Wedding Band: Box Or Finger?

There are several options for what to do with your engagement ring when you're at the altar. The wedding band is usually placed on the left hand, and tradition dictates that it should be put on first so it's closest to the heart. This means that some brides move their engagement ring to their right hand during the ceremony, then move it back to the left hand after the wedding band has been put in place. However, some brides choose to leave their engagement ring on their left hand, meaning the wedding band is placed over the top. Others decide not to wear their engagement ring at all during the ceremony, storing it in a safe place or asking a trusted bridesmaid or family member to hold it for them.

Wedding band first, then engagement ring

There is no right or wrong way to wear your wedding and engagement rings. It is completely up to you.

However, if you want to follow tradition, the wedding band should be worn first, followed by the engagement ring. This is because it is believed that the wedding band should be closest to the heart. This tradition can be traced back to the Ancient Romans, who believed that the fourth finger on the left hand had a vein that led directly to the heart.

Some people also prefer this arrangement for practical reasons. For example, if you want to take off your engagement ring to protect and clean it, it is easier to do so if it is on the outside.

Wearing the rings in the order you received them can also be a way to symbolise the progression of your relationship. First, you are engaged, and then your wedding band crystallises that promise.

Engagement ring first, then wedding band

There are no hard and fast rules about how to wear your wedding band and engagement ring. It's completely up to you! However, if you're interested in the traditional way, here's what you need to know about wearing your engagement ring first, followed by your wedding band.

The Tradition of the Wedding Ring Finger

The tradition of wearing a wedding band on the fourth finger of the left hand stems from the ancient Romans, who believed that this finger was connected to the heart via the 'vena amoris' or vein of love. While we now know that there are veins in each finger connected to the heart, the romantic tradition has endured in Western culture.

Engagement Ring First, Wedding Band Second

Wearing the engagement ring first, followed by the wedding band, maintains the idea of having both rings on the same finger and symbolises the progression of your relationship. Logically, it can also make sense to wear your rings in the order you received them. Symbolically, your engagement represents a promise, and your wedding ring crystallises that promise. Wearing your wedding ring on the outside gives your engagement story a figurative bookend—first, you're engaged, and now it's official.

Other Options for Wearing Your Rings

Of course, you can also choose to wear your wedding band first, followed by your engagement ring. This is perhaps the most common way to wear your rings, especially in Western countries. Alternatively, you might wear both rings on your right hand, as is common in some Northern and Eastern European countries, such as Russia, Poland and Denmark, as well as India, Greece, Spain and Portugal.

Some people also choose to wear their engagement ring on one hand and their wedding band on the other, especially if they don't have a matching set or prefer not to stack more than one ring on a single finger. This is a common choice in countries like Germany and the Netherlands. Ultimately, how you choose to wear your wedding and engagement rings is a matter of personal preference and style.

Store engagement ring in a box

Storing an engagement ring in a box is a safe way to keep it secure when not being worn. This could be a ring box or a locked box, and it is especially useful if you are going to be doing activities where the ring might get damaged, lost, or stolen, such as working out, playing sports, travelling, or swimming.

On a wedding day, some brides choose to store their engagement ring in a box until after the ceremony when the wedding band has been placed on the finger. This is because, traditionally, the wedding band is placed on the finger first, followed by the engagement ring. However, some brides choose to wear their engagement ring on their right hand during the ceremony, or to place the wedding band over the top of the engagement ring, and then swap them over later.

If you don't want to use a box, another option is to ask a trusted family member or close friend to hold onto the engagement ring until after the ceremony.

Ultimately, how you store and wear your engagement and wedding rings is a personal choice.

Wear engagement ring on the right hand

Wearing an engagement ring on the right hand is not uncommon, especially outside of the United States. In some cultures, it is customary to wear engagement and wedding rings on the right hand. For example, in Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Norway, Spain, Russia, Poland, Serbia, India, and some southern European and Latin American countries, engagement rings are worn on the right hand. In some countries, religious traditions also dictate wearing the engagement ring on the right hand; for instance, Catholics in the Netherlands wear their engagement rings on the right hand, while Protestants wear them on the left.

There are several reasons why someone might choose to wear their engagement ring on their right hand. One reason could be that the individual is left-handed and wants to prevent their ring from being damaged during everyday tasks. Wearing the ring on the right hand can also make the diamond look brighter and bigger by ensuring it is not overshadowed by other jewellery. Additionally, some people might find wearing a ring on their right hand more comfortable, especially if they are right-handed, as most people in the United States are.

Ultimately, the choice of which hand to wear an engagement ring on is a personal one. While traditions might suggest wearing the ring on the left hand, there are no rules, and individuals can choose to wear their engagement ring on whichever hand they prefer.

Wear no rings down the aisle

There are several reasons why you might choose to wear no rings down the aisle. Here are some options and considerations for brides and grooms:

Brides

If you're a bride who already wears an engagement ring, there are a few options for what to do with it when walking down the aisle. One option is to temporarily move your engagement ring to your right hand. Then, after the wedding ceremony, you can return the ring to your left hand, ensuring that your wedding band is closest to your heart, as per tradition. However, this option may be uncomfortable or unsafe if your engagement ring doesn't fit well on your right hand, so it's important to test this ahead of time.

Another option is to leave your engagement ring on your left hand, and have your fiancé place the wedding band on top of it during the ceremony. After the wedding, you can simply swap the order of the rings so that your wedding band is closest to your heart. This option does go against tradition and may result in your wedding band being less visible in photographs, but it saves you from having to worry about storing your engagement ring safely during the ceremony.

If you don't want to worry about rearranging your rings during your wedding, you could recruit a trusted bridesmaid or family member to hold onto your engagement ring during the ceremony. Alternatively, you could store it somewhere safe, like a locked box. This option is also ideal if you plan to wear gloves, as the pointy diamond on an engagement ring could snag or rip the fabric.

Grooms

For grooms, wearing a ring down the aisle is a more recent tradition. In the past, only the woman would wear a wedding ring. During World War II, servicemen started wearing rings to remember and honour their wives while stationed overseas, and civilians eventually picked up on this tradition. Today, many grooms choose to wear a wedding band that fits their personal style, with some opting for alternative metals or sleek black designs.

Ultimately, whether you choose to wear a ring or not is a personal preference, and there are no hard and fast rules. You may want to discuss any concerns with your partner or officiant ahead of time, especially if you are having a religious ceremony with specific requirements.

Frequently asked questions