Ring Bearer: One Word Or Two?

The term ring bearer refers to the person who holds the rings until they are exchanged during a wedding ceremony. The role is usually filled by a young boy or child, who walks down the aisle carrying a pillow with two false rings displayed on top. In popular culture, the term is also associated with Frodo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings, as he bore the burden of the One Ring. The spelling of the term can vary, with some sources using ring bearer, ring-bearer, or ringbearer.

Who is the ring bearer at a wedding?

A ring bearer is a young child who is either related to or very close to the couple getting married. They are usually between the ages of three and ten, and their main responsibility is to carry the wedding rings down the aisle during the ceremony. The ring bearer is often one of the youngest members of the wedding party and usually enters the ceremony after the groomsmen and bridesmaids.

The tradition of having a ring bearer is believed to date back to ancient times, with some sources claiming that it originated in ancient Egypt. In Egyptian wedding ceremonies, a young boy would carry precious gems and jewels to the altar on a decorative pillow. 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.

Today, the ring bearer is typically a young boy who is related to or close to the couple. They may be the nephew, godson, or child of a close friend or family member. While boys are most commonly chosen as ring bearers, modern weddings have shown that there are no steadfast rules, and girls or even pets can also take on this role.

The ring bearer's outfit should be consistent with the rest of the wedding party and match the level of formality. In terms of responsibilities, the ring bearer will need to attend the rehearsal and may also be invited to the reception, depending on whether the event is child-friendly. On the day of the wedding, the ring bearer will walk down the aisle carrying the rings, usually on a pillow or in a box, and hand them to the officiant or best man.

What does a ring bearer do?

A ring bearer is a role traditionally given to a young child at a wedding. The role of the ring bearer is to carry the wedding rings down the aisle during the ceremony. The ring bearer usually walks down the aisle after the wedding party and delivers the rings to the best man or wedding officiant at the altar. The ring bearer is typically a boy between the ages of three and ten, but girls can also take on this role. The ring bearer usually carries the rings on a pillow, but other creative options are possible, such as carrying them in a box or ring dish.

The ring bearer is often a close relative or friend of the couple, such as the son of a sibling or cousin. The ring bearer should be someone the couple is close to, creating a special memory and bond with this person. If the ring bearer is a boy, he will stand on the groom's side, while a girl will stand next to the bridesmaids. In recent times, pets, usually dogs, have also become popular choices for ring bearers and would be led by a leash holder who would determine which side they stand on.

While the ring bearer traditionally carries the rings on a pillow, this is not required. Couples may choose to reimagine this aspect and select something that uniquely represents them. For example, the rings could be secured to a ribbon tied around a favourite poem or scripture, placed in a bouquet, or carried in a briefcase labelled 'RING SECURITY'.

It is common for the ring bearer to carry fake rings as a precaution, while the best man or maid of honour carries the real rings. This reduces the risk of losing the rings and is especially recommended if the ring bearer is very young. The ring bearer's role is not essential for the wedding to be formalised, but it is a good way to include young relatives or friends in the wedding ceremony.

What does a ring bearer pillow look like?

The ring bearer pillow, also known as a wedding ring cushion, is a wedding custom in many cultures. The pillow is usually made from white satin and is square-shaped, although other shapes are available. The pillow can be decorated with lace, pearls, embroidery, and ribbons, and is used to carry the wedding rings down the aisle.

While the pillow is traditionally carried by a young child, the role of ring bearer can be performed by anyone, including adults, girls, boys, or even pets. The pillow is often white or ivory, but other colours can be chosen to match the wedding colour palette or season. For example, light blue, greens, and sandy beiges are excellent colours for a beach wedding.

There are many creative alternatives to a ring bearer pillow, such as a briefcase, a seashell, a bouquet of flowers, or a dish. The choice of object should reflect the couple's personality and the wedding's venue, season, aesthetic, and budget.

What does a ring bearer wear?

The ring bearer is usually a young child, often between the ages of three and eight, and traditionally wears a kid-sized tuxedo or suit. This is usually a miniature version of what the groom or groomsmen are wearing, although some couples opt for a different style or colour to make the ring bearer stand out.

If the ring bearer is too small for a tuxedo, they can wear trousers, a shirt, a bow tie, suspenders, and shoes. Light blue, greens, and sandy beiges are excellent colours for a beach wedding. For a less formal wedding, a red collared shirt or a patterned jacket are also options.

The ring bearer's outfit is usually paid for by their parents, although the bride and groom may choose to purchase it as a gift.

Can pets be ring bearers?

Yes, pets can be ring bearers! While the role of ring bearer is usually filled by a young child, your beloved pet can also take on this role and accompany you on your big day.

If you're considering having your pet as a ring bearer, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, you should assess whether your pet is well-suited for the role. Consider their temperament and how they behave in crowds. If they are easily startled, get jealous or restless, or have a loud bark, they may not be the best fit.

It's also important to note that dogs generally make better ring bearers than cats due to their trainability and willingness to listen. If you do decide to include your cat, you may want to opt for a simpler role, such as having them wear a floral collar or bow tie and join you for photos.

When it comes to the rings themselves, it is recommended to use fake rings for your pet ring bearer. This is because your pet will need their paws free for walking down the aisle, and there is a risk of them getting spooked and running off with the real rings. Instead, you can attach the fake rings to their collar or a wreath around their neck.

In terms of attire, you can dress your pet in formal wear, such as a bow tie, jacket, and even a top hat. Just make sure they are comfortable and not forced to wear anything that causes them distress.

Finally, remember to have a plan for your pet after the ceremony. While they may not be able to join the formal reception, you can include them in cocktail hour or have them greet guests and pose for photos. Assign a designated friend or handler to take care of your pet and bring them back home or to a pet-friendly boarding facility for the night.

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