Do you wear your engagement ring on the wedding day?

wedding rings

You have more important things to worry about than your engagement ring, like the rest of the wonderful mess that is wedding planning. The opposite is also true, however: forgetting about it can lead to significant last-minute worry. Let's take care of this question before your big day so that everything goes smoothly.

Both the engagement and wedding ring are worn on the same finger by most women. Both rings go on the left hand's ring finger. Since the wedding band is worn closest to the heart, it comes first when both rings are being worn.

This pattern of stars exists because the wedding ring, a symbol of everlasting love, is more significant than the engagement ring, a mark of commitment to one another. Looking to purchase your wedding rings? Check out our list of Wedding Ring Shops to help you choose. 

yarra valley most popular wedding venue (7)

Engagement rings are traditionally worn on the fourth finger of the left hand by the future bride. Both the engagement ring and the wedding band are worn on this finger after the couple exchanges vows. What should you do with your engagement ring on the wedding day, given that your new wedding band will be placed onto your finger by your new hubby? The majority of future brides don't give much thought to this until they're in the midst of wedding preparations, at which point it can create some undue stress. Although there is no one correct answer, most brides select between three options: wearing the engagement ring on the right hand during the ceremony, leaving it on the left hand, or not wearing it at all.

When you get married, do you take off your engagement ring? It's entirely your call, although it would be appreciated. Forever symbolising the moment when one person asked the other to spend the rest of their lives together, an engagement ring with a diamond is a beautiful token of that promise.

The short and sweet response is that it depends on you. The etiquette, like most of the other aspects of your special day, should be decided completely by you. You need to make a decision on whether or not to wear the engagement ring on your wedding day.

Wedding and engagement rings deserve special attention to detail to ensure their beauty on the big day. After all, a diamond engagement ring deserves its day in the spotlight during the wedding. It's the final, optimistic step in a journey that began with a query about the future. However, many ladies are so preoccupied with other aspects of the wedding that they forget to give any thought to their engagement ring until after the ceremony.

When the bride is picking up her wedding band, she often asks me whether she can wear her engagement ring on her wedding day. In the West, the wedding band comes first on the ring finger, followed by the engagement ring and finally the eternity ring. This being said, most brides don't want to be worrying about removing their ring finger jewellery during the vows.

You've got to give your significant other a hearty round of applause for picking out the best possible engagement ring. However, I'm confused about the distinction between engagement and wedding bands. How about a wedding band to go with that gorgeous engagement ring of yours? Or, alternatively, is it OK to continue using the engagement ring after the wedding? I was also wondering if it was possible to switch your rings around. Let's settle the debate over whether one should wear an engagement ring or a wedding band.

You've probably been wearing your ring constantly since the proposal. But now that the big day is almost here, you might be wondering where to put the engagement ring. If you're not sure whether or not to wear an engagement ring to your wedding, the short answer is yes, you should. Even on your wedding day, you can continue to wear the engagement ring you've grown accustomed to.

Do you find yourself curious about the history of the wedding ring finger, and debating whether or not to break with convention and wear your band on a different finger?

Table of Contents

Difference Between Engagement and Wedding Rings

The centre stone of a classic engagement ring is usually the focal point of the ring, and it may be a single large stone or a cluster of lesser stones. In many cases, the engagement ring is presented alongside the proposal, or at the very beginning of the relationship.

A wedding ring, on the other hand, is a band of metal or stones that the bride and groom exchange at the wedding ceremony and wear forever as a symbol of their commitment to one another. Even if the wedding band has diamonds or other jewels inlaid, the overall carat weight is typically less than that of the engagement ring, therefore there is typically a pretty considerable price difference between the two.

Wedding Ring

The exchange of wedding rings has always been a touching symbol of everlasting love. At least 4,800 years ago, in ancient Egypt, the custom of exchanging wedding rings began. Eternity, with no beginning and no end, is represented by the circle. Most people don't realise that the hole in the middle of the ring is more than just empty air; it serves as a portal. In perpetuity, your love for her is symbolised by the ring you give her.

