As an event planner and wedding coordinator I find joy and amusement in some of the “urban myths” that make their way into my clients minds.  Some come asking questions like, “Is it true that when you are attending a child’s party that if that child has a sibling that you also get the sibling a gift?” (NO, its not true. This is fully ridiculous.)  Some come asking for clarification on wedding etiquette and tradition.

Two of the more interesting “urban wedding myths” are these:

Myth #1: The flower girl(s) walk(s) down the aisle before the wedding party.

Correction: The flower girl(s) traditionally walk(s) down the aisle just before the bride does.

Myth #2: (The reason for this post.) The ring bearer carries the wedding rings down the aisle tied onto a little pillow and patiently awaits instruction from the Officiant while holding perfectly still. He then handles the rings most delicately before placing them into the waiting hand of the Officiant.

Correction: I think that you kind of saw my silliness and sarcasm in the Myth #2 itself, but the reality is that many, many people believe that the ring bearer – a human of anywhere from 4 years to 8 years of age – actually holds the expensive wedding rings on his little pillow.

The reality is this: the rings that you see placed onto a ring bearer’s pillow are symbolic. They are supposed to be fake rings sewn gently into the pillow.  The real rings traditionally rest comfortably in the pocket of the Best Man. Or, as has become very popular, the Maid or Matron of Honor holds the Groom’s ring, while the Best Man holds the Bride’s ring.

IF YOU ARE STILL CONVINCED THAT THE YOUNG RING BEARER SHOULD CARRY YOUR REAL RINGS UNTIL YOU PLACE THEM ON YOUR FINGERS, PLEASE KEEP THEM UNTIL IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE WEDDING. TIE THEM ONTO THE PILLOW YOURSELF. (OR BETTER YET HAVE YOUR TRUSTED BEST MAN PLACE THEM ONTO THE PILLOW.)

Lost or damaged rings can be an expensive or altogether unrealistic replacement, especially as many Bride’s and Groom’s do not immediately insure their rings.

Enjoy!

Best,
Alisha Forrester Scott, Owner
La Ruche. event design studio.

You can reach AFS by e-mailing: studio@enterlaruche.com

In 2009 look for La Ruche on the hit television series Bridezilla alongside clients Kathryn Wells and Keith Hicks.