Last Updated on January 9, 2022 by Guillermina
Today, we’re going to be answering the question: when does the ring bearer walk down the aisle? And also taking a look at everything you need to know about choosing a ring bearer for your special day and their role within the ceremony. Let’s take a closer look at all things ring bearers!
What Is A Ring Bearer?
You may already know what a ring bearer is, but if you’re unfamiliar, a ring bearer has a very important job! It’s a ring bearer’s responsibility to carry the rings down the aisle during the ceremony.
What Does The Ring Bearer Do?
As we’ve just seen, the ring bearer is responsible for walking the rings down the aisle. This is usually with the the bridal party procession. When they reach the end of the aisle, they usually give the rings to the best man. Or depending on their age, they can keep the rings themselves until the happy couple is in need of them.
Who Is The Ring Bearer?
The ring bearer is usually a child that is important to the couple. It can one of your own children, a friend’s child, or someone like a niece or nephew. The ring bearer can be a boy or girl – and in all honesty, the ring bearer doesn’t have to be a child! If you’re looking to give someone important in your life a role in your wedding, why not ring bearer? While traditionally it’s a child, it can be anyone! From aunts, uncles to grandparents.
When Does The Ring Bearer Walk Down The Aisle?
There’s a traditional order for the wedding procession. Usually, the bridesmaids and maid/matron of honor walk down the aisle first (alone or with the best man), followed by the ring bearer and then the flower girls. After this procession, the bride is ready to make her entrance.
Although it’s tradition for the ring bearer to make their entrance after the bridesmaids, they can make their entrance before, after – or even with the bride! Let’s be honest, it’s your wedding and the order of your wedding party can be whatever you choose.
Who Does The Ring Bearer Give The Rings To?
More often than not, when the ring bearer reaches the end of the aisle, they hand over the rings (usually on a pillow or in a box) to the best man. The best man will then look after the rings throughout the ceremony, and present them when necessary. However, if your ring bearer is older, you may want your ring bearer to present the rings to you – and that is completely okay!
Where Does The Ring Bearer Stand?
If you’re worried about their little legs getting tired, you don’t have to be! Ring bearers do not need to stand throughout the ceremony. Once they have delivered the rings to the best man, they usually sit with their family or a family friend. It’s highly unlikely that a toddler or small child would be able to stand still for that long! You can provide a seat for them at the front of the ceremony if you want them to have the best view of your marriage.
How Old Are Ring Bearers?
It’s common for ring bearers to be around the same age as flower girls. The average age of a ring bearer is around three to eight years of age. Although this is tradition, you can choose a ring bearer of any age. It’s understandable that you may not want such an important role to be entrusted to someone so small, so to save stress – it may actually be better to have a slightly older ring bearer!
In more recent years, it’s become popular to have children much younger than three take on the role of ring bearer. Although they won’t really have an idea of what’s going on, they do look super cute – and it makes for some adorable photos. However, if you choose this option, be sure to have someone available to accompany them down the aisle. And be prepared for tantrums, screaming, and crying – nothing is as unpredictable as a child!
What Does The Ring Bearer Wear?
There really aren’t any strict guidelines as to what the ring bearer wears. It’s down to the couple and ring bearer (or the ring bearer’s parents). You may want them to be wearing similar colors to the bridal party, as they will be joining in with the procession – but that’s just a recommendation, and entirely your choice.
You do not need to pay for the ring bearer’s outfit. However, if you want them to wear a particular outfit, it’s seen as polite to at least offer a monetary contribution towards it. Or you may like to provide an accessory for the outfit like suspenders or a flower crown.
Read more about Average Age Of A Ring Bearer: Are They Too Old?
What Can The Ring Bearer Carry The Rings On?
You can choose for the rings to be carried down on anything! Most couples opt for a ring pillow or small box. However, if you’re looking for a way to make the job fun – how about this Ring Security Set? It’s a lockable personalized briefcase, which comes with the case, a badge, sunglasses and an earpiece. At £60, it’s definitely pricey, but it’ll definitely make that special little one in your life feel super important!
Conclusion
I hope this article has helped to answer the question: when does the ring bearer walk down the aisle? If you’re looking for a short answer: it’s whenever you want! But if you like to follow as close to traditional as possible, it’s best to have them after the bridesmaids and just before the flower girls. If you have no bridesmaids or flower girls, the ring bearer can even walk in with the bride!
Did you have a ring bearer at your wedding, or do you plan to? When did they walk down the aisle? Please feel free to let me know any answers in the comments below.