Franklin Dean
Presenting the rings at a wedding is a significant part of the ceremony. The wedding ring is usually worn first, closest to the heart, followed by the engagement ring. The couple exchanges rings, placing them on each other's fourth finger on their left hand, symbolising their love and commitment. The ring ceremony is typically held after the wedding vows, with the groom going first. The best man, maid of honour, or a ring bearer may be responsible for bringing the rings to the ceremony.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who holds the rings | Best man, maid of honour, ring bearer, or officiant |
| Who to give the rings to | The couple getting married |
| When to give the rings | During the ring exchange portion of the ceremony |
| Where to place the rings | On the fourth finger of the left hand |
| How to present the rings | Loose in a pocket, on a pillow, or in an ornamental box |
| What to say during the ring exchange | "These rings are a symbol of your continued love and commitment. When you look at your ring, let it be a reminder that this bountiful love is a choice you make each day, to nurture and grow together. Let them remind you that your partner is always with you, in body and spirit." |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the ring bearer
The role of a ring bearer is to deliver the wedding bands to the couple during the ceremony. While there is no age limit for a ring bearer, they are typically young children, usually between 3 and 8 years old. If you're inviting children to your wedding, it's a great way to include them in the ceremony.
If you're a parent, you may want to ask your son to be the ring bearer. Otherwise, you could ask the child of a close friend or family member, such as the child of your maid of honour or best man, or one of your nephews or nieces. If there are only female children close to you, you could ask one of them.
When choosing a ring bearer, it's important to consider their temperament and whether they will enjoy the job. You'll also want to check with their parents to see how they might take to the responsibility and whether they're happy to cover the cost of their outfit. If you're having an adults-only reception, you could offer to cover the cost of a babysitter.
If you don't want to have a child as your ring bearer, there are other options. One recent trend is to have an adult friend or family member as the ring bearer, or even your pet.
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Selecting the ring type
Selecting the perfect wedding ring is an important part of your journey together as a couple. It is a symbolic piece of jewellery that represents the love and commitment between the two married people. Wedding rings are exchanged during the wedding ceremony and are typically worn every day, so it is important to select a ring that is comfortable and suits your lifestyle.
Firstly, it is important to decide whether you want matching or non-matching rings. If one partner has an engagement ring, they may want to select a wedding ring that complements it. Some couples prefer matching wedding bands to symbolise unity and create a cohesive look.
Next, consider the type of metal you would like for your ring. Popular metals for wedding bands include platinum, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold. Platinum is a durable option that does not wear off over time, making it ideal for those with an active lifestyle. Gold is also a durable metal, and its different types offer distinct colours, allowing you to select a ring that aligns with your style and personality.
The shape of the ring is another important consideration. Common types of wedding ring shapes include court profiles, which are rounded on the inside and outside edges, providing a comfortable fit. D-shaped rings are flat on the inside and curved on the outside, allowing for a snug fit. Flat rings have a contemporary look with a rectangular cross-section and crisp, right-angled corners. Flat court rings offer a modern look on the outside while retaining a comfortable, curved interior.
Finally, consider any embellishments you may want on the ring, such as diamonds or other gemstones. These can add sparkle to your ring but will also increase the cost. It is important to set a budget and prioritise the aspects of the ring that are most important to you.
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Who holds the rings
The wedding ring exchange is a special moment in the ceremony. It is a symbolic gesture that represents the couple's love and commitment to one another. With so much focus on the rings, it is important to decide who will hold and present them.
Traditionally, the best man, maid of honour, or wedding officiant holds the rings. They are key members of the wedding party, and the couple can trust them to be responsible for keeping track of the rings and producing them at the right moment.
However, modern weddings offer more flexibility, and couples may choose someone else who is special or meaningful to them. This could be a family member, such as a parent or grandparent, or a close friend. The couple might want to surprise a family member with the rings, for example, by placing them under their seat for a unique moment during the ceremony.
In some cases, the couple may opt for a Ring Bearer to carry the rings into the ceremony. This is often a young man who presents the rings on a pillow or in a box. However, as rings are small and valuable, some couples may prefer to entrust them to a responsible adult instead.
Ultimately, the decision should be thoughtful and carefully considered, ensuring that the chosen person plays a meaningful role in this significant moment of the wedding.
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When to exchange rings
The wedding ring exchange is a time-honoured tradition, dating back to ancient Egypt, where reeds were used instead of precious metals. In a conventional wedding, the ring exchange follows the vows and any wedding rituals. The wedding officiant will guide the couple through ring statements as they put a ring on each other's fourth finger on their left hand.
The wedding ring is usually worn first, closest to the heart, but some couples may choose to wear their engagement ring during the ceremony, moving it to their right hand, or wearing both on the same finger. It is also becoming more common for couples to wear their engagement ring on their right hand and switch hands after the wedding.
In the lead-up to the ceremony, it is important to decide who will hold the rings. The best man, maid of honour, or officiant are common choices, but some couples may choose to assign this task to another trusted individual. The ring bearer, who brings the rings into the ceremony, may be a young family member or even a dog, presenting the rings on a pillow or in a box.
During the ceremony, the ring bearer gives the rings to the best man, maid of honour, or officiant, who will then hand them to the couple when the time comes for the ring exchange. The couple will then put the rings on each other's fingers, sealing their vows with a symbol of their love and commitment.
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Where to wear the ring
The wedding ring is usually worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, which is widely believed to be the 'vein of love'. This is the case in North America, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Austria, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, and the Netherlands. In the Netherlands, Catholics wear plain bands on the left hand, while Protestants wear them on the right. In several European countries, including Bulgaria, Poland, and Russia, the wedding ring is placed on the right hand.
In Western Christianity, engagement rings are exchanged during the betrothal rite, while wedding rings are given during the celebration of holy matrimony itself. Among Eastern Orthodox, Eastern Lutheran, and Eastern Catholic Christians, the exchange of rings is not technically part of the wedding service but is instead exchanged at the betrothal.
The wedding ring is usually worn first so it can be closest to your heart. However, you can wear wedding ring sets in whatever order works best for you. You can wear your engagement ring and wedding ring on the same finger, or you can split them and wear one on each hand. You can switch your engagement ring from left to right before you get the wedding ring, or you can wear the engagement ring on your right hand from the beginning.
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Frequently asked questions
The best man, maid of honour, or officiant are the classic choices for who carries the rings at a wedding. However, some couples choose someone else special to them, such as a parent or grandparent.
It's important to confirm that the person holding the rings has them before the ceremony begins. It's also a good idea to ask the ring bearer not to come in from behind the person receiving the rings, so they don't have to turn away from the guests or photographer.
The officiant will lead the couple through ring statements such as: "These rings are a symbol of your continued love and commitment. When you look at your ring, let it be a reminder that this bountiful love is a choice you make each day, to nurture and grow together."
