"Which Goes First Engagement and Wedding Ring?"

The quick answer is a wedding ring. In other words, a wedding ring on the bottom of an engagement ring. This is a tradition that dates back to the Roman era. Given variations in different countries and regions, changing times, and the importance of personal choice, however, the order to wear the two rings is not fixed. You are free to make your own choice.

Therefore, today's article will not rigidly dictate which tradition to follow, but rather comprehensively gather the most expert advice on which goes first: the engagement ring or the wedding ring. Just scroll down to find your preference.

Wedding Ring Goes First and the Reasons

If your love journey sails smoothly, you and your partner will go through both the engagement ring and wedding ring stages. Typically, an engagement ring symbolizes your commitment to each other and your intention to marry. A wedding ring or band represents your unity and eternal love, serving as a tangible reminder of your vows exchanged during the wedding ceremony.

Based on this timeline and occasion, the wedding ring is usually seen as more important. Therefore, a traditional practice is to wear the wedding ring on the left ring finger first, followed by the engagement ring. Why? Because there's an old belief that a vein goes straight from the left ring finger to your heart. Placing the wedding ring nearer to the heart signifies a deeper bond. Meanwhile, such a stackable arrangement is in line with fashion and can protect the wedding ring from scratching. This is a practical idea nowadays.

Personalized Order to Wear Wedding and Engagement Rings

Apart from wearing the wedding ring on the bottom of the left hand ring finger, there are also some personalized ways to which goes first engagement and wedding Ring. They, influenced by personal preference and fashion trends, are widely accepted, making logical sense.

💍 Wedding Ring on the Top of Engagement Ring

It is fine to wear the engagement ring first, followed by the wedding ring. Logically, wearing the rings you received in this order is meaningful. The engagement ring represents a promise, a dawn for marriage, and the wedding ring signifies the fulfillment of that promise, a new start for a future journey. Wearing the wedding ring over the engagement ring signifies a milestone and a hopeful anticipation for a fulfilling conclusion to your love and marriage story.

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💍 Engagement and Wedding Ring on Right Hand

Tradition is accustomed to seeing the wedding and engagement ring on the left hand. The United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and France all share this tradition.

But is it OK to put them on the right? Absolutely! In Eastern Europe, it's common to wear a wedding ring on the right hand. In India and some other Asian countries, wedding rings are also worn on the right hand, as the left hand was once considered inauspicious or unclean. This practice is deeply rooted in cultural and regional customs. It's unique and can also serve as a way to bridge cultural differences.

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💍 Engagement Ring and Wedding Band on Different Hands

There's also an innovative approach that steps away from the discussion of "which goes first engagement ring and wedding ring". It focuses more on personal comfort: wearing the two rings on different hands. This approach often comes into play when the styles of the two rings clash or when the stackable look isn't appealing. It is indeed an ideal choice for those seeking personalized combinations or for those who prefer not to stack multiple rings on one finger.

Wedding and Engagement Ring Etiquette by Country

In fact, it's not just individuals who have different thoughts about putting a wedding ring on top or bottom. Different countries and regions also have various customs regarding which goes first: the engagement or the wedding ring.

United States: Engagement and wedding rings are worn on the left ring finger;

Germany: Wedding rings are typically on the right hand, while engagement rings are less common;

Spain: The wedding ring is on the right hand, while the engagement ring goes on the left, following religious customs;

Poland: The engagement ring on the left hand and a wedding ring on the right according to Catholic tradition;

Greece: Both rings are worn on the left hand in line with Eastern Orthodox tradition;

Russia: Engagement and wedding rings are put on the right ring finger following Eastern Orthodox customs;

India: Engagement rings usually go on the right hand, while wedding rings are on the left following Western tradition.

FAQs About Which Goes First Engagement and Wedding Ring

Who puts the ring on first at a wedding?

Who puts on the wedding ring first isn't a one-size-fits-all rule. In recent years, many couples have chosen to have the bride put on her ring first as a symbol of equality in their partnership. Traditionally, however, the groom would put the ring first, signifying his role as head of the household. There's no definitive answer — the choice is yours and your partner's to make.

What ring comes first in a relationship?

Whether or not to wear an engagement ring on your wedding day is entirely up to personal preference and tradition. You can choose to leave it off so that your left ring finger is free for your wedding band. Of course, there's no harm in wearing both on your wedding day as a symbol of your journey thus far. After the ceremony, simply adjust the order to wear the wedding ring and engagement ring based on the discussion above.

Wrap Up: You Have the Final Say

Now you have a better understanding of "which goes first engagement ring and wedding ring". Although traditional customs and modern trends dictate which ring should be top and bottom, the final decision should depend on your preferences and the meanings for your partner.

Darry Ring encourages you to explore various styles to design the ideal combination of your wedding and engagement rings. Ultimately, regardless of whether the engagement ring or wedding ring goes first, what matters most is the love and the solemn commitment to your partner, just as Darry Ring upholds the philosophy of "Buy for One Person in a Lifetime".