One of the most confusing parts about wearing an engagement ring is knowing what to do when the time comes to add a wedding band to your ring finger. With so much happening on your wedding day, you’d be forgiven for not knowing the etiquette around wearing your engagement on your wedding day.
Tradition dictates that you wear your engagement ring on your ring finger until your wedding day, when you will also add your wedding band to the same finger. However, it’s entirely down to personal preference if you wear your engagement ring and wedding band at the same time.
In this article, we’ll explore what tradition says about this aspect of getting married, and then explore the arguments for and against wearing your engagement ring on your wedding day.
What does tradition say?
There are no fixed rules or guidelines about whether you should wear your engagement ring on your wedding day. Some believe that the bride should walk down the aisle with her engagement ring on the ring finger of her right hand. This will leave space for the wedding band on her left hand.
Once they are married and the ceremony is over, they might choose to leave the engagement ring on their right hand, or move it to their left. If you have chosen a wedding band with a ridge that accommodates the setting of your engagement, you might be pretty excited to see the two rings together.
Ultimately, it’s about what is more comfortable and convenient for you. Some brides prefer to leave their engagement ring at home so that the married couple both go into the ceremony with no rings on their hands. They will then walk away with matching rings, which can be a special moment to share.
Why you should wear it
There are plenty of arguments both ways for wearing your engagement ring on your wedding day versus leaving it at home. Here are just some of the reasons you might choose to wear it.
- It’s a perfect continuation of your engagement that evolves into your marriage. Wearing your engagement ring right up to your wedding day and then adding your wedding band is a great transition.
- You might have a tan line you want to hide. If you’ve been wearing your engagement ring for a long time, you can expect to see a tan line when it usually sits. To avoid this showing up in photographs, you might want to continue wearing your engagement ring.
- If you’ve chosen a wedding band that fits perfectly alongside your engagement ring, these two pieces of jewellery are meant for each other and should be seen together. For this reason, you might want to wear your engagement ring down the aisle and then add your wedding band to the collection.
- Your wedding photographer might want to include photos of your ring in your wedding photo package. Close up shots of the ring can make beautiful memories.
Why you shouldn’t wear it
While there are some compelling cases for wearing your engagement ring, there are just as many reasons that you should consider leaving it at home.
- You’ll have less to worry about if you aren’t wearing it. Wearing it on another finger will feel less natural, and this could increase the chances of losing it on your special day. You’ll avoid this risk entirely if you leave it at home.
- You and your partner will match. If you are both only wearing your wedding bands, this can make excellent photo opportunities. There is also something very nice about you both having no rings on your hands until you exchange your vows.
- Your engagement ring could snag your dress. If you have a delicate gown, you’re more likely to snag your dress if you’re wearing an intricate engagement ring. Your hair is also at risk of being pulled out of place by your ring. If you leave your ring at home, you’ll be less likely to cause these last minute issues.
Closing thoughts
You have a number of options on your wedding day, and it’s entirely up to you to decide what is most comfortable and convenient. You can wear your engagement ring on your left hand and add your wedding band to it. You could wear your engagement ring on your ring hand to keep it out of the way. Or you could leave your engagement ring at home.
There isn’t really a right or wrong way to do this. The most important ring on your wedding day is your wedding band, so provided those don’t go missing, everything else is just a matter of personal preference. You can ignore tradition and do whatever works for you, whether that means wearing your engagement ring or leaving it at home.
Find more advice on when to remove your engagement ring on our blog.
