Ring Bearer: To Capitalize Or Not?

The term ring bearer typically refers to a young child, usually between the ages of 3 and 8, who is responsible for carrying the wedding rings down the aisle during the ceremony. While not necessary for the formal proceedings of a wedding, including a ring bearer is a popular way to involve children in the celebration. The capitalisation of ring bearer depends on the context. In the context of J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, the term Ring-bearer refers specifically to those who bore the One Ring, and is often hyphenated.

Ring-bearer in weddings

The ring-bearer in a wedding is usually a young boy who is either related to or very close to the bride and groom. The role is often given to the nephew of the bride or groom, or the child of the maid of honour, best man, or another close friend. The ring-bearer is one of the youngest wedding attendants and will enter the ceremony after the groomsmen and bridesmaids.

The ring-bearer traditionally carries the wedding rings down the aisle on a cushion or pillow, handing them to the newlyweds during the ceremony. The rings are usually fake, with the best man holding the real rings to avoid them being lost or dropped. The ring-bearer will usually join the line for the procession and proceed down the aisle, before waiting at the front until the officiant has finished speaking. They can then sit in the front pew with their parents.

The role of the ring-bearer is a great way to include young family members in the wedding ceremony and can make for one of the most adorable parts of the wedding. However, it can also go wrong, as young children can be unpredictable. It is important to make them comfortable with their duties and consider having them escorted down the aisle by a trusted bridesmaid or the flower girl.

There are no strict rules about who can be a ring-bearer, and the role can be given to a young girl if desired. It is also not necessary to have a ring-bearer at all if you are unable to make the right choice.

Ring-bearer in *Lord of the Rings*

In J.R.R. Tolkien's *Lord of the Rings* trilogy, the One Ring is a powerful piece of jewellery that is the focal point of the story. The Ring is the source of much of the evil that afflicts Middle-earth, as it was forged by the Dark Lord Sauron, who poured his power and essence into it. The Ring has a corrupting influence on its bearers, and it is on a quest to reclaim it that Sauron seeks to bring Middle-earth under his domination.

The term "Ring-bearer" refers to those who bore the One Ring, and most often, this means Frodo Baggins, who is tasked with destroying the Ring in Mount Doom. Frodo is the sixth Ring-bearer, inheriting the Ring from his older cousin, Bilbo Baggins, who is the fifth Ring-bearer. Bilbo discovers the Ring in the possession of Gollum, who is the fourth Ring-bearer, in the Misty Mountains. Gollum, in turn, took the Ring from his friend Déagol, who is the third Ring-bearer, in the River Anduin. The second Ring-bearer is Isildur, who cuts the Ring from Sauron's finger, making Sauron the first Ring-bearer.

Other Ring-bearers include Samwise Gamgee, who takes the Ring from Frodo when he believes him to be dead, and Tom Bombadil, who holds the Ring briefly when Frodo and his companions stay with him. Gandalf also technically "bears the Ring" for a few seconds on two occasions, and Saruman is also mentioned as an honourable mention by some sources, although he never actually touches the Ring.

Responsibilities of a ring-bearer at a wedding

The ring bearer is a direct name for their role: to carry the wedding rings down the aisle to the altar. The ring bearer is usually a young boy, between the ages of three and ten. The role is often given to a close relative or friend of the couple, such as nieces, nephews, or the children of close friends.

Before the Wedding

The ring bearer should attend the wedding rehearsal and any pre-wedding events to familiarise themselves with their role and the wedding party members. They should also try on their outfit and practice walking down the aisle with the ring pillow. It is important that the ring bearer and their parents are aware of the wedding day schedule and the specific timing of their role in the ceremony.

During the Wedding

On the wedding day, the ring bearer will walk down the aisle, usually ahead of the flower girl or immediately before the bride. They should walk slowly and confidently, carrying the ring pillow with the wedding rings attached. Once at the altar, the ring bearer will present the rings to the best man or the couple when it is time to exchange rings. After presenting the rings, the ring bearer will typically stand with the wedding party for the duration of the ceremony. However, if the ring bearer is too young, they may be seated with their parents.

Other Tips

Clear communication with the ring bearer and their parents is crucial to ensure a successful experience. It is also important to give the ring bearer ample time to practice their walk and become comfortable with the ring pillow. The ring bearer's outfit should complement the wedding party's outfits and be comfortable for the child to wear, with consideration given to the weather and venue conditions.

