Key Takeaways
Brides often choose to wear the wedding band closer to the heart, symbolizing commitment in Western tradition.
Couples can personalize their ring stack by mixing metals, adding colored gemstones, or wearing rings on different fingers.
Athletes and those with hands-on jobs might prefer wearing their rings on a necklace for convenience.
Have you ever wondered which ring goes on your finger first—your engagement ring or the wedding band? If you have, you're not alone, as brides have been looking for an answer to this question for decades. As it turns out, there is a right way to wear a wedding band and an engagement ring together, and it's rooted in long-standing tradition. That being said, this is a personal choice, so if another orientation works better for you, you should feel empowered to do what feels right.
So, what's the right way to wear an engagement ring and wedding band? Tradition dictates that once you're married, the wedding band should be placed on your left hand's ring finger first, followed by the engagement ring. An easy way to remember it? Your wedding band should be worn closest to your heart, signifying your commitment to your new spouse.
However, as with most wedding customs, there's no rules that says you have to follow this tradition. In fact, many brides choose to do what works for them, their personal style, and their specific jewelry pieces. To get more information on the right way to wear a wedding band and engagement ring together, we spoke with Michelle Berlinger, a Los Angeles-based jewelry designer and founder of Berlinger Jewelry, to help shed light on how to wear a wedding ring set.
Photo by Jacqui Cole
How to Wear a Wedding Band and Engagement Ring, According to Tradition
In Western cultures, a bride's wedding band is traditionally worn beneath her engagement ring, keeping this important piece of jewelry close to the heart. Berlinger notes that while most of her customers choose this wedding band and engagement ring orientation, with wedding bands "anchored at the bottom of the hand," she does explain that it's entirely acceptable to "add the band on the top or the bottom."
If you have more than one wedding band—some couples choose to exchange simple gold or platinum bands during their ceremonies, then add a more ornate diamond band later—wear the most meaningful one closest to you, followed by your engagement ring. Any future anniversary bands or rings purchased to signify milestones or children would tradnitionally be worn on the other side of your engagement ring.
Photo by Sarah Porter
Additional Ways to Wear a Wedding Band and Engagement Ring
Given that the intention behind wedding rings has changed over the years, brides have found new ways to sport their symbols of love to adapt to their individual situations (for example, athletes or those who work with their hands, like doctors and nurses, might choose to wear their rings on necklaces instead of their ring finger). Many brides also prefer to wear their wedding bands on top since this is the order in which they've received their jewelry pieces. What's more, some even like to alternate their ring set order depending on how they feel on a particular day, while others are choosing to forgo a wedding stack altogether, instead opting to wear their jewelry on separate fingers or hands.
Berlinger also adds that women are adding more rings to their stacks, often accumulating additional bands over the course of their marriage. "We're also seeing a lot of brides now do two bands, one for the top and bottom of the ring, to build a set that looks a little more visually dynamic. Often the third band is 'gifted' to the bride by her betrothed, mother-in-law, or another family member on the day of the wedding as a surprise. We like this tradition as it allows for a lot of symbolism," Berlinger notes.
Helpful Wedding Band and Engagement Ring Tips
When selecting your wedding ring set, always keep your engagement ring top of mind since this is the first ring you received. While these rings don't have to match perfectly, it does look visually appealing when both your engagement ring and wedding band have complementary details, such as matching diamond shapes or the same metal hue.
Additionally, be sure to try on your wedding ring set ahead of your big day to ensure a cohesive look. Lastly, if opting for more than two rings, have a little fun and incorporate a few pieces with colored gemstones for a unique and statement-making touch. Don't be afraid to try out different wedding ring styles, as well, and play around with the order that feels right for you.
