Do You Wear Your Engagement Ring on Your Wedding Day
What to Do With Rings on Wedding Day
Engagement rings are a symbol of commitment and a precursor to the wedding band that follows after the marriage ceremony. When it comes to wedding ring etiquette, you'll find that nothing is written in stone.
Wedding traditions surrounding engagement and wedding rings vary widely across cultures. In Western countries, it is common for brides to continue wearing the engagement ring on the wedding day, either on the left hand or by transferring it to the right. This symbolizes the transition from fiancée to wife as the wedding band is added. However, practices differ globally.
In some Asian and Middle Eastern cultures, engagement rings are not part of the tradition. Rather, intricate wedding bands hold symbolic meaning. Across India, brides receive ornate rings during the ceremony. In China, simple bands prevail, while lavish Russian wedding rings feature amber and diamond accents. Traditions remain but have modernized over generations as globalization spreads new customs.
Managing Rings During the Ceremony
For those with engagement rings, it is advisable to plan ahead for the ceremony. Some brides switch the ring to the right hand before walking down the aisle. Others entrust it to the maid of honor until the exchange of rings. This prevents fumbling with multiple bands during vows. If continuing to wear it on the left, be sure the rings fit comfortably together. Day-of coordinators can also assist with smooth ring transitions.
Do I Wear My Engagement Ring When I Get Married
The typical protocol is for brides to continue wearing their engagement ring up to and even during the wedding ceremony. The engagement ring symbolizes the promise to get married, while the wedding band seals the vows exchanged at the altar. As such, many brides opt to keep their engagement ring on as they walk down the aisle.
Benefits of Wearing It
Potential Drawbacks
Ask the Experts
The overwhelming majority of wedding planners and expert jewelers we polled encourage brides to make their own choice based on their style and preferences. While many default to wearing both rings, some suggest the option of before exchanging vows. This maintains its symbolism while putting emphasis on the wedding band during the ceremony. . As long as the bride feels happy with her decision, there is no right or wrong choice when it comes to her special rings.
Do You Wear Your Engagement Ring When You Walk Down the Aisle
The walk down the aisle is a special moment for every bride. For those with engagement rings, it also presents an opportunity to incorporate this meaningful piece of jewelry into the ceremony. As you approach this symbolic stride, consider the options and traditions surrounding engagement rings.
Typically, brides wear their engagement ring on the left hand ring finger during the processional. As you near the altar, you can leave the ring there, transfer it to your right hand, or pass it to your maid of honor for safekeeping. These allow you to then receive the wedding band on your left hand. Some brides choose to carry their engagement ring down the aisle, waiting until the ring exchange to put it on. This enables them to place both rings on the left hand simultaneously. If the style allows, the wedding band can slide below the e-ring.
Personal Touches
While most follow the time-honored tradition of wearing the engagement ring on the left hand, you can make this moment your own. Some brides let their bridesmaids briefly wear the e-ring down the aisle as a token of friendship. Others have their partners meet them halfway to place the ring back on their finger. If your rings are designed to interlock or fit together, you could wait until the ceremony to showcase this. Do what resonates most with your relationship.
Real-Life Examples
Sarah wore her oval-cut diamond solitaire ring on her right hand to keep the left open for her wedding band. She felt this better suited the vintage style of both rings. For Alicia, her grandmother's pearl engagement ring was her something old. She proudly wore it on her left hand until her husband swapped it for the wedding ring during their Jewish ceremony. Having dated for 10 years before his proposal, Christopher wanted to place Emily's emerald-cut ring on her finger himself. She handed it off halfway down the aisle for him to put on at the altar.
How To Carry Rings at a Wedding
When it comes to carrying the engagement and wedding rings on the big day, couples have several options to ensure the safe delivery of these cherished symbols during the ceremony. Many turn to a trusted friend or family member to hold onto the rings before their exchange. Designating a responsible adult as the ring bearer is a common tradition, especially if there are young children in the wedding party. Others entrust the best man or maid of honor with ring keeping duties. There are also creative alternatives like attaching the rings to a small pillow or placing them in a special box to be opened at the appropriate moment.
Choosing Your Ring Bearers
Regardless of who carries the rings down the aisle, be sure to select someone reliable and detail-oriented. Provide clear instructions on when and how to present the rings during the ceremony. For very young ring bearers, have a plan B in case they get distracted or nervous. Assigning two individuals to ring bearing duties can build in an extra safeguard as well. When choosing who will carry the rings, consider opting for people who hold special significance in your relationship story. This adds a symbolic layer of meaning to their participation.
Keeping The Rings Secure
To prevent the nightmare scenario of misplaced wedding bands, take precautions to keep the rings safe at all times. If carried by hand, place the rings in a small pouch or box that can be easily opened during the ceremony. Or secure the rings to a pillow or wand so they cannot slip off. Have a contingency stash of decoy rings as a backup. Only bring out the real rings right before the ceremony begins. Designate someone to check on whoever is holding onto the rings throughout the day, confirming they have them ready to go for the big moment. A few simple measures can grant peace of mind that these priceless symbols reach their destination unscathed.
The Deeper Significance
Beyond logistics, the person or people selected to carry the rings often hold symbolic meaning for the couple. Trusting a nephew, niece, or godchild with ring bearing honors can represent the joining of families or the couple's hope for children someday. Asking both best friends and siblings prevents anyone feeling left out of the inner circle. Including older family members pays homage to the marriages that came before. However the role is filled, ring bearers act as guardians of the rings until the couple can place these bands upon each other's fingers, sealing their vows. This handoff signifies the support of loved ones in the next chapter of marriage.