After exchanging vows, the bride and groom traditionally exchange wedding rings, which are placed on the fourth finger of the left hand, often known as the wedding ring finger. The decision of which finger to place the wedding ring on is entirely up to the couple getting married. While it's nice to maintain traditions, modern society has relaxed many of the stricter norms of etiquette from yesteryear.
There is no requirement that both partners wear the same or similarly styled wedding bands. A wedding band can be as simple as a band of metal or as complex as one set with stones or engravings. Some married couples like to have a special message or the wedding date engraved on their wedding bands.

Engagement Ring

Engagement rings are a relatively recent phenomenon. It is also customary for the man to make the proposal and for the woman to accept by wearing an engagement ring. Yet there is no hard and fast rule that a male can't wear one as well.

However, there are still some brides who opt to not remove their engagement rings. The engagement ring is taken off the finger during the little time it takes to place the wedding band there during the ceremony. They return the engagement ring to its previous position on the same finger, next to the wedding band, after the ceremony. This is a wonderful option for those who wish to wear the engagement ring during the ceremony, but there is a chance that a swollen finger will make taking it off quickly and easily.

In order to give the wedding band its rightful place on the ring finger, many brides prefer to wear the engagement ring on the third finger of the same hand. Wedding bands, according to tradition, should sit at the very end of the finger, closest to the heart, and this end should never be blocked by any other jewellery.

Assuming your hands are roughly the same size, most brides will wear their engagement ring on their right ring finger until the big day arrives. To commemorate this day, which is sure to be filled with love and lasting memories, it is great to wear both rings. If you do this, you can rest assured that your ring won't go missing for long. Since there is typically a half-size difference between the hands of the bride and groom, it is wise to double-check the size of your fingers well in advance of the big day. The morning of the wedding, you definitely don't want to accidentally have the ring stuck on the wrong finger.

How Should Your Engagement and Wedding Rings Be Worn?

Engagement and wedding rings are often worn on the same finger, the fourth finger of the left hand. The wedding band traditionally goes within the engagement ring, bringing the two rings together and bringing the bride's finger closer to her heart.

When the engagement ring and wedding band are significantly different and can't be stacked comfortably, some brides choose to wear the engagement ring on the same hand as the wedding band. The wedding band usually comes first on the finger, followed by the engagement ring. If you wear two significant rings on the same finger, it's preferable if they're flush with one another. Traditionally, the Greeks and Romans established the order in which the wedding and engagement rings are presented to the bride and groom. People used to assume that a wedding ring placed on the ring finger of the left hand would have a direct vein connection to the heart. Although scientific evidence disproves the existence of a "Vein of Love," the myth's romantic underpinnings have kept it alive for millennia.

You can wear your engagement ring on your wedding finger, or switch it to another finger for the day; either way, it won't have any bearing on the ceremony. You should take care to ensure that your engagement ring sparkles whenever you wear it. Bring it in to our showroom a few days before the holiday for a free annual cleaning if you purchased it from us. After cleaning, removing the ring before applying cosmetics or hairspray will keep the diamond and band sparkling like new. Let Vines of the Yarra Valley Wedding Venue help you create the most magical day of your life. 

Do You Need Engagement and Wedding Rings?

In the end, it's all a matter of taste. If you like a more classic appearance, then you should go for it. The combination of a wedding band with an engagement ring is a classic and lovely choice, whether the wedding band is a simple metal band or an eternity band adorned with pavé diamonds. And a current fad that isn't going away anytime soon is stacking rings—that is, wearing several rings at once, frequently of different metals and designs.

Pre-wedding

Is it time for an inspection of your engagement ring? That depends on how long you've had it. Something terrible happening to the ring on the big day would be a catastrophe. Therefore, you may want to have a competent jeweller examine the ring for any signs of damage or other flaws.

To make sure your engagement ring is worn during the ceremony, you might have it welded to your wedding band so that your future spouse can do so at the same time.

