Ring Bearers: How Many Are Too Many?

There are no set rules on how many ring bearers you can have at your wedding. While the tradition is to have one ring bearer, it is not uncommon for couples to have multiple ring bearers. It is important to ensure that the ring bearers are comfortable with their role and that their parents are willing to help them prepare for the big day. If you are worried about the rings being dropped or lost, you can always give the young ring bearers costume jewellery to carry, while the best man keeps the real rings safe.

How many ring bearers can you have?

The number of ring bearers you can have at your wedding is ultimately up to you. While the traditional choice is to have one ring bearer, it is not uncommon for couples to have multiple ring bearers.

The role of the ring bearer is to carry the wedding rings down the aisle to the bride and groom. This is usually done by a young child, typically aged between three and eight years old, though the role can be performed by anyone, including adults and pets.

If you are worried about the rings being dropped or lost, you may want to consider giving the ring bearer fake rings to carry or have the best man carry the real rings.

If you have a long list of people you would like to be ring bearers, you can have multiple ring bearers with different roles. For example, one ring bearer can carry the rings, while the others can hold signs or perform other duties. Just be mindful of the length of your wedding processional and ensure that the ring bearers you choose are comfortable with their roles.

When deciding on the number of ring bearers, consider the size of your wedding party and the length of your ceremony. Having too many ring bearers may make it difficult to manage and may detract from the other elements of your wedding.

Ultimately, the decision on the number of ring bearers is a personal one, and you should choose what feels right for your special day.

What is a ring bearer?

A ring bearer is a wedding party role typically given to young children who are close relatives of the couple, such as the couple's small child, niece, nephew, godson/goddaughter, or children of the maid of honour or best man. The average age of a ring bearer is usually between three and eight years old, but the role can be given to children as young as a few months old or up to ten years old. The ring bearer is responsible for carrying the couple's wedding rings down the aisle during the ceremony, usually on a ring bearer pillow, and giving them to the wedding officiant or best man once they reach the altar.

The tradition of ring bearers is believed to have originated in ancient Egypt, where jewels and treasures were carried on pillows during wedding ceremonies. In the medieval era, a person would carry the ring down the aisle on a pillow so that wealthy families could display their wealth, as pillows were considered rare and symbols of riches. Before the introduction of pillows, the ring would be presented on the tip of a sword.

In a traditional wedding procession, the ring bearer walks down the aisle after the maid of honour and bridesmaids and before the flower girl, who precedes the bride. The ring bearer may also be accompanied by an adult or an older child if they are very young or need help walking down the aisle. While the role is traditionally given to young boys, modern weddings have shown that there are no steadfast rules, and the role can be given to girls or even pets.

The ring bearer's outfit should be consistent with the wedding party's attire and match the level of formality. For formal and semi-formal dress codes, the ring bearer traditionally wears a kid-sized tuxedo, suit, or khakis with bowties and suspenders. The ring bearer's parents typically pay for their outfit, but the couple may offer to pay if they want the ring bearer to wear something more expensive.

While the role of the ring bearer is not necessary for the couple to get formally married, their presence adds a special touch to the wedding ceremony and makes the moment feel extra intimate and cute.

Why are ring bearers traditional?

The tradition of having ring bearers in weddings is believed to have originated in either Ancient Egypt or Medieval Europe. In Ancient Egypt, adults would carry treasured jewels on ornamental pillows during wedding ceremonies and other celebrations. In Medieval Europe, a child would carry the ring on a pillow to showcase wealth, as pillows were a rare commodity. Before the introduction of pillows, rings were presented on the tips of swords.

The ring bearer is usually a young boy, but nowadays any gender can participate. They are typically a relative or close friend of the couple, and under the age of 10. Having a child carry the wedding rings down the aisle symbolises innocence and a new future for the couple.

The role of the ring bearer is to deliver the rings to the best man or wedding officiant. The ring bearer usually walks down the aisle with a ring bearer pillow in hand, although this is not required. The rings can be secured to a ribbon tied around a poem or scripture, placed in a bouquet, or carried in a briefcase.

The ring bearer is usually invited to the reception, even if it is adults-only. They can be seated with their parents or at a kids' table with a babysitter, kid-friendly food, and fun activities.

What does a ring bearer do?

A ring bearer is a wedding party role typically given to young children, usually between the ages of three and eight. The ring bearer is responsible for carrying the couple's wedding rings down the aisle during the ceremony. The ring bearer usually walks down the aisle with a ring bearer pillow in hand and gives the rings to the wedding officiant or best man once they reach the altar.

The ring bearer is usually a boy, but this role can be taken on by a girl or even a pet. The ring bearer is often the youngest member of the family, such as the couple's small child, niece, nephew, godson, or goddaughter. The ring bearer is typically chosen from among the children of those close to the couple, such as the kids of the maid of honour or best man.

The ring bearer usually carries the rings on a pillow, but this is not required. Couples can choose to be creative and use other objects that are meaningful to them, such as a softball glove, a box, or a ring dish. The ring bearer may also carry fake rings as a precaution, with the best man or maid of honour carrying the real rings.

In terms of attire, the ring bearer's outfit should be coordinated with the wedding party's attire. Popular options include tiny tuxedos, small suits, or khakis with bowties and suspenders. The ring bearer's parents typically pay for their child's outfit and accessories.

It is also important to consider the ring bearer's comfort and ability to handle the role. If the child is very young, an adult can help them walk down the aisle or pull them in a wagon or small car. The ring bearer can stand at the altar with the wedding party or sit with their parents during the ceremony.

While most couples choose to have a single ring bearer, it is not uncommon to have multiple ring bearers, especially if there are many children or nieces and nephews the couple wants to include in the wedding. However, it is recommended to give each ring bearer a specific task, such as holding signs or escorting the flower girl, to ensure they feel involved and special.

What does a ring bearer wear?

When deciding what the ring bearer should wear, it's important to keep the formality of the wedding in mind. Traditionally, ring bearers wear a small suit or tuxedo, often a miniature version of what the groom or groomsmen are wearing. This can include a tuxedo jacket, pants, vest, shirt, shoes, bow tie or long tie, pocket square, studs, and cufflinks.

If the same style is not available in children's sizes, a similar style in a smaller size can work just as well. For a less formal wedding, such as a beach wedding, the ring bearer can wear more casual attire, like a linen shirt, lightweight jacket, bow tie, suspenders, and shorts. If the wedding is outdoors, the ring bearer can forgo the jacket and wear dress pants with suspenders and a bow tie or a vest with a coordinating hat.

For a summer wedding, consider dressing the ring bearer in shorts with suspenders and a matching bow tie, or a lightweight suit. For a beach wedding, seersucker suspenders and a bow tie with anchors can add a playful touch. A hat can also be included to keep the sun out of the ring bearer's eyes.

If the ring bearer is too young for a suit or tuxedo, there are other options available. He can wear just the pants, a shirt, a bow tie, suspenders, and shoes. Alternatively, a toddler's tuxedo with matching shoes can be purchased, although this is less common as toddlers may struggle to carry out their ring-bearer duties.

Ultimately, the choice of what the ring bearer wears is up to the couple, and there are many ways to personalize the outfit to match the theme and formality of the wedding.

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