Wedding Bands: Stacking Etiquette

There are many traditions and beliefs surrounding the wearing of engagement and wedding rings. Some sources suggest that the ancient Egyptians believed in the existence of a 'vein of love' that ran directly from the ring finger on the left hand to the heart. This belief has led to the tradition of wearing wedding rings on this finger, symbolising devotion and commitment.

There is no single correct way to wear engagement and wedding rings. Some brides choose to wear their engagement ring on their left hand during the engagement and move it to their right hand during the wedding ceremony, later placing the wedding band on their left hand. Others opt to wear the engagement ring on their right hand during the engagement and move it to the left hand after the wedding. Some brides also choose to wear their engagement and wedding rings on separate hands to showcase each ring's brilliance. Ultimately, the way you pair your engagement and wedding rings is a personal choice that may be influenced by cultural traditions and comfort.

Engagement and wedding rings don't have to match

Ultimately, the way you pair your engagement and wedding rings is entirely up to you. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing, designing, or wearing your rings.

If you like the traditional look, you can wear both your engagement and wedding rings on the same finger. This is usually the fourth finger on the left hand, which is believed to be connected to the heart via the 'vena amoris' or 'vein of love'. However, it can be tricky to find a wedding band that pairs well with your engagement ring if they are not purchased as a set.

If you don't want to worry about matching, you can choose to wear your engagement and wedding rings on separate hands. This is a great option if you don't have a matching set or prefer not to stack multiple rings on one finger. In some countries, such as Germany and the Netherlands, it is common to see couples wearing their engagement rings on the right hand and their wedding bands on the left.

You could also opt to wear just one ring to symbolise both your engagement and married status. A single ring can be more comfortable and less obtrusive than wearing two rings, and it's one less thing to worry about losing. You can also invest the money you would have spent on two rings into a single, standout ring.

Cultural traditions may also influence how you choose to wear your engagement and wedding rings. For example, in some European countries, such as Switzerland, it is common to wear the engagement ring on the right hand and the wedding band on the left. In other countries, such as Brazil, couples may switch hands after saying their vows.

You can wear your engagement ring on your right hand during your wedding

Ultimately, how you wear your engagement and wedding rings is completely up to you. There are no rules, and you can wear your rings in a way that reflects your personal taste and cultural background.

If you're left-handed, you may prefer to wear your engagement ring on your right hand, to avoid damaging it while carrying out tasks with your dominant hand. This is a common practice in some cultures, including in Switzerland, India, the Netherlands, Greece, Spain, and Portugal. In these cultures, the right hand is considered lucky, divine, or otherwise more appropriate for an engagement ring.

You might also choose to wear your engagement ring on your right hand if you want to make a statement with your ring choice. Wearing your engagement ring on your right hand can ensure that it isn't overshadowed by your wedding ring, allowing the diamond to appear brighter and bigger.

Additionally, you may opt to wear your engagement ring on your right hand during your wedding ceremony. This is a common choice for brides who want to wear their engagement ring on their wedding day but don't want it to be in the way during the ceremony. They can then switch their engagement ring to their left hand after the wedding band has been placed on their left ring finger.

Wearing your engagement ring on your right hand can also be a matter of comfort. Some people feel more comfortable wearing their rings on their non-dominant hand, and with around 90% of the US population being right-handed, this means the left hand is often chosen.

So, if you want to wear your engagement ring on your right hand during your wedding, know that you are free to do so. You can make this choice for stylistic, cultural, or practical reasons, or simply because it feels right for you.

You can wear your engagement ring on your left hand before and after your wedding

There are many traditions and beliefs surrounding the wearing of engagement and wedding rings, and it can be confusing for couples to decide which ring goes on the finger first once they’re married. Ultimately, it is a personal choice and there is no right or wrong way to do it.

In most Western cultures, it is customary to place your engagement ring on the ring finger of your left hand. This tradition is based on the belief that there is a vein in the left ring finger, called the 'vein of love', that runs directly to the heart. Wearing your engagement ring on that hand is a romantic tradition, showing your loved one is always close to your heart.

On your wedding day, many brides move their engagement ring to their right hand or leave it at home so that the wedding band can be placed on the left hand. However, some brides choose to keep their engagement ring on their left hand, either moving it to the right hand during the ceremony and then back to the left after, or keeping it on the left hand throughout.

After the wedding, the wedding band is traditionally placed first on the left ring finger, followed by the engagement ring. This is because the wedding band symbolises the bonded commitment between you and your partner, so wearing it first keeps the ring closest to the heart. However, some brides choose to wear their engagement ring first, with the wedding band on top, as it makes sense to wear the rings in the order they are received.

There are no rules for how you choose to wear your engagement and wedding rings – it completely depends on your personal taste. You can wear both rings on your left hand, your right hand, or have your engagement ring on one hand and your wedding band on the other. You can also choose to wear just one ring to symbolise both your engagement and married status, or wear your wedding band on special occasions and your engagement ring the rest of the time.

You can wear your wedding ring on your left hand and engagement ring on your right hand

Ultimately, how you wear your wedding and engagement rings is completely up to you. While wearing the wedding ring on the left hand and the engagement ring on the right hand is less common, there are several reasons why you might choose to do so.

Firstly, it could be a nod to your heritage. In some cultures, such as in Switzerland, it is customary to wear the engagement ring on the right hand. Wearing your engagement ring on the right hand could be a way to honour your cultural traditions, even if you live in a country where the norm is to wear it on the left hand.

Secondly, wearing your engagement ring on your right hand could be a matter of practicality. If you are left-handed, you may find it more comfortable and convenient to wear your engagement ring on your right hand, especially if your ring features a diamond or other precious stone that could get damaged by everyday use.

Thirdly, wearing your engagement ring on your right hand can ensure that it is not overshadowed by your wedding ring. Wearing your engagement ring alone on your right hand can make the diamond look brighter and bigger.

Finally, you may simply prefer the way it looks. You might decide that wearing your engagement ring on your right hand is the most aesthetically pleasing option, or that it allows both rings to shine.

You can wear your engagement ring on one hand and your wedding band on the other

There are many ways to wear your engagement and wedding rings, and it's completely up to you! You can wear your engagement ring on one hand and your wedding band on the other. This is a great option if your rings are diverse and can't be easily stacked, or if you don't have a matching set. It's also a good choice if you prefer not to stack multiple rings on one finger.

In some countries and cultures, such as several Orthodox Christian communities, wedding rings are traditionally worn on the right hand. This frees up your dominant hand from any possible restrictions caused by an engagement ring. For example, in Switzerland, it is customary to wear the engagement ring on the right hand and the wedding band on the left. In Germany and the Netherlands, it is common to see couples wearing their engagement rings on their right hand and their wedding bands on their left.

Ultimately, there are no rules when it comes to wearing your engagement and wedding rings. You can wear them in whatever way has the most meaning for you. You can even choose to skip the wedding band altogether and use your engagement ring to symbolize your marriage, or opt for alternative ideas like matching ring tattoos or bracelets.

Frequently asked questions