15 Alternatives for Ring Bearer Pillows at Your Wedding

Young ring bearer carrying a ring security box down the aisle with two older ring bearers dressed as security guards trailing behind him — Photo by Jenny Quicksall Photography

After you and your partner exchange vows, the two of you will place a wedding ring on one another’s finger and this will seal your fate as a married couple. Not only are these special accessories a focal point of your wedding ceremony, but they also set the tone of your marriage—these pieces of jewelry symbolize your eternal love and commitment to one another. That’s why ring bearers have one of the most important roles in the ceremony: These young wedding party members traditionally carry both rings as they walk down the aisle, so they safely arrive at the altar.

Based on a practice that began in ancient Egypt, it’s now customary for ring bearers to place both wedding rings on a white satin pillow. However, as more and more modern couples explore various ways to personalize their big day, many duos are swapping the classic pillow with a more creative option. Think: seashells for beachside bashes in the summer, festive ornaments for nuptials around the holidays, or ceramic dishes engraved with a meaningful quote. The alternatives for ring bearer pillows are endless, but it’s important to choose an object that coincides with your venue, season, aesthetic, and personal preferences—and one that’s functional and reasonable given your budget.

Wondering what other ideas are out there? We’ve compiled a roundup of out-of-the-box options for your wedding. Read on for 15 alternatives to the traditional ring bearer pillow.

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An Antique Box

To infuse a sense of history into your big day, have your ring bearer carry the rings in an antique. If you’re hoping to incorporate a sentimental touch, maybe that looks like an heirloom box that your great-grandmother always used to store her sparklers. Or perhaps you’re throwing a vintage-inspired soirée, so you purchase a second-hand object from a thrift shop. Either way, you’ll feel connected to past generations.

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An Exotic Seashell

Ring bearer holding a seashell with flowers and foliage inside — Photo by KT Merry

For beachfront nuptials or weddings with tropical aesthetics, an exotic seashell is a well-suited alternative to the ring bearer pillow. You can either use a real shell that you found on a special trip shared with your partner or a faux, decorative object that matches your wedding color palette. To go the extra mile, stuff the inside with flowers and greenery—the add-ons will add a visually striking touch and provide a cushion for your rings.

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A Security Lockbox

Ring bearers dressed like security guards, with the younger one holding a lockbox — Photo by Jenny Quicksall Photography

Your wedding rings are valuable and sentimental objects, so the last thing you want is for something to happen to them. Play off of this truth by dressing up your ring bearer as a “security guard,” who will safeguard the sparklers as he walks toward the altar. Equip him with a lockbox, where he’ll safely secure the rings, and have him accessorize with badges and sunglasses to look the part.

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A Remote Control Car

Two ring bearers riding in a remote control Mercedes car that a man is controlling — Photo by Amy Anaiz

Want your ring bearer to make a dramatic entrance? Forgo the classic pillow for a remote control car that these young wedding party members will “drive” in. To pull this off, assign the role of managing the controller to your ring bearer’s parent, a bridesmaid, or a groomsman. Your ring bearer can hold the rings in a box on their lap or stash it in a compartment inside of the vehicle.

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An Oversized Balloon

If you’re looking for playful alternatives for the ring bearer pillow, an oversized balloon will not disappoint. These fun items will add a touch of whimsy and nostalgia to your ceremony, especially if you add lettering, like “Here comes the bride.” Since there’s a slight chance the balloon could fly away, you’re better off asking your ring bearer to place the rings in his pocket.

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A Festive Ornament

A red ornament wrapped in a gold bow with two gold rings — Photo by Fern & Fountain

Are you tying the knot during the holiday season? Ditch the traditional pillow for a festive and seasonally appropriate pick: an ornament. Choose one that has personal significance to you, like an accent that you hang on your tree every year or an adornment that your partner gifted to you during your first Christmas together. You can also never go wrong with a selection that coordinates with the rest of your wedding colors.

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A Personalized Dish

Two hands holding a dish engraved with a quote while silver wedding rings are tied with string to it — Photo by Josh Gruetzmacher

Another candidate to consider for your ring bearer “pillow” is a dish. To make this alternative extra special, get it engraved with a meaningful quote or another message that captures your special bond. We love this option because you can put it on display in your newlywed home after the wedding, where it will serve as a constant reminder of your big day.

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A Melodic Bell

Ring bearers ringing bells as they walk down the aisle — Photo by Dana Cubbage Weddings

Instead of having your ring bearer carry a pillow, ask them to hold—and ring—bells. This is a relatively affordable option, and it will produce a sweet melody that will undoubtedly enhance your ceremony. Since he’ll be moving these instruments around, you might not want to attach your wedding rings to the handle. For safekeeping, give your ring bearer fake rings or ask your best man or maid of honor to transport them.

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A Bouquet of Flowers

Who says florals are just for the flower girls? Your ring bearer can also get in on the fun by holding a bouquet of blooms, affixed with your wedding rings, as he parades toward the altar. For a color-coordinated, cohesive look, make sure he carries an assortment similar to your bridesmaids’ bouquets.

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A Humorous Sign

Bride posing with her flower girls and ring bearers, who are holding signs — Photo by Kate Headley

If you’re thinking about relinquishing the traditional pillow, replace it with a sign. This alternative is versatile, inexpensive (you can even go the DIY route), and easy to pull off. We suggest showcasing your sense of humor by writing phrases, such as “I’m just here for the cake,” or “Has anyone seen the rings?” The messaging will elicit a laugh from your guests.

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A Toy Car

For ring bearers on the younger side, give him a toy car to hold as he makes his entrance. The item will keep him entertained, and it will work as an incentive, motivating him to complete his duty. It is a nice gesture to give a ring bearer gift to say thanks, and the car can double as a gift that your ring bearer can take home after the wedding.

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A Trusty Briefcase

Two ring bearers dressed in black tuxedos and holding briefcases — Photo by Dragonfly Photography

Functioning in a similar way to lockboxes, briefcases are a dependable way to store your wedding rings. To nail the professional look, give your ring bearer a designated dress code of a black tuxedo and bow tie. For that reason, this option is ideal for black-tie affairs.

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An Autumnal Pumpkin

A white pumpkin with two rings placed on the stem — Photo by Fern & Fountain

Pumpkins are the quintessential fall decoration, so if you’re tying the knot in autumn, select a gourd as your ring bearer’s accompaniment. Not only are pumpkins representative of the season, but the stem makes the perfect spot to slip on your wedding rings.

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A Floral-Filled Box

A ring bearer carrying a glass, gold-rimmed box down the aisle — Photo by Dana Cubbage Weddings

A glass box with a gilded frame is the perfect pick for glamorous celebrations. If your lavish soirée is taking place in a garden or flowers are a focal point of your aesthetic, stuff the inside of the trinket with a bevy of blooms—the extra layer will elevate and protect your wedding rings.

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A Piece of Literature

A book with a secret compartment that has two gold rings inside — Photo by Gayle Brooker

Perhaps you and your partner share a mutual passion for literature or literary compositions are a motif seen throughout your wedding design. If there’s a certain written work that the two of you love, use that hardback as the basis of your ring bearer “pillow.” You can even create a secret compartment to stash your rings by cutting out the center of the novel.

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