Your wedding day is a special and memorable occasion that marks the beginning of a lifelong commitment to your partner. One of the most important symbols of that commitment is the wedding band. For generations, couples have exchanged rings as a symbol of their love and commitment, but there remains a bit of ambiguity on how to wear the rings. Specifically, whether to wear the wedding band on top or bottom.
In this blog post, we will explore the tradition behind wearing the wedding band on the bottom, as well as the reasons some people prefer to wear it on top and what it means. By the end, you will have a better understanding of the debate between the two options, and be better-equipped to make an informed decision on how to wear your wedding band!
Why Do We Wear Wedding Bands on the Left Hand?
Before we delve into the question of where to wear the wedding band, it may be worthwhile to look at why we wear them on the left hand in the first place.
The answer goes back to ancient times when people believed that a vein ran directly from the left ring finger to the heart. As a result, the tradition of wearing a ring on that finger became an essential part of wedding ceremonies. The first recorded instance of wedding rings being placed on the third finger of the left hand dates back to ancient Egypt, almost 6,000 years ago.
In modern times, we continue this tradition, and the wearing of a wedding ring on the left hand is customary in most western cultures.
The Case for Wearing the Wedding Band on the Bottom
Traditionally, the wedding band is worn below the engagement ring. The reason for this placement is simple: the engagement ring is a symbol of the promise of marriage, while the wedding band is the symbol of the actual union.
Therefore, the placement of the wedding band “close to the heart” is typically interpreted to symbolize the act of sealing the marriage covenant. One interpretation is that the wedding band should be closer to the heart than the engagement ring since it signifies the marriage’s deepening.
Moreover, placing the wedding band at the bottom of the engagement ring has important practical advantages. Typically, an engagement ring is larger and more elaborate than a wedding ring, and by placing the wedding band underneath, it prevents the two rings from rubbing against one another and causing damage or discomfort.
The Polishing Option
For some couples, wearing the wedding band on top is not an option. In this case, the only possible solution is to have the engagement ring modified in such a way as to allow the wedding band to sit below it. One option is for a jeweler to polish the bottom of the engagement ring gently. This process involves removing a small amount of the metal from the engagement ring to make it narrower, allowing the wedding band to fit underneath.
This customization option is often referred to as a “soldering” option. It is a suitable solution for couples who like the look of the two rings together but find it uncomfortable to wear them separately. Polishing the engagement ring can open up new possibilities for creating a beautiful and unique ring stack.
The Case for Wearing the Wedding Band on the Top
While wearing the wedding band on the bottom may be the traditional option, there are certainly reasons why some couples might prefer to reverse the order. For one, some people find it more aesthetically pleasing to wear the wedding band on top of the engagement ring.
Wearing the wedding band on top of the engagement ring allows for creative styling and allows both rings to be showcased in full glory. This option can work well, particularly if the wedding band has an intricate design or contains precious stones that you wish to highlight.
It’s also worth noting that practical factors can lead couples to reverse the order. For instance, if you work in an industry where wearing gloves is a regular occurrence, it may be more comfortable and practical to wear your wedding band on top.
Bottom Line
So, what’s the verdict? Should you wear your wedding band on the top or bottom? Ultimately, the decision is yours, and it should be based on what feels comfortable and meaningful to you.
While the tradition and symbolism of the wedding band make wearing it on the bottom the popular choice, there are certainly situations where the decision to wear it on top makes the most practical or aesthetic sense. Regardless of how you choose to wear them, your rings should always symbolize the love and commitment that you share with your partner.
FAQ
Which goes first engagement and wedding ring?
The tradition of wearing a wedding band and engagement ring on the left ring finger dates back many years. The question of which ring goes first might seem like a minor detail, but it is an important one in the customs of a wedding ceremony. Traditionally, the wedding band is placed first on the left ring finger and then the engagement ring is placed on top of it.
