| |
One of the most charming members of the wedding party is the ring bearer. If your child has been selected to participate in a wedding as a ring bearer, it is important to understand ring bearer duties.
Most ring bearers are between the ages of four and six, although this can vary somewhat from situation to situation. There is usually only one ring bearer, but in some circumstances, there could be two ring bearers, just as there may be two flower girls.
Before the Wedding
In most instances, the ring bearer does not need to attend any of the showers or other pre-wedding parties. The ring bearer should attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. The rehearsal is especially important because the ring bearer will be given directions regarding when and where he should proceed during the recessional, where he should stand during the ceremony and how he should walk down the aisle in the recessional at the end of the ceremony.
On the Wedding Day
During the wedding, the ring bearer will usually carry a special pillow with rings attached to it, although the rings may not be the actual wedding rings. The ring bearer will walk either in front of or beside the flower girl(s) in the processional as well as the recessional. If the actual wedding rings are attached to the pillow, the ring bearer should present the pillow to the best man at the appropriate time during the ceremony.
During the ceremony, the ring bearer should stand near the ushers or may be asked to sit with their family in a front pew. Following the recessional, the ring bearer will need to be available for photographs with the bridal party. After the formal pictures have been made, the ring bearer is usually free to attend the reception with his parents as he will not need to stand in the reception line. The ring bearer may sit with their family at or near a head table for the wedding party. In some cases, there may be a special children's seating area during the reception for the ring bearer, flower girl and other children attending the reception.
Proper etiquette for the ring bearer dictates that his family is responsible for paying for his attire as well as any travel costs, although the bride and groom typically choose the attire they prefer for the ring bearer to wear during the ceremony.
|
