George Boyle
There are many different traditions and beliefs about what to do with your engagement ring on your wedding day. Some people believe that the engagement ring should be worn on the right hand during the ceremony, so that the wedding ring can be placed on the left hand, while others believe that both rings should be worn on the left hand, with the wedding ring closest to the heart. Some couples choose to have the groom place both rings on the bride's finger during the ceremony, while others opt to have the engagement ring fused to the wedding ring before the wedding so that they can be worn as one piece of jewellery. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to wear an engagement ring on the wedding day is a personal one, and there is no right or wrong answer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wearing the engagement ring on the wedding day | Yes, but on the right hand or left hand depending on the couple's preference |
| Exchanging the engagement ring during the wedding | Yes, but only if the couple chooses to |
| Combining the engagement ring and wedding ring | Yes, but only if the couple chooses to |
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What You'll Learn
Wear your engagement ring on your right hand
There are many different beliefs and practices associated with wearing an engagement ring on your right hand. Here are some reasons why someone might choose to do so:
Cultural and Religious Traditions
In some cultures and religions, wearing the engagement and wedding rings on the right hand is the traditional practice. For example, in Norway, Denmark, Italy, and Spain, it is customary to wear these rings on the right hand. Similarly, in the Greek Orthodox religion, followers typically wear their wedding and engagement rings on their right hands. In certain Asian cultures, the left hand is considered unclean, making the right hand the preferred choice for ring-wearing.
Personal Preference and Style
Wearing an engagement ring on the right hand can simply be a matter of personal preference and style. Some people choose to stack multiple rings on their right hand, creating a unique and stylish look. Right-hand rings can be chosen based on personal taste, fashion sense, or as a way to showcase one's status.
Widowed Individuals
In some cultures, it is common for widowed individuals to switch their wedding or engagement ring to their right hand. This practice may serve as a symbolic gesture or a way to signal their change in marital status to others.
Convenience and Practicality
Some brides choose to wear their engagement ring on their right hand during the wedding ceremony itself. This allows for a smooth transition when the wedding band is placed on the left hand, without having to move the engagement ring. This practice ensures that the wedding band, a symbol of ultimate love and devotion, is worn closest to the heart.
Health and Safety Reasons
For individuals with medical conditions or those who use their hands frequently for work, wearing a ring on the left hand may not be feasible or safe. In such cases, wearing the engagement ring on the right hand can be a more comfortable and practical choice.
Ultimately, the decision to wear an engagement ring on the right hand is a personal one, influenced by a combination of cultural, religious, stylistic, and practical considerations. There is no single correct way to wear an engagement ring, and individuals should choose the option that feels most meaningful and comfortable for them.
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Wear both rings on your left hand
The tradition of wearing both engagement and wedding rings on the fourth finger of the left hand dates back to ancient Egyptian times. Egyptians believed that a vein, the vena amoris or vein of love, ran from the heart to the tip of the fourth finger of the left hand. Wearing a wedding ring over that vein symbolized strong love. In the 16th century, England's King Edward VI declared that all couples must wear their wedding rings on the fourth finger of the left hand.
Today, there are no hard and fast rules for which finger to wear your wedding ring on. However, in most Western cultures, including the United States, it is traditional to wear the ring on the fourth finger of the left hand, also known as the ring finger.
If you want to follow this cultural norm, you can wear your engagement ring on your right hand during the wedding ceremony, and then switch it to your left hand after the wedding band has been placed on your finger. This way, the wedding band is closest to your heart, which is very symbolic. Alternatively, you can have the groom put both rings on during the ceremony, with the wedding ring being for the commitment and the engagement ring being the promise that protects the commitment.
If both rings are large, you may choose to wear your engagement ring on a separate finger or even on your right hand. If your engagement ring has a different style than your wedding ring, you may want to showcase the two rings separately.
