Ring Bearer
From LoveToKnow Weddings
The ring bearer and flower girl are adorable additions to any bridal party. There are some details and etiquette rules, however, that govern the choosing and duties of a ring bearer. Keep reading for some great tips. As always, don't forget to ask our wedding expert Sharon Naylor all of your wedding questions. She's here to help you! Have a comment about this or any other article? Please add it to our comments section at the bottom of this page.
Age of a Ring Bearer
While the age of a ring bearer really comes down to the personal preferences of the bride and groom, etiquette actually does dictate a recommended age. Typically, little boys between the ages of three and six are used as ring bearers. However, there have also been weddings conducted in which the ring bearer was a little girl. While there is no set number for bridesmaids or groomsmen, there generally is only one ring bearer in the wedding party. Of course, this can also be changed according to the bride and groom's preferences and needs.
Choosing a Ring Bearer
As you begin thinking about choosing a ring bearer, there are a couple of points to keep in mind. The ring bearer may be the child of a close friend or one of your relatives. The choice is up to you. In cases such as second marriages, a young son of either the bride or groom may be the ring bearer, and this is perfectly acceptable. Keep in mind, however, that whomever you choose should be old enough to walk down the aisle on queue. The ring bearer should also be able to carry the pillow which holds the rings. A child who is younger than three may not be mature enough to walk straight down the aisle or maintain control of the ring bearer's pillow. If your ceremony will be very long, it is perfectly acceptable for the ring bearer and the flower girl to sit with their parents after they have made their way down the aisle and during the exchanging of the wedding vows.
Duties and Responsibilities
The ring bearer's role in the wedding is simple. However, keep the following tips in mind:
- The ring bearer may walk with the flower girl or alone.
- He typically walks down the aisle after the bridesmaid.
- He will carry a pillow with the rings attached.
- Some couples prefer to use fake rings on the pillow, but this is also a personal preference.
- In most cases, the parents of the ring bearer are responsible for paying for his suit.
- If the suit is to be rented along with the groomsmen's and the groom's tuxes, then the parents typically pay the rental fee as well.
- The ring bearer is not required to stand with the bride and groom during the reception. However if he is a child of the bride or groom, he may do so.
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Comments
Jenn - The makeup of the bridal party is up to you, and it's certainly not necessary to have a ring bearer if you don't have a young boy appropriate for the ceremony or if you just choose not to. The best man and maid of honor can safeguard the rings until needed, or you can even have one of the flower girls (usually it would be the youngest or oldest) carry the rings as a girl ring bearer (dressed like the other flower girls). Best wishes!
-- Contributed by: Melissa MayntzIs it necessary to have a ring bearer. We have 4 little flower girls so far, but the only young boy in the family is 10 and 130lbs! Can we skip the ring bearer all together or no? Help!
-- Contributed by: JennErica - You can certainly have two ring bearers without any flower girl; many couples have two flower girls with no ring bearers! The easiest way to divide their duties is to divide the rings (as little boys may argue if one gets to carry a pillow and one does not), that way they're both participating equally. Also, they should walk down the aisle together, side by side. Best wishes!
-- Contributed by: Melissa Mayntz
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