Ring Bearer Style Guide

Including children in your wedding is a surefire way to make the day even more magical. If you're looking to have a ring bearer at your wedding, you'll want to make sure they're dressed to impress. While the ring bearer is sometimes referred to as the ring boy, you can opt for a girl to take on the role, or even your pet. Classic ring bearer outfits include tiny tuxedos, small suits, or khakis with bow ties and suspenders. However, the couple is entirely free to make their own rules when it comes to ring bearer attire. The wedding dress code will largely inform the ring bearer's outfit, depending on the level of formality required. While a black-tie affair calls for a tuxedo and dress shoes, a more casual wedding might feature the ring bearer in a button-down shirt, polo shirt, or even a vest.

Tuxedos and bow ties

When it comes to dressing your ring bearer, classic options include tuxedos, suspenders and bow ties. The formality of your wedding will largely dictate the ring bearer's outfit. For a black-tie affair, a tuxedo and dress shoes are a must. However, if your wedding is more casual, a button-down shirt or polo shirt can be a comfortable and stylish alternative.

If you're opting for a tuxedo, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, comfort is key, especially for babies and toddlers. Make sure the tuxedo is not too itchy or tight, to avoid a cranky ring bearer. You can find tuxedos in a variety of colours, including black, white and ivory. For a playful touch, consider adding a bow tie in a fun colour or pattern. You can also mix and match the vest, bow tie and necktie to create a unique look.

When it comes to shopping for tuxedos, there are several retailers to choose from. Nordstrom offers a great selection of ring bearer outfits for different age ranges, including brands like OppoSuits, Andy & Evan, and Andrew Marc. J.Crew is another excellent option for classic, preppy styles, with both tuxedos and linen suiting options available. If you're looking for a more formal look, Brooks Brothers is a great choice, with classic tuxedos and blazer jackets perfect for a black-tie wedding.

To complete the look, don't forget the accessories! A pair of shiny dress shoes, a boutonnière, or even a miniature version of the groomsmen's accessories can add a touch of elegance to the outfit. Suspenders and a bow tie in a complementary colour can also be a stylish addition.

With these tips in mind, you can create a dapper and comfortable look for your ring bearer, ensuring they feel confident and happy on your special day.

Suspenders and bow ties

While there are no fixed rules for what a ring bearer should wear, classic options include tuxedos, suspenders, and bow ties. The dress code of the wedding will largely determine the ring bearer's outfit, depending on the level of formality required.

If you're looking for a stylish and charming look for your ring bearer, consider pairing a bow tie with suspenders. This combination can be dressed up or down to suit the tone of your wedding. For a rustic or outdoor wedding, opt for a bow tie in a soft, earthy tone such as dusty blue, blush, or terracotta. Pair it with leather suspenders in a complementary shade, such as tan or brown. If you want to add a playful touch, consider a newsboy cap in a matching fabric and colour.

For a more formal wedding, such as a black-tie affair, stick to classic colours like black, navy, or dark blue for the bow tie and suspenders. You can also add a pocket square in a matching or complementary colour to complete the look. If your wedding has a festive or seasonal theme, such as Christmas, consider a bow tie and suspenders in rich, festive colours like burgundy or deep red.

When it comes to fabrics, linen is a great choice for a beach or summer wedding as it's lightweight and breathable. You can also add a hat to keep the sun out of your ring bearer's eyes and add to their cuteness factor. For a winter wedding, consider a thicker fabric like velvet for the bow tie, which will add a touch of elegance and richness to the outfit.

Don't be afraid to mix and match colours and patterns to create a unique look for your ring bearer. You can also personalise the outfit with their initials or name, or even match their outfit to the groomsmen's for a cohesive look.

Lastly, comfort is key! Make sure the suspenders and bow tie aren't too tight or itchy, especially if your ring bearer is a baby or toddler, to avoid any crankiness or discomfort.

Beach wedding attire

Beach weddings are a great opportunity to get creative with your ring bearer's outfit. Here are some ideas to help you dress your ring bearer for a beach wedding:

Keep it Casual

If you're going for a more casual vibe at your beach wedding, opt for a relaxed look for your ring bearer. A short-sleeved button-down shirt and shorts are a great choice to keep them comfortable and looking stylish. For an extra touch of cuteness, add a pair of suspenders and a matching bow tie. You can even throw in a hat to keep the sun out of their eyes and up the cuteness factor.