Make sure it's spotless before the big day by giving it a good scrub down. Most newlyweds enjoy having their photograph taken while showing off their shiny new wedding bands. Your diamond engagement ring deserves to be in dazzling form for this photo opportunity.

The wedding band has traditionally been worn first on the finger, where it is most physically close to the heart. Sometimes, brides will switch their engagement ring to the other hand to make sure it is in the perfect place. After the ceremony, the engagement ring is removed and the wedding band is placed on the left hand. Take care that your engagement ring fits snugly on your right ring finger; a misplaced or stuck piece of jewellery can ruin your big day.

A experienced jeweller should inspect the ring a week or two before the wedding, looking for defects or signs of wear on the setting and accent stones. There is still time for potential repairs if this is done quickly. You wouldn't want to show up to the wedding with an ugly ring.

The moment is perfect to get the ring appraised or insured. If a foreign honeymoon is in the works and there is any chance that the ring will be misplaced, those papers could become crucial.

Now is the time to have the wedding band welded to the engagement ring if the two are meant to be worn as a pair. By doing so, you may rest assured that they will fit snugly without the need for any additional glue or adhesive, and that they will not move around and scratch each other.

The engagement ring should be polished and cleaned within a day or two before the ceremony. Even if the rings aren't in the frame in every photo, a diamond will add a touch of sparkle to any memory captured throughout the celebration. The engagement ring should be equally as stunning as the wedding band because most couples want many photos of their rings up close.

Wedding Ceremony

The wedding ceremony can go one of three ways. Your engagement ring can stay on your right ring finger till after the wedding. When no one is looking, switch it to your left ring finger and your rings will be in the correct order.

Nonetheless, if the right hand is where the ring will ultimately rest, then size is all that matters. On your big day, the last thing you need is a jewel that won't budge.

The second choice is to keep the engagement ring on the left ring finger and cover it with the wedding band. After that time, the rings can be rearranged in any sequence you like. Because the engagement ring is customarily more elaborate, your wedding band won't get its own "time" in the sun.

Now, if you'd rather not wear it yourself, a maid of honour or other close relative can do it on your behalf. For example, the diamond's sharp points will likely snag on your gloves if you're wearing them.

If the bride prefers, he can place her new wedding band over her engagement ring on her left hand. The rings can be readjusted after the ceremony to put them back where they should be. Unfortunately, this alternative breaks with standard practise for weddings. In addition, your diamond will always steal the show in images, so your wedding ring will never get its due recognition.

The wedding ring is first worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, which is the finger that lies closest to the heart. However, things might get sticky if the bride decides to wear her engagement ring during the service.

After the wedding band is placed on the finger, many brides simply switch the engagement ring to the other hand. Alternately, you could keep wearing it on your left hand, but switch the rings to their rightful order as soon as the ceremony is through.

Either after the ceremony or on the way to the reception is a good time to discreetly reposition the rings. This is not an issue with soldered bridal sets because the bride cannot wear her engagement ring throughout the service.

The gloves are a classic accessory that many brides choose to wear with their wedding dresses, but there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to the ring.

Never put the ring on top of the glove, since this could make taking off the glove a difficult process. Gloves should be worn loosely through the fingers if the ring is to be worn underneath them to prevent snagging, especially if the setting is high and exposed.

It's advised that you invest in a ring glove, which is designed with a convenient slot at the appropriate finger and can be simply adjusted to fit rings. To better allow guests to appreciate the new wedding bands and to enjoy the lunch and mingling that follows the ceremony, gloves should be removed.

melbourne's most affordable wedding venue (17)

Post-wedding

All well, then, let the celebrations begin! Don't worry too much about it, but try to avoid getting your rings dirty throughout the day. When women apply cosmetics or hairspray, they often expose themselves to risks.

If you're still wearing your wedding bands, it's best not to engage in any cake pranks that entail smashing cakes into each other's faces. Due to this, you may find cake crumbs in the prongs, which will need to be cleaned out. However, it's probably best to ditch the rings for this particular outing.