Although it is not required, the ring bearer usually carries a ring bearer pillow with the wedding rings tied to it. Couples can get creative with this, such as choosing a softball glove, a box, a ring dish, or a briefcase labelled "Ring Security".

Most couples choose to have the ring bearer carry fake rings as a precaution, with the best man carrying the real rings. This reduces the risk of losing the rings and is especially recommended if the ring bearer is very young. If the real rings are given to the ring bearer, it is best to do so right before the ceremony starts.

Finally, it is customary to give the ring bearer a gift as a token of appreciation for their role in the wedding.

Who to choose as a ring-bearer

The role of a ring-bearer is an important (and cute!) one at a wedding. The ring-bearer is responsible for carrying the couple's wedding rings down the aisle during the ceremony.

So, who should you choose for this important role? Here are some things to consider:

Age

Traditionally, ring-bearers are children between the ages of three and eight. This age range ensures the child is mature enough to handle the responsibilities of being a ring-bearer. However, you can choose a child younger than three, but it is advisable to speak with the child's parents first and ensure they are willing to escort the child down the aisle. If you want to include an older child, consider giving them a junior groomsman role, which includes more responsibilities and involvement in pre-wedding events. Ultimately, it doesn't matter what age your ring-bearer is, as long as you think they will enjoy the role.

Relationship to the Couple

It is common to choose someone who is close to the couple, such as the children of the maid of honour or best man, the couple's nephews or nieces, or the children of other friends or family members. This helps foster a comfortable dynamic between the ring-bearer and the couple in the lead-up to and on the wedding day.

Gender

While young boys are most traditional, modern weddings have shown that there are no rules when it comes to choosing a ring-bearer. Feel free to ask a female child or an adult friend or family member to take on the role.

Responsibilities

It is important to understand the responsibilities of a ring-bearer before choosing one. The ring-bearer will need to attend the wedding rehearsal and should be invited to the reception. They will also need to be comfortable with having all eyes on them as they walk down the aisle. If the child is old enough, it is a good idea to talk to them and see if they are comfortable with the responsibilities of being a ring-bearer.

Outfit

The ring-bearer's outfit should be consistent with the rest of the wedding party, matching the colour scheme and formality of the event. For young children, consider their comfort when choosing an outfit. The ring-bearer's parents are typically expected to pay for their outfit and accessories, but you may offer to pay if your budget allows.

Gift

It is customary to give the ring-bearer a gift as a thank you for their participation in the wedding. This could be something they can wear on the day of the wedding, such as sunglasses or quirky socks, or a personalized memento like an engraved frame.

In conclusion, when choosing a ring-bearer, consider the age, relationship to the couple, responsibilities, outfit, and gift. With these considerations in mind, you can honour the tradition while incorporating what feels right for your special day.

What should a ring-bearer wear?

When it comes to weddings, the ring bearer is usually a child, traditionally aged between three and eight years old. They are responsible for carrying the wedding rings down the aisle during the ceremony.

So, what should a ring bearer wear? Well, it depends on a few factors. Firstly, it's important to consider the formality of the wedding. You'll want the ring bearer's attire to match the overall style and tone of the event.

The most common approach is for the ring bearer to wear a miniature version of the groom's outfit. This means the same style of tuxedo or suit, including the jacket, pants, vest, shirt, shoes, bow tie or long tie, pocket square, studs, and cufflinks. This way, the ring bearer coordinates with the groom while still standing out from the groomsmen.

Another option is to dress the ring bearer in the same style as the groomsmen. This can be a fun way to make the ring bearer feel like "one of the guys." The accessories, such as the tie and pocket square, can be matched to the colour of the bridesmaids' dresses for added coordination.

If the ring bearer is too small for a full tuxedo or suit, don't worry! They can still look dapper in a pair of pants, a shirt, a bow tie, suspenders, and dress shoes.

It's worth noting that the parents of the ring bearer typically pay for their child's attire. However, it's considerate to give them options at different price points and to provide guidance or specific requirements for the outfit.

Remember, the most important thing is that the ring bearer feels comfortable and confident in what they're wearing. After all, they have an important role to play in the wedding ceremony!

Frequently asked questions