The Wedding Band: Which Hand?

The tradition of wearing a wedding band on the fourth finger of the left hand can be traced back to the Ancient Romans, who believed that this finger had a vein that ran directly to the heart – the 'Vena Amoris' or 'vein of love'. This tradition is still popular in many Western countries, including the US, France, the UK, Canada, Mexico, South Africa and many Asian countries. However, in other parts of the world, such as Northern and Eastern European countries, it is customary to wear wedding bands on the right hand. This tradition is observed in countries such as Russia, Germany, Norway, India, Greece, Spain and Portugal. In some countries, such as Brazil, couples may switch hands after saying their vows. Ultimately, the choice of which hand to wear a wedding band on is a personal one, and there are no hard and fast rules.

The left hand is closest to the heart

The tradition of wearing a wedding band on the left hand dates back to ancient civilisations, including the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. In these cultures, it was believed that the left hand's fourth finger contained a special vein called the Vena Amoris, or the "vein of love", that ran directly to the heart. The heart was believed to be the centre of all emotions, and so placing a ring on this finger was a way to symbolise the sealing of two hearts in eternal love.

The left hand is also seen as the hand closest to the heart, and so placing the wedding band on this hand is a way to physically and metaphorically keep one's partner close to their heart. This tradition is still widely practised in Western cultures, including in the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, South Africa, and many Asian countries.

While the left hand is commonly associated with romance and love, some cultures view it as a symbol of bad luck and evil. In Latin, the word for "left" is "sinister", and so some cultures associate the left hand with bad luck. This belief has influenced the ring placement in countries such as Germany, Norway, Russia, India, and some parts of Europe, where it is customary to wear wedding bands on the right hand instead.

Ultimately, the choice of which hand to wear a wedding band on is a personal decision that may be influenced by cultural traditions, superstitions, or individual preferences.

The right hand is a symbol of trust

The right hand has long been associated with trust and sincerity. The practice of a handshake, a ubiquitous gesture of agreement and reliability, is done with the right hand. The right hand is also believed to be connected to the heart through the 'vena amoris' or the vein of love. This makes the right hand a symbol of trust and a representation of everlasting love.

In many cultures, the right hand is considered for the exchange of wedding bands. In Northern and Eastern European countries such as Russia, Poland, and Denmark, couples exchange wedding bands on their right hands. Similarly, in India, Greece, Spain, and Portugal, it is customary to wear the wedding band on the right hand. In Chile, engagement rings are worn on the right hand until the wedding ceremony, when they are exchanged onto the left hand.

The right hand is also associated with trust in the digital realm. The symbolic power of a handshake conveys a sense of honesty, respect, and willingness to collaborate. This makes the right hand a powerful symbol of trust and collaboration, fostering stronger connections and long-lasting relationships.

The right hand is also seen as a symbol of trust in personal relationships. The act of extending the right hand in a handshake showcases an individual's willingness to establish a connection and build trust. This non-verbal communication reassures both parties that they can rely on each other's intentions and actions.

The right hand is a powerful symbol of trust, love, and connection. Whether it is through the exchange of wedding bands or the simple act of a handshake, the right hand represents sincerity, honesty, and mutual understanding. By embracing the symbolism of the right hand, individuals can cultivate relationships grounded in transparency, reliability, and mutual respect.

Engagement ring first, wedding band on top

There is no right or wrong way to wear your wedding and engagement rings. It is completely up to you! However, here are some reasons why you may want to wear your engagement ring first, followed by your wedding band on top:

Logic and Symbolism

Wearing your rings in the order you received them might make the most logical sense. Symbolically, the idea that your engagement ring represents a promise, and your wedding band crystallizes 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.

Tradition

In Western cultures, it is traditional to exchange wedding rings during the wedding ceremony on the engagement ring finger. The engagement ring is exchanged onto the right hand so that the wedding band can be placed onto the left hand, to be worn closest to the heart. After the ceremony, the engagement ring is then placed on top of the new wedding band.

Personal Preference

You may find that the shape, size, and style of your rings work better worn one way versus another. You can play around with various styles to come up with your ideal wedding band and engagement ring order.

Wedding band first, engagement ring on top

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

One common way to wear your wedding band and engagement ring is to put your wedding band on first, followed by your engagement ring. If you choose to do this, it is a good idea to remove your engagement ring before the wedding ceremony so that you don't have to deal with potentially losing it or awkwardly fumbling with it at the altar. You can wear it on your right hand or keep it in a safe place until after the ceremony when you can slip it back on top of your wedding band.

Wearing your wedding band first, followed by your engagement ring, can be a great way to symbolise the progression of your relationship. Your engagement ring represents a promise, and your wedding band crystallises that promise. Wearing your wedding band on the inside can give your engagement story a figurative bookend—first, you're engaged, and now it's official.

Same-sex couples often wear rings on the right hand

In Western cultures, the wedding band is traditionally worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, which is thought to have a vein running directly to the heart. However, same-sex couples often wear their wedding bands on the right hand, on the fourth finger, mirroring the traditional left ring finger. This choice may be intended to keep their relationship private and personal, or it can be a proud statement that their love is unique and distinctive.

There is no set rule for which finger wedding bands should be worn on, and this is true for all couples. Some people choose to wear their wedding bands on a chain around their neck, especially if they work in an industrial or healthcare environment. In some cultures and religions, it is common to wear the wedding band on the right hand. For example, in traditional Jewish communities, the wedding band is often worn on the right index finger. In Northern and Eastern European countries, such as Norway, Austria, Denmark, Poland, Germany, and Russia, it is also common to wear the wedding band on the right hand.

In the early 2000s, before the legalization of same-sex marriage, lesbian and gay couples used a wide variety of options for their wedding bands. Some chose the right hand to resonate with but differ from traditional heterosexual symbolism. Now, the majority of same-sex couples buy wedding bands and wear them on the ring finger of the left hand. However, some couples still choose a more private expression of their love and commitment, especially if they are not ready to be open about their relationship due to personal or professional reasons.

Ultimately, the choice of which finger to wear a wedding band on is a personal one, and there is no wrong decision. It is about symbolizing love and commitment, regardless of the finger chosen.

Frequently asked questions