When Not to Wear

Ask a reliable bridesmaid or family member to keep your engagement ring safe during the ceremony so you don't have to worry about it. Some brides might rather keep it hidden away in a secure location, such as a locked box. It's also a good idea to skip the ring if you plan on wearing gloves, as the sharp diamond can easily snag and tear the material. It's also not a good idea to wear the ring over the gloves, as the extra bulk may cause the ring to become stuck.

Leave it someplace secure if you don't intend to wear it. To be safe, one must be within the confines of a fortified dwelling. Reports of lost or stolen engagement rings when the bride removes them before the ceremony and either gives them to a trusted friend or family or leaves them in her car are unfortunately not uncommon.

Don't let yours be a tragic failure. For just a few hours, you can rest easy knowing that it is no longer in your grasp. There is no emotional or monetary loss if you choose not to wear your wedding band on the big day. We have compiled the ultimate list of Wedding Jewellery in Melbourne to help you choose the perfect accessories. 

It's possible that you're protecting your hands with gloves today. Consequently, it is recommended that you refrain from donning your ring of engagement. Snagging can cause irreparable damage to a diamond engagement ring. Wearing engagement rings is not addressed in any of the wedding protocols, and doing so is a personal choice that should neither satisfy nor anger anyone other than the two people involved.

FAQs About Engagement Rings

Spending between one and three months’ salary for an engagement ring is a long-standing tradition. But millennials, generally saddled with student loan debt and high costs of living—and waiting longer to get married—have thrown out this old rule of thumb. Less than half of millennials spend two months’ salary. Instead, they often reallocate those funds into experiences, like the honeymoon or the wedding.

A one-carat engagement ring typically costs around $5,500, but most couples spend over $6,000—and 7 percent spend over $10,000.

Best Solitaire Engagement Rings
  • Sapphire and Micropavé Diamond Halo Ring.
  • Aquamarine and Diamond Three Stone Ring.
  • Yellow Gold East-West Topaz Diamond Ring.
  • Pear-Shaped Sapphire and Diamond Halo Chevron Ring.
  • 14K Rose Gold Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring.
  • Pink Sapphire and Diamond Halo Ring.

Diamonds are the traditional choice for engagement rings, and therefore, it only makes sense that diamonds make up a majority of traditional engagement rings. 

In light of these, depending on the data source, the average weight of an engagement ring centre stone is between 1.08 and 1.2 carats. According to the survey by the Knot, the average ring size is between 1 to 1.5 carats. You should keep in mind that the average numbers are not exact.

Yes. The engagement ring is worn every day. That being said, the engagement ring should not be worn at certain moments throughout the day

Conclusion

The future bride typically wears her engagement ring on her left ring finger, the fourth finger. It's either on the right hand or not at all for most ladies when it comes to the engagement ring. To a large extent, the etiquette of your wedding day should be determined solely by you. The wedding ring is a symbol of everlasting love and commitment, thus it is important that it look its best on the big day. In the Western world, the wedding band takes precedence over the engagement ring and the eternity ring.

The question is whether or not you can keep wearing your engagement ring after you've tied the knot. The bride and groom traditionally exchange wedding rings, which are usually made of metal and set with precious stones, during the ceremony. They go on the left hand's fourth finger, also called the wedding ring finger. It's up to the bride and groom to decide which finger to wear their rings on. It's common practise to wear wedding and engagement rings on the same finger, the fourth finger on the left hand.

It's a good idea to check the size of your fingers before the big day, as there is generally a half-size difference between the hands of the bride and groom. The tradition of giving wedding and engagement rings to the bride and groom in the specific order that was established by the Greeks and the Romans is being followed today. Most people wear their wedding bands before their engagement rings. It is desirable to have two rings on the same finger sit flush against one another. Most newlyweds like to pose with their wedding bands shining for the camera.

In this picture op, you'll want your diamond engagement ring to shine as brightly as possible. Check the setting and accent stones for flaws and wear a week or two before the wedding. Traditionally, the ring is placed on the fourth finger of the left hand, which is the finger most close to the heart. Many brides simply swap the engagement ring to the other hand after the wedding band has been inserted. After the ceremony, the rings can be readjusted to their proper positions.

