Choosing Your Wedding Ring: A Guide

what ring do you get on your wedding day

There are several options for what to do with your engagement ring on your wedding day. You can wear it on your right hand, wear it on your left hand and then switch it to your right hand after the vows, or not wear it at all. Some couples opt to have the groom put both rings on during the ceremony, with the wedding band going on first, followed by the engagement ring. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong way to wear your engagement ring on your wedding day, and you should do what feels right to you.

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Wearing your engagement ring on your right hand

Wearing an engagement ring on the right hand is a common practice for several reasons. Firstly, it is a safe place to keep the ring during the wedding ceremony, especially when exchanging vows and sliding on the wedding band. This way, the wedding band can be placed on the left hand without having to move the engagement ring, and it also symbolises that the wedding band is closest to the heart.

Secondly, cultural and regional traditions play a role. In some European countries, such as Norway, Denmark, Italy, and Spain, it is customary to wear the engagement ring on the right hand. Similarly, in Greece, those who follow the Greek Orthodox tradition also wear their engagement and wedding rings on the right hand. In Poland, wearing the engagement and wedding rings on the right hand is the norm.

Additionally, personal preferences and circumstances may lead someone to wear their engagement ring on their right hand. Some individuals choose to wear their rings on their right hand for comfort or medical reasons, such as those who play string instruments or have specific medical recommendations. Others may switch their rings to their right hand if they are widowed. Ultimately, there are no absolute rules, and individuals can choose to wear their engagement rings on whichever hand they prefer.

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Wearing no engagement ring

There are many reasons why someone might choose not to wear an engagement ring on their wedding day. One reason could be practicality. Engagement rings, especially those with raised settings, can easily snag on clothing or hair, leading to damage or loss. They can also accumulate dirt and debris. For those with an active lifestyle or a job that involves manual work, wearing an engagement ring every day may not be a practical option.

Another reason could be personal preference. Some people may feel that their engagement ring takes away from the spotlight of their wedding band, which is a symbol of their mutual lifelong commitment. They may choose to reserve their engagement ring for special occasions or only wear their wedding band daily.

On the wedding day itself, some brides move their engagement ring to their right hand during the ceremony, then switch it back to their left hand after. Some brides opt to have their wedding band placed on top of their engagement ring, while others choose to have both rings put on during the ceremony.

Ultimately, there is no right or wrong way to wear your engagement ring on your wedding day. It is a personal choice that depends on various factors, including comfort, style, and sentiment. Some couples even opt for a unique commitment ring that serves as both an engagement and wedding ring.

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Wearing both rings during the ceremony

There are many traditions and beliefs about wearing both the engagement ring and the wedding ring during the wedding ceremony.

In some cultures, it is customary for the bride to wear both the engagement ring and the wedding ring on the left hand during the wedding ceremony. For example, in Sweden and Finland, the bride wears both rings on her left hand, while in Germany and Austria, the engagement ring is worn on the left hand, and the wedding ring is placed on the right hand during the ceremony. In the Netherlands, plain bands can be worn on either hand, with Catholics wearing them on the left and Protestants on the right.

Some couples choose to design their wedding rings to fit neatly with their engagement rings, allowing the bride to wear both during the ceremony and on special occasions. This can be a curved wedding ring that fits around the stone in the engagement ring or a ring guard that encompasses the engagement ring. Some couples also choose to have their rings fused or soldered together before the wedding so that the groom can place both rings on the bride's finger during the vows.

On the other hand, some brides choose not to wear their engagement ring during the ceremony to avoid it feeling in the way when the wedding band is placed on their finger. They may wear the engagement ring on their right hand during the ceremony and then switch it to their left hand afterward, with the wedding band on top. This is because the wedding band is believed to belong closest to the heart. Alternatively, the bride can give the engagement ring to a trusted person to hold until after the ceremony, and then put it on over the wedding ring.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to wear both rings during the wedding ceremony is a personal choice, and couples can choose to do what feels most comfortable and meaningful to them.

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Wearing your engagement ring on top of your wedding band

There are various traditions and beliefs surrounding the wearing of engagement and wedding rings, and how they should be worn together. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal preference.

One common practice is to wear the wedding band on the bottom, closer to the heart, with the engagement ring on top. This is a tradition that dates back to the ancient Egyptians, who believed that the ring finger holds the "vena amoris", or vein of love, which is directly connected to the heart. The wedding band is typically worn closest to the palm, followed by the engagement ring, creating a "closest to the heart" effect. This practice symbolises the progression from engagement to marriage and is also said to protect the marriage vow by placing the wedding band closest to the heart.

Some couples choose to wear the wedding band on top for practical reasons, such as comfort or to prevent damage to the engagement ring. This is especially relevant for those who work with their hands or engage in activities that could damage the ring. In such cases, a more durable design or the option to remove the ring during work may be considered.

On the wedding day itself, some brides choose to wear their engagement ring on their right hand during the ceremony, transferring it to their left hand after the wedding band has been placed. This allows the wedding band to have its moment in the spotlight. The engagement ring can then be stacked on top of the wedding band after the ceremony.

It is worth noting that there is no "right" or "wrong" way to wear these rings, and couples can choose to wear them in a way that reflects their personal style and preferences.

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Getting your rings soldered together

On your wedding day, you will exchange vows and get a new ring—your wedding band—placed on your finger. During the ceremony, you can wear your engagement ring on your right hand and then switch it to your left hand after the vows. Some couples even have the groom put both rings on during the ceremony.

After the ceremony, you can choose to wear your engagement ring stacked on top of your wedding band or not wear it at all. If you want to wear both rings together, you can consider getting your rings soldered. Ring soldering is a process in which expert jewellers fuse two or more rings together into one complete set. It is most common for wedding ring sets and is beneficial for intricate designs that are meant to fit together seamlessly.

If you decide to solder your rings, it is recommended to wait a few weeks after the wedding to try wearing them together first and get a sense of how you will wear them daily. Soldering your rings can be a great option if you want to reduce ring spinning, gaps, or wear and tear. It can also provide added security and convenience, as your rings will always be paired perfectly.

However, soldering may not be the best option if you prioritise flexibility in how you wear your rings. It may not be suitable for those who like to switch up their jewellery style or add new rings to their stack. Additionally, some jewellers may not be willing to work on soldered rings if resizing or other adjustments are needed in the future.

Ultimately, the decision to solder your rings together or keep them separate is a personal choice. Consider your preferences, circumstances, and how you plan to wear your rings before making your decision.

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Frequently asked questions

You get a wedding band on your wedding day. This is in addition to your engagement ring, which you can choose to wear or not.

There are several options for wearing your engagement ring on your wedding day. You can wear it on your right hand, wear it on your left hand and move it after the ceremony, or not wear it at all.

The wedding band is a symbol of your commitment to your partner. It is traditionally worn on the left hand, which is considered the hand closest to the heart.

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