Does the best man hold the rings?

Holding the rings is a common duty for the best man, but it is entirely optional. There is no legal rule about who carries the rings. The only requirement is that the rings are present at the ceremony, so the couple can exchange them as part of their vows.

Many best men keep the rings in a small box or on a cushion, then pass them to the couple or the registrar or celebrant at the right moment. Some couples prefer to keep the rings themselves, or give them to a trusted usher or a child as a ring bearer. If you have a ring bearer, make sure an adult has a backup pair of rings, just in case.

If the best man does hold them, he should keep them safe and not leave them in a jacket pocket that gets taken off. A common tip is to put them on a carabiner or a secure ring holder. Agree before the ceremony who will hand them over and when. The registrar or officiant will guide you, but it helps to practise the handover so nothing is fumbled on the day.