The role of a ring bearer is to present the wedding rings to the bride and groom during the ceremony. Typically, the ring bearer is a young boy, usually between the ages of three and eight, who walks down the aisle carrying the rings on a small pillow. While the role is traditionally given to a young boy, couples can choose whoever they like to be their ring bearer, including girls, adults, or even pets.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Age | Traditionally between 3 and 10 years old |
Gender | Traditionally male, but can be female or non-binary |
Species | Traditionally human, but can be an animal |
Relationship to couple | Often a child of the maid of honour or best man, the couple's nephew or niece, or child of another friend or family member |
What they carry the rings on | A pillow, or something else that represents the couple |
Whether they carry real or fake rings | Usually fake, but can be real |
What You'll Learn
Who does the ring bearer give the rings to?
The ring bearer is a role traditionally given to a young child, usually between the ages of three and ten, who carries the wedding rings down the aisle during the ceremony. The child is usually a boy, but the role can also be performed by a girl or even a pet.
The ring bearer typically passes the rings to the best man, maid of honour, or another member of the wedding party, who holds them until the couple is ready to exchange rings. In some cases, the ring bearer may deliver the rings directly to the officiant or the couple themselves.
It is not uncommon for the ring bearer to carry fake rings, with the best man or another adult holding the real rings to avoid any risk of loss or damage. This is especially common when the ring bearer is very young.
Ultimately, the couple can choose to entrust the rings to whoever they feel most comfortable with, be it a member of the wedding party, a close family member, or even the couple themselves.
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What does the ring bearer wear?
The ring bearer is usually one of the youngest members of the wedding party, typically between three and eight years old.
There are a few different approaches to what a ring bearer should wear. The most common option is for the ring bearer to wear a miniature version of the groom's outfit, including the tuxedo jacket, pants, vest, shirt, shoes, bow tie or long tie, pocket square, studs, and cufflinks. This allows the ring bearer to stand out from the groomsmen while still coordinating with the groom's attire.
Another option is to dress the ring bearer in the same style as the groomsmen, making them a miniature version of the bridal party. This can include matching accessories such as a long tie, bow tie, and pocket square, which are often coordinated with the colour of the bridesmaids' dresses.
For less formal weddings, such as a beach wedding, the ring bearer can wear more casual attire. This could include a linen shirt, lightweight jacket, bow tie, suspenders, and shorts, depending on the weather. If the wedding is outdoors, the ring bearer can also go without a jacket and wear dress pants with suspenders and a bow tie or a vest with a coordinating hat.
Regardless of the outfit chosen, it is important to coordinate the ring bearer's attire with the overall style and formality of the wedding. The child's parents typically pay for their outfit, but the bride and groom can offer guidance or pick out a specific accessory as a gift.
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What age should a ring bearer be?
When it comes to weddings, the ring bearer is a charming and important part of the ceremony. But what age should a ring bearer be?
The typical age range for a ring bearer is between four and twelve years old. At four, a child can usually walk down the aisle on their own, and twelve is about the age when the child will still think it's fun and exciting to be chosen for this role. However, there is no set age limit, and ultimately, it is the couple's decision. If you want to adhere to tradition, this age range is a good guideline, but feel free to choose someone older or younger if that is what you prefer.
If you opt for a younger ring bearer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Toddlers and infants can be adorable additions to the wedding party, but they may need assistance walking down the aisle or performing their duties. You can provide them with fake rings or a flower to carry instead of the real wedding rings. It is also a good idea to include them in the rehearsal to help them feel more comfortable and familiar with the surroundings.
On the other hand, older ring bearers, such as preteens, can take on more responsibility and may be able to assist with younger children in the wedding party. They can also be trusted with a full bouquet of flowers or the actual wedding rings.
Ultimately, the age of the ring bearer is a personal choice, and you can make whatever decision fits best with your wedding vision and plans. Whether you choose a young child, a preteen, or even an adult or grandparent, the ring bearer is sure to add a layer of cuteness and charm to your special day.
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Who can be a ring bearer?
While it is traditional for a young boy, usually between the ages of three and ten, to be the ring bearer, it is not necessary to stick to this custom. You can choose whoever you see fit for the role, be it a girl, an adult, or even your pet.
The ring bearer is usually someone who is closely related to the couple, such as the children of the maid of honour or best man, the couple's nephews or nieces, or the children of other friends or family members. If the couple has children, it is a great way to include them in the wedding as a family. However, if the couple just wants to be newlyweds for the night, they will have to arrange for childcare ahead of time.
If you are worried about entrusting a young child with something as expensive as a wedding ring, you can give the ring bearer fake rings to carry and leave the real rings in the care of the best man or maid of honour.
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Does the ring bearer carry the real rings?
The decision of whether the ring bearer carries the real wedding rings or not is entirely up to the couple. It is recommended that the decision be based on the child's age and maturity level. The safest option is to give the ring bearer fake rings so that the couple does not have to worry about the rings during the ceremony. If the couple chooses to entrust the ring bearer with the real wedding rings, it is advisable to have a wedding planner or a member of the wedding party hand the rings to the ring bearer right before the ceremony begins, reducing the risk of losing them.
The role of the ring bearer is to carry the wedding rings down the aisle during the ceremony. The ring bearer is typically a young child between the ages of three and eight, though this may vary depending on the couple's preferences. The ring bearer usually walks down the aisle after the wedding party and delivers the rings to the best man, best woman, or wedding officiant. In some cases, the ring bearer may be older or even a pet.
The ring bearer tradition is believed to have originated in ancient times, dating back to ancient Egypt. During Egyptian wedding ceremonies, a young boy would carry precious gems and jewels on a decorative pillow to the altar. In medieval times, ring bearers presented the rings atop a sword instead of a pillow.
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Frequently asked questions
The ring bearer passes the rings to the best man, best woman, or another person of honour, who holds them until the couple is ready to exchange rings.
Traditionally, ring bearers are between the ages of three and ten.
The ring bearer might wear a tiny tux, a small suit, or khakis with a bow tie and suspenders.
No, most couples choose to have the best man carry the rings as a precaution. The ring bearer can hold an empty pillow or a decorative sign instead.
Yes, you can have multiple ring bearers.