Flower Girls and Ring Bearers , Article 2 of 2

The name ring bearer originated with being called a paige boy. Traditionally paige boys held the responsiblity of carrying the bride's train as she went down the wedding aisle. They dressed in velvet jackets, short trousers, and large, round linen collars with a large bow attached. They, also, wore white silk hose and black shoes with large buckles. Paiges can still be seen in many British royal weddings. Because of the difficulty of carrying the long train, paige boys were no younger than age seven. Today's ring bearers may be younger than seven--if they can't walk in, they are rolled in a wagon or held in the arms of an attendant.

In today's formal weddings, ring bearers now hold the responsibility of carrying a satin pillow with repricas of the bridal couple's rings. The modern day tradition of being a ring bearer is to give young family members an opportunity to participate in the wedding ceremony. Typically ring bearers are nephews of the bride or groom.