Deborah Chan
A wedding ring pillow, also known as a ring bearer pillow or ring cushion, is a small pillow that carries the wedding rings in a traditional Western wedding. The pillow is usually carried by a young male relative or friend of the couple, known as the ring bearer. While the traditional size of a ring bearer pillow is 8 inches by 8 inches, there are various sizes available, including 6 inches by 6 inches and 10 inches by 10 inches. Couples can choose the size that best suits their ring bearer's age and size. The pillows can be simple or ornate, reflecting the wedding's colour scheme or the couple's personal tastes. Some couples opt for unique alternatives to the traditional pillow, such as a sign, a briefcase, or a seashell.
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What You'll Learn
The standard wedding ring pillow size
A wedding ring pillow, also known as a ring bearer pillow or ring cushion, is a small pillow that holds the wedding rings during the ceremony. The ring bearer, usually a young male relative or friend, carries the pillow down the aisle to the officiant. The wedding ring pillow is often decorated with ribbons to secure the rings and can be customised to match the wedding's colour scheme or the couple's personal tastes.
While there is no standard size for wedding ring pillows, the traditional size is an 8-inch by 8-inch square. This size can be adjusted depending on the age and size of the ring bearer. Smaller sizes, such as 5-inch by 5-inch or 6-inch by 6-inch, are also available for more petite ring bearers or for those who prefer a more compact design. Larger sizes, such as 10-inch by 10-inch, can be chosen for older ring bearers or for a more prominent display of the rings.
The shape of the pillow can also vary, with square and heart-shaped pillows being the most common. Some couples may also opt for unique shapes, such as a bird's nest or a wooden slice, to match their wedding theme. The material of the pillow can range from simple fabrics like burlap or linen to more ornate materials like velvet or silk. Personalisation options, such as embroidery, initials, and wedding dates, are also popular to create a family heirloom.
In less traditional weddings, the ring bearer pillow can be substituted with whimsical or thematic containers. For example, a small pumpkin with a ribbon for a fall wedding or a nature-inspired ring box for a rustic wedding. Couples can get creative and choose containers that reflect their personal style or the overall theme of their wedding. Ultimately, the size and style of the wedding ring pillow or container are chosen to complement the ring bearer and enhance the overall aesthetic of the ceremony.
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Pillow alternatives
Wedding ring pillows are traditionally small, square cushions that are used to transport the wedding rings down the aisle. They are often decorated to match the wedding's colour scheme or the couple's personal tastes. However, there are many alternatives to the traditional ring pillow that can be used to hold the rings during the ceremony.
One option is to use a ring box, which can be made from a variety of materials such as wood, glass, or even a vintage book or Bible. These boxes can be decorated or engraved with the couple's names or other sentimental messages. For a beach wedding, a silver and pearl clam ring holder could be used, or for a more whimsical touch, a small pumpkin with a ribbon could be a fun choice.
Another idea is to have the ring bearer carry a banner or sign instead of a pillow. This can be easily DIYed and provides a unique and memorable touch to the ceremony. For a more natural look, a bird's nest or a wooden ring bearer with crystal hearts can be used to hold the rings, adding a whimsical and rustic feel to the wedding.
For those who want to include a sentimental item in their wedding, a rose ring box or a ring holder made from the bride's dress could be a meaningful alternative to a traditional ring pillow. These options provide a unique and personalised way to present the rings during the ceremony.
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Customisation options
Wedding ring pillows are usually small, but they can be customised in various ways to suit your preferences and wedding theme.
Firstly, you can choose the size of the pillow. The traditional size is 8 inches by 8 inches, but you can opt for a bigger or smaller pillow depending on the age and size of your ring bearer. For example, a 5-inch by 5-inch pillow might be more suitable for a young ring bearer.
You can also customise the colour and style of the pillow to complement your wedding colour scheme, theme, and the ring bearer's attire. For instance, if you're planning a rustic-themed wedding, you might choose a burlap pillow with jute twine and a personalised tag. If you're having a fall or winter wedding, a velvet pillow with ribbon and bunny grass adornments could be a good option. You can also find pillows made from wood slices, bird's nests, or knit fabrics.
Additionally, you can add personal touches to the pillow, such as embroidery or engraving your initials and wedding date or using heirloom materials like your mother's wedding dress or grandmother's veil. You can also opt for whimsical or thematic containers that reflect your personal tastes, such as a small pumpkin with a ribbon for a fall wedding or a rose ring box.
Finally, you can choose to include ribbons or satin ties with the pillow to secure the rings and ensure they stay safe during the ceremony.
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Pillow colour
Wedding ring pillows come in a variety of colours, styles, and sizes. The colour of the pillow is typically chosen to complement the wedding colour scheme, theme, and ring bearer's attire.
In a traditional Western white wedding, the wedding ring pillow is typically a white silk pillow. However, in less traditional Western weddings, the pillow can be a whimsical or thematic container that reflects the couple's personal tastes. For example, for a fall or winter wedding, a velvet pillow with a velvet ribbon and bunny grass adornment would be a good choice. There are also rustic wedding ring pillows made from burlap or other nature-inspired materials.
If you want the ring pillow to match the colour of your wedding party, you can choose a pillow made from the same fabric as your other wedding items, such as crisp white satin or rich ivory satin, with matching ribbons.
You can also find unique and vintage ring pillows in various colours, such as those made from wood slices or bird's nests.
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Ring safety
The ring bearer has an important job: ensuring the wedding rings make it down the aisle safely. A wedding ring pillow, also known as a ring bearer pillow or ring cushion, is a vessel to help transport the rings. The pillow is usually small and ornate, reflecting the wedding's colours, or a white silk pillow.
There are several ways to ensure ring safety during a wedding ceremony:
Use a ring pillow with ribbons
A wedding ring pillow often features ribbons that can be tied to the rings for added security. This is a traditional way to ensure the rings are secure while being carried down the aisle.
Use fake rings
Some couples use fake rings on the pillow, keeping the real rings with the officiant or best man. This ensures the ring bearer still has something to carry, without the risk of losing the actual rings.
Choose a secure container
If you opt for a container instead of a ring pillow, choose something secure like a lockbox or ring box. This is a good option if you want your ring bearer to dress up as a "security guard" for added entertainment value.
Assign a responsible ring bearer
Choose a young person who is responsible enough to handle the task. The age and size of the ring bearer can also determine the size of the pillow or container used.
Practice the procession
Before the ceremony, practice walking down the aisle with the ring bearer so they know what to expect and can handle the rings with care.
Keep it simple
A simple ring pillow can be made quickly and may be a safer option than a more elaborate design. A basic white satin pillow is a classic choice for a wedding and can be easily sourced.
Remember, the ring bearer pillow or container should complement your wedding colour scheme, theme, and the ring bearer's attire. It can also be a nice addition to your decor and a cherished keepsake from your wedding day.
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Frequently asked questions
The traditional size of a wedding ring pillow is 8 inches by 8 inches.
Yes, you can choose bigger or smaller options depending on the age and size of your ring bearer. Other common sizes include 6 inches by 6 inches and 10 inches by 10 inches.
Some alternatives to a wedding ring pillow include a sign, a toy car, a briefcase, a seashell, a dish, a box, or a bible.
A wedding ring pillow is not necessary, especially if your best man or another loved one is carrying the ring down the aisle. However, if you have a young ring bearer, it may be nice to give them something to carry, such as a pillow, a ring box, or another creative alternative.
