Who Carries the Rings and Wedding Coins? Practical Guide by Ceremony and Wedding Party

Who Carries the Rings and Wedding Coins? Practical Guide by Ceremony and Wedding Party

Practical guide depending on your type of ceremony and wedding party

Although it seems like a simple question, deciding who will carry the rings and the coins (arras) during the ceremony is something many couples leave until the last minute... which can cause doubts or awkward moments! As a wedding planner, I always recommend having this clear and assigning roles in advance.

Here I explain all the options, whether you have children at the wedding, bridesmaids, or prefer something more intimate.

💍 THE RINGS

✔️ Who can carry the rings?

A) If there are children at the wedding:

• Ring bearers or flower girls/boys (traditional)
  They carry the rings on a cushion, in a small box, or even on a decorated tray.
  Perfect for photos, but it is key to rehearse well and have someone accompany or supervise them.
  Recommendation: the real rings can be kept safely by an adult, and symbolic replicas used if the children are very young.

B) If there are no children at the wedding:

• The best man
  Usually the one who keeps the rings in his pocket and hands them to the officiant.
• A witness, sibling, or close friend
  You can assign someone special for this role.
• The couple themselves
  Some couples choose to carry each other's ring themselves, in a pocket or small case.

C) If there are bridesmaids:

• Maid of honor
  She can be in charge of holding the rings until the moment of exchange.
  You can give her a nice box or a discreet pouch.
  Very symbolic if you have a special bond with her.

🪙 THE WEDDING COINS (ARRAS)

The arras are a tradition especially common in Catholic weddings or Hispanic and Latin cultures. They consist of 13 coins symbolizing prosperity and the commitment to share what you have.

✔️ Who can carry the arras?

A) If there are children:

• A ring bearer or flower girl/boy assigned exclusively for the arras
  You can assign a different child than the one who carries the rings.
  They carry them in a special box or decorative tray.

B) If there are no children:

• Godfather or godmother of the arras
  You can choose someone special (father, mother, uncle, friend) to fulfill this symbolic role.
• The best man
  If you want to keep it simple, he can be in charge of both rings and arras.
• The officiant
  In some weddings, the priest or celebrant already has the arras ready at the altar and delivers them directly.

C) If there are bridesmaids:

• A bridesmaid can carry them
  If there are no children or no specific godfather of arras, you can assign a bridesmaid (even combined with the rings).
  It looks elegant and functional, especially if the arras holder is well designed.

🪙 Where to buy wedding arras and how much do they usually cost?

🛍️ Traditional jewelers and religious stores

Arras are usually made of gold, silver, or gold-plated materials, durable and high quality. At jewelers, you can request classic or personalized models with engravings of names, dates, or symbols. They come presented in elegant cases, perfect for a keepsake that lasts.

Additionally, some churches or religious stores, especially in areas with strong Catholic tradition, also sell traditional arras. These designs tend to be sober and focused on Christian symbolism, ideal for religious weddings seeking authenticity.

💰 Approximate price:

• At traditional jewelers, from €80 up to more than €400 depending on material and level of personalization.
• At religious stores, between €30 and €70.

🕊️ Are arras only used in religious weddings? What about civil weddings?

• Arras are a tradition mainly from religious weddings, especially Catholic ceremonies. They represent the commitment to share possessions and prosperity in marriage. Therefore, they are very common in religious weddings but not mandatory and depend on the couple and family culture.
• In civil weddings, arras are not part of the official protocol or legal ceremony. However, some couples choose to include them symbolically to maintain family tradition or add a personal, cultural touch to the civil ceremony.
• On the other hand, rings are a universal symbol in both civil and religious weddings. The ring exchange is usually the most symbolic and anticipated moment in any wedding.

Very common and symbolic Optional, couple's choice

Yes, fundamental part Yes, fundamental part

📌 EXTRA TIPS

• Rehearse the moment: whether with children or adults, practicing the delivery helps avoid nerves.
• Check the ceremony with the officiant: to coordinate timing and order precisely.
• Use beautiful and secure elements: boxes, trays, or pouches that match the wedding style and protect the contents well.
• Involve meaningful people: these roles are perfect to highlight someone special.

✨ Can you reuse ancestral arras?

Absolutely! Many couples choose to use family heirloom arras passed down through generations. This adds a very special meaning to the ceremony, connecting the present with family history and tradition.

Why reuse old arras?

• Unique sentimental value: They are a living symbol of love and commitment that has transcended generations.
• Tradition and legacy: Arras represent not only the union of two people but also the continuity of family and its values.
• Sustainability: Reusing is an eco-friendly option that adds authenticity.

Tips for using inherited arras:

• Make sure they are in good condition and safe to carry during the ceremony.
• If any coins are missing, you can complement them with new or decorative coins.
• Consider professional cleaning or restoration for a flawless look.
• Present them in an elegant case or box that highlights their history and beauty.

Including your ancestors' arras not only beautifies your wedding but also makes the moment even more emotional and meaningful for you and your guests.

📞 Want help planning your perfect wedding?

If you liked this guide and want me to assist you in organizing your wedding, especially if you're coming from abroad and want everything to be perfect no matter where in the world your celebration is, contact me! I'm here to help you enjoy your day stress-free with every detail taken care of.