The Role Of The Ringbearer
Time was when royalty and noble weddings had a page boy who was usually someone from the family to follow the bride, holding her long train. This is still very much a custom even today – however, like many traditions, this too has changed in the course of getting down to the masses. Today, the page of yore has become the ringbearer or the one who carries in the wedding rings before the wedding ceremony begins. Usually between the ages of five and nine, the custom is to have this little boy all dressed up, carrying the wedding rings up to the altar, following the bridal procession right at the every end.
So what exactly does the ringbearer do – besides look cute of course! His duty at weddings is to carry the wedding rings. However, it’s a role that is more a custom than something that is absolutely necessary. In most weddings, to be on the safe side, the actual wedding rings are with the best man. The rings that the ringbearer carries to the altar are usually imitation wedding rings. In the rare event that a couple wants the ringbearer to carry up the real wedding rings, it might be prudent to stitch the wedding rings onto the pillow they are being carried on.
The ringbearer’s pillow should be something that is eye-catching. What seems to be set as a given is a white satin pillow with edgings of gossamer lace and the wedding rings are placed in a little specially sewn pocket in the centre. Of course, there is no hard and fast rule when it comes to the pillows on which the wedding rings are carried. You can choose any great fabric and match the colours to your weddings colours or to the theme if you have one. These can be custom-made for you or you could choose from the wide range available at stores and online.
The ringbearer usually follows a page boy look when it comes to his clothes though this too can be up to you as to how he should be dressed. A little tuxedo or even a suit in the wedding colours would be good ideas. This can always be rented for the wedding. And it does not necessarily have to be a boy – you can have a little girl as a ringbearer too. In that case, you could have her wear a miniature version of the bridesmaids’ dresses.
Whether girl or boy, the younger the child, the better it would be if you were to make them comfortable with everyone around and practice with them so they don’t get too nervous on the day of the wedding. Make them feel important – the fact that they are carrying the wedding rings up to the altar for you to get married is quite a thrill for any little child!
