Last week our wedding planning blog was all about Flower Girls - Then & Now. Today, we're taking a look at the traditions behind her sweet counterpart - the ring bearer.
Read on to discover a little bit about the history of this wonderful tradition. After that, head on over to WhereBridesGo.com to browse the many beautiful ring bearer pillows and ring bearer pillow alternatives we have for your wedding.
Ring Bearer Origins
This wedding tradition has been around for a very long time in many countries. In ancient Egypt, treasured jewels were carried on ornamental pillows during wedding ceremonies, which is very similar to what we do today.
Weddings in Victorian England called their ring bearers "pageboys." In addition to carrying the wedding rings, they also carried the bride's train and a prayer book. Back in medieval times, Northern Europeans skipped the ring pillow and presented the wedding ring to the bride on the tip of a sword! (Hopefully those "ring bearers" were a little older and very careful.)
Today's Ring Bearer
The ring bearer has the very important job of getting your brand new wedding rings safely down the aisle. This role is usually given to a young boy that is a family member or a friend's child, often under the age of ten. Today, much like with the flower girl role, it is not considered unusual to choose anyone you like of any age, be it a boy, a girl, or in some cases, the family dog!
Many couples choose to let the ring bearer carry symbolic rings down the aisle rather than the actual wedding rings. The guests can't tell the difference and you don't end up with missing wedding rings.
Traditionally, couples would have their initials or names embroidered on a beautiful wedding ring pillow. Ribbons sewn onto the pillow were tied around the rings to hold them in place.
That is still done often, but some couples prefer to use a beautiful, personalized box to hold the wedding rings. You can find a wonderful variety of different items for your ring bearer to carry down the aisle in our online wedding accessory store.
Ring Bearer Gifts
You'll want to give the special young man that carries your precious wedding rings (or replicas of them) down the aisle something to thank him for his part in your special day. WhereBridesGo.com has all kinds of adorable wedding party gift ideas to give away as thank yous. From a "Ring Security" backpack to clothing, to activity kits to keep them busy during the boring "grownup" wedding stuff, you're bound to find something he'll love.
Traditions are wonderful building blocks for beginning your wedding planning journey. Beyond that, find unique ways to incorporate your own personal style by adjusting those traditions to reflect the things that are special to you. When you're in need of a little added inspiration, a quick look through WhereBridesGo.com will always get your creative juices flowing!
~ The WhereBridesGo.com Team
Post by Deanna Powell, Certified Bridal Consultant