How to Wear Engagement Ring and Wedding Band: A Complete Guide

It is quite probable that the wedding band and the engagement ring hold two of some of the most significant significance of a love pledge. But many people are in doubt; if need be, does it mean that one buys the wedding band before the engagement ring? 

Proper Way to Wear Engagement and Wedding Rings

As mentioned in the traditions the wedding ring is worn before any other ring including the engagement ring and the wedding band is worn after the wedding ring on the finger. This way the wedding band is closest to the heart – and that, explained the circle, was a symbol of everlasting marriage.

Here is how you can wear your rings in order of their importance or by tradition:

1. Wedding Band First: This is a wedding band, it was meant to be worn on the day of the wedding and should be worn on the first finger on the left hand.
2. Engagement Ring Second: The engagement ring is placed on the second position, the position of the wedding band.

This is a generally accepted method through many cultures, but like all traditions, personal preference and meaning generally prevail in the choice. There are no fast rules, so go ahead and adjust to what feels right for you.

Wearing Wedding Band vs Engagement Ring

However there is this significance when it comes to the wearing of the wedding band and the engagement ring. They are a lot like the engagement ring which is more like a prelude to marriage accompanied with a promise to marry as compared to the wedding band that is marriage. Some women prefer to fix both the rings in the same ring finger, one beside the other; some women prefer fixing the both rings distinctly.

Here are the common options:

1. Same Finger, Different Rings: Most brides prefer having an engagement ring together with the wedding ring on the same finger. This is useful in a way that forms an ensemble that can be quite prominently flaunted in unison.
2. Right-hand engagement ring: In cultures of the engagement ring they are advised to wear it on the right hand while the wedding ring is to be worn on the left hand. In that way the two rings can have their unique moment but at the same time it will be special to both of you.

Order of Engagement and Wedding Rings

The wedding band goes first, followed by the engagement ring. This is because the wedding band is more symbolically representative of the marriage, while the engagement ring symbolizes an engagement and the period up until the wedding.

Alternative Orders

However, some brides prefer to break this tradition by wearing the engagement ring first, and then the wedding band. This may be due to practical reasons-like, perhaps, the engagement ring fits better that way-or for personal symbolic reasons.

Placement of Wedding and Engagement Rings

If it comes to setting the marriage and engagement rings, the cultural as well as the personal traditions gain significance. Almost all the western cultures place both wedding and engagement rings on the ring finger of the left hand. This has traditionally been done for the simple reason that according to legend, there is a vein or a ‘vena amoris’ that directly connects the ring finger and the heart.

Here this is worn on right hand in some cultures : 

• Germany: Many German couples wear their wedding rings on their right hands.
• Russia and Greece: These countries, like Russia and Greece, people prefer wearing their wedding bands on the right hand.

Ring Finger Meaning

The significance of the ring finger is different in different cultures but in general the finger is used in symbolizing love, faithfulness and engagement. It is the fourth finger on each hand that one has the engagement and the wedding ring worn.

Ring Stacking Engagement and Wedding

The idea of stacking rings is a popular trend, where any bride can sport more than one ring together to attain an unusual and stacked effect. These include the wedding band and the engagement ring, apart from other rings such as eternity bands or special anniversary rings.

How to Stack Rings

1. Wedding Band First: A classic is always in style when you wear the wedding band first, then the engagement ring, and lastly any other rings. In style, layer more than one ring for an elegant yet customized style. Mix and match metals or designs, or even colors of the gemstones, for a unique-looking stack.
2. Balance: They should balance each other both in terms of style and weight. Too large and intricate the engagement ring can overwhelm a small, dainty wedding band. It is all about the balance.

Cultural Differences in Ring Placement

With that said, one must understand that, actually the use of a wedding and engagement ring is worn at the same finger is a tradition that differs from one country to another. Here are some examples:

• Left Hand Tradition: Of course, both rings are worn on the left hand by brides in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
• Right Hand Tradition: Countries such as Germany, Russia, and India wear the wedding ring on the right hand.
• Switching Hands: Some people move their rings between hands depending on the occasion, personal belief, or cultural tradition.

Wedding Band and Engagement Ring Etiquette

In terms of the etiquette behind wearing a wedding band and engagement ring, there aren't any real rules; however, here are a couple things to consider:

1. On the wedding day: many brides would casually change the engagement ring to the right hand to make way for the new wedding band to be placed first. They can change it to the left hand on top of the band after the wedding ceremony.
2. After the Wedding: Some brides prefer only to wear the wedding band as a matter of daily routine. The size and the ornamentation of the engagement ring may make it unsuitable for all occasions. Others may prefer wearing both the rings together or sometimes using only one of them.
3. Ring Resizing: The size of the rings will change depending with the time you are going to wear it and thus you may need to have it adjusted to fit you. There is always some kind of wearing out that happens to your ring and it is important that you take the time to have them inspected by the jeweler on a regular basis.

Engagement Ring Symbolism

Both marriage and engagement rings are deep in their meanings. While the wedding band symbolizes the commitment of marriage and the bonding that comes with it, an engagement ring holds its meaning deeply in the promise of a shared future. It stands for love and devotion and the intention to marry.

Both rings form a circle, which is the symbol of eternity and endless love. The design of the ring, if any, incorporates gemstones, including diamonds, or other forms of precious stones, which further symbolize purity, strength, and fidelity.

Wearing Engagement Ring After Marriage

Some people wonder if they should no longer wear their engagement ring once they are married or not. It is entirely up to personal opinion. Although some women do wear both their wedding and engagement rings daily, some only save their engagement ring for special occasions.

• Everyday Wear: From the aforesaid, you get to mix the two by wearing the two others as business clothes for everyday wear signifying both engagement and marriage.
• Occasional Wear: Most women said that they use only the wedding ring for such purposes and the engagement ring they keep for formal occasions.

FAQs: How to Wear Engagement Ring and Wedding Band

To which hand does one put a wedding ring?

Customarily, most of the western world wear the ring at the ring finger of the left hand, while in Germany and Russia they wear it on the right hand.

Do I have to wear my engagement ring and wedding band together?

They do subsume a lot of sections; many brides do that – one ring placed straight upon another. However, it is basically a matter of preference.

Is there any possibility to wear an engagement ring on the right hand?

If that is how you like it, you are perfectly in order wearing your engagement ring on your right hand. However, many people do that in other cultures, isn’t it?

Which of my rings should I wear and when, meaning in what sequence do I have to wear them?

Normally, this ring is positioned towards the heart while the engagement ring is worn in the outer layer. But really, it does not matter in which order you put them on as you would wear them.

Conclusion

It is another traditional debate as to whether the engagement ring should be worn before the wedding ring or the two should be worn side by side. If you are the type of couple that stacks, uniquely places, or does it your own way- your rings are an embodiment of your love and how much you are committed towards each other. Bring this guide and look for the style which is more suitable for you and the beauty in such life symbols.