AMERICAN WEDDINGS BLOG
Stay up to date with the latest wedding ceremony trends, script writing inspiration, tips and advice for first-time officiants, and news that matters to couples and wedding ministers.
Stay up to date with the latest wedding ceremony trends, script writing inspiration, tips and advice for first-time officiants, and news that matters to couples and wedding ministers.
Published Monday, May. 1st, 2023
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Many couples choose to exchange rings (or other jewelry) during their wedding ceremony, as a lasting symbol of their marriage vows and a daily reminder of their devotion to each other.
Rings are usually exchanged after the couple shares their marriage vows, although the ceremony’s exact order is up to the couple getting married. Some couples choose to exchange their rings and vows at the same time – reciting their vows as they place the ring on their partner’s finger – or before another unity ritual (like tying a handfasting cord).
No matter when the ring exchange happens, it’s essential to decide who will hold onto the rings during the ceremony.
Photo: Oliver Li / Pexels
In a large wedding like this one, the wedding attendants closest to the couple usually hold onto the rings until it's time for the ring exchange.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.
Here are a few common options:
And sometimes, this is a job for multiple people! This is where the ring bearer comes in…
Many traditional weddings include a ‘ring bearer’ – someone whose role it is to carry the couple’s rings down the aisle at the start of the ceremony (during the wedding procession).
Often, a ring bearer is a child with a close relationship to the couple (such as a niece or nephew), but this can be anyone the couple chooses.
After their walk down the aisle, the ring bearer will pass the rings to the ring holder, who will keep them safe until it’s time for the ring exchange. The ring holder might be asked to stand at the altar beside the couple, or they might take a seat in the front row.
This episode of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood is a great way to show children what to do as a ring bearer in a ceremony... along with other great tips about attending a wedding! Watch now on PBS: Neighborhood Wedding
As you can see, it’s up to the couple and their wedding officiant to decide who will hold the rings during the ceremony. This is a great opportunity to have friends and family participate! Choose a loved one who’s responsible, comfortable in front of a crowd, and who won’t misplace the rings on the big day.
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Speaking of misplacing the wedding rings, read why every wedding officiant should keep a few fake rings around:
The Will You Marry Us? Gift Box is a sweet and memorable way to ask a friend or family member to officiate your wedding. This decorative gift box includes everything your officiant-to-be needs to perform your ceremony, including a copy of the AMM Minister Manual, a copy of Asked to Officiate (the step by step guidebook on writing and delivering a custom wedding ceremony), a satin officiant's stole, lapel pin, tote, and more!
We'll also send your officiant their minister credentials, including an Ordination Certificate and Letter of Good Standing, and any minister licensing materials needed in your state.
Become a Wedding Officiant with Our Free Online Ordination!