What Do I Do With My Engagement Ring During the Ceremony
Handling an engagement ring during a wedding ceremony requires some forethought and planning. This guide will walk through key moments when decisions about the ring must be made.
Processional
As the bride processes down the aisle, she has a few options for her engagement ring:
The choice depends on personal preference, jewelry style, and cultural traditions. Many brides enjoy having their engagement ring with them as they walk down the aisle. Others worry about dropping it or getting it caught on their dress, so they opt to have someone carry it instead.
Vows and Ring Exchange
During the vows and ring exchange, it is traditional for the bride to remove her engagement ring and place it on her right hand. This signifies that she is transitioning from being engaged to married. Her left hand is then free for her new wedding band. However, some brides choose to continue wearing their e-ring on their left hand for the entire ceremony. This demonstrates the continuity of their relationship from engagement to marriage. There are no hard rules, so brides should choose what carries meaning for their relationship.
Reception
After the ceremony, the bride can put her engagement ring back on her left hand above or below her wedding band. She may also alternate wearing just one ring or the set. It comes down to personal style and comfort. Some love the stacked double ring look, while others prefer one ring at a time.
Non-Traditional Options
For non-traditional ceremonies without a ring exchange, the options are wide open. The bride could wear her engagement ring the entire time or switch to another meaningful piece of jewelry. The choice centers around what resonates symbolically with the couple. In the end, decisions about an engagement ring on the big day are profoundly personal. Each bride should focus on what brings joy, meaning and beauty to her ceremony.
Do You Wear Your Engagement Ring With Your Wedding Ring
Many brides choose to wear both their engagement ring and wedding band together after the wedding. This allows them to showcase both rings and the meaning behind them. Here are some tips for wearing both rings:
When to Start Wearing Both
You can begin wearing both rings together immediately after the wedding ceremony. Typically the wedding band is placed on the bottom closest to the heart, while the engagement ring sits on top. Some brides wait until after the honeymoon to start wearing both rings to avoid damage or loss while traveling.
Coordinating Style and Fit
When selecting both rings, consider how their styles and shapes will pair together. For example, a solitaire diamond pairs well with a simple, thin band. If you have a vintage-style engagement ring, look for engraved or beaded bands that coordinate with that era. Make sure the curves and shape match well so the rings fit flush together. You can also have the bands custom-made to fit the engagement ring.
Daily Wear Considerations
Take your lifestyle and profession into account when deciding to wear both rings daily. Those with active jobs may feel more comfortable just wearing the sturdy wedding band to avoid damage. The engagement ring can be worn for nights out or weekends instead. Some brides solder their sets together so they don't spin or risk losing the engagement ring. Consider your habits and activities before choosing to wear both rings all the time.
Is It Bad Luck To Wear Your Engagement Ring on Your Wedding Day
The superstition surrounding wearing an engagement ring on your wedding day likely originated from old European folklore. Some believed that removing the engagement ring before the ceremony would break the continuity between the promise to marry and the actual marriage. Others thought a bride risked bad luck if she wore the engagement ring instead of waiting to don the wedding band at the altar.
Exploring Cultural Perspectives
These superstitious beliefs persisted in certain cultural pockets but faded in much of the Western world. However, in a few European countries like Germany and Spain, brides still commonly switch their engagement ring to the right hand before the ceremony. Across Asia and India, many brides do not wear engagement rings at all, so the wedding band carries all the meaning. Ultimately, attitudes vary.
Logical Reassurance for Modern Brides
While some cling to tradition, many contemporary brides decide what feels right for them. The notion that misfortune will strike if the engagement ring stays put lacks evidence. As long as the rings symbolize the couple's commitment, the order of operations is secondary. Still, those who feel unsure should examine their cultural background or consult family. Truthfully, as long as the bride feels at peace on her wedding day, superstition loses its grip.
Do You Wear Your Engagement Ring After your Wedding Day
The practice of wearing an engagement ring after the wedding day is deeply rooted in tradition and personal style. While there are appropriate times to remove your engagement ring, most married people wear their engagement ring everyday. This allows them to showcase both symbols of their relationship and preserve the sentimental value of the engagement ring that their partner proposed with. However, there are no set rules or expectations around post-wedding engagement ring practices - the choice comes down to personal preference.
Overview of Common Practices
Typically, brides have three options for wearing their engagement ring after the wedding:
The most traditional practice is to wear the wedding band closest to the heart on the left hand, with the engagement ring stacked on top. However, some brides move their engagement ring to the right hand permanently or occasionally after the wedding. This avoids excessive scratching, damage, or discomfort from wearing two rings on one finger. Ultimately, couples should decide what feels right for their relationship and lifestyle. There are no universal rules dictating how you have to wear your rings after your wedding.
Caring for Your Rings
To maintain the sparkle and integrity of your engagement and wedding rings for years to come, be sure to:
Following these best practices will help prevent loss of stones, warping, scratches and other damage over time. Be sure to bring your rings to a trusted local jeweler annually for a professional assessment.
Personal Choice & Comfort
When deciding how to wear your engagement ring after your wedding, choose the option that feels most comfortable and meaningful to you. There are no right or wrong answers. Some brides may prefer to wear both rings together daily as a celebration of their relationship journey. Others may find wearing two rings uncomfortable and opt to save their engagement ring for special occasions. If wearing rings triggers job safety concerns or interferes with your lifestyle, consider a necklace pendant or another alternative. The most important thing is preserving the sentimental value of these symbols of your commitment. Honor your own preferences to determine the best post-wedding approach for you.