Sometimes it’s helpful to be a Facebook addict. Yesterday, I noticed that Lauren, who was a recent contributor to Tales from the Veil, posted a status that said she was unsure who should hold the rings during the wedding. Good question! Got me thinking that this question is a common one (I remember asking it while planning my own wedding) and it would be helpful to address it here on The Wedding Yentas. So don’t put yourself through the ringer and stress about the official ring holders! Here’s some food for thought.
Pockets. It’s all about pockets. You may have cute little ring bearers, but don’t kid yourself that some kid is going to take ownership of the actual (and, ahem, expensive) rings. So who’s another candidate for possessing the rings? Pick a groomsman; most likely one will have pockets. And, hopefully, at least one will not be too hungover from the rehearsal dinner the night before. So, pick a responsible groomsman with pockets!
Does this designated groomsman only hold the groom’s ring? Well, unless an equally-responsible bridesmaid also has pockets, both bride and groom rings should probably go to the groomsman. If you are keeping Jewish tradition and accepting a ring that’s not adorned and solid all the way around for the ceremony, don’t forget to give this ring to the Heroic Groomsman as well. Essentially, he’ll be carrying three rings! Yes, so make sure his pockets are deep. And responsible.
After you’ve exchanged your traditional rings, you may want to put on your non-traditional wedding band after the ceremony. That’s what I did and it worked like a charm. I couldn’t wait to skip away from the chuppah and finally wear the diamond band our best man had in his pocket. Like a moth to the flame went my ring to my finger. Ah yes, that’s it. Right there. Hits the spot.
Once the pretty “every day ring” met its two new neighbors — the engagement ring and my finger — I removed the solid gold band that was used for symbolic purposes during the ceremony and gave it to the best man. So, make sure the groomsman you choose remains responsible (if just for a short while!) after the ceremony so that he can put the traditional ring somewhere safe that was agreed upon prior to the day’s hoopla. Once that open bar is ready for action, no groomsman — no matter how responsible! — can be trusted. So, the traditional ring needs to make it back to a secure home (bridal room, a purse under a chair, the wedding coordinator, etc.).
Bottomline: Just find someone you can count on, will be near the chuppah during the ceremony, and who has the ability to store and transport your bling. Groomsman or grandpa, it doesn’t really matter. Just make sure that in the midst of planning your centerpiece decor and must-have music playlist, you consider this easily-forgotten detail and put a plan in motion. Once you know how to handle the rings, you’re one step closer to ringing in your new, married life!