Who Puts the Ring on the Groom? Traditions, Tips, and a Surprising Role in the Ceremony

At every wedding, that moment arrives when the rings come out and things get real. But when it comes to the groom’s ring, who actually gives it to him—his bride, the best man, or someone else? People have very different answers, and getting it wrong can make for some awkward fumbling at the altar.

If you’ve ever watched a friend panic-sweat because they couldn’t find the groom’s ring in his pocket, you know how important a smooth handoff really is. Avoiding that mini-crisis is easier than you think. Let’s sort out the usual suspects and nail down exactly what happens, so nothing throws you off when you’re standing up there, all eyes on you.

• Setting the Scene: Ring Exchange Basics
• Who Handles the Ring for the Groom?
• Traditions and Cultural Variations
• Practical Tips for Grooms and Their Crews
• Groom Suit Pointers for the Big Exchange

Setting the Scene: Ring Exchange Basics

The ring exchange is probably the most recognized part of any wedding ceremony. Most ceremonies follow a set flow: vows get said, hands get sweaty, and rings come out. While things can feel super formal, the actual process is pretty straightforward once you know who’s doing what.

Here’s how it usually goes down: both the bride and groom have rings. Traditionally, the best man is in charge of bringing the groom rings to the altar, and the maid of honor or a similar role looks after the bride’s ring. When it’s time, the officiant cues the exchange. The best man passes the groom’s ring over quietly (no need for a big show), and the bride slides it onto the groom’s finger.

"The exchange of rings symbolizes the vows taken and the unity between couples. It’s a focal point, both emotionally and visually, in almost all wedding ceremonies." — The Knot’s Official Wedding Guide

But that’s not the only way to do it. Some couples have their parents or even their kids hold the rings. Ring bearers might walk down the aisle, but don’t count on them for safekeeping—the real rings are often stashed with an adult, just in case.

If you’re into stats, check this out: according to a 2024 Zola survey, about 74% of weddings in the U.S. still have the best man handle the groom’s ring. Here’s a quick comparison of who typically holds the rings:

So, most of the time, you’ll see the best man fishing the ring out of his suit pocket. But if you’re more laid-back, you can make your own rules, as long as the ring makes it to the groom’s finger at the right time.

If you want zero hiccups—decide who’s holding the rings ahead of time, and double-check before the ceremony so no one gets caught off guard. It’s a small thing, but it spares you a last-minute scramble in front of everyone.

Who Handles the Ring for the Groom?

Look at most weddings these days and you’ll see the same routine: the best man holds onto the groom’s ring until the exchange. It’s a job going back centuries. In fact, wedding guides from as far back as the Victorian era mention this exact moment—so the tradition’s been around forever. The reason? Simple. The best man is usually standing closest to the groom and can pass the ring quickly and smoothly, with less fuss.

But there’s a twist—sometimes people mix it up. At smaller ceremonies, some couples ask a ring bearer (usually a young child or special family member) to bring both rings forward, saving the best man from any ring-drop drama. In LGBTQ+ weddings or less traditional setups, a close friend, sibling, or anyone meaningful can do the handoff. Point is, it’s your call, but you’ll want whoever is in charge to be reliable. That sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many grooms look panicked when a ring goes missing for a minute.

Here’s who usually handles the groom’s ring at different types of ceremonies:

• Traditional Western weddings: Best man keeps the ring in his pocket, box, or on his pinky until the exchange moment.
• Religious ceremonies: Sometimes the officiant will hold both rings and present them to the couple.
• Less formal or unique weddings: Anyone important to you can do the honors—think siblings, grandparents, or even both dads.

More often than not, the groom ring passes through a mini chain of people before it ends up on his finger. In fact, according to WeddingWire’s 2024 survey, 88% of couples said their best man or equivalent handled the ring, while 6% relied on a ring bearer, and the rest chose family or unconventional options.

One important tip: if you’re having a young ring bearer, don’t actually give them the real rings—lots of couples attach fake rings and keep the real ones with the best man until the big moment. It looks cute for photos and keeps the rings safe.

