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A book ring pillow offers a personal alternative to a traditional wedding ring cushion, especially for couples who share a love of reading. This project turns a meaningful novel into a keepsake that can hold wedding rings during the ceremony and remain on display afterward. Emma and Trey, both philosophy majors, chose a book connected to the class where they met.
Why make a book ring pillow?
The couple had considered using used books as reception centerpieces, but that approach was not cost-effective and did not feel quite right for the look they wanted. Instead, they chose a large copy of Brave New World and made it into a ring holder. The book had a personal connection: it was one of five novels discussed in the philosophy class where they met.
For a similar project, choose a book with a story or meaning that matters to you. If the original is valuable or difficult to replace, use a spare copy. That way, the finished keepsake can be enjoyed without altering a book you want to preserve intact.
How to make the book ring pillow
1. Mark the space for the rings
Decide how much room the rings need before cutting. The opening can be relatively small, since it only needs to hold the rings. In this example, the space was centered so the book’s title would remain visible and undamaged.
2. Cut into the pages
Use an X-Acto knife to cut through the layers of pages, making a hollowed space about two-thirds of the way through the book. Work carefully and check the depth as you go, so the opening is large enough for the rings while leaving the book’s cover and remaining pages intact.
3. Add moss and ribbon
Fill the hollow with faux moss. Attach ribbons to the underside of the book and use them to secure the rings in place. Before the wedding, check that both rings sit securely and that the ribbons hold them without covering the title.
Using the book ring pillow at the ceremony
Although the book was made as a ring pillow, the ring bearer, Ryland, did not carry the rings during the ceremony. The wedding took place on a dock over the water, and the couple did not want a child to be responsible for expensive rings in that setting. Couples can still display a book ring pillow as part of the ceremony décor and arrange for an adult to handle the rings when needed.
Keep the keepsake after the wedding
Cutting into a beloved novel may feel difficult for book lovers, so consider whether the personal meaning of the project outweighs keeping that particular copy untouched. Emma and Trey had other copies of Brave New World, including one from their class, and planned to display the finished ring pillow on a shelf or mantel.
A book ring pillow can bring a couple’s shared interests into wedding décor while creating a lasting memento. Choose a meaningful book, protect its title when planning the opening, and make sure the rings are secured before the ceremony.
Project by Emma. Wedding photos by: Arrow & Apple.
