Ring Bearer Role: Nephew Edition

A ring bearer is a role traditionally given to young boys who are close to the couple, such as nephews, children of close friends or family members, or the children of the maid of honour or best man. The ring bearer is responsible for carrying the wedding rings down the aisle during the ceremony.

While the role is usually given to boys between the ages of three and eight, there is no steadfast rule that the ring bearer must be a young boy. Couples may choose to appoint a girl or even a pet as the ring bearer.

If you are looking for a title for a ring bearer who is not a young boy, some suggestions include ring bearer, ring man, ring officer, or ring security.

Junior usher

A junior usher is a great role to assign to a young nephew or family member at your wedding. Junior ushers are often chosen when there is a need for specific roles to be designated, such as showing guests where to sit, or when there are reserved seats that need to be clearly indicated. Ushers are also a good option if you want to include more family members in your wedding without adding them to the groomsman or bridesmaid roster.

At informal weddings, junior ushers may have fewer responsibilities, such as simply letting guests know which side of the aisle to sit on, or informing them of any reserved rows or seats. Junior ushers can also be tasked with crowd control at the end of the ceremony, showing late-arriving guests to their seats, and directing guests to the parking area if necessary.

Attendant

An "attendant" is a great title for a ring bearer who is like a nephew to you. This term was used by a user on WeddingWire, who had a similar dilemma. She had two young boys in her wedding, but only one could carry the ring. She asked what the other boy, who was escorting the second flower girl, should be called. Another user, who had faced a similar situation, suggested the term "attendant".

The role of an attendant in a wedding is quite flexible and can be adapted to your needs. The user's brother, who was an attendant, walked her stepmother down the aisle. This is a good option if you want to include your nephew in the wedding party but don't want to burden him with the responsibility of carrying the rings.

The term "attendant" is also quite broad and can include a range of duties, so it doesn't restrict your nephew to one specific task. It's also a more mature-sounding title than "ring bearer", which is usually associated with young boys.

If you're looking for other alternatives, you could also consider junior usher, escort, or page. These terms are also suitable for young boys who are part of the wedding party but don't have any specific duties.

Ultimately, it's your wedding, so feel free to choose whatever title you think suits your nephew's role the best!

Page

A page is a great alternative title for a ring bearer, especially if they are older and the title "ring bearer" seems too juvenile. The role of a page in a wedding has its roots in the Victorian era, where a page boy would assist the bride by carrying the back of her train. The role has since evolved into the modern ring bearer, but the title "page" remains a suitable alternative.

If you are worried that your ring bearer is too old for the title, or you simply want to give them a different name, "page" is a good option. It is also a good idea if you have multiple ring bearers and want to give them different titles to distinguish their roles.

The role of a page can be as creative as you like. They can carry the rings in a briefcase marked "ring security", or they can carry a sign saying "Has anyone seen a couple of rings lying around?". You can also have them walk down the aisle with the rings in a wagon or small car, or have them pulled along by a dog.

As a member of the wedding party, it is customary for a page to receive a gift. If your page is a child, consider gifting them something fun to wear on the day, like a pair of sunglasses or quirky socks. If they are older, a personalised memento like an engraved frame or a "ring security" badge might be more appropriate.

In terms of attire, the page's outfit should be consistent with the rest of the wedding party. It is customary for the page's parents to pay for their outfit, but if your budget allows, you may want to offer to cover the cost.

Finally, don't forget to invite your page to the rehearsal dinner and the reception. It is common courtesy to include them in these events, especially if they are close family members like nephews.

Ring bearer

A ring bearer is a role traditionally given to a young boy, usually between the ages of three and ten, during a couple's wedding ceremony. The ring bearer is tasked with carrying the wedding rings down the aisle, usually on a pillow, and delivering them to the best man or wedding officiant. The role is typically given to a child who is closely related to the couple, such as a nephew, godson, or cousin.

While the role is traditionally given to young boys, modern weddings have seen a shift towards more inclusive interpretations of the role. Couples may choose to have a girl or a pet as a ring bearer, or even an adult friend or family member. Ultimately, the decision of who to choose as a ring bearer is up to the couple, and they can personalise the role to fit their vision for their wedding day.

The ring bearer's outfit should be consistent with the wedding party's attire and match the level of formality of the event. The ring bearer's parents are typically expected to pay for their child's outfit and accessories, as well as attend all pre-wedding festivities and arrive early on the wedding day. The ring bearer is also expected to attend the wedding rehearsal and is usually invited to the reception as well.

Some couples may choose to have more than one ring bearer, with each bearer assigned specific tasks and responsibilities, such as pulling a wagon of flower petals, walking the family dog down the aisle, or holding a chalkboard sign.

In conclusion, the role of the ring bearer is a special and important one during a wedding ceremony, and the title can be given to anyone whom the couple chooses, regardless of age, gender, or species!

Ring security

Attire

You can dress your ring security team in matching outfits that are consistent with the colour scheme and level of formality of the wedding party. For a formal wedding, tiny tuxedos, suits, or khakis with bowties and suspenders can be a cute option. If you're looking for something more casual, consider flannel button-down shirts and trousers. Don't forget to communicate with their parents to ensure the outfits are within their comfort zone in terms of budget and style.

Ring Presentation

The ring security team can carry the rings in a variety of creative ways. They can stick to the traditional method of using a pillow or ring box, or they can get playful and carry the rings in a briefcase marked "ring security". If you want to add a whimsical touch, they could even carry a sign that says, "Has anyone seen a couple of rings laying around?"

Gifts

As a token of appreciation for their role in your special day, consider giving your ring security team personalised gifts. For younger members, you could gift them quirky socks featuring their favourite characters or patterns, or a stuffed animal. For older members, you could opt for personalised mementos such as engraved frames or "ring security" badges.

Rehearsal and Reception

It is customary to invite your ring security team to both the rehearsal and the reception. If you're planning a child-free reception, you can arrange a special time during the cocktail hour for the ring security team and other young participants to feel included. Set up a pizza table or craft station where they can spend some time having fun before a babysitter or nanny takes over for the night.

Remember, the role of ring security is a fun and flexible way to involve your nephew and other young boys in your wedding. You can customise their duties and attire to fit your unique wedding vision.

Frequently asked questions