Wedding Band: First Or Last?

There are several traditions and beliefs about whether the engagement ring or wedding band should be worn first. In Western cultures, it is customary to place the engagement ring on the left ring finger, based on the belief that the vein of love runs from this finger directly to the heart. On the wedding day, some brides move their engagement ring to their right hand or keep it safe at home, before placing the wedding band on the left ring finger. Then, after the ceremony, the engagement ring is placed back on the left hand, with the wedding band underneath. This symbolises the commitment of marriage being closest to the heart.

However, there are no set rules, and some brides choose to wear the engagement ring first, followed by the wedding band, to reflect the order in which they were received. Others may wear the rings on separate hands, especially if they don't form a matching set or are uncomfortable to stack. Ultimately, the way a bride chooses to wear her rings is a personal preference, and there is no right or wrong way.

Wear your engagement ring first, then your wedding band on top

There are several ways to stack your wedding bands and engagement rings, and it ultimately depends on your personal preference. However, if you want to follow the tradition of wearing your engagement ring first and then your wedding band on top, here are some things to consider:

The History and Symbolism

The tradition of wearing rings on the left hand can be traced back to ancient times. According to ancient Romans and Egyptians, a vein called "vena amoris" or the "vein of love" ran directly from the left ring finger to the heart. Wearing the ring on this finger symbolised the couple's connection of love and commitment.

Engagement Ring First, Wedding Band on Top

Logically, it makes sense to wear your rings in the order you received them. Symbolically, the idea that your engagement ring represents a promise and your wedding band crystallises that promise might resonate with you. Wearing your wedding band on the outside gives your engagement story a figurative bookend—first, you're engaged, and now it's official.

Personal Expression and Preference

Today, couples are more inclined to express their unique style and curate their band and ring pairings. There are no hard and fast rules, and you can choose to wear your rings in a way that aligns with your beliefs and preferences. Whether you want to stack your rings or wear them on separate hands, the decision is entirely up to you.

Practical Considerations

For some, the decision to wear the engagement ring first and the wedding band on top may be influenced by practicality and comfort. The shape, size, and style of your rings might work better worn in a specific order. Additionally, if your rings don't fit comfortably together, you can choose to wear the wedding band on a different finger or hand to give it a spotlight of its own.

Wear your wedding band first, then your engagement ring on top

There are several ways to stack your wedding bands and engagement rings, and ultimately, it is up to you and your personal preference. However, if you want to follow the tradition of wearing your wedding band first and then your engagement ring on top, here are some things to consider:

History and Symbolism

The tradition of wearing wedding bands and engagement rings can be traced back to ancient times, specifically the ancient Egyptians and Romans. It was believed that a vein called the "vena amoris" or the "vein of love" ran directly from the ring finger of the left hand to the heart. This belief has led to the popular tradition of wearing wedding and engagement rings on the left ring finger, symbolizing the deep emotional connection and love between partners.

Wedding Band First, Engagement Ring on Top

Placing the wedding band on the finger first, followed by the engagement ring, is a common approach. This configuration symbolizes the belief that the wedding band should be closer to the heart, representing the bond of marriage and the eternal love shared between the couple. During the wedding ceremony, the bride usually moves her engagement ring to her right hand or keeps it in a safe place. After the wedding, the engagement ring is placed back on the left hand, with the wedding band underneath.

Personal Preference and Customization

Some brides choose to customize their rings so that they fit together harmoniously or even solder them into a single unit. It is also common for brides to stack multiple wedding bands to create a nested look around the engagement ring. If you prefer not to stack rings on one finger, you can wear your wedding band on one hand and your engagement ring on the other. Ultimately, the decision on how to wear your wedding band and engagement ring is yours, and you can choose the arrangement that best suits your style and comfort.

Wear both rings on your left hand

There are many ways to wear your engagement and wedding rings, and ultimately, the choice is yours. However, wearing both rings on your left hand is a common tradition that stems from ancient beliefs. Here are some reasons why you might choose to wear both your engagement and wedding rings on your left hand:

Ancient Traditions

The practice of wearing rings on the left hand can be traced back to ancient civilisations, including the Ancient Egyptians and Romans. They believed in the existence of the "vena amoris" or the "vein of love", which was thought to run directly from the ring finger on the left hand to the heart. Thus, wearing a ring on this finger was considered a symbol of love and devotion, with the ring placed closest to the heart representing the strength of the bond.

Cultural Norms

In many Western cultures, it is customary to place the engagement ring on the left hand before the wedding. On the wedding day, the bride may move the engagement ring to her right hand or keep it safe, then return it to the left hand after the wedding band has been placed. This tradition is also observed in certain Asian countries, as well as France, the UK, Canada, Mexico, and South Africa.

Symbolism and Commitment

The wedding band is often seen as a symbol of commitment and the eternal bond formed in marriage. By wearing the wedding band on the left hand, closest to the heart, this symbolism is emphasised. The engagement ring, which represents the promise of devotion and the journey towards marriage, can then be placed on top of the wedding band. This arrangement signifies the progression of the relationship and the fulfillment of promises made.

Personal Preference and Comfort

Some individuals may find it more comfortable to wear both rings on the left hand. Additionally, wearing the rings in this manner may be a matter of personal preference, allowing you to showcase both rings and emphasise their unique significance in your love story.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to wearing your engagement and wedding rings. You can choose to follow ancient traditions, cultural norms, or create your own modern style. The most important thing is to select an arrangement that holds meaning for you and your partner.

Wear both rings on your right hand

Wearing both your engagement and wedding rings on your right hand can be a matter of personal preference, comfort, or cultural and religious traditions.

Personal Preference

You may simply prefer the look of wearing both rings on your right hand. This could be because you want to show off both rings, and wearing them on separate hands ensures that neither ring detracts from the brilliance of the other.

Comfort

If you are left-handed, you may find it more comfortable to wear your engagement ring on your right hand, especially if your ring has a large diamond or precious stone that could get in the way or be damaged by your daily activities.

Cultural and Religious Traditions

In some countries, such as India, people believe that the left hand is unclean and created only to do worthless things. Brides who grow up with such beliefs may choose to put their engagement ring on their right hand to preserve the holiness of the ring and ensure good luck in their romantic relationships. In Northern and Eastern European countries such as Russia, Poland, and Denmark, it is common to wear both rings on the right hand.

Wear your engagement ring on one hand, and your wedding band on the other

Ultimately, there is no right or wrong way to wear your engagement and wedding rings. It's completely up to you and your personal preference. Here are some reasons why you might choose to wear your engagement ring on one hand and your wedding band on the other:

• Stacking multiple rings on one finger can be uncomfortable. Wearing your engagement and wedding rings on separate hands can prevent this issue and ensure that the rings don't pinch your skin or feel awkward and clunky.
• If your engagement ring and wedding band don't match, wearing them on separate hands can make the mismatch less obvious.
• Wearing your engagement and wedding rings separately allows you to showcase each ring without one detracting from the brilliance of the other. This can be especially important if your rings are a significant investment.
• In some countries and cultures, such as Germany and the Netherlands, it is common to wear the engagement ring on the right hand and the wedding band on the left.
• You may prefer to wear your engagement ring on your dominant hand to avoid any possible restrictions caused by the jewellery.

Remember, there are no rules when it comes to wearing your engagement and wedding rings. You can choose to wear them in a way that feels most comfortable and meaningful to you.

Frequently asked questions