Gold Wedding Rings

The best man is, traditionally, the person who looks after wedding rings before a marriage ceremony. However, there are many stories abounding about catastrophes where the bands have been forgotten. So – what should the best man do in order that he does not forget or lose such an important part of the wedding ceremony?

• Make sure you put the rings in their box and visually check they are there before putting them in your pocket;
• Make sure the pocket you use is tight enough to hold them there so that they do not fall out;
• Do not put anything else in that pocket (such as handkerchiefs). If you remove something else from the pocket – there is a danger you could pull the rings out too and lose them;
• Make a final check that you have them before leaving for the ceremony;

If you are particularly paranoid – keep your hand in that pocket for the duration where you can feel that they are there.

The wedding ring is a western custom dating back to ancient Roman times. It was continued from the pre-Christian era into the traditions of the modern church. The custom of giving and exchanging bands has now transferred into secular ceremonies too.

A bride and groom traditionally give and receive rings as the central part of the wedding ceremony whilst exchanging vows. It is the final part in a series of gifts leading up to the marriage. The series usually starts with an engagement ring as a symbol of betrothal. More recent developments have also seen extra stages added with pre-engagement rings too.

Many wedding rings are personalised with the name of each spouse engraved inside the surface. Sometimes the sentimentality is also manifested in passing on rings as heirlooms.

The band is worn on the ring finger of the left hand. There are a range of myths and customs explaining why this is so. However, there is a practical reason too – most people write with their right hand. Wearing the ring on the hand you use least allows you to be more comfortable and there is less of a chance it will become damaged.