Traditions and Cultural Variations

The way couples handle the ring exchange depends a lot on where they're from. Some folks stick to a standard routine, while others have unique twists you’d never expect.

In most Western weddings, here's how it goes: the best man holds both rings and hands the bride’s ring to the groom, then hands the groom’s ring to the bride. It's simple and keeps the ceremony moving. But hop over to Jewish weddings—rings are usually kept by the rabbi or an officiant until the exact moment, as tradition limits jewelry exchange to the bride only. In some Indian ceremonies, family members, even kids, play a role in presenting the rings, making it a big family affair. Groom rings can also be placed on the finger differently—some cultures prefer the right hand over the left, like in parts of Eastern Europe and South America.

Here’s a quick look at some ring exchange customs:

• Western (U.S., UK, Canada): Best man or maid of honor is the usual ring keeper.
• Jewish weddings: Only the bride’s ring is exchanged, often given directly by the officiant.
• Indian weddings: Rings might be brought in on decorative trays or by younger relatives.
• Greek Orthodox: Common for the koumbaros (sponsor) to swap the rings between bride and groom three times to symbolize unity.

When it comes to left versus right hand, check out the stats table below. It shows just how much these customs can vary worldwide:

Before you pick your plan, chat with your partner and your officiant. There’s no rulebook you have to follow—just what matters to you and your family. The key? Make sure everyone knows the plan ahead of time, so the exchange goes off without a hitch.

Practical Tips for Grooms and Their Crews

Making the ring exchange look easy doesn’t just happen—it takes a little planning and teamwork. Most of the time, it’s the best man who holds the groom’s ring. But don’t just toss it to him at the last minute. Assign this job early and double-check that he knows exactly where the ring is, especially once the ceremony starts.

Before walking down the aisle, run through a quick checklist with your crew. The best man should have the ring on him, not in a random pants pocket, not hidden under a bunch of other stuff—just in a safe spot he can reach fast. Some guys use a small zippered pocket inside their suit or even a ring box. Make sure the box fits inside the pocket so it isn’t bulky or awkward on stage.

• Have a group chat or simple checklist to confirm ring readiness before the ceremony.
• If you’ve got kids as ring bearers, use decoy rings on the pillow—give the real one to the best man or another trusted adult.
• Don’t wait until the altar. The handoff should be fast and smooth, right as the officiant cues the exchange.

Just to put it out there—according to a study by WeddingWire, 25% of grooms reported some sort of ring mix-up or mild panic during the ceremony. That’s a number you can shrink to zero with a little planning.

If you want to stand out, practice a smooth handoff during your rehearsal. That’s one less thing to stress about. And remember, there are no style points lost for keeping it easy—just focus on having the groom rings where they should be at the right time, and everything else will fall into place.

Groom Suit Pointers for the Big Exchange

The actual ring exchange might last only a minute, but that minute ends up in every photo and video. If you're the groom, this is your time in the spotlight—so your suit has to do its job, and you need to feel comfortable in it. A creased jacket or clumsy pockets can distract from the moment and the photos. Let's talk through some real tips that make a difference.

• Fit is everything. Your jacket sleeves should hit just at the wrist—they shouldn't cover your hand or ride up your arm. Too much fabric can make even a sharp suit look sloppy when you're reaching for the ring.
• Pockets need purpose. The best man often carries the groom rings in an inside jacket pocket or a tiny ring box, but double-check that pockets aren't bulging or hard to access. Nothing worse than fumbling because your suit won't cooperate.
• Think about photos. The lapel, buttons, and even pocket squares should be set up neatly. This attention to detail comes through when those close-ups of the ring exchange get snapped.
• Ditch anything that could snag. Loose threads or rough fabric can catch on the ring and turn an easy moment into an awkward mess. Do a quick check before walking up the aisle.
• Plan for nerves. Sweaty palms can make it tough to slip on the ring, so have a small handkerchief in your pocket—just in case.

No matter your suit color or style, wear it a few times before the big day. Practice putting your hand in the pocket and handing off a (fake) ring. Make adjustments early so there are no wardrobe surprises when it counts.