This makes the ring exchange unforgettable

The witnesses don't have a fixed role at a civil ceremony like they do at a registry office. If you'd like to include them in the ceremony, it's a good idea to have them bring you the rings. This act can symbolize their commitment to your union and their continued support as a couple.

It's nice if each of them brings a ring forward—either the one intended for the person closest to them—or the other way around.

Were you two set up by a specific person you invited? Do you (both of you!) have a special, close relationship with someone? Then it's worth including that person. Whatever works for you works best. If there's a little story or anecdote for the officiant to share, all the better.

Are you the godmother/godfather or aunt/uncle of a child who will be attending the wedding, or do you have any other close children with you? Then it can be super sweet and also very relaxing if they bring the rings forward.

It's important to clarify beforehand with the parents or, depending on the child's age, directly with the child, whether the child would like to do this. Some are practically bursting with pride, others are rather shy and don't like being "shown off" like that. Either way, calmness and spontaneity are advisable, because things often don't go exactly as planned with children. It could be that your sweet two-year-old nephew throws the ring pillow at your feet with a smile instead of gently pressing it into your hands – or that your little goddaughter has fallen asleep at that very moment. But there should be room for that at a non-denominational wedding. Then there's a laugh that causes general hilarity, then the sleeping goddaughter's mom brings the rings forward, or whatever. There's always a plan B, C, or D.

The same applies, of course, if you want to involve animals. Why not attach the rings to your beloved dog's collar so it can deliver them at the right moment, wagging its tail? Why not have a pony or a falcon deliver the rings? Anything's possible – with the right planning. Carefully consider where the animal can find a quiet, cool/warm place before and after its deployment. Who knows the animal well enough to care for it and guide/accompany it at the right moment? Perhaps practice the whole process with the animal beforehand; then you'll immediately notice where certain challenges lurk.

The so-called "ring warming" is a ritual in which your rings are charged with good wishes from all the guests. They are passed through the rows of chairs during a special song – either strung on a string or in a container (so they don't get lost). At the end, the rings containing the good wishes are returned to you.

If you're feeling spontaneous and like to keep things relaxed, you can also add a little suspense. You can ask your officiant to stick the rings under two different chairs for each guest. The guests will then be asked to look at the right moment to see who has the honor of bringing the ring forward. If you're worried about the rings getting lost, you can also store them in a container and simply have a note or something else symbolic stuck under the chairs.

This way, it's a surprise not only for you as a couple, but also for the guests, who will bring you the rings.

Do you have a special hobby related to vehicles, or maybe you even met that way? Why not have the rings chauffeured to the front by a small remote-controlled car/tractor/truck?

This can also be a great surprise for your guests.

Don't want to have a big ring exchange, but still want to incorporate something special?

It might be a good idea to encase the rings in a Lego house, for example, which you'd first have to tear down to get to. Or they could be in a treasure chest with a combination lock, for which you'd first have to figure out the combination. The possibilities are endless; your imagination is the only limit. The important thing is that it suits you and you feel comfortable with it.