Ring cushion

The wedding ring is at the heart of the ceremony. The exchange of rings between bride and groom has been sacred since the time of the Romans, and symbolises a public declaration: ‘With this ring I thee wed.'  The circle is a symbol of eternity, and the wearing of the wedding ring shows the world that you're pledged to another. So it's been a custom for centuries to present the rings on a cushion; the ancient Egyptians would present jewels on a cushion instead of rings, but the cushion was still part of the ceremonial!

Nowadays, we still use ring cushions (or ring pillows) at formal weddings. Customarily, the page boy or chief bridesmaid will carry the ring cushion up the aisle to the best man, who then places the rings on it ready for the minister to bless.  It's a solemn and beautiful part of the ceremony.

By the way: did you know it's long been considered unlucky for the engagement ring and the wedding ring to be bought at the same time? Equally, wearing your wedding ring before the wedding is also thought to tempt fate!

Click to see all Henry Kaye's beautiful ring cushions that are available to buy.

For more useful articles see wedding information.