How to Wear Wedding Ring and Engagement?

Traditionally, most people wear their wedding ring and engagement ring on the ring finger of their left hand. This custom comes from the old belief that a vein in this finger, called the “vena amoris” or “vein of love,” runs straight to the heart. On your wedding day, the wedding ring is usually placed on your finger first, followed by the engagement ring. This way, the wedding ring stays closer to your heart, which many people find romantic. So, if you’re wondering about the correct order, the wedding ring goes on first, then the engagement ring on top. This is the most common way in countries like the United States, the UK, Canada, and Australia.
Not everyone follows the traditional method. Some people prefer wearing their engagement ring on their right hand and the wedding ring on the left, especially if both rings are large or don’t match well in style. Others wear both rings on a chain around their neck for comfort or safety, especially if they work with their hands a lot. Some even fuse both rings together into one design after the wedding. There is no one-size-fits-all rule. It really depends on what feels right for you and what is most comfortable and meaningful. Whether you follow tradition or choose your own style, the most important thing is that your rings reflect your love story.

How to Wear Engagement Ring and Wedding Band?

The most common way to wear an engagement ring and wedding band is to place the wedding band closest to the hand, followed by the engagement ring on the same finger. This is usually the ring finger on the left hand. The idea behind this order is symbolic, the wedding band, which represents the commitment of marriage, stays closer to the heart. Many brides temporarily move their engagement ring to another finger or hand before the wedding ceremony, so the wedding band can be easily placed first. After the ceremony, they slip the engagement ring back on top of the band.
Even though tradition says to wear the wedding band first, there’s no strict rule you have to follow. Some people wear the engagement ring and wedding band in reverse order, especially if it looks better or feels more comfortable that way. Others wear their rings on different hands or even alternate depending on the day. Some rings are designed to be worn together as a matching set, while others might look better apart. The key is to wear your rings in a way that suits your personal style and daily routine. Whether you stick to tradition or mix things up, what matters most is that your rings feel meaningful and comfortable for you.

Wedding and Engagement Ring Traditions in Different Countries

Here’s a helpful table that shows how people wear wedding and engagement rings around the world. Traditions can vary based on culture, religion, and personal preference.

Country	Which Hand is Used	Order of Rings (from base of finger)	Special Notes
United States	Left hand	Wedding ring first, then engagement ring	Most common in Western countries
United Kingdom	Left hand	Wedding ring first, then engagement ring	Similar to the US tradition
Canada	Left hand	Wedding ring first, then engagement ring	Follows the Western tradition
Australia	Left hand	Wedding ring first, then engagement ring	Common practice among most Australians
Germany	Engagement on left, wedding on right	Worn on left before wedding, moved to right after	Switch hands after the wedding
Russia	Right hand	Wedding ring worn alone or with engagement ring	Right hand is traditional
India	Varies (left or right)	Depends on culture and religion	Engagement rings becoming more popular; wedding rings less traditional
Brazil	Right hand before, left after	Engagement ring on right hand, wedding band on left hand	Swap hands after the wedding ceremony
Spain	Right hand	Wedding ring on the right hand	Regional differences exist within the country
France	Left hand	Wedding ring first, then engagement ring	Similar to US and UK customs
Norway	Right hand	Wedding ring usually worn alone	Engagement rings are less common
Greece	Right hand	Wedding ring worn on right	Left hand sometimes used for engagement

What’s the Difference between a Wedding Ring and an Engagement Ring?

Engagement Ring

An engagement ring is typically given at the time of a marriage proposal, serving as a symbol of the intent to marry. This ring is often the first formal step in a couple’s journey toward marriage. It usually features a gemstone, most commonly a diamond, and is traditionally worn by the person who has been proposed to. The engagement ring carries emotional significance, representing love, commitment, and the future promise of marriage.

Usually given during a proposal
Often features a gemstone, most commonly a diamond
Worn by the person who has been proposed to
Symbolizes the promise of marriage

Wedding Ring (or Wedding Band)

The wedding ring, also known as a wedding band, is exchanged by both partners during the actual wedding ceremony. Unlike the typically ornate engagement ring, wedding rings are often simpler in design. After the ceremony, both spouses wear their wedding bands as a sign of their marital union. These rings serve as a daily reminder of the vows taken and the lifelong commitment made to one another.

Exchanged by both partners during the wedding ceremony
Simpler in design compared to the engagement ring
Worn by both spouses after marriage
Symbolizes the actual union in marriage

The Correct Way to Wear Wedding and Engagement Rings

Here’s a quick overview:

Stage	Ring Placement	Hand & Finger
Before Wedding	Engagement Ring Only	Left Hand, Ring Finger
Wedding Day	Wedding Ring First	Left Hand, Ring Finger
After Wedding	Wedding Ring (bottom), Engagement Ring (top)	Left Hand, Ring Finger
Optional	Some wear on right hand or only one ring	Based on culture or comfort

If you’re looking to determine your ring size with precision, start by using our easy Online Ring Sizer Tool, it’s designed to guide you step-by-step for an accurate fit. If you’d rather measure manually, you can download our Printable Ring Sizer and refer to our detailed Ring Size Chart for reliable at-home sizing.

How to Properly Wear Your Engagement and Wedding Rings