When it comes to getting married, there are a lot of traditions and customs to consider. One of those traditions is which ring goes on first: the engagement ring or the wedding band? While this may seem like a small detail, it is an important one for many couples. In this blog post, we will dive into the history and significance of wearing wedding bands and engagement rings, and answer the question once and for all: which ring goes on first?
The History of Wearing Wedding Bands and Engagement Rings
The tradition of exchanging rings during a wedding ceremony goes back centuries. The practice is said to have originated in ancient Egypt, where couples would exchange rings made out of braided reeds. The reeds represented eternity, as they had no beginning or end, and the circle shape was believed to symbolize the eternal love between the couple.
In the Western world, the tradition of exchanging wedding bands began in ancient Rome. The Romans believed that the ring finger had a vein that ran directly to the heart, which they called the “vena amoris,” or the “vein of love.” The circular shape of the ring represented the eternity of love, and the band was typically made from gold or another precious metal to symbolize the value of the relationship.
Engagement rings, on the other hand, are a more recent addition to the wedding tradition. The idea of giving a betrothal ring to a woman as a symbol of intent to marry her dates back to ancient Rome, but the practice didn’t become widespread until the 20th century. In 1947, De Beers launched a groundbreaking advertising campaign that suggested that a man should spend two months’ salary on a diamond engagement ring. This campaign forever linked diamonds and engagement rings in the public consciousness and cemented the practice of giving an engagement ring before getting married.
So, Which Ring Goes on First: Engagement or Wedding?
Now that we understand the history and significance of wedding bands and engagement rings, let’s get to the question at hand. The traditional order of wearing wedding rings is to wear the wedding band first, closest to the heart, and then the engagement ring on top of it. However, this is not a hard and fast rule, and there are some exceptions.
Some women prefer to wear the engagement ring on their left hand and the wedding band on their right hand. Others choose to wear the engagement ring alone on occasion, such as when working out or doing an activity where the wedding band may get damaged. There are even some women who choose not to wear an engagement ring at all, opting instead to have just a wedding band as a symbol of their commitment.
Ultimately, the decision of which ring goes on first is a personal preference. However, if you want to stick to tradition, the wedding band should be worn closest to the heart as a symbol of the couple’s bond, and the engagement ring can be worn on top of it.
Conclusion
The question of which ring goes on first – engagement or wedding – is one that has been debated for centuries. While the tradition of wearing a wedding band dates back to ancient Rome, the idea of giving an engagement ring is a more recent addition to the wedding tradition. Ultimately, the decision of which ring to wear first is a personal one, but if you want to stick to tradition, wear the wedding band closest to your heart and the engagement ring on top. Whether you choose to follow this tradition or create your own, the most important thing is the love and commitment between you and your partner.
FAQ
Is the wedding band on top or bottom?
When it comes to wearing an engagement ring and wedding band together, the traditional way to wear them is to place the wedding band below the engagement ring, stacked on the same finger. This is based on the belief that the wedding band is the closest to the heart, signifying the stronger commitment of the marriage. Therefore, the engagement ring sits on top of the wedding band and closer to the finger, symbolizing the initial commitment to each other.
However, in recent times, many couples have opted to switch up the tradition and wear their wedding band on top of their engagement ring. This can be for practical reasons, as it can help to keep the engagement ring in place, preventing it from rotating or slipping off the finger. Furthermore, many people also like wearing the wedding band on top, as it can add a layer of visual interest and dynamism to the rings that they wear.
It comes down to personal preference, and what feels comfortable and meaningful to the couples wearing the rings together. Some people choose to forgo an engagement ring and opt for just a wedding band, while others choose to wear their wedding band as an accent to their engagement ring, whether it be on top, below, or even on a separate finger altogether. At the end of the day, the most important thing is that the couple feels satisfied and deeply connected to their rings and what they symbolize for their relationship.
Which order do you wear engagement wedding and eternity rings?
The tradition of wearing multiple rings on the same finger can be quite confusing and overwhelming for those who are not familiar with it. So, which order do you wear engagement, wedding and eternity rings?
Traditionally, it is advised that you should wear your wedding ring first, followed by your engagement ring, and finally, your eternity ring. This order of wearing rings symbolises the significant milestones in a relationship.
The wedding ring is usually the most understated and simple of the three rings. This ring is meant to be worn constantly as it represents the commitment made to one’s partner in front of family and friends. By wearing the wedding ring first, it signifies the unbreakable bond between two individuals.
The engagement ring is typically worn on the same finger, just above the wedding ring. The engagement ring is usually considered the showstopping ring with a larger diamond or jewel. It represents the promise of a future together and is given by the partner during the proposal. By wearing the engagement ring after the wedding ring, it symbolises that the commitment has been made, and the engagement ring is worn in honour of that promise.
Finally, the eternity ring is sometimes worn further up the finger, next to the engagement ring. An eternity ring is gifted as a symbol of love and commitment in a marriage, often given during a significant anniversary or after the couple have had children. It contains diamonds or jewels that are typically the same size, representing that love is eternal and never-ending.
Wearing engagement, wedding and eternity rings doesn’t have to be complicated. By following the traditional order of wedding ring first, engagement ring second, and finally, the eternity ring on the finger nearest your heart, it symbolises the milestones in your relationship, reminding you of the love you share with your partner.
Who wears the engagement ring first?
Traditionally, in Western cultures, the engagement ring is worn on the fourth finger (also known as the ring finger) of the left hand. This tradition dates back to ancient times when people believed that a vein in this finger led directly to the heart. Therefore, wearing a ring on this finger symbolized a strong emotional connection between two people.
When it comes to who wears the engagement ring first, there are two schools of thought. One choice is to wear the engagement ring first, with the wedding band on top. This is the more popular choice and is often described as “closest to the heart.” Logically, it might make sense to wear your rings in the order you received them. Symbolically, the idea that your engagement represents a promise and your wedding ring crystallizes that promise might really speak to you.
On the other hand, there are some couples who choose to wear the wedding band first, followed by the engagement ring. This is a less common choice and may be selected for a variety of reasons. Some couples prefer the look of the wedding band first, feeling that it provides a good base for the engagement ring to sit on. Others believe that the wedding band should be worn closest to the heart, as it is a stronger symbol of commitment.
The decision of who wears the engagement ring first is a personal one that should be made by the couple themselves. There is no right or wrong answer, and what works for one couple may not be right for another. The most important thing is that the rings have meaning for both partners and serve as a visible reminder of the love and commitment that they share.
