The wedding processional refers to the moment when the couple and their wedding party walk down the aisle to the altar at the start of the wedding ceremony. The processional order varies depending on the type of ceremony, traditions, and formality.
In a traditional Christian wedding, the ring bearer walks down the aisle after the bridesmaids and groomsmen, and before the flower girl and the bride. In a Jewish wedding, the ring bearer walks down the aisle after the bridesmaids and before the flower girl. The ring bearer is usually one of the youngest members of the wedding party, typically between the ages of 3 and 8.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
When does the ring bearer walk? | The ring bearer walks down the aisle after the bridesmaids and groomsmen, and before the flower girl and the bride. |
Who walks with the ring bearer? | The ring bearer can walk with the flower girl, or be escorted by their parents or a groomsman/bridesmaid. |
What does the ring bearer carry? | The ring bearer carries the wedding rings on a pillow, or a decorative sign or empty pillow if they are too young. |
What does the ring bearer wear? | The ring bearer's attire depends on the formality of the wedding. They can wear tiny tuxedos, suits, or khakis with bowties and suspenders. |
What You'll Learn
Ring Bearer's Role
The ring bearer is one of the youngest members of the wedding party, usually between 3 and 8 years old. They are responsible for carrying the wedding rings down the aisle during the ceremony.
The ring bearer walks in after the bridesmaids and groomsmen and before the flower girl. They can walk down the aisle with the flower girl or on their own. If the ring bearer is too young to walk, their parent (who is in the wedding party) can carry them during the processional, or they can be escorted by the flower girls, or pulled in a wagon or small car.
The ring bearer usually carries the wedding rings tied to a small pillow. However, as a precaution, most couples choose to have the best man carry the rings instead. In this case, the ring bearer may carry an empty pillow or a decorative sign, or plastic rings tied to a ribbon on the pillow.
After the rings are handed off to the best man, the ring bearer's role is complete, and they can be seated with their parents.
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Ring Bearer's Attire
Ring Bearers Attire
The ring bearer's attire will depend on the level of formality of the wedding. While classic ring bearer outfit options include tuxedos, suspenders, and bow ties, the couple is free to make their own rules. For a black-tie affair, a tuxedo and dress shoes are required. For a more casual wedding, a button-down or polo shirt can be worn.
If you are the couple, be sure to discuss the ring bearer's outfit with their parents, as they typically purchase the outfit. Comfort is also important—itchy or tight attire may lead to a cranky ring bearer, especially if they are a baby or toddler.
- J.Crew offers classic preppy outfits, including tuxedos and more casual linen suiting options for boys aged 2 to 16.
- Janie and Jack have a range of stylish options, from classic suiting to embroidered poplin shirts.
- Banana Republic offers fashion-forward linen styles for babies and toddlers, perfect for a casual or beach wedding.
- Brooks Brothers is known for its classic formalwear, including tuxedos and blazer jackets for a formal or black-tie wedding.
- Ralph Lauren has a light green onesie with a Peter Pan collar, a great option for a casual wedding.
- River Island has a four-piece pink tailored suit, including trousers, a waistcoat, a button-down shirt, and a bow tie.
- Noralee's natural-coloured Linen Blazer is a stylish, seasonless wardrobe classic.
- Nordstrom has a comfortable and stylish bodysuit, shorts, and bow-tie set for baby ring bearers.
- H&M has a neutral-coloured dapper set that will turn heads.
- Opposuits has a light blue two-piece suit with a tie, perfect for a spring wedding.
- Banana Republic has an embroidered linen two-piece set, marketed towards girls but suitable as a gender-neutral option.
- Monica and Andy's Oxford Sport Short Bundle is perfect for a beach wedding.
- Feltman Brothers has a vintage-inspired white embroidered suit, including a bodysuit, shorts, and a bow tie.
- H&M has a formal red plaid shirt and suspenders set, ideal for winter nuptials.
- Andy & Evan has a white five-piece suit set, including a bow tie or necktie.
- Nautica has a classic black four-piece tuxedo suit, including a shirt and bow tie.
- La Coqueta has a soft merino set, including a charming Peter Pan collar, guaranteed to keep the ring bearer comfortable and stylish.
- H&M has a rustic barn wedding shorts set, including a shirt, suspenders, shorts, and a bow tie.
