Wedding Band: To See Or Not To See?

There are many traditions and beliefs surrounding weddings, and one of the most important details is the wedding band. While the bride is not supposed to see her engagement ring until her partner proposes, it is common for both the bride and groom to see their wedding bands before the ceremony. Many couples shop for rings together, and some even pay for them themselves. On the wedding day, the bride typically wears the engagement ring on her right hand, moving it to her left hand after the vows, with the wedding band placed on top. However, modern brides are free to wear their rings however they choose, and some opt to customise their rings so they fit together or nest multiple bands.

Engagement ring placement during the wedding ceremony

There are several options for engagement ring placement during the wedding ceremony. The first is to wear the engagement ring on the right hand during the ceremony and then move it to the left hand after the wedding band has been placed on the ring finger. This option ensures the wedding band is closest to the heart, in line with tradition.

The second option is to wear the engagement ring on the left hand and place the wedding band on top of it during the ceremony. The rings can then be readjusted after the ceremony. However, this option goes against tradition and the wedding band may be overshadowed by the engagement ring in photographs.

The third option is to not wear the engagement ring during the ceremony. It can be stored in a safe place or given to a trusted person for safekeeping. This option ensures the wedding band gets its moment in the spotlight, but it also means the engagement ring will be absent from wedding photographs.

Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer, and the placement of the engagement ring during the wedding ceremony is a personal choice.

Wedding band placement during the wedding ceremony

• Traditional Placement: Following tradition, the bride can choose to wear her engagement ring on her right-hand ring finger during the wedding ceremony. After exchanging vows, the bride can then move the engagement ring to her left hand, placing it above the wedding band. This option ensures that the wedding band is worn closest to the heart, symbolizing its significance.
• Left-Hand Placement: Alternatively, the bride can opt to wear her engagement ring on her left-hand ring finger during the ceremony. In this case, the groom will place the wedding band on top of the engagement ring during the ring exchange. After the ceremony, the bride can readjust the rings, moving the wedding band below the engagement ring. This option allows for a quick exchange during the ceremony but goes against the traditional order of ring placement.
• Right-Hand Transfer: To avoid any confusion or readjustment during the ceremony, the bride can choose to transfer her engagement ring to her right hand temporarily. This ensures that the groom can easily slip the wedding band onto the left-hand ring finger. After the ceremony, the bride can return the engagement ring to its original position above the wedding band.
• Ring Box or Trusted Holder: If the bride prefers not to wear her engagement ring during the ceremony, she can store it in a safe place, such as a ring box, or entrust it to a trusted bridesmaid or family member. This option simplifies the ring exchange during the ceremony and allows the wedding band to have its moment in the spotlight.
• Combined Ring Set: In some cases, the bride and groom may choose to have their wedding and engagement rings fused together before the wedding. During the ceremony, the groom can then place the combined ring set on the bride's left-hand ring finger. This option eliminates the need for any ring placement decisions during the ceremony.

It's important to note that there is no right or wrong way to place the wedding band during the ceremony. The bride can choose the option that aligns with her personal preferences, comfort, and style. The placement of the wedding band is a meaningful aspect of the wedding ceremony, symbolizing the couple's unique bond and commitment to each other.

Traditions surrounding wedding rings

Ancient Times

The tradition of exchanging rings dates back 3,000 years, with the ancient Egyptians widely believed to be the originators of the modern wedding ring. The first recorded evidence of a formal exchange of rings was found in ancient Egypt, where couples exchanged rings made from materials like hemp or reeds. The Egyptians also believed that the open space in the middle of a ring represented a gateway to the unknown.

The Romans adopted the use of rings from the Greeks, who in turn had taken up the practice from the Egyptians. In ancient Rome, rings were used during marriage ceremonies, with the ring serving as a symbol of the transfer of a woman to her husband's control and her right to his possessions. The Romans also believed that the ring unlocked the wearer's heart.

Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, the church became involved in weddings, establishing the wedding ceremony and giving the exchange of rings new meaning. The wedding band became a symbol of a formal, church-sanctioned marriage.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, husbands bestowed gimmel rings upon their wives. These consisted of two interlocking bands, one worn by each partner during their engagement and then reunited during the wedding ceremony.

Diamonds

The first diamond wedding ring was recorded in the will of a widow who died in the early 1400s. However, diamonds did not become popular in wedding rings until the late 1940s when De Beers launched a marketing campaign that associated diamonds with romance.

Men's Wedding Rings

Up until the 20th century, only women typically wore wedding rings. This changed during World War II, when men began wearing rings as a way to carry their loved ones with them while they were apart. Today, the exchange of wedding bands is common for both spouses.

Placement

In Western culture, wedding rings are typically worn on the base of the left ring finger, due to the traditional belief in the 'vena amoris' or 'vein of love', which was said to run from this finger directly to the heart. However, there are variations, with some cultures and religions favouring the right hand.

Modern rules for wearing bridal rings

There are many traditions and rules of etiquette surrounding bridal rings, but ultimately, how you wear your rings is a personal choice. Here are some modern rules to consider:

Before the Wedding

On your wedding day, you may choose to wear your engagement ring or not. One tradition dictates that you wear your engagement ring on your right-hand ring finger during the ceremony and then move it to your left hand, above your wedding band, after exchanging vows. Alternatively, you can wear your engagement ring on your left hand and place the wedding band on top of it during the ceremony.

If you don't want to wear your engagement ring during the ceremony, you can store it in a safe place or give it to someone trusted to hold onto until after you've said "I do".

After the Wedding

Tradition holds that you'll wear the wedding band inside the engagement ring on the fourth finger of your left hand so that it's closer to your heart. However, some brides choose to break with tradition and wear their engagement ring and wedding band on separate hands, especially if the rings are diverse and can't be easily stacked.

Multiple Rings

Recent trends show that wearing multiple rings is popular among newly married couples. Brides are even opting for ring stacks of three or more bands, often with mixed metals and styles.

Single Ring

On the other hand, some brides choose to wear just one ring to symbolise both their engagement and married status. This can be more comfortable and less obtrusive than wearing two rings. It's also one less ring to worry about losing or matching with a wedding band.

Customising engagement rings and wedding bands

Choose a Jeweller

Select a reputable jeweller that offers custom design services. Look for a company with experienced design consultants who can guide you through the process and skilled artisans to bring your vision to life.

Discuss Your Ideas

Meet with your chosen jeweller to discuss your design ideas, preferences, and budget. Be sure to bring any inspiration or references you have, such as pictures, sketches, or descriptions of what you want.

Create Sketches and 3D Renderings

Work with the jeweller to create detailed sketches and high-resolution 3D renderings of your ring design. This step may involve several iterations until you are completely happy with the design.

Select Gemstones and Materials

Choose the perfect gemstones and materials for your ring. Consider the cut, colour, clarity, carat weight, and fluorescence of the diamond or opt for lab-created gemstones. Select the type of metal you want, such as gold (yellow, rose, or white) or platinum.

Review and Approve the Final Design

Once you are satisfied with the design, review and approve the final details before giving the jeweller the go-ahead to start crafting your ring.

Casting and Production

The jeweller will cast your design into the chosen precious metal and produce your custom ring by hand. This step may take several weeks, depending on the complexity of the design and the jeweller's process.

Final Approval and Delivery

After the ring is crafted, the jeweller will send you photographs for final approval before shipping your custom piece to you. Enjoy your unique engagement ring or wedding band, knowing it was made to last a lifetime!

Customising your engagement ring or wedding band allows you to create a truly personal and meaningful piece of jewellery. Whether you prefer classic styles or whimsical designs, the process ensures you get exactly the ring you want, often for a similar price to off-the-shelf options.

Frequently asked questions