Congratulations—your partner has decided to pop the question and give you the engagement ring of your dreams. And in the not-too-distant future, you’ll have a beautiful wedding band, too.
Giving rings is a cornerstone of wedding traditions, spanning all the way back to ancient times. Yet over the centuries and across different cultures, people have developed different customs for how they’re worn.
Which might lead you to wonder: how should I wear my wedding and engagement rings?
The short answer is: however you want. While there is a way it’s typically done, modern attitudes around weddings tend to be somewhat relaxed. So, whatever is comfortable for you is totally fine! But here’s a primer on what’s traditional, to give you some ideas.
Which hand is for the engagement ring?
Engagement rings are typically worn on the left hand.
This tradition can be traced back to the ancient Roman Empire. The Romans believed that the fourth finger of the left hand was linked to the heart—specifically, that a vein from that finger ran directly to the heart. They called it “vena amoris,” which means “vein of love”. Romantic, right?
Wearing a ring on this finger was seen as a powerful and symbolic act of love. And it’s a sentiment that’s stood the test of time: today, many couples around the world (mostly in Western cultures) wear their engagement rings on their left hand.
However, this isn’t the case for everyone. In India and Norway, for instance, engagement rings are worn on the right hand.
Which finger is for the engagement ring?
In most Western cultures, the engagement ring is worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. As we mentioned, this is due to the ancient Roman belief that this particular finger was a direct line to the heart.
It’s a beautiful idea. But there’s plenty of couples who wear their rings in their own (and no less beautiful!) way. For instance, on a chain that’s worn around the neck (this was a popular choice during the Italian Renaissance, so you’d be in good company). Do what feels right for you!
What hand does a wedding ring go on?
When it’s time to say “I do”, which finger should the ring go on? Thanks to the same Roman belief we just explained, in Western cultures, the wedding ring will usually go on the left hand.
Again, this isn’t the case across the globe. Greece, Russia, Colombia and Venezuela are among the countries where a wedding band is normally worn on the right hand. These traditions are all shaped by different religious and cultural practices, and the symbolism associated with them.
Which finger is for the wedding ring?
You guessed it: the wedding ring typically goes on the fourth finger of the left hand.
Though it’s a different story in some cultures. For instance, in Jewish culture, it’s tradition for the ring to go on the bride’s index finger on her right hand, rather than the fourth finger of her left (the fourth finger is usually called the “ring finger”).
In many Eastern European countries, the band is worn on the ring finger of the right hand.
Should I wear my engagement ring down the aisle?
If you want to—absolutely.
It’s common for people to wear their engagement ring on one hand (usually, the right) while they’re walking down the aisle, and then receive their wedding band on the other (the left) during the ceremony. Afterwards, they move their engagement ring over to the same finger as their wedding band, to mark the moment of being married. This also prevents any awkward moving-around of rings during the ceremony.
How do I wear my wedding ring with my engagement ring?
Okay, but how to wear your wedding and engagement rings together? Again, it’s totally up to you.
If you want to go the traditional route (in most Western cultures), you would stack the rings on the fourth finger of your left hand. Some people opt for a curved wedding band that fits neatly around their engagement ring. Usually, your wedding ring would sit lower on your finger with the engagement ring on top. This puts the wedding band closer to your heart.
But there’s no set rules here. Many people choose to wear their rings on different hands, so they can be appreciated as separate pieces. Others want to avoid the rings rubbing together, potentially causing damage (though if you get rings that fit well, this is less likely to happen).
There’s also practical considerations, like keeping your precious rings out of harm’s way. If you’re someone who works with their hands a lot, you might choose to wear them on a chain around your neck, for instance. And if you’re right-handed, putting them on your left can also keep the rings out of danger.
Your wedding venue
However you wear it, having your wedding band placed on your finger is a moment you’ll never forget. And your wedding venue should be the perfect backdrop.
As well as setting the tone and reflecting your personal style, your venue should truly make the day feel special. Kindred is a unique West London wedding venue with award-winning interiors that blend modern and heritage styles.
Our spaces are elegant, sophisticated and dreamy—while being warm and inviting. From intimate weddings to large, late-night parties, we’re perfectly equipped to host all manner of celebrations.
With an on-site restaurant, private bars on every floor of our building, and top-of-the-range AV, we’d be delighted to bring your dream wedding to life.
Take a virtual tour of our building or check out our wedding brochure for more information. If you’d like to come and visit us in person, get in touch with our friendly events team to arrange it
