Traditionally, engagement rings are worn on the left hand’s fourth finger by the bride-to-be. Following the exchange of vows, both the engagement ring and wedding band are worn on the same finger. On the wedding day, what should be done with the engagement ring, considering that the groom will place the new wedding band on the bride’s finger? Many brides don’t think about this until they’re in the middle of wedding planning, which can lead to unnecessary stress. Although there isn’t a single right choice, most brides opt for one of three alternatives: wearing the engagement ring on the right hand during the ceremony, keeping it on the left hand, or not wearing it at all.
Should the engagement ring be removed during the wedding? It’s entirely up to the bride, but it’s a nice gesture. The engagement ring, particularly if it has a diamond, is a beautiful representation of the moment one person proposed to the other to spend their lives together.
In short, the decision depends on the bride’s preference. As with many other aspects of the big day, etiquette should be determined by the couple themselves. The decision on whether or not to wear the engagement ring during the wedding should be made by the bride.
It’s essential to pay special attention to the wedding and engagement rings to ensure their elegance on the big day. A diamond engagement ring deserves its moment to shine at the wedding. It represents the culmination of a journey that started with a question about the future. However, some brides may be so preoccupied with other wedding details that they don’t consider their engagement ring until after the event.
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What Should you Do with Engagement Ring on your Wedding Day?
- Consider wearing your engagement ring on a different finger or hand during the ceremony. After the wedding band is placed on your left ring finger, you can move the engagement ring to that finger as well. This is a suitable choice if your wedding ring fits well on another finger. However, avoid this option if the ring is loose, as you don’t want to lose it on your special day.
- Keep wearing your engagement ring on your left hand and inform your partner to place the wedding band above it during the ceremony. Afterward, you can rearrange them as desired. This approach may not suit ring exchange rituals in some religious ceremonies, so consult with your officiant beforehand.
- Entrust your engagement ring to your partner or the ring bearer alongside the wedding bands. Let your partner know they should put the wedding band on first, followed by the engagement ring.
- Opt not to wear your engagement ring at all. Some brides choose this path, which is perfectly fine as long as there is a secure place to store the ring, and you don’t mind it being absent from photos.
- Give your engagement ring to a trustworthy person, like a parent or wedding party member, on the wedding day, and have them return it after the ceremony.
- Wear your engagement ring on a necklace during the ceremony. This is an excellent choice if you want to keep your ring close and feel that it complements your bridal appearance.
- Forego the ring exchange altogether. If you have a secular ceremony and are open to alternatives, discuss options like a hand-fasting ritual with your celebrant.
Understanding Wedding Ring Traditions
Wedding ring traditions have deep historical roots, dating back to ancient times. The left ring finger is believed to be connected to the heart, symbolizing love and devotion. In various cultures, customs regarding engagement and wedding rings vary, but ultimately, the decision to wear an engagement ring during the wedding is a personal choice. When getting ready for the wedding ceremony, you have two main options for handling your engagement ring:
- Keep the engagement ring on your left ring finger throughout the ceremony.
- Temporarily move the engagement ring to your right hand, then switch it back after the wedding band has been placed on your left ring finger.
During the ceremony, the wedding band is typically positioned on the left ring finger first, closer to the heart. Afterward, the engagement ring can be returned to the left ring finger, above the wedding band.
Organizing Your Rings Post-Wedding
After the wedding, the conventional stacking sequence is the wedding band first, followed by the engagement ring. If you have an eternity ring, it can be placed on top of the engagement ring. However, you are free to create your own stacking order based on your preferences and any personal symbolism.
In Conclusion
Couples can choose to honor long-standing traditions or create their own unique wedding experiences. The most important aspect is feeling comfortable and happy with your decision on your special day, as it is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion that you will cherish forever.
As a jewelcraft master, I have spent years honing my craft and perfecting my skills in creating beautiful, high-quality fine jewelry. I take great pride in my work, and I am always striving to create pieces that are unique, elegant, and timeless. In addition to creating jewelry, I also love to share my knowledge and passion with others through writing. That’s why I enjoy blogging about fine jewelry, where I can provide insight into the design process, share interesting industry news and trends, and offer tips on how to care for and style jewelry.