If you’re wondering how to wear your engagement ring and wedding band together and how to properly sport a wedding ring set, we’ll show you!
How do you wear an engagement ring with a wedding band? Now that you’re sporting an engagement ring by itself, you’re likely wondering how you will model it on your finger and wear it with your wedding band. The question of how should a woman pairs her wedding rings is simple: however she likes, of course!
Traditionally speaking, there is a right way to wear your engagement and wedding rings together properly as a set.
In this blog post, I’ll tell you which one comes first: the engagement ring or the wedding band. I’ll also show you which ring goes on top, what finger to wear your wedding ring on, and what to do with your engagement ring during the wedding ceremony.
Bride-to-be, Mia, writes us with a question to inspire all of these answers with the following:
“Hi Emmaline! I’m planning to wear my engagement ring and wedding band together as a set but I’m not sure how to properly wear them. What is the right way to wear an engagement ring and wedding band set? Which ring goes first? Also, what do I do with my engagement ring during the ceremony, keep it on?”
These are great questions: let’s dive into them together!
First, let’s answer what’s on every bride’s mind: the right way to wear an engagement ring and wedding band set.
What is the correct way to wear your wedding band and engagement ring together?
As a rule of thumb, and for proper wedding ring etiquette in the United States and many others, the correct way to wear your wedding band and engagement ring is with the wedding band on the bottom and the engagement ring on the top.
Here is an example of the rings as a set, below:
As you can see, the wedding ring goes on first, then the engagement ring goes next.
Why do some people wear their wedding ring on the right hand?
Some countries prefer the right-hand wedding band tradition. These countries (according to this article), include: “Latvia, Hungary, Greece, Serbia, Russia, Belgium, Portugal, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Austria, Poland, Spain, Denmark, Cuba, Norway, Peru, Colombia, Jordan, and Venezuela.”
In addition, some people prefer to wear a wedding ring on their right hand if they are left-handed, simple so it doesn’t get in the way of daily activites.
Do you wear your wedding band on top or bottom?
Tradition states you wear the wedding band on the bottom because it is the closest to the vein that runs to your heart. :)
Although you can wear it either way, traditionally the wedding band is worn under the engagement ring.
Which goes first: engagement vs. wedding ring?
When I got engaged, I assumed you wore the rings in the order they were given, i.e. the engagement ring went underneath the wedding band. However, that’s not the case.
The right way to wear the set is with your wedding band closest to your heart. The vein that runs closest to your heart is called The Vena Amoris, and it is believed to run from your fourth finger of the left hand.
This means you are wearing your wedding band as close to your heart as possible. Isn’t that sweet?
As a result, the ring finger is referred to as The Love Finger, and the Vena Amoris is known as “the vein of love”.
Is it really true that The Vena Amoris is connected to your ring finger?
Upon researching, this may not be the case, as scientifically all veins run throughout the same infrastructure according to this article. It states: “The vasculature in your hands is pretty much all the same, and there isn’t one vein in your hands linked directly to the heart.”
Whether or not this amorous statistic is truly backed by science, I am not sure… though it is the standard way to wear your engagement ring and wedding band together. Nonetheless, I do like the sentiment of it! :)
Do you wear your engagement ring down the aisle?
Does the bride wear her engagement ring during the ceremony itself, or keep it somewhere else?
If you’re exchanging vows and rings, should you wear your engagement ring down the aisle? This is up to you but I say… yes!
You will wear your engagement ring down the aisle, but you can simply put it on your right hand, the fourth finger, until after the wedding ceremony, which I explain next.
What to do with your engagement ring during your wedding ceremony?
Since the wedding band is to be worn at the bottom, you’ll slide on the wedding band first and then place the engagement ring on top.
This means before of the nuptials, place your engagement ring on your right hand — the fourth finger — before the exchanging of vows. Once you read them and you’re officially married (yay!), move the engagement ring over to the fourth finger of your left hand on top of the wedding band. Now you are wearing your wedding rings together as a set properly.
