Your Wedding Rings - who should hold them on your wedding day?

It's often a funny part in the movie.
​The couple have just said their vows and the officiant asks for the rings. The best man pats down his suit, looks shocked and confused when he realises he doesn't have them.  Everyone scurries around looking until a substitute (like a coke can tab or cheezel) is found last minute to replace the ring. Everyone is received and go on to live happily ever after.

Yes, it is funny losing a wedding ring in a movie but not so in real life. Looking after wedding rings, until the moment you cement your vows with a ring, is a big responsibility. It can cause some couples to worry about what they should do. They ask what is the correct way and what do other people do?

​Q:  Who should look after your rings? 
​A:  Anyone you wish too! 

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A lot of couples use their best-man and/or chief bridesmaid, page boy/ring bearer to hold their rings. This feels more traditional for the couple and some do this for ease. This is what suits them.

I have had a lovely wedding where it was a grandmother that held the rings and she walked up from the guests to give the rings.  It was a surprise for for the guests for her to have them, and it made her feel very privileged.  Very touching moment.

You can choose anyone you want to or not. I had a wedding recently where the rings were hidden in the decorations behind where we were doing our ceremony. The bride and groom just plucked them out when it was time.

Holding the rings is a "big deal" and ideally you would like someone who agrees this is important. 

I have also had ring warming ceremonies, where all the guests have briefly held the rings during the ceremony to"warm the rings" with their love for the couple. This works really well with smaller weddings.  

Or of course you can use your fur-babies. I have had numerous weddings where their beloved animals have been included. 

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Meet Macy the Ring Bearer
​Gorgeous Macy was in charge of her "Mum and Dad's" (Anna and Hamish)  wedding rings.

They made sure the rings were secure and there was a bridesmaid responsible for looking after Macy.  Macy walked down with the bridesmaids and waited patiently through the ceremony.  When it was her turn to hand over the rings she wagged her tail and was happy to be part of it.  It was really wonderful to see. 

If you are thinking about your dog or animal there are some things to consider.

• Is your dog well behaved with strangers?
• Can your dog sit quietly throughout the ceremony and not bark?
• Where will your dog be after the ceremony? Who is responsible for your dogs wellbeing for the whole night? If you are having a wedding at home it isn't a big deal as the dog is in their own surroundings. It can be a completely different story at another location.
• Remember before you make up your mind to use your animal - A venue may not allow animals so you need to check.

Who ever you decide to carry your rings on your day, remember it is a wonderful moment in their life as well. It is important to make sure at the rehearsal they know when they will be called and they know what to do. If there is a ring box it is good to confirm what they are to do with it later. 

Some choose not have rings at all and some choose to have a tattoo instead. Whatever you decide make sure you are celebrating YOUR Wedding day YOUR way

Happy Planning-
Timaru Celebrant Jade Kyles

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