Best Man's Guide: Carrying The Wedding Bands

Being the best man at a wedding comes with a lot of responsibility, including the all-important task of keeping the wedding bands safe. The best man traditionally holds on to the rings before the ceremony, handing them over to the officiant when required. While some best men opt to carry the rings in their pockets, others prefer to use the original box or a ring box. It's also not uncommon for best men to carry the rings on their fingers, making it easier to produce them during the ceremony. Ultimately, the method of carrying the wedding bands is a matter of personal preference, but it's essential that the best man chooses a safe and secure option to avoid any last-minute mishaps.

Keep rings in their box

Keeping the wedding rings in their box is a great way to ensure their safety on the big day. Here are some reasons why the best man should keep the rings in their box:

Security

The wedding rings are valuable, both financially and sentimentally. Keeping them in a box ensures they are secure and reduces the risk of loss, damage or theft. A box is a designated space for the rings, making it easier to keep track of them and preventing them from being misplaced.

Convenience

A ring box is a convenient way to transport the rings. It can easily fit into the best man's pocket, ensuring the rings are with him at all times. This also allows for discreet storage, so as not to draw attention to the rings.

Protection

A box will protect the rings from any potential damage. Rings can be delicate, especially if they feature intricate designs or precious stones. A box will keep them safe from scratches, scuffs or other damage, ensuring they remain in pristine condition for the ceremony.

Organisation

The best man has an important role and will want to ensure he fulfils his duties effectively. Keeping the rings in a box helps to keep them organised and ensures the best man knows exactly where they are at all times. This reduces the risk of forgetting the rings or misplacing them due to disorganisation.

Aesthetics

A ring box can add to the beauty and prestige of the rings. Presenting the rings in a carefully chosen box showcases their importance and value. A well-presented box can also enhance the wedding photographs, adding to the overall aesthetic of the day.

Keeping the wedding rings in their box is a practical and sensible approach for the best man. It ensures the safety and protection of the rings, while also adding a touch of elegance to the ceremony.

Put rings in a pocket

As the best man, you'll want to ensure the wedding bands are safe and don't get lost or damaged before and during the ceremony. One way to do this is to put the rings in a pocket. Here are some tips to help you carry the wedding bands safely in your pocket:

Choose the Right Pocket

Select a secure pocket, preferably an inner coat or jacket pocket. This will reduce the risk of the rings falling out and ensure they are easily accessible when needed. Avoid using trouser pockets as the rings may slide out or get lost in the deeper recesses.

Use a Ring Box

Keep the rings in a ring box, especially if you'll be transporting them to the wedding venue. A ring box provides a safe and easily identifiable container for the rings. It also makes it easier to hand over the rings to the officiant during the ceremony. If the box is too bulky, consider transferring the rings to a smaller box or pouch that will fit comfortably in your pocket.

Check Pocket Integrity

Before placing the rings in your pocket, carefully examine the pocket for any holes or tears. You don't want to risk the rings slipping through a small opening and getting lost. If there are any concerns about the pocket's integrity, consider using a different pocket or adding an extra layer of protection, such as a small pouch or envelope.

Be Mindful of Timing

It is advisable to obtain the rings as close to the ceremony as possible to reduce the risk of loss or misplacement. If you receive the rings ahead of time, store them securely and separately from your own possessions to avoid confusion or accidental damage. Keep them in a safe place until it's time to transfer them to your pocket for the ceremony.

Practice Retrieving the Rings

Before the wedding day, practice taking the ring box out of your pocket smoothly and quietly. This will help you become familiar with the process and ensure you can do it discreetly during the ceremony without fumbling or creating unwanted noise. Practise sitting, standing, and walking with the box in your pocket to ensure it remains secure and comfortable.

Communicate with the Couple

Discuss with the couple how they would like the rings to be handled. They may have specific preferences or traditions they want to follow. For example, they may want you to carry only the wedding bands or include the bride's engagement ring as well. Clarifying these details will help you understand your responsibilities and ensure you meet the couple's expectations.

Wear rings on fingers

Wearing the wedding bands on his fingers is a popular choice for the best man. Here are some tips for the best man to keep in mind when wearing the wedding bands on his fingers:

• Ensure the rings are secure and won't fall off.
• Choose the correct finger. The ring finger on the left hand is the traditional choice for married men in many cultures. However, some cultures use the right hand instead.
• Be mindful of the ring size. It should fit comfortably without being too loose or too tight.
• Consider the material and design of the rings. Choose a style that suits your personality and the occasion.
• Keep the rings clean and free of scratches.
• Practice wearing the rings beforehand to get accustomed to the weight and feel.
• Be confident! Wearing the wedding bands on your fingers as the best man is a great way to showcase your role in the wedding.

Assign a different person to carry the rings

If you're worried about the best man losing the rings, or you simply want to switch up the tradition, you can assign a different person to carry the wedding bands.

One option is to give the rings to the maid of honour or another member of the bridal party. This is a logical choice as they will be standing right by the couple's side as they say their vows.

You could also give the rings to the officiant, who will be presiding over the ceremony. This ensures a seamless transition from their statements to the moment the couple begins their vows.

If you would prefer to pass the rings to a close family member, you could give them to the parents or a sibling of either the bride or groom.

Finally, if you are having a ring bearer, you could give them fake rings to carry down the aisle. This way, they can still feel special and look cute in the wedding photos, while the real rings remain safe.

Use a ring pillow

If you're the best man at a wedding, one of your most important duties is to carry the wedding bands and hand them to the officiant when called upon. A traditional way to do this is to use a ring pillow.

Choosing a Ring Pillow

If you're set on using a ring pillow, you could opt for a simple, elegant design, such as a cherry wood lacquered double ring box. Alternatively, you could use a decorative pillow with ribbons to tie the rings onto. If you want to get creative, you could even use a glass box or a unique handmade box.

Preparing the Rings

On the day of the wedding, the rings should be placed on the pillow by someone who the couple trusts implicitly, such as the bride or groom themselves. If the rings are particularly expensive, the couple may prefer to use fake rings for the ceremony, in which case, the best man should already be holding the real rings.

Carrying the Pillow

When it comes to carrying the pillow, the best man will typically walk down the aisle with it, either holding it in their hands or tucked under their arm. If the wedding has a ring bearer, the best man can also choose to "whip it out of his jacket" as a surprise.

Presenting the Rings

During the ceremony, the best man will hand the rings to the officiant when prompted. To ensure a smooth exchange, the best man should practice taking the rings out of the box or untying them from the pillow beforehand.

Frequently asked questions