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Give your engagement ring to someone to hold
There are several options for what to do with your engagement ring on your wedding day. Many brides choose to wear their engagement ring on their right hand during the ceremony so that their left hand is empty for the wedding band. You could then switch the order of the rings after the ceremony, with the wedding band on the bottom and the engagement ring on top.
If you would prefer not to wear your engagement ring during the ceremony, you could give it to a trusted person to hold until after the ceremony, and then put it on over the wedding ring. It is recommended that you store the ring in a safe space, such as a portable jewellery storage container, rather than just someone's pocket. You could ask your wedding planner or venue for a safe place to store your ring.
If you have a ring bearer, you could give your engagement ring to them to hold. However, if the ring bearer is a small child or pet, it may be better to entrust the ring to a more responsible wedding guest.
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Wear your engagement ring as usual
If you want to wear your engagement ring as usual on your wedding day, you can do so. It is a special symbol of your nuptials and an important part of your love story, so it makes sense to want to wear it.
However, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, tradition dictates that wedding bands be worn closest to the hand, with engagement rings on the exterior. This means that during the ring exchange, you may need to quickly remove your engagement ring so your partner can place the wedding ring on your finger. To avoid this, some couples choose to have the groom put both rings on during the ceremony, with the wedding ring placed closer to the heart, as a symbol of the commitment, and the engagement ring as the promise that protects it.
If you would prefer not to remove your engagement ring during the ceremony, you could wear it on your right hand, and then switch it to your left hand after the wedding band has been placed on your finger. This option is convenient and easy, although it might not give you the look you want. Alternatively, you could have your rings fused together before the wedding, so your partner can slide both rings onto your finger at once. However, this means you will be without your engagement ring for some time before the wedding, and it may be a complex process to separate the rings after they have been fused.
Ultimately, it is your wedding day, and you can wear your engagement ring however you choose.
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Combine your engagement and wedding rings
Combining your engagement and wedding rings is a great way to create a cohesive and personalised look that reflects your relationship and style. Here are some tips to help you achieve this:
Try Different Styles
Experiment with different ring designs, from classic to contemporary, to find what looks and feels best with your engagement ring. Don't limit yourself to a few styles; try on a variety of wedding rings to discover what suits your taste and lifestyle. For instance, if you use your hands a lot, a durable band might be preferable.
Complementary Designs
The wedding band should complement the engagement ring, with the designs and metals seamlessly blending together. Consider a contoured wedding band, which snugly fits around the engagement ring, especially if the engagement ring has a unique setting or large centre stone. Alternatively, a solitaire wedding ring—a simple, elegant band without additional stones—pairs well with intricate engagement rings for a classic, understated look.
Add Embellishments
If you want to enhance the overall look of your bridal set, consider adding more rings to your bridal stack for a unique touch. Wedding bands with subtle embellishments like engravings or small diamonds, known as pavé or confetti styles, can add sparkle and sophistication to your set.
Buy Them Together
Purchasing your engagement and wedding rings together ensures a perfectly matched set, with complementary designs and metals. This option guarantees a cohesive look from the start, enhancing the symbolism of your rings as a representation of your relationship.
Seek Customisation
Customisation allows you to personalise your rings to reflect your unique preferences. You can choose to solder your rings together, either before or after the wedding, to create a single, unified ring. This option ensures your rings stay in place and avoids the need for constant adjustment.
Combining your engagement and wedding rings is a beautiful way to symbolise your relationship and create a personalised statement that you can wear forever.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you don't have to, but it is an option. You could give it to the ring bearer, a trusted adult supervisor, your maid of honour, a friend, or a family member.
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. It is a personal preference. Some sources say that tradition dictates that you wear your engagement ring on your right hand during the ceremony, then move it to your left hand after. However, it is ultimately up to you.
Your engagement ring is an important part of your love story and journey to matrimony. It can be a key feature of your wedding photos, and it is likely the most valuable piece of jewellery you own, both sentimentally and monetarily.
