Ring Bearer Cushion: What's Inside?

A ring bearer cushion is a small pillow that carries the wedding rings in a traditional Western white wedding. The pillow is usually carried by a young male relative or friend, known as the ringbearer, who walks down the aisle before the bride and gives the rings to the officiant or best man. The pillows are often small, ornate, and reflect the wedding's colours, or are white silk pillows. However, in less traditional weddings, the containers can be whimsical or thematic, reflecting the couple's personal tastes.

The history of ring bearer cushions

The wedding ring bearer tradition has been around for a long time in many countries. One of the most common beliefs regarding ring bearers dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was customary for treasured jewels to be carried on ornamental pillows during celebrations, especially wedding ceremonies. Although historians believe that adults carried the rings on ornamental pillows during Egyptian times, today it is more common for a young boy to perform the duties.

In medieval times, Northern Europeans presented the wedding ring to the bride on the tip of a sword. During this era, pillows were rare, so wealthy families replaced the swords with pillows as a symbol of their riches. The duty of carrying the pillow was then given to a young child known as a page boy, who also carried the bride's train and a prayer book.

The ring bearer grew in popularity during the Victorian era, when boys' suits consisted of velvet jackets, short trousers, and round linen collars. The ring bearer's role is usually given to a young boy who is a family member or a friend's child, often under the age of ten. Today, it is not considered unusual for the couple to choose anyone they like, regardless of age or gender, or even their dog, to be the ring bearer!

How to make a ring bearer cushion

A ring bearer cushion is a small pillow that carries the wedding rings down the aisle during a traditional Western wedding ceremony. The pillow is usually carried by a young male relative or friend of the couple, often processing at the same time as the flower girl.

Choose your fabric and cut it to size

Select a fabric that matches your wedding colours and theme. You can use various materials such as satin, cotton, or burlap. Cut two squares of fabric, each measuring 10 inches by 10 inches. If you want a different-sized pillow, remember to add a 1/2-inch seam allowance to the length and width.

Stack the fabric squares and secure them

Place the squares on top of each other with the right sides facing together. Secure the edges with pins to hold them in place.

Sew three edges of the fabric

Using a sewing machine or sewing by hand, sew three edges of the fabric squares together, leaving a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Alternatively, you can secure the edges with hot glue or fabric glue.

Trim the corners

Although optional, trimming the corners will reduce bulk and give your pillow a neater appearance. Cut as close to the stitching as possible without cutting the thread. Be sure to clip the corners of the open edge to make it easier to sew shut later.

Turn the pillow right side out and stuff it

Flip the corners into the pillow, then use a blunt object like a pencil to push the corners out further. Stuff the pillow with polyester filling, foam, or a pre-made mini pillow insert.

Close the open seam

Push the stuffing into the pillow to avoid lumps. Fold the raw edges of the opening in by 1/4 inch and secure them with pins. Sew the opening shut by hand using a ladder stitch, then remove the pins. Alternatively, you can use hot glue or fabric glue to close the seam.

Attach a string to a ribbon

Choose a ribbon and string that complement your pillow. Create a loop with the string by folding it in half, then place it behind the ribbon. Pull the ends of the string through the loop and tighten to form a knot. Centre the knot by sliding it along the ribbon.

Form a bow with the ribbon

Create loops with the left and right ends of the ribbon, then cross the left loop over the right and pull it through the gap. Tighten the loops to form the bow. Ensure that the strings and tails of the bow hang below the loop.

Secure the bow to the pillow

Position the bow in the centre of the pillow and sew it in place with matching thread, or use hot glue for a quicker option. Make sure the strings and tails are hanging freely below the loop.

Trim and singe the ribbon and strings

Cut the ribbon and strings to your desired length. If the ends are fraying, carefully singe them with a flame to seal them.

Tie the rings to the strings

Thread both wedding rings onto one of the strings, then tie the two strings together in a knot or a bow to secure the rings in place.

Your ring bearer cushion is now ready to be carried down the aisle!

What materials to use

The materials you will need to make a ring bearer pillow depend on the design you choose. If you are a beginner at sewing, it is best to opt for a simple design and a square shape. The size of the pillow should be comfortable for the ring bearer to carry.

You will need fabric, ribbon, silk string, polyester fiberfill, sewing essentials such as pins or binder clips, thread, scissors, and a sewing machine (optional). Choose a plain fabric design, as the wedding is a formal occasion. Suggested fabrics include satin, silk, linen, burlap, and cotton. The ribbon should complement the type of textile chosen for the pillowcase. For example, if you choose a fabric with a glossy sheen, use a matt-coloured ribbon. You will need two ribbons of the same length and appearance but different widths, with a ratio of three to one.

For the filling, you can use poly-fil stuffing or polyester fiberfill.

Ring bearer cushion designs

Ring bearer cushions, also known as wedding ring cushions, are small pillows that carry the wedding rings in a traditional Western white wedding. They are usually carried by a young male member of the bridal party, often a relative or friend of the couple. The pillows are typically ornate, reflecting the wedding colours, or white silk pillows.

There are many different designs available, from the classic white silk pillow with lace and pearls, to more whimsical and thematic containers that reflect the couple's personalities. For example, some couples opt for a rustic theme with burlap and lace, while others might choose a more modern approach with a simple ivory cushion and a big bow.

Personalised cushions are also popular, with options to embroider the couple's names and wedding date, or to include crystals, butterflies, and other decorative elements. Some cushions come with a flower girl basket, and others are designed for ring bearers who are dogs, with special pouches that attach to the dog's collar.

For those who want to stray from tradition, there are alternative options to the ring bearer cushion, such as a briefcase or a bouquet, to carry the wedding rings.

How to attach the rings to the cushion

Attaching the rings to the ring bearer pillow is a simple process and can be done in two steps. The first step is placement, and the second is attachment.

Step 1: Placement

Depending on the design of your ring bearer pillow, you should see a ribbon in the middle. Hold one end of the ribbon to form a loop and place the ring inside it. Then, hold one end of the ribbon in one hand and the loop you've just made in the other.

Step 2: Attachment

Make a knot around the loop and tighten it by pulling on both ends. Place the pillow flat on a surface and repeat the same tying process on the other side. Once you've finished, you can pull the ring to detach it from the pillow.

Alternative Methods

If you don't want to use a ribbon, there are other ways to attach the rings. For example, you could use a briefcase that reads "Ring Security". Alternatively, you can secure the rings to a ribbon tied around your favourite poems or scriptures, or place the rings in a bouquet.

Frequently asked questions