One good investment is a ring glove, which features a slot for the appropriate finger and can be easily adjusted to accommodate rings. You can rest easy knowing that your engagement ring is secure in the hands of a trusted bridesmaid or family member during the ceremony. Wearing the ring while also wearing the gloves is not a good idea because the extra bulk could cause the ring to become caught. An engagement ring with a diamond might be ruined by snagging. It won't hurt you emotionally or financially if you don't wear your wedding band.

Content Summary

  • You need to make a decision on whether or not to wear the engagement ring on your wedding day.
  • If you're not sure whether or not to wear an engagement ring to your wedding, the short answer is yes, you should.
  • Do you find yourself curious about the history of the wedding ring finger, and debating whether or not to break with convention and wear your band on a different finger?
  • The centre stone of a classic engagement ring is usually the focal point of the ring, and it may be a single large stone or a cluster of lesser stones.
  • A wedding ring, on the other hand, is a band of metal or stones that the bride and groom exchange at the wedding ceremony and wear forever as a symbol of their commitment to one another.
  • The exchange of wedding rings has always been a touching symbol of everlasting love.
  • The decision of which finger to place the wedding ring on is entirely up to the couple getting married.
  • It is also customary for the man to make the proposal and for the woman to accept by wearing an engagement ring.
  • The engagement ring is taken off the finger during the little time it takes to place the wedding band there during the ceremony.
  • They return the engagement ring to its previous position on the same finger, next to the wedding band, after the ceremony.
  • In order to give the wedding band its rightful place on the ring finger, many brides prefer to wear the engagement ring on the third finger of the same hand.
  • Assuming your hands are roughly the same size, most brides will wear their engagement ring on their right ring finger until the big day arrives.
  • Since there is typically a half-size difference between the hands of the bride and groom, it is wise to double-check the size of your fingers well in advance of the big day.
  • When the engagement ring and wedding band are significantly different and can't be stacked comfortably, some brides choose to wear the engagement ring on the same hand as the wedding band.
  • The wedding band usually comes first on the finger, followed by the engagement ring.
  • You can wear your engagement ring on your wedding finger, or switch it to another finger for the day; either way, it won't have any bearing on the ceremony.
  • To make sure your engagement ring is worn during the ceremony, you might have it welded to your wedding band so that your future spouse can do so at the same time.
  • Make sure it's spotless before the big day by giving it a good scrub down.
  • After the ceremony, the engagement ring is removed and the wedding band is placed on the left hand.
  • The engagement ring should be polished and cleaned within a day or two before the ceremony.
  • Your engagement ring can stay on your right ring finger till after the wedding.
  • The second choice is to keep the engagement ring on the left ring finger and cover it with the wedding band.
  • Now, if you'd rather not wear it yourself, a maid of honour or other close relative can do it on your behalf.
  • After the wedding band is placed on the finger, many brides simply switch the engagement ring to the other hand.
  • Either after the ceremony or on the way to the reception is a good time to discreetly reposition the rings.
  • It's advised that you invest in a ring glove, which is designed with a convenient slot at the appropriate finger and can be simply adjusted to fit rings.
  • Don't worry too much about it, but try to avoid getting your rings dirty throughout the day.
  • Ask a reliable bridesmaid or family member to keep your engagement ring safe during the ceremony so you don't have to worry about it.
  • It's also a good idea to skip the ring if you plan on wearing gloves, as the sharp diamond can easily snag and tear the material.
  • It's also not a good idea to wear the ring over the gloves, as the extra bulk may cause the ring to become stuck.
  • Leave it someplace secure if you don't intend to wear it.
  • There is no emotional or monetary loss if you choose not to wear your wedding band on the big day.
  • It's possible that you're protecting your hands with gloves today.
  • Consequently, it is recommended that you refrain from donning your ring of engagement.
  • Snagging can cause irreparable damage to a diamond engagement ring.

About The Author

Scroll to Top