Do engagement rings and wedding rings go on the same finger?
Yes. You will always wear wedding rings on the same finger. Traditionally speaking, the answer to which finger does a wedding ring go on is typically the left hand on the ring finger (the fourth finger on your hand).
Do you have to wear your engagement ring and wedding band as a set?
No, you do not have to wear them together. Some brides remove the engagement ring once they are married and wear only the wedding band. This is traditionally worn on the fourth finger of the left hand.
Can you wear the band by itself? Absolutely.
And if you’re wondering in which order do you wear engagement, wedding, and anniversary rings, here’s how to stack and wear your rings the correct way.
Which order do you wear engagement, wedding, and anniversary rings?
On the fourth finger of your left hand, you’ll wear the wedding band on the bottom, the engagement ring on top, and then an eternity ring or anniversary ring on top.
If 3 rings on your wedding finger feel like too much, you can opt to wear the anniversary ring or eternity band on the fourth finger of your ring hand instead.
What is the difference between a wedding ring and band?
A wedding ring or a wedding band is a symbol of love; to symbolize eternal love, a ring is exchanged following your recitation of vows. Note: This jewelry term of band vs. ring refers to the same item.
Now that you know how to wear your rings as a set, let’s discuss how your rings should fit together. Here’s how to determine the style of band to wear with your ring.
How to Choose a Wedding Band to Wear with Engagement Ring
The proper wedding band and engagement ring set you choose is completely up to your style preference. Mine is a solid white gold band which accompanies my solitaire diamond engagement ring nicely. It is a simple style, but it’s totally perfect for me: I simply stack my rings together.
My best advice is to make sure the metals you choose are the same. If your engagement ring is white gold, your band should also be white gold; if you choose a sparkly rose gold solitaire, make sure your accompanying band is also rose gold. You get the idea.
Other than that, you can wear any type of band you like, whether you’re into a simple solid band with no diamonds or you’re more into a sparkling micropavé diamond ring.
Should the rings fit together?
Some brides like to wear a wedding band which allows the engagement ring to fit into it. This is referred to as a curved wedding band and makes it easy to wear your engagement ring and wedding band together.
As another option, you can select a ring insert. This is a type of band that is designed to be worn with the engagement ring as a set and allows it to sit in between two bands or with one band.
Then there is always the classic wedding band, which can be worn with any engagement ring. You can choose a solid band or select one with shimmering diamonds.
If you need inspiration, there’s this unique virtual try-on experience you can try at Blue Nile where you can choose a ring and see how it will look on your hand. Cool idea, huh? Try it out here to give you ideas on how to wear your wedding ring set to work with your unique style.
Where to Put the Wedding Ring for Husband
We are talking about how to wear YOUR engagement ring during the ceremony, but… what about your partner? Where does he wear his wedding ring?
You will put the wedding ring on the fourth finger of his left hand, traditionally, when reciting your vows.
Since he is wearing only one ring, no need to worry if the wedding ring for your husband goes on top or bottom. It simply goes on the left hand on the fourth finger. :)
For men’s bands, you can browse a wonderful of handsome metals: all types, widths, price ranges, and materials. Check it out here!
Where to Buy Engagement, Wedding, and Eternity Ring Sets
Last but not least, if’re looking to get your rings, the best place to buy engagement, wedding, and eternity ring sets is Blue Nile. My engagement ring and wedding band are from them and I absolutely love the quality!
Create your perfect wedding ring set here, plus check out their helpful wedding ring guide with in-depth education about these traditions, ring styles, how to get sized for a ring, and more with valuable information: click here now!
TL;DR
What is the right way to wear your rings as a set? The wedding band is placed first on the fourth finger of the left hand. The engagement ring is placed on top of the wedding band. In this way, your wedding band is always worn underneath your engagement ring.
Here’s a quick video on it in case you prefer to watch:
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hSvyC8pAto[/embedyt]
I hope it helps!
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
This is a sponsored post with Blue Nile.
