The Ring Bearer: A Child's Honor

A ring bearer is a young child, usually male, who carries the wedding rings down the aisle during the ceremony. The role is often given to boys between the ages of three and eight, though some sources suggest the age range can be anywhere from two to ten years old. The ring bearer is usually a relative or close friend of the couple, such as the nephew of the bride or groom, the son of the maid of honour, or the child of a close friend. The role is not limited to boys, however, and can be performed by girls or non-binary children. In recent years, it has also become popular to have an adult friend or family member, or even a pet, act as the ring bearer.

Who traditionally carries the rings down the aisle?

A ring bearer is a wedding party role traditionally given to young children, usually between the ages of 2 and 10, and most often to boys. However, the role can also be given to girls, non-binary children, adult friends or family members, or even pets. The ring bearer is often a family member, such as the nephew of the bride, godchild of the groom, second cousin, younger sibling, or the child of the maid of honour or best man.

The ring bearer is responsible for carrying the couple's wedding rings down the aisle during the ceremony. The child precedes the bride, often walking at the same time as the flower girl, and gives the rings to the officiant or best man once they reach the altar. The ring bearer usually carries the rings on a pillow, but other creative options include a softball glove, a box, a ring dish, or a banner.

The ring bearer is one of the youngest members of the wedding party and adds a touch of "irresistible cuteness" to the wedding. The role is not necessary to get the couple formally hitched, but it is a great way to include young people who are close to the couple in the wedding ceremony.

What age should the ring bearer be?

The ring bearer is a wedding party role typically given to young children. The child walks down the aisle carrying the wedding rings, usually on a pillow, preceding the bride.

There is no definitive rule on the age of a ring bearer, and the decision is ultimately up to the couple getting married. The age of the ring bearer can be anywhere from a few months old to 12 years old. The traditional age range for a ring bearer is between three and eight years old, as children in this age group are considered mature enough to handle the responsibility. However, children younger than three can also be ring bearers, but they will likely need to be escorted down the aisle by a parent or pulled in a wagon or small car. If the ring bearer is older than eight, they can be given a junior groomsman role, which includes more responsibilities and involvement in pre-wedding events.

When choosing the age of the ring bearer, it is important to consider the child's ability to handle the task and whether they will be excited to be chosen. Younger children may be more prone to tantrums, crying, and stage fright, while older children may be better able to walk down the aisle with minimal issues and handle more complicated tasks. It is also a good idea to include the ring bearer in the wedding rehearsal to help them become familiar with the surroundings and other bridal party members.

Who should the ring bearer be related to?

The ring bearer is usually a young boy, but this role can be played by a girl or non-binary person, or even a pet. They are often a young family member, such as the nephew of the bride, godchild of the groom, second cousin, younger sibling, or the child of the maid of honour, best man, or another close friend.

If the couple has children, this is a great way to include them in the wedding. If the child is old enough, it's a good idea to talk to them and see if they would like to be a ring bearer. By doing so, you allow the child to decide whether or not they would like to take on the responsibility. If they don't want to be a ring bearer but still want to be involved, they could hand out ceremony programmes, which has fewer responsibilities and isn't as high-profile a role.

The ring bearer is usually between the ages of 2 and 10 years old. If the child is under 3 years old, it's a good idea to speak with their parents first to see if they can escort the child down the aisle. If the child is 10 years old or older, consider giving them a junior groomsman role, which involves more responsibility and participation in pre-wedding events. Ultimately, it doesn't matter what age the ring bearer is, as long as it's a role that the chosen person will enjoy.

What should the ring bearer wear?

The ring bearer's attire should be chosen keeping in mind the formality of the wedding. 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's attire.

Another option is to dress the ring bearer in the same style as the groomsmen, making him feel like "one of the guys". In this case, the accessories such as the long tie, bow tie and pocket square, can be matched with the colour of the bridesmaids' dresses.

For a less formal look, such as a beach wedding, the ring bearer can wear more casual attire, like a linen shirt, lightweight jacket, bow tie, suspenders, and shorts. If the wedding is outdoors, the ring bearer can forego the jacket and instead wear dress pants with suspenders and a bow tie, or a vest with a bow tie and a coordinating hat.

If the ring bearer is too young for a tuxedo, an alternative is to dress him in just pants, a shirt, a bow tie, suspenders and shoes. For toddlers, a tuxedo-style onesie with a clip-on bow tie can be a cute option, although it is worth noting that toddlers may struggle to carry out the ring bearer's duties.

The ring bearer's outfit can also be personalised with unique boutonnieres, parasols, or toys like flags or a small security detail box for the rings.

Does the ring bearer carry the real rings?

A ring bearer is a wedding party role typically given to young children, usually between the ages of 2 and 8 years old. They are responsible for carrying the couple's wedding rings down the aisle during the ceremony. The ring bearer usually walks down the aisle with a ring bearer pillow in hand, although this is not required.

So, does the ring bearer carry the real rings? Well, that's up to the couple to decide. Most couples choose to have the best man carry the real rings as a precaution, especially if the ring bearer is very young. The ring bearer can instead hold an empty pillow, a decorative sign, or plastic rings tied to a ribbon on the pillow. However, if the couple chooses to have the ring bearer carry the real rings, it is recommended to ask the wedding planner or a member of the wedding party to hand the rings to the ring bearer right before the ceremony starts to reduce the risk of losing them.

The decision of whether the ring bearer carries the real rings or not should be based on the child's age and maturity level. If the couple is unsure, it is generally safer to give the ring bearer fake rings to avoid any potential mishaps during the ceremony.

Frequently asked questions