This week we’re wondering:
Where did the wedding ring bearer tradition originate?
After a tireless search, it’s safe to say we’ve struggled to pinpoint the origin of the wedding ring bearer tradition. Some sources say the tradition was born in ancient Egypt, where it was customary for treasured jewels to be carried on ornamental pillows during wedding ceremonies.
Others claim the tradition came about during medieval times when Northern Europeans began to present the bride with her wedding ring on the tip of a sword. Personally, we think this sounds a bit terrifying, and we’re glad this aspect of the custom has disappeared.
Perhaps there isn’t one specific event that can claim the origin of the custom, but a cluster of events rolled into one. This is not uncommon in the world of traditions, as you may have noticed from reading past Saphire Event Group wedding blogs.
Though we have seen an uptick in the number of furry friends assigned to deliver rings down the aisle, it is safe to say the majority of ring bearers continue to be young boys who are related or close with the couple. On average, most ring bearers are between four and ten years old, but who’s to say someone younger or older couldn’t hand you your special accessories?
These days the ring bearer’s role seems to be quite flexible. We’ve met ring bearers that don’t carry rings at all and instead showcase scrolls with messages like “Here comes the Bride”. Likewise, we’ve seen little girls steal the spotlight as ring bearers, and couples opt for no ring bearer at all.
If you do choose to ask a young chap to accept the honor of being your wedding ring bearer, you’re going to have to make sure he looks stylish doing it. There are so many different directions you can take a wedding ring bearer’s style these days. Whether you want him to look like your groom’s mini-me or a nautical little prince, it’s up to you.
By: Kelly Hamilton
