Beyond the Ring Pillow

There’s little if anything more symbolic of becoming a new Mr. and Mrs. than the exchange of the wedding rings. So, why not make the bling’s march to the alter a little extra special? “You can use almost anything as long as the rings can be secured to it,” says Anne Chertoff, a New York-based wedding editor and blogger. She’s seen “pillows” made of flowers, bird nests, ceramic dishes (PalomasNest.com is quite popular), and small chests or boxes lined with fabric, raffia or tissue paper but also loves the notion of making or buying a fabric flower and tying the rings to the center. Amy Maclin, deputy editor of Real Simple magazine, suggests tucking the rings inside a small decorative bag or pouch, along with special messages that you’ve written for each other. “Save them and read them on your first anniversary,” Maclin says. She also recommends using ribbon to tie the rings to an item that has personal significance, such as a family heirloom or an ornament. If your preference is to use the traditional pillow, Maclin advises crafting it from a sentimental source (think Grandma’s handkerchief, Mom’s wedding veil or your own christening gown) or make it a whole-family affair: have loved ones write special messages on a plain satin pillow with a fabric-safe permanent marker. Another option is to ask mom or grandma to make the pillow for you, Chertoff says, or see if there’s a pillow that has already been used at family weddings and simply continue the tradition. You can make most ring-bearer vessels an automatic keepsake by adding your wedding date, names or monogram. But, to avoid any unnecessary bad memories, Chertoff advises having your adorable but clutzy and tantrum-prone nephew carry faux bands, and keeping the real ones safe with the maid-of-honor and best man.