Go for Linen

Linen is a perfect fabric choice for a beach wedding as it's lightweight and breathable. Consider a linen shirt and trousers or shorts for your ring bearer. For an extra touch of beachy flair, go for a linen set in a light colour like beige or blue.

Beachy Colours and Accessories

When it comes to colour, light and pastel shades are ideal for a beach wedding. You can also add a pop of colour with accessories. Consider a starfish brooch for a unique beachy touch, or a printed bow tie with floral or striped patterns.

Comfort is Key

Remember that comfort is important, especially for younger ring bearers. Opt for soft, breathable fabrics and avoid anything too tight or itchy. Suspenders and bow ties are a great alternative to a full suit if you want to strike a balance between style and comfort.

Beach-Themed Props

Incorporate beach-themed props into your ring bearer's outfit to make it even more fun and memorable. For example, they could carry a ring box in the shape of a seashell or a small beach bucket. You could also provide them with a pair of personalised sunglasses, perhaps with a "ring security" label, to shield their eyes from the beach glare.

With these tips in mind, you can create a stylish and comfortable look for your ring bearer that fits the beach wedding theme perfectly. Don't be afraid to get creative and add your own unique touches!

Autumnal colours

Planning a wedding and want to include a ring bearer as part of your special day? Here are some ideas for autumnal colours to dress your ring bearer in.

Autumnal Ring Bearer Outfits

The ring bearer's attire should complement the overall wedding dress code and level of formality. For an autumnal wedding, consider warm-hued outfits, such as:

• Warm-hued plaid sport coat paired with navy trousers and brown dress shoes for a classic look.
• Burgundy velvet suit for a festive autumnal touch.
• Navy blue suit and tie for a pop of colour.
• Dark-toned bow tie with a casual suit for an autumnal colour palette.
• Rust-coloured bow tie and suspenders, matching the groomsmen's outfits for a cohesive look.

Accessories

To add a unique touch, consider these accessories:

• A "ring security" box for the rings, DIY-ed by the ring bearer's parents.
• A small wooden ring box with a quote from a song or movie.
• A sign saying "Here Comes the Bride" or a banner announcing the bride's arrival.
• Suspenders and a bow tie in autumnal hues.
• A mini sword and shield for added cuteness and protection of the rings!

Gender-neutral clothing

When it comes to gender-neutral clothing for ring bearers, there are several stylish and comfortable options to choose from. Here are some ideas to dress your ring bearers in a gender-neutral manner while ensuring they look adorable for your special day.

Firstly, it's important to consider the formality of your wedding. If you're having a black-tie affair, a classic option for a ring bearer would be a tuxedo with dress shoes. For a more casual wedding, you can opt for a button-down shirt or a polo shirt. You can also add a blazer to a button-down shirt for a semi-formal look. Remember to choose comfortable fabrics and fits to ensure your ring bearers stay happy and cranky-free!

For a preppy and stylish look, consider a seersucker suit. This option is perfect for a summer wedding, as the fabric is lightweight. The blue stripes and gold buttons on a seersucker suit jacket from J.Crew, for instance, lend a nautical feel. You can also pair it with a bow tie for added elegance.

If you're looking for a soft and comfortable take on a traditional suit, H&M offers a 4-piece set in neutral beige tones that will work for a range of wedding styles. For a rustic barn wedding, their 4-piece cotton set with a shirt, suspenders, shorts, and a bow tie is an excellent choice and comes in a wide range of sizes.

For a unique and fashion-forward option, consider the Banana Republic Embroidered Linen 2-Piece Set. Marketed towards girls, this set can easily be a gender-neutral choice with its delicate ruffles and embroidery adding a bohemian flair. It's perfect for a beach wedding or a more casual affair.

Lastly, don't forget to have fun with accessories! Ring bearers can carry a "ring security" box, hold flags, or even wear sunglasses for a touch of confidence and energy. You can also add a playful twist to their outfits with unique boutonnieres or suspenders and bow ties in colours that complement your wedding theme.

Frequently asked questions