The wedding ring is a symbol of love and commitment exchanged between partners on their big day. Many couples choose to complement the wedding ring with an engagement ring, usually given when a man proposes to his significant other. Deciding the correct way to wear these rings is crucial not only for tradition but also comfort and practicality. This article sheds light on the correct order to wear wedding rings and the reason behind it.
The Tradition behind Wearing Wedding Rings
The tradition of exchanging wedding rings dates back to ancient Egypt, where couples would wear rings made of braided reeds or hemp on their fourth finger. They believed that a vein ran through this finger, directly connected to the heart, which they called the ‘vein of love.’ This romantic notion made the fourth finger the ideal spot for the wedding ring.
The Correct Order to Wear Wedding Rings
The traditional way to wear wedding rings is to place the wedding band on the inside of the finger, followed by the engagement band on the outside. Many people think the wedding band is placed first due to its closeness to the heart. Still, it is mainly because a smooth wedding band is more comfortable when worn close to the skin, whereas an engagement ring with diamonds or a protruding stone is best worn on top, away from daily wear and tear.
It’s crucial to note that some cultures have different rules for wearing wedding and engagement rings. For example, in some European countries, the engagement ring is worn on the right hand, while many religious groups prefer to wear the wedding ring on the left-hand ring finger.
Other Ways to Wear Wedding Rings
While wearing the wedding band on the inside of the finger and the engagement band on the outside is the traditional way, many people choose to wear their bands differently.
One way couples wear their wedding rings is by placing both bands on the outside, with the engagement ring first. This option is popular for those who want to showcase the engagement ring’s diamond or the wedding band’s intricate design.
Some couples choose to create a ‘stacked’ look by wearing an additional ring between their engagement ring and wedding band. This third ring can be a plain or diamond-studded band to provide a unique and customized look.
Practicality
When it comes to wearing wedding and engagement rings, practicality is critical. Many modern brides now prefer to wear only their wedding bands daily to avoid the risk of losing or damaging the engagement ring. Additionally, some women find that the extra ring can cause interference and discomfort when using their hands or participating in physical activities.
It’s also worth noting that an engraved message on a wedding band should face the wearer, while the engraving on the engagement ring should be visible to the world.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Wearing wedding and engagement rings daily requires proper cleaning and maintenance to keep them shining. It is advisable to remove the rings when working with chemicals, cleaning solutions, or heavy objects that could scratch or damage the stones.
Periodic cleaning with warm water and a mild soap solution can help maintain the rings’ shine and remove any unwanted grime that may build up over time. It’s also advisable to get the rings professionally cleaned at least once a year.
Conclusion
Wearing wedding and engagement rings is a time-honored tradition that symbolizes love, commitment, and togetherness. While the traditional way to wear wedding rings is to place the wedding band on the inside and the engagement band on the outside, many couples now choose to wear their bands differently. It’s crucial to choose the method that suits you best for practicality and comfort. Always remember to follow the maintenance routine to keep your rings shining for a lifetime.
FAQ
What order do you wear rings when married?
The exchange of wedding rings during the marriage ceremony is a longstanding tradition that symbolizes the couple’s commitment and love for each other. But, with the influx of different types of rings worn on different occasions, it can be difficult to know the proper order to wear them. When it comes to wedding and engagement rings, there’s a certain etiquette that’s been around for generations.
The accepted standard tradition is to wear the engagement ring and wedding ring on the left hand ring finger. The engagement ring is placed on the finger first, followed by the wedding ring. This is said to symbolize the journey of love from engagement to marriage.
Now, comes the most important question, what order to wear the wedding ring and engagement ring? To follow the tradition and the standard norm, the wedding band should be worn first, closest to the heart on the bride’s ring finger, followed by the engagement ring.
Since the wedding ring is the more symbolic and traditional piece of jewellery, and the one that signifies the union between two people, it is more fitting that it is placed on the finger first. The engagement ring, typically the flashier of the two rings, goes on the finger after the wedding band.
However, some married couples choose to wear their rings in a different order. This is completely up to personal choice — some prefer to wear their engagement ring first, followed by their wedding ring, while others prefer the opposite. And, there may be some situations where the wedding ring may not fit well with the engagement ring, such as if the wedding ring is thicker or has elaborate designs. In that case, the couple can choose to wear the rings in a way that is most comfortable and convenient for them.
The tradition or usual order to wear wedding and engagement rings is to put the wedding ring on first, closest to the heart, then followed by the engagement ring on the same finger. However, ultimately, how a couple chooses to wear their rings is a personal decision, and there is no right or wrong way to do it.
Which goes first engagement and wedding ring?
The placement of engagement and wedding rings can symbolize different things depending on cultural background, religion, and personal preference. However, there is a common tradition of how the rings are worn for weddings in Western culture, where the wedding band is placed first on the left ring finger, followed by the engagement ring.
The reason for this follows the historical meaning behind each ring. Traditionally, the wedding band represents eternal love, representing the bond between two people who have decided to spend their lives together. It is often a plain band, a symbol of the couple’s commitment to each other. On the other hand, an engagement ring usually features a diamond or some other precious gemstone given during the proposal to signify a promise of love, commitment, and the intent to marry.
By wearing the wedding band first, closest to the heart, it symbolizes that the marriage and the commitment between partners come first, before external symbols of love, such as an engagement ring. The engagement ring, which usually sits on top of the wedding band, represents your promise to your partner, your future together, and your devotion to each other.
Again, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to wearing engagement and wedding rings, and ultimately, the decision lies with the couple. However, if you want to go by tradition, then placing the wedding band first and followed by the engagement ring is the way to go. Regardless of how you wear them, don’t forget that what is significant is the love, affection, and commitment behind the rings, and the partnership and future they represent.
Do you wear your wedding band on top or bottom?
When it comes to wedding rings, there is no hard and fast rule about which order they should be worn in. Generally, the engagement ring is worn first, on the fourth finger of the left hand, followed by the wedding band. The reasoning behind this custom is often attributed to ancient Egyptian culture, where it was believed that a vein in this finger (the “vena amoris”) led directly to the heart, making it the ideal place to wear a symbol of love and commitment.
As for whether the wedding band should be worn on top or bottom, tradition dictates that it should be worn “closest to the heart,” which means that it should be stacked underneath the engagement ring. This is the most common way that couples choose to wear their rings, allowing the engagement ring to take center stage while still keeping the wedding band close by.
That being said, there is no right or wrong way to wear your wedding rings. Many couples choose to wear the wedding band on top of the engagement ring, as a way to showcase both rings equally, or to keep the engagement ring more secure on the finger. Similarly, there are no strict rules about which finger the wedding band should be worn on (in some cultures, the ring is worn on the right hand instead of the left). the most important thing is that both partners are comfortable and happy with the way they choose to wear their rings, as these are symbols that will be cherished for a lifetime.