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Who Chooses the Ring Bearer?
The ring bearer is usually a young boy, but the role can be performed by a girl or even a pet. The ring bearer is typically a child of those close to the couple, such as the kids of the maid of honour or best man, the couple's nephews, or children of other friends or family members. If the couple has children, it is a sweet way to include them in the wedding.
The couple should pick someone they or their partner are close to and have a good relationship with. This helps foster a comfortable dynamic in the lead-up to the wedding and on the big day. If the child is old enough, the couple can talk to them to see if they would like to be a ring bearer.
If the child is too young, the couple should speak to the child's parents to see if they are willing to take on the responsibility and escort the child down the aisle. The ring bearer's parents are also tasked with explaining the ring bearer's duties to their child, paying for their outfit and accessories, and attending pre-wedding festivities.
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Ring Bearer's Gift
Ring-Bearer Gifts
The ring bearer is one of the most important people at a wedding—after all, they're the one with the rings! It's not required, but many couples choose to give their ring bearer a gift to thank them for their role in the wedding and to help them prepare for the big day. Here are some gift ideas to consider:
Proposal Gifts
These gifts are used to propose to your ring bearer, asking them to participate in your wedding.
- Ring Bearer Super Cape: A vibrant blue cape with a symbolic logo marking the wearer as the protector of the rings.
- The Ring Bearer Book: A picture book that tells a heartwarming story about a ring bearer, teaching them about their role and getting them excited for the wedding.
- Ring Bearer Teddy Bear: A punny gift—a teddy bear wearing a shirt personalised with the ring bearer's name, role, and the wedding date.
- Ring Bearer Puzzle: A fun jigsaw or wooden peg puzzle that pops the question for you. It can also be framed and hung as a keepsake.
- Ring Bearer Tote Bag: A canvas tote bag personalised with the ring bearer's name and role, perfect for filling with other small surprises.
Thank-You Gifts
These gifts are given to the ring bearer after the wedding as a token of appreciation for their participation.
- Personalised Ring Bearer Hanger: A wooden hanger painted with the ring bearer's name and role, reserved for their special attire on the wedding day, and saved as a keepsake afterwards.
- Avengers Pajama Set: A fun pair of pyjamas for the ring bearer to change into after a long day of festivities.
- Shark-Shaped Blanket: A unique, shark-shaped sleeping bag for the ring bearer to snuggle into during movie nights or when they need a break from dancing at the reception.
- Personalised LED Night Light: A night light featuring designs such as game controllers, dinosaurs, UFOs, sports balls, or a monster truck to keep the monsters away.
- Mickey Mouse Three-Piece Gift Set: A luxe cufflink, lapel pin, and tie bar set featuring a dapper Mickey Mouse silhouette, perfect for the ring bearer's outfit on the wedding day.
- Personalised Watch: A classic gift idea to thank the ring bearer for their hard work.
- Personalised Football: A football customised with the ring bearer's name and the wedding date, perfect for sports enthusiasts.
- Kids' Dinosaur Backpack: A super-cute backpack embroidered with the ring bearer's name, ideal for carrying toys and other knick-knacks.
- Custom Message Handkerchief: A white cotton handkerchief printed with a sweet poem about the ring bearer's role, signed by the couple.
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Ring Bearer's Age
The ring bearer is a role typically given to young children in a wedding party. They precede the bride down the aisle, often walking at the same time as the flower girl, and usually carry the wedding ring(s) on a pillow.
The traditional age range for ring bearers is between three and eight years old. This ensures the child is mature enough to handle the responsibility. However, some sources suggest that children as young as two or as old as ten to twelve can take on the role. Ultimately, it is up to the couple to decide, and they may prefer to have a ring bearer who is close to them, such as a child of one of the honour attendants or a family member.
If the ring bearer is very young, they may be pulled down the aisle in a wagon or sit in a remote-controlled car. Alternatively, they can walk with a parent or another member of the wedding party. It is common for the ring bearer to carry fake rings, rather than the real ones, to avoid any risk of losing them.
The role of the ring bearer can be adapted to suit the couple's preferences. For example, the rings can be secured to a ribbon tied around a meaningful poem or scripture, or carried in a briefcase labelled 'ring security'.
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