A guide to a ring warming
What is a ring warming?
A ring warming is a heartfelt ritual to include in your ceremony. It is best suited to more intimate weddings, although for larger gatherings it could be adapted to involve a select group of people.
In this ritual, the rings the couple will exchange are first passed around the group. As each guest gets the opportunity to hold the ring, they take a moment to warm the ring in their hand, imbuing it with love, well-wishes, thanks….whatever they would like!
It takes some time to pass the rings around (hence why it’s good for more intimate weddings), but it is a lovely way to involve guests and create a unique moment of communal involvement. After the rings have been passed around, the couple then go on to exchange the rings with each other.
Alternatively, you could have guests warm the rings prior to the ceremony….or rework this structure in any way that fits best for you!
Why I love a ring warming:
It makes this moment more unique. Ring exchanges are common in a lot of marriage/civil union ceremonies & even if it isn’t a ring being exchanged, many couples often opt to exchange some form of token, etc. By adding in a warming, it elevates this moment, really emphasising how important these tokens are in symbolising the love and commitment the couple have for each other.
It involves more people in your ceremony! A ceremony that creates a sense of community with everyone present is so special. A ring warming creates a shared experience, which in turn creates a deeper moment of connection. Rather than your guests just feeling like spectators, a ring warming invites participation, heightening the emotional depth of this moment. Also….this is a great chance to give someone the job of overseeing the rings being passed around!
3. Personalisation! No ring warming will ever be the same as it is truly unique to each wedding because of the different set of people. It also allows you an opportunity to further embellish this moment by adding music. By choosing some live or pre-recorded music, you create even more of an atmosphere…and can have one of your favourite tunes played!
4. It pays homage to your rings. If your rings are particularly special (e.g. passed down from a relative) then it’s even more poignant to have that recognised in a ring warming. Your celebrant can explain the historical significance of the ring before it is passed around the group. It’s a beautiful way to honour its history!
5. A reminder that families and friends are also a part of your love story. Ring warmings feel particularly appropriate for a couple who deeply values their support network. By allowing loved ones a moment to “bless” their rings, it really speaks to the idea that these people are truly valued by them and in turn, they will continue to show up and support the couple in their partnership.