Whose the ring bearer?
- Wendy Kyle
- Oct 13
- 3 min read
Choosing Your Ring Bearer: Making the Perfect Pick for Your Wedding Day
From Best Friends to Puppies—How to Choose the Right Person (or Pet) for This Special Role
Introduction: Adding a Personal Touch with Your Ring Bearer
Your wedding day is a celebration filled with meaningful moments and personal touches, and the selection of your ring bearer is no exception. The ring bearer isn’t just a tradition—it’s a chance to involve someone (or even something!) special in your journey down the aisle. Whether you’re considering a beloved nephew, your best friend, or the family pup, choosing the right ring bearer can add an adorable, unforgettable element to your big day.
Who Can Be a Ring Bearer?
There’s no rulebook that says your ring bearer has to be a child. Couples have gotten creative, selecting cherished friends, close relatives, and even pets to carry the rings. Here are some popular choices:
· Best Friends: Sometimes, your closest friend is the person you trust most, and making them your ring bearer is a nod to your relationship.
· Family Members: Nieces, nephews, cousins, and even grandparents can fill this role, bringing a family bond to your ceremony.
· Children: A classic choice, charming young ring bearers can bring a big dose of cuteness—along with a dash of unpredictability.
· Animals: For pet lovers, there’s nothing like seeing your dog (or even a cat!) trot down the aisle with the rings tied to their collar.
Responsibility Is Key: Why Trust Matters with the Rings
The rings may be small, but the responsibility is huge. These symbols of your commitment carry more than monetary value—they represent promises, hopes, and the next chapter of your life together. That’s why selecting a ring bearer you can trust is so important. Consider their maturity, reliability, and comfort level with the spotlight. Even the best-intentioned child or pet can be distracted by the excitement of the day.
Anecdotes: The Charm and Chaos of Unconventional Choices
Weddings are a blend of joy and unpredictability, and nowhere is this more true than with your ring bearer. I’ve seen couples opt for adorable ring bearers with mixed results. For example, one couple gave their young son the rings a bit too early in the day. Excited and eager to play a part, he decided the safest place for the rings was to “bury” them in the garden behind the venue—leading to a frantic treasure hunt just minutes before the ceremony!
Another memorable moment involved a puppy ring bearer. Decked out in a tiny tuxedo, he made a beeline for the bride, only to dash straight under her dress mid-ceremony, leaving guests—and the couple—in fits of laughter. While these moments make for great stories and unforgettable memories, they’re a gentle reminder that a touch of unpredictability comes with the territory.
Tips for Choosing: What to Consider for Children and Animals
1. Maturity Matters: Young children may find the attention overwhelming. Make sure they understand their role and feel comfortable with the task.
2. Practice, Practice, Practice: Rehearse with your ring bearer so they know exactly what to do. Consider using faux rings if your candidate is especially young or easily distracted.
3. Animal Etiquette: If you’re choosing a pet, make sure they’re well-trained and accustomed to crowds. Enlist a handler to guide them down the aisle and keep treats handy for extra motivation.
4. Backup Plans: Accidents happen! Keep the real rings with the best man or maid of honor until the moment arrives, just in case.
5. Comfort First: Make sure your ring bearer—human or animal—feels at ease. Outfits should be comfortable and not restrictive.
Conclusion: Embrace Creativity, But Plan Carefully
Choosing your ring bearer is another opportunity to add personal meaning and fun to your wedding. While there may be risks with selecting little ones or pets for this role, thoughtful planning and a sense of humor can turn the unpredictable into the unforgettable. Don’t be afraid to get creative—just make sure your ring bearer is up for the task. After all, it’s not just about carrying the rings, but about carrying a moment you’ll treasure forever.
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