Wedding Bands: Which Hand?

There are many traditions and beliefs surrounding the wearing of wedding bands, and while some people adhere to these, others choose to express their own style and preferences. The wedding band is traditionally worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, which is thought to have a vein that leads directly to the heart. This tradition is followed in many Western countries, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, South Africa, and many Asian countries. However, in some countries, such as Germany, the Netherlands, Russia, Poland, Denmark, India, Greece, Spain, and Portugal, it is common to wear the wedding band on the right hand.

Wedding band on top

The wedding band is traditionally worn on the ring finger of the left hand, which is said to have been derived from the Ancient Romans, who believed that this finger had a vein that ran directly to the heart – the Vena Amoris or the 'vein of love'.

There are a few ways to wear the wedding band with the engagement ring:

The wedding band can be stacked on top of the engagement ring on the left hand. This is a traditional way of wearing the rings, but it may not work for all ring styles or finger types. The wedding band is often more understated than the engagement ring and is likely to be worn every day, so it makes sense to wear it on top for ease of access and comfort.

Engagement Ring on Top

Some people choose to wear the engagement ring on top of the wedding band, either for aesthetic reasons or because they feel it is more sentimental to keep the wedding band closer to the heart.

Rings on Different Hands

Another option is to wear the engagement ring and wedding band on separate hands. This is a good option for those with shorter fingers or for those whose engagement ring and wedding band do not match.

Alternating Rings

Some people choose not to wear both rings at the same time, perhaps due to the value of one ring or a preference for simplicity. The engagement ring is usually worn on the left hand, while the wedding band can be worn on any finger.

Cultural Differences

In some countries, such as Russia, Germany, Norway, and India, wedding rings are traditionally worn on the right hand. This is due to the Latin word for 'left' being 'sinister', so the left hand was considered unlucky. In Sri Lanka, the groom traditionally wears his wedding ring on his right hand.

Engagement ring on top

There are many traditions and beliefs surrounding the wearing of wedding and engagement rings, and while some people adhere to these, others choose to express their own style.

The engagement ring is given as a promise of marriage, and the wedding band solidifies this promise. Some people choose to wear their engagement ring on top of their wedding band to symbolise this journey. The wedding band is placed on the ring finger first, and the engagement ring is placed on top during the ceremony or afterwards. This is a common practice in Western cultures, where the left hand is considered the hand for rings.

Some people prefer the look of the engagement ring on top, or it may be a more comfortable fit. It is also a way to keep the wedding band, placed there by a spouse, closer to the heart.

On your wedding day, you could switch your engagement ring to your right hand during the ceremony, and then place it on top of the wedding band on your left hand, either during or after the ceremony. Alternatively, you could give your engagement ring to a bridesmaid or maid of honour to hold during the ceremony.

Wear on the right hand

Wearing a wedding ring on the right hand is common in several countries, including Latvia, Hungary, Greece, Serbia, Russia, Belgium, Portugal, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Austria, Poland, Spain, Denmark, Cuba, Norway, Peru, Colombia, Jordan, Venezuela, India, and Sri Lanka. In these countries, wearing the wedding ring on the right hand is often associated with cultural norms and traditions that symbolise loyalty and honour.

For left-handed individuals, wearing the wedding ring on the right hand is a practical choice. Wedding rings are typically worn on the less dominant hand to reduce damage to the ring. Wearing the ring on the right hand can also be more comfortable and convenient, especially when writing or sketching.

In some cases, wearing a wedding ring on the right hand may be a stylistic choice. For example, individuals with shorter fingers may prefer to distribute their rings across both hands. Additionally, some couples choose not to wear their engagement and wedding rings together, opting to wear them on separate hands or alternating them on the same hand.

In the past, same-sex couples often wore their wedding rings on the right hand as a symbol of commitment before the legalisation of gay marriage. While this practice has mostly been discontinued, some couples may still choose to do so as a personal preference or to honour their relationship's history.

Ultimately, the decision to wear a wedding ring on the right hand can be influenced by a combination of cultural, practical, and stylistic factors, allowing individuals to express their personalities and relationships through their choice of ring placement.

Wear on different fingers

There are many ways to wear a wedding band, and the choice is ultimately up to the wearer. Here are some options for wearing a wedding band on different fingers:

Right-Hand Ring Finger

In some cultures, the wedding band is worn on the right hand. This can be due to cultural differences and beliefs. For example, in India, the left hand is considered impure, so the wedding band is worn on the right. In Latin, 'left' means 'sinister', so the left hand is considered unlucky. The right hand is seen as a symbol of trust, loyalty, and honour, which are all desirable traits in a marriage. This is also the preferred option for left-handed people, as they are less likely to damage the ring on their dominant hand.

Left-Hand Ring Finger

The left-hand ring finger is the most common choice for wearing a wedding band, especially in Western cultures. This tradition 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 finger was thought to be the best one to wear a ring on as it symbolised everlasting love and that the wearer's heart had been claimed.

Thumb

Although not very common, some cultures wear wedding bands on the thumb.

Different Fingers for Engagement and Wedding Rings

Some people choose to wear their engagement and wedding rings on different fingers. This could be because they do not have a matching set or do not like how the rings look together. It is also a good option for those who do not like to wear multiple rings on one finger. This is a common choice in countries such as Germany and the Netherlands.

Wear on the same finger

Wearing your wedding band and engagement ring on the same finger is a popular choice for many couples. This is often the left ring finger, which is known as the "ring finger" in Western cultures. The tradition of wearing a ring on this finger dates back to Ancient Egypt, when it was believed that a vein called the "vena amoris" or "vein of love" ran directly from the tip of this finger to the heart.

There are a few different ways to wear your wedding band and engagement ring on the same finger. One option is to wear the wedding band on top of the engagement ring, closest to the heart. This is a traditional way of wearing the rings, but it may not work with all ring styles or finger types. Another option is to wear the engagement ring on top, either because it looks better or for sentimental reasons. Some people also choose to wear their rings on the same finger but with the wedding band on the left hand and the engagement ring on the right hand, or vice versa.

The choice of how to wear your wedding band and engagement ring is ultimately up to you and your personal preference. You can stick with tradition or choose a different arrangement that better suits your taste and priorities.

Frequently asked questions