When it comes to matrimonial bling, one key question often arises: which ring goes first—your engagement ring or your wedding band?

Should you wear both on the same finger? Do you even have to wear both?

While traditions exist, the decision is ultimately up to us—the couple. These days, wedding customs are more about personal preference, and ring etiquette is no exception.

According to Zola's 2024 First Look Report, 83% of couples are challenging traditional wedding norms, from changing last names to defying expectations about body image. The same applies to how we wear our rings. Here, we explore the history and modern-day approaches to wearing wedding jewelry, offering tips to help us style our rings according to our own preferences.

Why the Ring Finger?

The tradition of wearing wedding rings on the left-hand ring finger goes back to ancient Roman times. People believed the fourth finger contained the "vein of love," also known as Vena Amoris, which connected directly to the heart. This made the ring finger the perfect place for a symbol of eternal love and commitment.

Although modern science has debunked this myth—showing that all fingers have veins leading to the heart—the romantic significance of the ring finger endures. In Western countries like the U.S., the U.K., and Canada, as well as many Asian nations, the left ring finger remains the traditional choice for wedding rings.

In other parts of the world, including many Eastern European, SWANA (Southwest Asia and North Africa), and Latin American countries, the right hand is favored for this role. Interestingly, some couples have opted for the right hand as a form of subtle rebellion against Western heterosexual wedding customs.

How Should We Wear Our Engagement and Wedding Rings?

Now that we understand the history, how do we wear our rings today? The way we wear both rings is highly individual. We have several choices, depending on style and tradition:

1. The Traditional Approach: Wedding Ring First

In many Western cultures, it's customary to wear the wedding band closest to the heart, followed by the engagement ring on top. Before the ceremony, the bride may wear the engagement ring on the right hand, only moving it to the left hand after the wedding. This symbolizes the union of two hearts, with the wedding band representing the bond and the engagement ring signifying the promise.

2. The Chronological Approach: Engagement Ring First

For some, the engagement ring goes first, as it was received first. This approach often works well if the engagement ring is larger or more intricate, with the wedding band serving as a simple complement. It creates a beautiful and meaningful stack, reflecting the journey of love from proposal to marriage.

3. The Unconventional Approach: Different Fingers or Hands

If tradition feels too restrictive, we can mix it up. There's no rule saying that both rings need to be worn on the same finger, or even the same hand. Consider wearing the engagement ring on one hand and the wedding band on the other, or sporting both rings on different fingers of the same hand. For those looking to make a bold statement, this can be an expression of personal style.

Do We Have to Wear Both Rings?

Not necessarily! We don't have to wear both rings all the time. Many choose to wear their wedding band daily and save the engagement ring for special occasions. If you're into the ring-stacking trend, feel free to add multiple bands to your collection, or even a beloved old promise ring.

For those with an active lifestyle or hands-on professions, some opt to wear their rings on a necklace instead. There are also modern alternatives to rings, such as bracelet bands or matching finger tattoos, which have become increasingly popular, with power couples like Beyoncé and Jay-Z setting the trend.

Ultimately, the choice is ours—we can wear both rings, just one, or none at all. The important thing is that the rings serve as symbols of our love story, and how we choose to wear them should be an expression of our unique bond.

The world of wedding jewelry is no longer confined by strict rules. It's all about how we choose to share our love with the world, whether by wearing one, both, or mixing it up entirely!

How to Wear a Wedding Band and Engagement Ring? How to Wear Engagement and Wedding Ring?

Video by Curiosity Insight