If you’re exchanging rings as an outward symbol of your love for one another, you can choose to have them ‘warmed’ first. The symbolism of a wedding band warming ceremony is that your wedding rings have been ‘warmed’ forever by well wishes, positive vibes and loving energies from your family and friends.

The history behind it

This ceremony is thought to have irish origins.

How it’s done

Your celebrant will explain to your guests what is going to happen. When the rings reach them, they should hold them for a few seconds, warm them with their love and well wishes, and then pass them on to continue their journey.

When it’s usually performed

The ‘warming’ is normally kicked off early in your ceremony and your rings are passed round as your ceremony is being performed. It should conclude in time for the exchanging of the rings.

Wedding guests passing wedding rings to each other for the ritual of wedding band warming
Image credit Highland Wedding Photography

How to personalise it

As well as a means of keeping your rings safe, you can place them in a personalised bag or box (even one that belonged to a loved one) or fastened to a ring cushion.

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You could just have them tied together with some colour-coordinated ribbon, although be mindful that when passing through c.100 guests, a ribbon can come undone, and you don’t want to risk them being dropped, or worse still, lost!

Involving other people

A wedding band warming is a perfect way to involve some, if not all, of your guests in your ceremony. You can involve just immediate family members or, provided your guest list isn’t massive (since you’ll need the rings back in time for exchanging them), you can involve absolutely everyone.

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It is recommended that you choose one or two special people to take responsibility for ensuring the rings keep moving through your guests, to ensure nobody does ‘a runner’ with them! and that they’re returned to the front, in time for the exchanging of the rings.

Keepsake

Worn permanently, your rings are a constant reminder of your commitment to one another.

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