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.