Ring bearers originated during Queen Victoria's reign. Today, guests still like to see little ones coming down the aisle and the ring bearer is usually a young boy you wish to have included in the wedding.

Ring bearers are usually between the ages of 4 and 8, but not older than 8 or 9.

Duties

• attend the wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
  
  
• not required to attend pre-wedding parties
  
  
• arrives at the ceremony site 45 minutes before the wedding for photographs
  
  
• usually walks down the aisle right before the flower girl.
  
  
• sometimes the ring bearer and flower girl walk down the aisle together
  
  
• carries a white pillow with faux rings down the aisle
  
  
• may wear a tuxedo, suit, or short pants and knee socks
  
  
• depending upon the age, ring bearers can either stand at the front with the ushers during the ceremony, or may be seated with their parents during the ceremony after their walk down the aisle
  
  
• the maid of honor or one of the bridesmaids may watch the ring bearer until it is his turn to walk down the aisle, or one of the parents may stay with him if he is real young
  
  
• the ring bearer should be avilable for pictures of the wedding party
  
  
• carries the ring pillow upside down after the ceremony so the artificial rings do not show.
  
  
• he is not required to be in the receiving line
  
  
• at the reception he may sit at the head table, or with his parents, depending upon his age
  

Compiled by the Special Event Network Staff