Where do you put your ring on your big day?

After months (or perhaps years) of meticulous wedding planning, you’ve successfully checked off the major to-dos on your wedding checklist.

As you approach the big day, one final detail to consider might not have crossed your mind: what to do with your engagement ring before and during the wedding ceremony.

While it has become second nature to have it grace your finger, the looming question arises—should you wear it during the ceremony when your partner is ready to place the wedding band on the same finger?

Standard etiquette for your wedding day

According to wedding planners and jewellery experts, adhering to traditional etiquette suggests that your engagement ring finds a temporary home on your right-hand ring finger.

The wedding band takes its place on the left-hand ring finger during the ceremony. After this significant moment, you can delicately place your engagement ring back in position on top of the wedding band.

The traditional order of wearing your wedding and engagement rings

While there’s no strict rule on how to wear your rings, tradition favours placing the wedding band first on your left-hand ring finger, closest to your heart. Some brides opt not to wear their engagement ring on the wedding day, or they choose to wear it on their right hand.

Ideas for holding or wearing your engagement ring on your wedding day

Use a ring box

Consider storing your engagement ring in a ring box until after the ceremony. Suppose you are a client purchasing rings from Serendipity Diamonds. In that case, you will receive a slimline pocket box, providing an excellent way to safely store the engagement ring in your pocket during the wedding ceremony. This ensures its safety and accessibility, even if it won’t feature in your wedding photos.

Move your engagement ring to another finger

If you keep the engagement ring with you during the ceremony, moving it to another finger is an option. Ensure the chosen finger is of similar size to avoid any mishaps. This provides flexibility in how you showcase your jewellery without the worry of it falling off.

Put the wedding band on top of your engagement ring

Although unconventional, wearing the wedding band on top of the engagement ring is an option, especially if you want your engagement ring to remain a focal point.

Have someone hold your engagement ring

If you’d rather not wear the ring during the ceremony, entrust it to a family member or close friend for safekeeping.

Leave it at home

For those who prefer not to worry about moving the ring around, leaving it at home in a secure place ensures its safety. In such instances, ensure your engagement ring insurance remains in place for additional peace of mind.

Engagement and wedding ring etiquette

Options for wearing your rings on your wedding day

As you approach your wedding day, you have three main options: not wearing the engagement ring, wearing it on a different hand, or keeping it on the same finger.

Traditional ring etiquette

Traditional etiquette involves wearing the engagement ring on the right ring finger during the walk down the aisle, followed by the wedding band on the left ring finger. After the ceremony, you can place the engagement ring on the wedding band.

Rock that bling

If you choose to wear your engagement ring on the left hand, discuss it with your officiant beforehand, especially for religious ceremonies. You can switch the order of your rings after the ceremony.

Additional options

In the end, the decision to wear your engagement ring on your wedding day is a personal one. Whether you follow tradition, opt for a unique arrangement, or leave it in safe hands, the goal is to make your wedding day as special and stress-free as possible.

As you decide, remember that the most important thing is to cherish the symbolism and sentiment behind the rings, representing your love and commitment.