Junior Rasmussen
There is usually just one ring bearer in a wedding, but there can be more. Couples who have multiple children they want to include in their wedding often opt for two or three ring bearers. Some sources suggest no more than four ring bearers, to ensure the wedding processional is not longer than the ceremony. If there are multiple ring bearers, each one can be given their own task, such as carrying the rings, a pillow, a sign, or a prop for a unity ceremony.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of ring bearers | There is usually one ring bearer, but some couples have two, three, or four. |
| Age | Ring bearers are typically between 3 and 8 years old, but can be older or younger. |
| Relationship to the couple | Ring bearers are often the child of a close friend or family member, such as a nephew, niece, younger sibling, or son. |
| Responsibilities | The ring bearer carries the wedding rings down the aisle, usually on a pillow, and presents them to the best man or another person of honour. |
| Attire | The ring bearer's attire is typically chosen by the couple and purchased by the ring bearer or their parents. It should match the style and formality of the wedding. |
| Seating | The ring bearer can sit with their parents or at a kids' table with a babysitter and activities. |
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What You'll Learn
There is no limit to the number of ring bearers
The ring bearer is a traditional and charming addition to any wedding party. They are usually young children, typically between three and eight years old, who carry the wedding rings down the aisle. The rings are usually tied to a ring bearer pillow, although they can also be tied around poems or placed in a bouquet. The ring bearer then passes the rings to the best man or person of honour, who holds them until the couple is ready to exchange rings.
If you have multiple ring bearers, you can give them different tasks and responsibilities. For example, one ring bearer can carry the pillow with the rings, while another can carry a sign or a prop for a unity ceremony. If the ring bearers are very young, you can have them walk down the aisle together, with the older one holding the pillow and the younger one holding a small item, such as a pomander. Alternatively, the younger ring bearer can walk alongside the older one, holding hands, or be pulled in a wagon.
It is important to consider the age of the ring bearers when assigning duties. Younger ring bearers may need a trusted person to guide them, as they may not be able to follow directions. It is also a good idea to speak to the parents of the ring bearers to see if they are willing to take on the responsibility and to discuss the attire and pre-wedding festivities. The ring bearer's attire should fit the style and formality of the wedding and can be purchased by the ring bearer's family or the couple.
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The role of a ring bearer
The ring bearer walks down the aisle carrying the wedding rings, which are usually tied to a ring bearer pillow, though they can also be tied to poems or placed in a bouquet or box. The rings may be real or symbolic, with the best man or maid of honour holding the actual rings for practical reasons. The ring bearer then presents the rings to the best man, best woman, or another person of honour, who holds them until the couple is ready to exchange rings.
The ring bearer's attire should fit the style and formality of the wedding and can be coordinated with the rest of the wedding party. The ring bearer's parents are typically responsible for purchasing their child's attire, but the couple may offer to pay as a sign of appreciation. The couple should also send timely invitations to the ring bearer and their family to ensure their schedule is clear for the wedding and rehearsal.
The ring bearer plays a significant role in the wedding and adds a touch of charm and sweetness to the ceremony. It is important to choose the right child for the job, considering their personality and comfort level, and to provide simple and exciting explanations of their role. The ring bearer may also be included in wedding photos and stand with the wedding party during the ceremony, depending on their age and comfort level.
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Who does the ring bearer give the rings to?
A ring bearer is a traditional and charming addition to any wedding. Typically, a ring bearer is a young child—usually a boy—who is a close friend or family member of the couple. The child of the maid of honour, best man, nephew, or another loved one are all popular choices. The role is not mandatory, but if the couple chooses to include a ring bearer, they have a very important responsibility: delivering the wedding rings to the couple during the ceremony.
In a traditional wedding ceremony order, the ring bearer walks down the aisle after the maid of honour and bridesmaids, often at the same time as the flower girl, and precedes the bride. The rings are usually tied to a ring bearer pillow, but they can be tied to poems or placed in a bouquet. Once the ring bearer has made it down the aisle, they will pass the wedding bands to either the best man or person of honour, who will hold them until the couple is ready to exchange rings. If the ring bearer is too young to walk down the aisle alone, one of their parents can accompany them, or they can walk with the flower girl.
If the couple has a long list of people they want to be ring bearers, they can have multiple ring bearers, with each child given their own tasks and responsibilities. However, it is suggested to have no more than four ring bearers so that the wedding processional is not longer than the ceremony. It is also important to note that ring bearers do not usually carry the real wedding rings, and it may be safer to give them fake rings to carry.
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The ring bearer's attire
If you have multiple ring bearers, they should wear the same outfit in different sizes, or different outfits that match the style and colour scheme. If you have three ring bearers, it is common for them to hold a sign announcing the bride's entrance, so they may need to be dressed accordingly.
The ring bearer's outfit should also be appropriate for their age. If the child is too young to walk down the aisle, they can be accompanied by their parent or walk with the flower girls. In this case, they may not need to wear shoes, so a comfortable and stylish bodysuit with a bow tie and shorts could be a good option.
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The age of the ring bearer
The role of a ring bearer is steeped in tradition, but the age of the person fulfilling this role is flexible. The ring bearer is usually a young boy or girl, and their main responsibility is to carry the wedding rings down the aisle, either on a decorative pillow, in a small box, or tied to a poem or bouquet of flowers.
While there are no strict rules, most ring bearers are between three and eight years old. At this age, they can easily walk down the aisle and still maintain the charm the role often requires. Weddings today showcase toddlers and even infants in these roles, though. If the ring bearer is too young to walk, they can be pulled down the aisle in a wagon.
The ring bearer is typically the child of one of the couple's close friends or family members, such as the maid of honour or best man, or the couple's own child. The ring bearer's parents are usually responsible for the cost of their attire, but the couple may choose to cover this expense as a sign of appreciation. The couple may also choose to provide an accessory, such as a tie or pocket square, as a gift.
If the ring bearer is old enough to move on their own, they should walk down the aisle after the wedding party and hand the rings to the best man, officiant, or another person of honour. If they are too young, one of their parents can accompany them, or they can walk alongside the flower girls. As a precaution, the best man often carries the rings as well, especially if the ring bearer is an infant. In this case, the ring bearer may carry an empty pillow or a decorative sign.
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Frequently asked questions
There is usually just one ring bearer at a wedding. However, if you have more than one child you want to include, you can have as many as you like. It may become hectic once you get beyond three or four ring bearers, though.
Ring bearers are usually between three and eight years old, but you can go younger or older depending on your personal situation. Keep in mind that the younger a ring bearer is, the less likely they will be able to follow directions.
The ring bearer passes the rings to the best man or best woman, or another person of honour, who holds them until the couple is ready to exchange rings.
The ring bearer's attire should fit with the style of the wedding and the rest of the wedding party. For a black-tie wedding, a tiny tuxedo is a good option. For a more casual celebration, khakis with bow ties and suspenders are perfect.
The rings are usually tied to a ring bearer pillow, but they can also be tied to poems or placed in a bouquet.
