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How to Dress Your Ring Bearer: Stylish and Age-Appropriate Outfit Ideas

Young ring bearer wearing a dusty blue bow tie with a charcoal gray suit inside a church.

Sorry brides, the ring bearer might just steal your show! Dressing the little guy who carries the rings is a fun—and important—part of your wedding planning. Whether you want him to perfectly match the groom and groomsmen or stand out with his own unique look, we’ve got you covered with the best ring bearer attire ideas, tips, and accessories.

To Match or Not to Match? Coordinating Ring Bearer Outfits with the Wedding Party

Deciding whether your ring bearer should match the groom and groomsmen exactly is easier when you think about your overall wedding vibe.

  • Matching looks: The ring bearer will wear a sized-down version of exactly what the groomsmen are wearing. This creates a look that's cohesive in wedding photos and often a bit more formal.
Groom wearing a slim dusty blue necktie, standing with groomsmen and ring bearer who wear matching traditional-width dusty blue neckties.

Mini but mighty! This ring bearer matches the groomsmen perfectly in dusty blue neckties and navy blue suits.

  • Coordinated but unique: The ring bearer will wear something similar, but with his own twist. Maybe he wears a bow tie over a necktie. Or, he might wear a tie in the same color as the groomsmen, but skip the jacket if the groomsmen are wearing full suits. Or, he might wear a different color tie in one of your wedding’s accent shades. The overall vibe still matches the wedding party, just with a kid-friendly spin.
Groomsmen, groom and ring bearer wearing coordinating, but different, outfits

Same navy suit, same seafoam paisley—but this ring bearer stands out with a bow tie twist on the groomsmen’s necktie look.

Ring Bearer Outfit Options

Now that you know whether your ring bearer will match or coordinate with the big guys, these are the key pieces that will put your ring bearer's look together. Pick and choose what works best for your style, venue, and budget.

Ring Bearer Suits and Tuxedos: Finding the Perfect Base Outfit

Mini tuxedos or suits that mirror the adults’ outfits give a polished, timeless feel. Many rental shops now carry child sizes, but don’t wait until the last minute to confirm availability!

Suspenders and Vests: The Trendy Alternative

For a more relaxed or rustic wedding, boys' suspenders with a bow tie or a vest and dress shirt can complement without copying. This look is especially popular for outdoor weddings todays, keeping the little guy comfortable and stylish. It’s also the more budget-friendly option—and sometimes, that’s what it comes down to!

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Neckties vs. Bow Ties: Perfecting the Ring Bearer’s Accessories

Choosing between neckties and bow ties depends on your style preference, as well as your ring bearer’s age. Here’s a quick look at boys’ tie sizes. For more details, check out our full Guide to Boys’ Tie Sizes.

  • Bow ties remain a trendy ring bearer favorite, especially for outdoor, rustic and vintage-themed weddings, and come in coordinating colors and patterns to match the men’s styles. Our boys' bow ties fit most babies, toddlers, and older boys up to about age 10.
  • Pre-tied clip-on neckties are recommended for toddlers and younger boys for ease and safety. Sizes range from 8 inch for infants, 11 inch for age 2 to 5, and 14 inch for kids up to 10 years old.
  • Older boys (8–13) can wear our 48 inch youth neckties, which they can practice tying themselves!
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Pocket Squares: Small Detail, Big Impact

Pocket squares add a refined touch but aren’t always included in kids’ outfits. If your ring bearer’s jacket or vest has a pocket—and be sure to check since not all do—consider adding one for a polished finish. Just note that kids' pockets can be tiny, especially on toddler suits, so the smallest sized pocket squares often fit best.

Boutonniere: A Petite Finishing Touch

A boutonniere is a classic finishing touch for the ring bearer’s outfit—and yes, he can absolutely wear one! Typically, the ring bearer’s boutonniere is a scaled-down version of what the groomsmen are wearing. Instead of a full arrangement, think one simple flower or a small cluster that won’t overwhelm his small frame.

This subtle detail ties him into the rest of the wedding party without being too bulky or distracting. Ask your florist to create a mini version of the groomsmen’s boutonniere, or choose a soft, flexible faux flower or flower lapel pin if you’re worried about durability (especially with younger kids who might tug at it!).

Shoes and Socks: Don’t Overlook These Essentials

The right shoes can complete your ring bearer’s outfit. Loafers, oxfords, or boat shoes in black or brown are classic choices. Look early in big box stores or specialty kids’ shoe shops.

Boys' socks are often overlooked but important—black, navy, or brown dress socks look sharp. For a fun pop of color, match socks to your wedding colors or try argyle patterns to keep things playful.

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Cufflinks and Tie Bars: Skip These for the Littlest Guys

While cufflinks and tie bars might be part of your groomsmen’s attire, they’re usually not the best choice for the ring bearer. Cufflinks require a special dress shirt with French or convertible cuffs, which can be difficult (or impossible) to find in ring bearer sizes. Even if you do, they can be tricky for little hands and may fall off during the day.

Tie bars are another accessory to skip—unless your ring bearer is on the older side (think age 8 to 13) and wearing a standard necktie. In that case, a tie bar designed for a skinny tie might be a fun, grown-up touch. Just make sure it's properly placed (between the third and fourth shirt button) and stays level throughout the day.

For younger ring bearers, it’s best to keep things simple and comfortable. A well-fitted tie, adorable socks, and a mini boutonniere will go much further than adult accessories designed for full-size shirts and suits.

Final Touches: Personalize Your Ring Bearer’s Look

Make your ring bearer feel like the star of the day with fun accessories:

  • Ring bearer pillows, briefcases, or even ring security sunglasses add personality and charm.
  • If he's not actually holding the rings, consider a cute sign with sayings like:
    • “Here Comes The Bride”
    • “Has Anyone Seen The Rings?”
    • “Don’t Worry Ladies, I’m Still Single”
    • “I’m Here For The Cake”
    • “It’s Too Late To Run… Here Comes The Bride”
Ring bearer holding a humorous sign that says I'm Here For The Cake

Despite the name, the ring bearer doesn’t have to carry the rings—let him steal the show with a fun sign instead!

Wrap Up: Combining Comfort, Style, and Personality

The best ring bearer outfit balances adorable style and kid-friendly comfort. Whether you opt for a matching tuxedo or suspenders with a bow tie, your little guy will look picture-perfect and ready to shine.

Ready to find the perfect ring bearer accessories?

Browse our exclusive collection of ring bearer ties, bow ties, suspenders, socks, and more—all designed to coordinate perfectly with your wedding party’s look.

About TieMart

At TieMart, we offer budget-friendly wedding accessories in a wide variety of solid colors and patterns—including ties, socks, pocket squares, and more. Whether you’re shopping for the groom, groomsmen, ring bearer, or father of the bride, you’ll find coordinated pieces to perfectly match your wedding colors. Be sure to request free fabric color swatches today to get the perfect match for your big day.

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ABOUT OUR FAMILY

We are a family-run tie company based in Illinois. We've been in the biz since the late 90s, and have helped thousands of couples find the perfect wedding ties and accessories for their big day. Our Wedding Guide is our lil spot on the web to share that knowledge with you.