All that goes into a wedding day is full of emotions and nerves. You don’t want to worry about whether your wedding ring is on the right hand or finger during the ceremony. Which finger is the ring finger?
The traditional position for the wedding and engagement rings is on the fourth finger of the left side. There are many traditions regarding how your engagement and wedding rings are worn at different points in this journey. Understandably, it can be a little confusing to juggle the two.
Origin of the engagement finger
Ancient Romans chose this finger to represent the vein directly to their heart. This connection to the heart was why they named it Vena Amoris or “Vein of Love,” although this belief has been disproven.
In ancient Rome, rings were important. Unlike a bracelet or necklace, the circle of the ring symbolizes completeness. It signifies that the love between the couple is true and complete. There are exceptions to this left-hand rule.
For example, engagement rings are more often worn on the right side in Russia or Greece. Catholic couples believe that although the vein of love may not be there, the fourth finger symbolizes the heart and hand connection. So, even in Russia and Greece, Catholic couples tend to wear their wedding and engagement rings on the fourth finger.
What does engagement mean?
The term “engagement” refers to a commitment to marry someone. The ring is the formal agreement to marry someone; it can be considered the signature at the bottom of a contract. The tradition of wedding rings dates back nearly five thousand years. However, the engagement ring was created much later.
The engagement ring was first introduced by Archduke Austria in the 15th century when he proposed to his future wife. The diamond engagement ring expresses the promise of forever love between two people. Women wear the traditional engagement ring to signify their love for the man. However, men can wear rings. Engagement rings for men are gaining popularity thanks to celebrities like Ed Sheeran, who advocated for them and the legalization of same-sex marriage.
How to wear the wedding band and engagement ring?
What finger is the wedding band worn? It is most likely on the same finger as the engagement ring. It gets more complicated. The rings can shift depending on the circumstance. This quick guide will help you determine which finger and hand your engagement ring should go on.
After the engagement but before the wedding
The ring is presented to a couple as a promise of marriage when they get engaged. Therefore, it is placed on the same finger and hand as the wedding ring. People who are engaged should remember men can also wear that engagement rings. They should wear them on the fourth finger in their left hand.
During a wedding ceremony: Which hand does the wedding band go on?
The engagement ring is usually worn on the left side of the hand. However, this tradition is mixed up during the wedding ceremony. Some brides prefer to wear their engagement ring on their right hand for the ceremony, as the wedding band is typically worn closer to the heart (on the inside of the engagement rings). This allows the groom to easily slide the wedding band onto the bride’s finger without moving the engagement rings.
After the marriage ceremony
After the ceremony, most brides switch their engagement rings to their fourth finger. Many women keep their engagement ring there and slip it on each morning after they have worn the wedding ring. (A friendly reminder that your rings should not be worn while you sleep, regardless of how much you love them. Your fingers can grow and shrink at night. This is just the tradition.
Unique ways to wear your wedding band & engagement ring
Modern couples are changing old traditions to suit their relationship better. Women are also mixing up the wedding ring and engagement ring traditions. Your unique love can be expressed by finding a new way of wearing your rings. Women often wear their rings in their way.
- Keep the rings in their right hand
- Wearing the engagement rings closer to their hearts
- Combining the wedding and engagement rings into one piece of jewelry
- Only wear your engagement ring on special occasions
- Layer the wedding band and engagement ring together with an accent white diamond band
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