Answers for the Perfect Little Participant

Everyone knows the job of a wedding ring bearer, but where did the tradition originate? How do you choose your ring bearer? Seeing as he or she is part of your wedding party, what are some good ideas for ring bearer gifts? The ring bearer is an important part of your special day, and here you will find anything you would want to know about these little wedding helpers.

1. Where did the tradition of having a wedding ring bearer originate? In ancient Egypt, intricate and ornamented pillows were often used to display precious jewelry during a wedding. When the exchange of rings to signify marriage became common, the two traditions merged, leading to the pillow as the primary instrument for carrying the rings at a ceremony.
   
   
2. What are the benefits of having a ring bearer in your ceremony? It is a great way to have young children involved in a wedding celebration. Whether you choose a nephew, son, son of a friend, or a grandchild, it is important for young children to participate in special social occasions.
   
   
3. Who should you choose as your wedding ring bearer? Traditionally a young family member, such as a nephew, should get priority.
   
   
4. What if both you and your future spouse have young children you'd like to have as wedding ring bearer? In this situation you should go with the child who is more interested in playing the part. Remember that there are other ways to involve children, such as having them pass out programs or usher guests to their seats.
   
   
5. What if neither you nor your future spouse are close to any young children? Although the typical age of a ring bearer is anywhere from 4 to 10, you can always have an older child play the part of a page/ring bearer. (Or, you could double him up as a ring bearer/ junior groomsman). It all depends on the kid and whether he is keen on being part of the celebration. Traditionally, if you do not have an official ring bearer, the task usually falls to the best man.
   
   
6. What should a ring bearer be dressed in? It is popular to dress the ring bearer in a miniature version of groomsmen garb (such as a tiny tuxedo), but this is not a necessity. Either way, you may want to correlate the ring bearers’ outfit with that of the rest of the bridal party.
   
   
7. What should you do to help the ring bearer avoid stage fright? If possible, have him participate at the rehearsal dinner to get him used to walking down the aisle and being in front of people. During the ceremony, have his parents sit close to the aisle so that he knows where they are for reassurance. Also, it is a good idea to have someone to take him to the restroom before the ceremony.
   
   
8. What are some ideas for ring bearer gifts? This really depends on the age of your ring bearer. If he is quite young, he might like action figures, materials to build with (such as building blocks or legos), walkie talkies, squirt guns or foam guns, board games for his age group, coloring books, colored pencils or crayons, an etch-a-sketch, play dough, or picture books. If he is into sports, get him a football, baseball, or a soccer ball. If he is older, ideas include videogames, a blu-ray or DVD, or a young adult’s fantasy/adventure novel.
   
   
9. Can the ring bearer be a girl? Of course! Marriage traditions do not need to dictate every aspect of your ceremony, especially not today. You have creative license to choose whomever you’d like.

Read more:

• Ringbearer Outfits, Duties & Gifts
  
• Participant Alternatives: Unusual Flower Girls, Ring Bearers & More!
  
• Your Complete Wedding Party: Who Does What?