Not Exchanging Rings

Mandy Muffin · July 2013

We will not be exchanging wedding bands as part of our ceremony. It is very important to us that our children get to play significant roles in our wedding. Our 5 year old daughter is going to be our flower girl and our son, who will be 2, was going to be our ring bearer. Since there will be no rings for him to "bear" lol, what role could we give him in the ceremony? I would like for him to walk down the aisle as well. Also, what are some ideas we could use to fill that spot in the ceremony where we would traditionally be exchanging rings? Something else symbolic we could exchange maybe?

HisGirlFriday13 · July 2013

Uhm, why are you not exchanging rings, if I may ask? I'm just curious. That tends to be kind of a huge chunk of the wedding ceremony.

That aside, you could google the royal wedding. Kate Middleton did not give Prince William a wedding band in their wedding ceremony. Look up what they did instead.

They also did a hand-fasting, which you could do, and your son could bring the cords for the hand-fasting. You'd have to google that one, too, because I can't remember how that works and where it was in the order of the ceremony.

Simply Fated · July 2013

He can walk down the aisle without having to hold anything. He can help escort you down. Or walk along side his sister.

artbyallie · July 2013

There's nothing wrong with not doing rings. The vows are the required and important part; rings are just a symbol. Call him a page and just let him walk down the aisle. I would think a two-year-old might be better off with hands free in case they stumble anyway.

Jen4948 · July 2013

I myself wouldn't rely on a 2 year old to safely carry real rings down the aisle-assuming he could make it up and down on his own or understand what's happening without having a meltdown or otherwise misbehave.

I don't think you need to come up for a name for his "role" but I do think 2 year olds are not really old enough to "participate" in a wedding in any other capacity than a guest. Just take pictures with him.

MairePoppy · July 2013

Call him a page, groomsman or attendant.

Although most couples exchange rings today, it's not required.

Bubbles2014 · July 2013

Instead of the ring exchange you could do a sand/candle/hand fasting ceremony. My uncle and aunt exchanged roses.

bolanos2013 · July 2013

I wont be exchanging rings either but that does not mean that the ceremony should stop there. In addition to sand ceremony Ill be doing this you may use it or try changing some stuff that might be more true to you. ANd in regards to your son I would have to also agree to have him walk with you. Or if its possible have him have a sign in where he can hang it over his neck that says here comes you bride/wife...(thats not to heavy of course) but this is the script ill be using I hope its helpful. And Congratulations

These are the hands blessing

Bride, please face Groom, and hold his hands, palms up, so you may see the gift that they

are to you.

These are the hands of your best friend, strong and vibrant with love that are holding yours on

your wedding day, as he promises to love you all the days of his life.

These are the hands that will work along side yours, as you build your future together, while

you laugh and cry, and share your innermost secrets and dreams.

These are the hands that will tenderly hold and guide your children.

These are the hands that will work long hours for you and your new family.

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a

lifetime of happiness.

These are the hands that will countless times wipe tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and

tears of joy.

These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief fill your

mind.

These are the hands that will tenderly lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your

face to look into his eyes: eyes that are filled completely with his overwhelming love and

desire for you.

Groom, please hold Bride's hands, palms up, where you may see the gift that they are to you.

These are the hands of your best friend, smooth, and carefree, that are holding yours on your

wedding day, as she pledges her love and commitment to you all the days of her life.

These are the hands that will hold each child in tender love, soothing them through illness and hurt, supporting and encouraging them along the way, and knowing when it is time to let go.

These are the hands that will massage tension from your neck and back in the evenings after

you have both had a long hard day.

These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times.

These are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick, or console you when you are

grieving.

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a

lifetime of happiness.

These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to chase down your

dreams. Together as a team, with God, everything you pray for can be realized.

Officiant:

Now Groom and Bride, hold each others hands. God, bless these hands that you see before

you this day. May they always be held by one another. Give them the strength to hold on

during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. Keep them tender and gentle as

they nurture each other in their wondrous love. Help these hands to continue building a

relationship founded in your grace, rich in caring, and devoted in reaching for your perfection.

May Groom and Bride see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter and guide. We ask

this through Christ Jesus, Our Lord, Amen

doeydo · July 2013

Extending on what HisGirlFriday13 stated, handfasting or tying the knot (where the saying comes from) is an alternative, with your son bringing the cords/ribbons. Also, you could use strands of material from your children's baby blanket for that.

Not Exchanging Rings

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