Wedding Band: Should The Bride See It?

There are many traditions and beliefs surrounding weddings, and one of the most important is the wedding band. The wedding band is a symbol of love and commitment, and it is often steeped in tradition and personal meaning. So, is the bride supposed to see the wedding band before the wedding? According to tradition, the bride is not supposed to see the wedding band before the wedding ceremony. In fact, it is believed that the wedding band should be placed on the bride's finger first, followed by the engagement ring, symbolizing that the wedding band is closest to the bride's heart. However, modern couples may choose to forgo these traditions and wear their rings in a way that suits them best. Ultimately, the decision of whether the bride should see the wedding band beforehand is a personal choice, and there is no right or wrong answer.

Who buys the wedding bands?

There is no definitive answer to the question of who buys the wedding bands, and the decision is ultimately up to the couple. However, there are some traditions and modern approaches that couples may consider when deciding how to purchase their wedding bands.

Traditionally, each person pays for the other person's ring. In a heterosexual marriage, this means that the bride (and/or her family) buys the groom's wedding ring, while the groom (and/or his family) pays for the bride's ring. This tradition assumes that all weddings involve a woman and a man and can be adapted for same-sex couples.

Nowadays, there are many different ways that couples may choose to approach the purchase of their wedding bands. Some couples choose to pay for each other's bands, especially if one person bought the engagement ring, which is typically a more expensive purchase. Others may split the cost of the wedding bands evenly or contribute to a shared wedding bank account to cover the expense. Some couples may also choose to buy their own rings or shop for both rings together.

The most important thing is for the couple to have open communication about their expectations, likes, and dislikes, as the wedding is often the first big financial expenditure they will take on together.

Where to wear the engagement ring during the ceremony

There are several options for where to wear your engagement ring during your wedding ceremony.

Right-Hand Ring Finger

One option is to wear your engagement ring on your right-hand ring finger during the ceremony, and then move it to your left hand once you've exchanged vows. This is the standard etiquette, as it allows the wedding band to be placed first, keeping it closer to your heart.

Left-Hand Ring Finger

You can also choose to wear your engagement ring on your left-hand ring finger during the ceremony, and then place the wedding band on top once you've exchanged vows. This option does go against tradition, as the wedding band is usually placed first, and your wedding band may be overshadowed by your engagement ring in photographs.

Another Finger

You could also wear your engagement ring on another finger on your left hand, if it fits. This is a traditional practice in some countries, such as Hong Kong, where the engagement ring is worn on the left middle finger before being shifted to the ring finger after the wedding.

Storing or Giving to Someone for Safekeeping

If you don't want to wear your engagement ring during the ceremony, you can store it in a safe place, like a ring box, or give it to a trusted person to hold onto until after the ceremony. This option ensures you don't have to worry about losing or fumbling with the ring, and it gives your wedding band a chance to shine. However, you will miss out on having your engagement ring in your wedding photos.

Ultimately, the choice of where to wear your engagement ring during the ceremony is a personal one, and you can choose to style your jewelry in a way that holds meaning for you and gives you confidence on your special day.

What hand to wear the wedding band on

The choice of which hand to wear your wedding band on is entirely up to you and your preferences. Wedding bands are most commonly worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, which is often referred to as the ring finger. This tradition is based on the belief that the Romans held, that this finger had a vein that ran directly to the heart, the "Vena Amoris" or "vein of love". However, it is now known that this belief is untrue, as all fingers have venous connections to the heart.

In some countries, including Russia, Germany, Norway, Austria, Denmark, Poland, Belgium, Greece, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Colombia, India, and some areas of Latin America, it is more common to wear wedding bands on the right hand. In Chile, for example, engagement rings are worn on the right hand and then moved to the left hand when the couple gets married.

Where to store the engagement ring if not worn during the ceremony

There are several options for storing your engagement ring if you choose not to wear it during your wedding ceremony. Here are some ideas to keep it safe and secure:

A Ring Box or Locked Box

Placing your engagement ring in a ring box or a locked box is a safe option. You can use the original box that your ring came in, or choose a fabric-lined box or case with a separate compartment for your ring to prevent scratches. This ensures that your ring is protected and won't get lost or damaged during the ceremony.

At Home

If you want to ensure the utmost safety of your engagement ring, you can leave it at home in a secure location, such as a locked box or a jewellery case on your bedroom dresser. This option eliminates the worry of transferring the ring between hands or entrusting it to someone else for safekeeping.

With a Trusted Person

Another option is to ask a trusted person, such as a family member or a close friend, to hold onto your engagement ring during the ceremony. This way, you can be sure that the ring is safe and easily accessible when it's time to put it back on.

On Another Finger

If you want to keep your engagement ring with you during the ceremony, you can consider wearing it on another finger, such as your left hand's middle finger. This option is traditional in some countries, and it allows you to have the ring nearby without interfering with the placement of the wedding band.

Ultimately, the choice of where to store your engagement ring during the ceremony is a personal one. You can choose to follow traditions or create your own unique way of handling it. The most important thing is to ensure that your ring is safe, secure, and accessible when you need it.

Whether to wear the engagement ring at all during the ceremony

Ultimately, it is up to the bride to decide whether or not to wear her engagement ring during the wedding ceremony. There are several options for brides who want to wear their engagement ring during the ceremony. One option is to wear the engagement ring on the right hand, which is considered the "standard etiquette" according to wedding planner Lara Mahler. This way, the wedding band can be placed on the traditional ring finger on the left hand, and after the ceremony, the engagement ring can be moved back to the left hand, above the wedding band. Another option is to wear the engagement ring on the left hand and place the wedding band on top of it during the ceremony, then restack the rings after the ceremony. A third option is to wear no rings during the ceremony, and have the partner place both the wedding band and engagement ring on the finger during the ceremony.

There are also options for brides who do not want to wear their engagement ring during the ceremony. The ring can be stored in a safe place, such as a ring box or a locked box at home, or it can be given to a trusted person, such as a family member or close friend, to hold until after the ceremony.

Some considerations for wearing the engagement ring during the ceremony include the fact that the wedding band will not have its "moment in the spotlight" and may be overshadowed by the engagement ring in photographs. Additionally, transferring the engagement ring to the right hand can be customary, but it is important to ensure that the ring fits comfortably to avoid losing it.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to wear the engagement ring during the wedding ceremony is a personal one, and there is no right or wrong answer.

Frequently asked questions