Ring Bearer's Entrance: When To Make An Appearance

The ring bearer is a wedding party role typically given to young children, usually between the ages of three and eight. They are responsible for delivering the wedding rings to the altar, carrying them on a pillow or in a small box. In a traditional wedding ceremony processional, the ring bearer walks down the aisle after the groomsmen and before the flower girl, and they can sit with their parents once they have reached the end of the aisle.

Who is the ring bearer?

A ring bearer is a role typically given to young children at weddings. They are usually between the ages of three and eight, and are often boys, though girls can also be ring bearers. They are usually children of the couple's close friends or family members, such as the kids of the maid of honour or best man, or the couple's nephews and nieces. If the couple has children, they may choose to include them in the wedding as ring bearers.

The ring bearer is responsible for carrying the wedding rings down the aisle during the ceremony. They walk down the aisle after the maid of honour and bridesmaids, and before the bride. They may carry the rings on a ring bearer pillow, or the couple may choose an alternative, such as a ribbon tied around a favourite poem or scripture, or a briefcase labelled 'ring security'. The ring bearer then gives the rings to the wedding officiant or best man.

The ring bearer usually wears a small tuxedo, suit, or khakis with a bow tie and suspenders. Their outfit is usually chosen by the couple, and paid for by the ring bearer's parents. The couple may choose to give the ring bearer a gift as a token of their appreciation.

What does a ring bearer do?

A ring bearer is a wedding party role typically given to young children, usually boys, who are close to the couple, such as the son of a sibling, cousin, or friend. The role can also be performed by girls or even pets. The ring bearer is responsible for carrying the couple's wedding rings down the aisle during the ceremony.

The ring bearer walks down the aisle after the groomsmen and before the flower girl, carrying the rings on a pillow, banner, bouquet, or in a box or briefcase. The rings may be real or fake, with the real rings often carried by the best man or maid of honour. The ring bearer then passes the rings to the best man, best woman, or another person of honour.

The ring bearer is usually between the ages of three and ten, with the ideal age range being between four or five and ten. This is because children younger than three may need to be escorted down the aisle by a parent, and there is a greater risk of tantrums or an unwillingness to participate. Children older than ten may be given a junior groomsman role, which includes more responsibility and involvement in pre-wedding events.

The ring bearer's parents are responsible for purchasing their outfit, which is usually similar to that of the groomsmen, and accessories, as well as attending pre-wedding festivities and arriving early on the wedding day. The couple may choose to pay for the ring bearer's outfit as a gift or memento.

When does the ring bearer walk down the aisle?

The ring bearer is a wedding party role typically given to young children, usually between the ages of three and eight. The child walks down the aisle carrying the wedding ring(s) on a pillow and gives the rings to the wedding officiant or best man once they reach the altar.

In a traditional wedding ceremony processional, the ring bearer walks down the aisle after the groomsmen and before the flower girl. The ring bearer can walk down the aisle alone, or with the flower girl. If the ring bearer is old enough, they can stand at the altar with the rest of the wedding party, or they can sit with their parents.

If the ring bearer is too young to walk, their parent or guardian can carry them, or pull them in a wagon or small car. Alternatively, the flower girl can escort them.

What does a ring bearer wear?

Deciding what your ring bearer wears on your wedding day is one of the most enjoyable parts of planning your nuptials. Typically, a ring bearer will wear a small suit or tuxedo, but there are plenty of other options if you want to modernise their look.

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

Another option is to dress the ring bearer in the same outfit as the groomsmen, so he feels like "one of the guys". In this case, the groomsmen's accessories, such as long ties, bow ties and pocket squares, can be matched to the colour of the bridesmaids' dresses.

If you're having an outdoor wedding, and you prefer a no-jacket look, the ring bearer can wear dress pants with suspenders and a bow tie, or a vest with a bow tie and a coordinating hat. For a beach wedding, the ring bearer can wear a more casual outfit, such as a linen shirt, lightweight jacket, bow tie, suspenders, and shorts.

If the ring bearer is too small for a suit or tuxedo, you can dress him in just the pants, a shirt, a little bow tie, suspenders and little shoes. Or, for a toddler, you can purchase a tuxedo onesie with a clip-on bow tie.

Whatever you choose, the ring bearer's outfit should coordinate with the groomsmen's attire and match the formality of your wedding.

How to choose a ring bearer?

Choosing a ring bearer is an important part of wedding planning. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you select your ring bearer:

Decide if you want children at your wedding:

Firstly, you need to decide if you want children at your wedding. If you opt for a child-free celebration, you can still have a ring bearer and/or flower girl. However, if you are happy to have children at the ceremony, you can choose a young ring bearer.

Choose the appropriate age:

If you decide to have a young ring bearer, the appropriate age is usually between 3 and 8 years old. Younger children might be shy or nervous, while older children may be more confident and comfortable with the attention.

Create a list of potential ring bearers:

Make a list of children who are close to you and your partner, such as nephews, nieces, godchildren, or children of your honour attendants, best friends, or family members. If you have your own children, they could be a sweet choice for the role.

Consider multiple ring bearers:

You don't have to choose just one ring bearer. It's perfectly fine to have more than one, especially if you have several children you want to include. Older children can pull younger ones in a wagon, or one attendant can carry the rings while another holds a sign.

Involve the parents:

The ring bearer's parents will have a lot of responsibilities, including purchasing the child's wedding attire, preparing them for the day, and handling any potential meltdowns. Be sure to ask the parents for permission and ensure they are willing to take on these tasks.

Ask the right way:

Get creative when asking your chosen ring bearer to be part of your wedding. You can surprise them with a new toy, a sweet card, or their favourite candy. Don't forget to discuss outfit requirements and costs with the parents.

Give other children special roles:

If there are other children who are special to you but can't be part of the ceremony, give them other duties such as handing out programs, blowing bubbles, or shaking noisemakers. You can also give them their own flower crown, boutonniere, or corsage to make them feel included.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose someone you feel close to and who will add a special touch to your wedding day.

Frequently asked questions