The reason for this particular order is rooted in symbolism. The wedding band symbolizes the bonded commitment between you and your partner, so wearing it first keeps the ring closest to the heart. It represents the beginning of the union and the foundation upon which it is built. The engagement ring, on the other hand, signifies the promise of marriage. It is a symbol of the love and devotion that brought the couple together and the promise of a future together.
Following this traditional placing of the rings, there are also some couples who decide to switch things up a bit. Some couples choose to wear their engagement ring on the right hand during the ceremony, while others choose to have the wedding band on top of the engagement ring. These variations all depend on personal preferences and cultural norms.
In Western cultures, the left hand ring finger is the preferred choice for wearing wedding and engagement rings. It is believed that a vein in this finger, known as the “vena amoris” or “vein of love”, runs directly to the heart, making it an appropriate finger for wearing a symbol of love and commitment. However, in some cultures such as those in Eastern Europe and South America, the right hand is preferred.
The order of wearing the engagement and wedding rings is a personal preference and there is no right or wrong way to wear them. It is important to keep in mind the symbolism of each ring and what it represents. Whether you choose to follow the tradition of placing the wedding band first or not, the most important aspect is the commitment and love shared between the couple.
Does it matter which way you wear your wedding rings?
The wedding ring is an important symbol of a couple’s commitment to each other and is intended to be worn every day as a reminder of their love and connection. The question arises whether it matters which way the wedding rings are worn on the finger. The short answer is no; there is no mandatory or traditional way of wearing wedding rings.
For example, in some cultures, the wedding ring is worn on the right hand, while in others, it is worn on the left. In some cases, it is worn on the same finger as the engagement ring; in other cases, it is placed on a separate finger. Likewise, some couples choose to engrave names, dates, or special messages inside the bands, while others prefer plain or intricate designs. In all cases, the meaning of the ring remains the same- a symbol of love and commitment.
The tradition of wearing wedding rings on the fourth finger of the left hand goes back centuries and is believed to have originated in ancient Egypt. They believed that this finger contained a vein that ran directly to the heart, which they called the vein of love. It was believed that wearing the ring on this finger would symbolize an unbreakable bond of love and commitment between the couple.
However, in the 21st century, there are many different ways to wear wedding rings. Some people choose to wear their wedding ring and engagement ring on separate hands, some people choose to wear the wedding ring on the right hand, and some do not wear a wedding ring at all.
While the traditional way of wearing a wedding ring is on the fourth finger of the left hand, it is no longer mandatory or necessary. It is important for couples to choose what feels right for them when it comes to how they choose to wear their wedding bands. the meaning of the ring remains the same, a symbolic representation of love and commitment between two individuals, regardless of how it is worn.
Do you wear your engagement ring down the aisle?
The question of whether to wear your engagement ring down the aisle is one that many brides grapple with in the lead up to their wedding day. While some opt to wear both their engagement ring and wedding band for the ceremony, traditional etiquette would actually require the bride to wear her engagement ring on her right ring finger during the processional, rather than her left.
This is because the left hand is reserved for the wedding band which is traditionally placed on the finger during the ceremony by the groom. Wearing the engagement ring on the right hand, therefore, avoids any confusion or awkwardness during the exchange of rings. After the ceremony, it is perfectly acceptable for the bride to move her engagement ring back to her left hand, where it can be worn together with the wedding band.
Of course, modern brides may choose to disregard this tradition and wear both their engagement ring and wedding band down the aisle. And, in some cases, the design of the engagement ring may lend itself to being worn alongside the wedding band, such as with a curved wedding band that fits around the engagement ring. the decision of whether or not to wear your engagement ring during the ceremony is a personal one, and there is no right or wrong answer.
The most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident on your wedding day, and if that means wearing your engagement ring then go for it. Alternatively, if you would prefer to stick to tradition and wear your engagement ring on your right hand, that is also perfectly acceptable. At the end of the day, your wedding day is your day and you should feel free to make your own choices about how you want to celebrate it.
