Can You Wear Your Engagement Ring on Your Wedding Day?

When you’re in the midst of an engagement and planning for the wedding, one of the final decisions you have to make is whether the engagement ring will be worn during the wedding. As most brides wear their engagement rings daily, it would rather feel strange to leave them off. However, questions as to where it should be during the ceremony emerge more so, given that the wedding band is placed on the same finger. The upside is that there are no restrictions, and it’s your choice. Here, we will describe how you can wear your engagement ring on your wedding day and provide some tips from professionals.

Key Takeaways

Explore what an engagement ring is and what its value is.
Understand how you can wear your engagement ring confidently on your wedding day.
Know what are the secret techniques to handle your engagement ring during your marriage ceremony.

Engagement and Wedding Ring Etiquette

Customarily, engagement rings are placed on the ring finger on the left hand. But on the wedding day, this finger is where the wedding ring is worn as well. Now, what do you do with both the rings on this special occasion?

You have three main options:

No Engagement Ring During the Ceremony:

Choose this option so that your ring finger can stay free for the wedding band. In this way, your spouse will always know where your engagement ring is and can easily move the wedding band over your left hand. Although this makes the exchange smooth, most brides like to wear the engagement ring throughout the entire day.

Wearing the Engagement Ring on the Right Hand:

One typical tradition is to switch the ring to the right hand before the ceremony or during the wedding itself. This makes it possible for the wedding band to fit properly on the left ring finger out of the way. It may be then appropriate to return the engagement ring to its place, sitting on the ring finger above the wedding ring.

Wearing Both Rings on the Same Finger:

At the ceremony, some brides retain the engagement ring on the left ring finger, and then the wedding band is slipped next to it as a temporary measure. This way, you can change the position of the rings and place the wedding band closer to your heart with the engagement ring on top of it.

All three options are perfectly acceptable, and it’s really about what feels most comfortable for you.

Wearing the Engagement Ring: A Personal Choice

Whether it is socially appropriate for you to wear your engagement ring on the wedding day is your prerogative. Many brides love their engagement rings and want to wear them on the wedding day. Others prefer to keep things simple and let the wedding band stand out.

Expert wedding planner Lara Mahler says the traditional way is to wear the engagement ring on the right hand during the ceremony. This leaves the left hand free for the wedding band. After the ceremony, you can move the engagement ring back to the left hand, placing it above the wedding band.

Jewelry expert Tiina Smith agrees. She believes the wedding band should be placed first, followed by the engagement ring. However, she reminds brides that there is no rule. You can wear your rings however you like.

You need to understand that it’s not always about the trends but sometimes about what makes the right choice for you! Once you are able to pick the right decision for you, it will fit in properly with the rest of your routines and choices. Moreover, you have to understand that an engagement ring is a mindful investment, and therefore, wearing it on your wedding day will add to the charm and make it more special for you and your family!

Option	Description
Wear Both Together	Keep both rings on the left hand.
Swap After Ceremony	Switch ring positions after the vows.
Use a Ring Spacer	Add a spacer for a better fit between rings.
Wear as Necklace	Put the engagement ring on a chain to wear as a necklace.

This table offers clear and simple choices for handling your rings on your wedding day!

Different Ways to Wear or Store Your Engagement Ring

Use a Ring Box: If you don’t want to wear the engagement ring, keep it in a ring box during the ceremony. But remember, your engagement ring won’t appear in any photos.
Move It to Another Finger: You can wear your engagement ring on a different finger to avoid issues with the wedding band. Just make sure it fits properly.
Ask Someone to Hold It: A trusted friend or family member can keep your engagement ring safe until after the ceremony.
Leave It at Home: For some brides, leaving the ring at home is easiest. This lets the wedding band take the spotlight.

In some cultures, like in Hong Kong, brides wear the engagement ring on the middle finger until they get married. After the wedding, they move it to the ring finger, placing it above the wedding band.

Choose What Feels Right for You

Whether you wear your ring on the right hand, leave it at home, or keep it on the left, the choice is yours. Your wedding day is all about your love story, so do what feels comfortable.

Jeweler Neil Lane says, "How you wear your jewelry should have meaning for you and give you confidence." Some brides even have both rings blessed before the ceremony. Others keep it simple and focus on the wedding band during the vows.

Conclusion

There are many ways to wear your engagement ring on your wedding day. Whether you move it to another hand, store it safely, or wear it throughout the ceremony, the choice is up to you.

Your engagement ring is already a special part of your love story, and however you decide to wear it, it will continue to represent your commitment to each other.

FAQs

1. Can I wear my engagement ring during the ceremony?
Yes, you can wear it however you like!

2. What if I don’t want to wear my engagement ring?
You can leave it at home or have someone hold it for you.

3. Should I wear my wedding band first?
Traditionally, the wedding band goes on first, then the engagement ring.