What is ring warming and why you might want to include one in your ceremony
A ring warming ceremony is a tradition that usually involves passing your wedding ring(s) around your guests before you exchange them during your ceremony. Upon receiving the rings, guests “warm” them up with good wishes, warm thoughts and positive vibes for your future together.
Don’t worry - during the ceremony your rings will be perfectly safe as both your celebrant and potentially a ring-wrangler or two will be keeping track of where they have got to.
What does a ring warming symbolise?
There’s lovely symbolism in ring warming, much of which can still feel relevant to modern couples.
If you have chosen to include exchanging rings as part of your ceremony then you’ll know that a ring already carries a lot of symbolism. The ring can reflect the unending bond you share, the passing of time, the seasons and even the infinite nature of the universe! It’s also a visual reflection of the commitment you share.
A ring warming is a way to show that while the commitment you are making is between you both, those you have chosen to be present at your wedding are all wishing you well and have played a part in loving and supporting you.
How does the ring warming ceremony work?
If you choose to include a ring warming in your ceremony, your wedding celebrant will work with you to decide at what point the rings start making their journey. This will depend on the number of guests you would like to involve and the length of your ceremony.
You’ll need to make sure your rings are stored safely in a small bag or box (one that can fit easily in the palm of a hand) and looked after by one of your ‘ring-wranglers’.
At the relevant part of the ceremony, your celebrant will introduce the ring -warming, explaining to guests the symbolism of the ceremony, that the rings will arrive with them during the ceremony and they are asked to imbue the rings with well-wishes for a few moments and then pass them on. Your appointed ring-wrangler will then start the rings off on their journey. At points during the ceremony your celebrant will check in on the rings progress before ensuring they are back at the front at the right moment. You’ll then continue with your ring exchange.
Can you have a ring warming in a short ceremony?
Having a ring warming in a shorter ceremony is completely possible. It does depend a little on the number of guests - you can usually involve 2-3 guests per minute. The rings can be started on their journey relatively early to the start of your wedding ceremony but you may find that you won’t have time to include everyone.
You definitely don’t want anyone to feel like they missed out! If you are keen to include a ring warming but won’t have time for the traditional format, your celebrant can help you think about alternatives, such as guests warming the rings as they take their seats, or stating that the rings will pass through you parents, siblings and/or grandparents only.
Can we involve our children in ring warming?
Absolutely! Children who are a little older can be recruited as super cute ring-wranglers (maybe with a grown up co-wrangler if you are nervous!) or they can be given a special moment to hold the rings and send you their wishes, maybe as the last stop before the rings arrive back with you. This is especially lovely for ceremonies where one or both of you already have children.
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So there you have it. A quick whistlestop tour of what a ring warming ceremony is and how you could include it in your personalised wedding ceremony.
I think ring warmings are absolutely gorgeous! they are a really lovely way to involve all of your guests and for you to really feel the love and support they have for you both.