | Usually a ring bearer pillow, but this can be replaced with something more personal, such as a briefcase, a bouquet, or a banner. |
Real or fake rings | It is up to the couple to decide if the ring bearer carries the real wedding rings. If the ring bearer is very young, the best man often carries the real rings as a precaution. |
Who they give the rings to | The ring bearer usually passes the rings to the best man or person of honour, who holds them until the couple is ready to exchange rings. |
Number of ring bearers | There can be more than one ring bearer, but there should be a maximum of four so that the wedding processional is not longer than the ceremony. |
What You'll Learn
The ring bearer doesn't have to carry the real rings
The ring bearer is a wedding party role that is usually given to young children. The child walks down the aisle before the bride, often at the same time as the flower girl, and traditionally carries the wedding ring on a ring bearer pillow. However, it is not necessary for the ring bearer to carry the real wedding rings.
If the ring bearer is very young, it is understandable if you are nervous about them losing the rings. In this case, you can have the ring bearer walk down the aisle with a simple ring pillow, while the best man carries the actual rings in his pocket. This way, you get the cuteness of having a young boy in your wedding procession without the associated risks.
If the ring bearer is older, they can definitely carry the real rings. However, it is still a good idea to tie the rings securely to the pillow to prevent them from slipping away. You can also place the rings in a pouch to make them easier to find in case they do slip off the pillow.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to give the real rings to the ring bearer depends on the child's age and maturity level. If you do decide to give them the real rings, it is best 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, so there is a lower risk of the rings being lost.
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The best man often carries the real rings
The ring bearer is a wedding party role that is usually given to young children, typically between the ages of three and eight. They walk down the aisle before the bride, often at the same time as the flower girl, and traditionally carry the wedding rings on a pillow. However, the decision of whether the ring bearer carries the real wedding rings or not is entirely up to the couple.
While the ring bearer traditionally carries the rings, many couples choose to have the best man carry the real rings to be safe. This is especially true if the ring bearer is very young and might put things in their mouth, or if the couple is worried about the ring bearer losing the rings. In this case, the ring bearer may carry an empty pillow or a decorative sign, or plastic or fake rings tied to a ribbon on a pillow.
If the best man is carrying the real rings, they are usually handed to him right before the ceremony begins, either by the couple, the wedding planner, or a member of the wedding party. The best man can carry the rings in a ring box, in his pocket, or on his pinky finger.
> "Normally the ring bearer doesn't actually hold the rings. The best man holds them and the bearer holds a symbolic box or pillow. At least that's how it goes when the RB is a small child."
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> "Our best man just held on to the rings the whole time. I wasn't going to trust a 6-year-old with them, lol."
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> "The best man carries them in his pocket, or on his pinky finger, and passes it to the pastor at the appointed time."
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> "The best man traditionally holds the rings. [...] Usually, the Maid (Matron) of Honor is holding the bridal bouquet, her own bouquet, and most likely has no pockets. Of course, I have done ceremonies as you describe, but very, very few."
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The ring bearer usually walks down the aisle after the wedding party
The ring bearer is a direct name for their role, which is to carry the rings down the aisle to the altar. The ring bearer usually walks down the aisle after the wedding party, and they deliver the rings to the best man or wedding officiant. The best man or officiant then holds the rings until the couple is ready to exchange them.
The ring bearer is usually a young boy, typically between the ages of three and ten. However, the role can be performed by a girl or even a pet! The ring bearer is often the son of a close friend or relative, such as the child of the maid of honour or best man, or the couple's nephew.
The ring bearer usually carries the rings on a pillow, but this is not required. Some couples choose to secure the rings to a ribbon tied around a poem or scripture, place them in a bouquet, or even put them in a briefcase labelled 'Ring Security'.
Most couples choose to have the ring bearer carry fake rings, with the best man or maid of honour carrying the real rings to avoid the risk of losing them. If the ring bearer is older, they can definitely carry the real rings, but it is a good idea to tie the rings down to the pillow or place them in a pouch to prevent them from slipping away.
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The ring bearer usually gives the rings to the best man or officiant
The role of the ring bearer is to carry the wedding rings down the aisle during the ceremony. Typically, the ring bearer passes the rings to the best man or officiant, who holds them until the couple is ready to exchange rings.
The ring bearer is usually a young boy, traditionally aged between 3 and 10, but the role can be performed by anyone, including girls or pets. The bearer walks down the aisle after the wedding party and delivers the rings to the best man or officiant. If the ring bearer is very young, couples may choose to have them carry a decorative pillow with fake rings, while the best man carries the real rings. This ensures the safety of the rings while still allowing the ring bearer to participate.
The ring bearer is often a child of those close to the couple, such as the kids of the maid of honour or best man, the couple's nephews, or children of other friends or family members. The role is usually given to someone closely linked to the family, such as a nephew, godson, or cousin. The ring bearer's parents are typically responsible for explaining the duties to their child, paying for their outfit and accessories, and attending pre-wedding events.
The ring bearer's outfit should fit the formality of the wedding and coordinate with the rest of the wedding party. It is common to see tiny tuxedos, suits, or khakis with bowties and suspenders. The ring bearer may also carry the rings in a unique way that represents the couple, such as on a softball glove or in a box.
Overall, the role of the ring bearer is an important and adorable addition to the wedding ceremony, allowing young family members or pets to participate in a special way.
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The ring bearer is typically a boy, but can be a girl or a pet
The role of the ring bearer is a wedding party role that is typically given to young children, usually between the ages of three and eight years old. This role involves carrying the wedding rings down the aisle during the ceremony, often on a ring bearer pillow. While the role is typically given to a boy, it is not uncommon for the ring bearer to be a girl or even a pet.
If the couple has children, it is a sweet way to include them in the wedding as a family, and the photos will last a lifetime. However, if the couple wants to be newlyweds for the night, they will need to arrange for childcare ahead of time. The ring bearer can also be a child of those close to the couple, such as the kids of the maid of honour or best man, the couple's nephews, or the children of other friends or family members.
Some couples choose to have the best man carry the rings as a precaution, especially if the ring bearer is very young and might put things in their mouth. In this case, the ring bearer can hold an empty pillow or a decorative sign, or there is also the option of tying plastic rings to a ribbon on the pillow for the full effect.
When it comes to attire, the ring bearer's parents typically pay for their outfit and accessories. The couple can give a few options to choose from, keeping in mind the formality of the wedding. For boys, tiny tuxes, suits, or khakis with bow ties and suspenders are popular choices. For girls, they can still be called flower girls and carry a basket with the rings attached to a ribbon or tied to a flower kissing ball.
Ultimately, the decision to have a girl or pet as the ring bearer is a personal one, and there are no restrictions on gender roles. It is a way to make the wedding experience special and inclusive for those involved.
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Frequently asked questions
No, they don't. If the ring bearer is very young, it is understandable if you are nervous about them losing the rings. In this case, the best man usually carries the rings.
The ring bearer can carry a simple ring pillow, or a decorative sign. There is also the option of tying plastic rings to a ribbon on the pillow for the full effect.
Traditionally, ring bearers are between the ages of three and eight years old. This age range ensures the child is mature enough to handle the role.