Wedding Bands: How To Wear Them

There are many traditions and personal preferences that dictate how a wedding band should be worn. In Western cultures, it is customary to wear a wedding band on the ring finger of the left hand, which is said to contain a vein that leads directly to the heart. Some brides choose to wear their wedding band beneath their engagement ring, symbolising that the wedding band is closest to their heart. However, there is no right or wrong way to wear a wedding band, and it is ultimately up to the individual to decide what feels most comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.

Engagement ring on top

Ultimately, how you choose to wear your wedding band and engagement ring is entirely up to you and your personal preference. There is no right or wrong way to wear your rings, and you should do what feels most comfortable and appealing to you. That being said, here are some insights on wearing your engagement ring on top of your wedding band:

Symbolism and Tradition

The tradition of wearing the wedding band on the bottom, closer to the heart, and the engagement ring on top is a common practice. This arrangement symbolizes the progression from engagement to marriage, with the wedding band representing the foundation of the marriage and the engagement ring sitting above as a reminder of the promise of love and the journey together. This order also reflects the chronological significance of your commitment, with the wedding band signifying the wedding bond and the engagement ring crystallizing that promise.

Practical Considerations

Placing the engagement ring on top may also be a practical choice for some. Aesthetically, the shape, size, and style of your rings might work better with the engagement ring on top. Additionally, wearing the wedding band on the bottom can offer protection and comfort, especially if you work with your hands or engage in activities that could damage the ring.

Cultural Variations

While the wedding band on the bottom is a widely recognized tradition, it is not a rigid rule. Cultural background and geographical location can play a role in ring placement. For example, in some Eastern cultures, the wedding band is traditionally worn on top. Ultimately, the way you choose to arrange your rings can be a reflection of your unique love story and cultural background.

Wedding ring on top

There is no one correct way to wear your wedding band and engagement ring. The most important thing is to wear them in a way that suits your personal style and that you feel comfortable and confident with. That being said, here are some insights on wearing your wedding band on top:

Symbolism and Tradition

The wedding band is traditionally placed on the bottom, closer to the heart, with the engagement ring on top. This symbolizes the progression from engagement to marriage, as well as the protection of the marriage vow. The wedding band symbolizes the foundation of the marriage, while the engagement ring represents the union of two lives.

Practical Considerations

Some people choose to wear their wedding band on top for practical reasons, such as comfort or to avoid damage to the engagement ring. Additionally, the shape, size, and style of your rings may work better with the wedding band on top. For example, if you have a large centre stone on your engagement ring, wearing the wedding band on top may prevent it from spinning independently and keep your ring stack secure.

Aesthetics

Wearing your wedding band on top can also be an aesthetic choice. Some people prefer the look of their wedding band on top, as it can create a unique and personalized style. You can play around with different arrangements to find the stack that you think looks best.

Cultural Variations

It is worth noting that wedding band placement varies across different cultures and traditions. While in many Western countries, the wedding band is worn on the left hand, in countries like Russia, Greece, and Denmark, it is commonly worn on the right hand. In some cases, individuals may choose to wear their wedding band on their right hand for personal reasons, regardless of cultural practices.

Wear on the left hand

Wearing your wedding band on your left hand is a tradition that stems from ancient times. Ancient Romans believed that the left ring finger contained the 'vena amoris' or the vein of love, which was directly connected to the heart. Although we now know that all fingers have veins connected to the heart, the custom of wearing the wedding band on the left hand has endured in many cultures.

In most Western cultures, the wedding band is traditionally worn on the left-hand ring finger. This is the finger that is located between your pinky and middle finger on your left hand. The wedding band is usually placed first on this finger, followed by the engagement ring, with the idea that the wedding band is closest to the heart. However, there is no set rule, and you can choose to wear your rings in any way that suits your personal style and preference.

Some people choose to wear their wedding band and engagement ring on different hands or even on different fingers. For example, you might wear your engagement ring on your left hand and your wedding band on your right. This can be a practical solution for people with shorter fingers who feel that wearing two rings on one finger is too much. Ultimately, there is no wrong way to wear your wedding band, and you should do what feels most comfortable and meaningful to you.

Wear on the right hand

Wearing a wedding band on the right hand is a common practice in many countries, including India, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Russia, Poland, and Denmark. In these countries, wearing the wedding ring on the right hand is often associated with cultural traditions and norms. For example, in India, the left hand is considered impure, so the wedding ring is typically worn on the right hand. Similarly, in Sri Lanka, the groom traditionally wears his wedding ring on his right hand.

The choice to wear a wedding band on the right hand can also be influenced by personal preferences and comfort. For instance, left-handed individuals may prefer to wear their wedding ring on the right hand to limit damage to the ring during everyday use. Additionally, some individuals may find it more comfortable to wear their ring on their non-dominant hand, especially if they are frequently writing or sketching.

Another reason for wearing a wedding band on the right hand is to symbolise a monogamous and loyal relationship. This is particularly significant for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as same-sex marriages have been legalised in many countries. By wearing their wedding ring on the right hand, these couples affirm their commitment and devotion to each other.

In some cases, wearing the wedding band on the right hand may be a stylistic choice. For those who have a separate engagement ring and wedding band, it is not uncommon to wear one on each hand, allowing both rings to shine and be admired. Ultimately, the decision to wear a wedding band on the right hand is a personal choice, and individuals should feel free to express their own style and values through their ring placement.

Wear on both hands

Wearing your wedding band on both hands can be a stylistic choice. You might want to wear an engagement ring on one hand and a wedding band on the other, allowing both rings to shine and not be overshadowed by each other. This is a good option if you have two separate rings that don't sit well together on one finger.

It is also a practical option if you are left-handed and work with your hands often, as you might find it more comfortable to wear your wedding band on your right hand. This way, you won't have to worry about the ring getting in the way or feeling uncomfortable on your dominant hand.

In some cultures, wearing the wedding band on the right hand is the tradition. For example, in Greece, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Poland, Austria, Norway, Russia and Spain, people traditionally wear their wedding rings on the right hand. Someone in touch with their heritage might choose to follow this custom, even if they live in a country where the norm is to wear it on the left hand.

Ultimately, how you choose to wear your wedding band is a personal choice and there are no set rules. You can wear it on either hand, or even both, depending on what feels most comfortable and aligns with your personal style and cultural background.

Frequently asked questions