Which Fingers Do Wedding Rings Go On?

When you're about to tie the knot, you might find yourself wondering about the age-old tradition of wedding rings. One question that often comes up is, "Which finger does a wedding ring go on?" While you might think the answer is obvious (um, the ring finger?), there's actually more to this tradition than meets the eye. Let's dive into the fascinating history, cultural variations, and modern interpretations of the most romantic of rings.

The Traditional Ring Finger

In many Western cultures, including the United States, Canada, and much of Europe, the wedding ring is traditionally worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. This finger, often called the "ring finger," has a special place in the history of love and marriage.

The choice of the left ring finger for wedding bands dates back to the ancient Egyptians, who passed it on to ancient Rome. The Romans believed that a vein ran directly to the heart from the fourth finger of the right hand. They called this vein the "vena amoris" or "vein of love." While we now know enough about anatomy to debunk this notion, the romantic association of the ring finger and the heart has lasted through the centuries. Imagine your ring finger directly connected to your heart, carrying your love and commitment with every beat. It's a beautiful thought, isn't it? Even though it's not scientifically accurate, many couples still find this idea incredibly romantic, making this tradition more than just a formality.

Cultural Variations

While the left ring finger is the most common choice in Western cultures, it's not universal. In fact, wedding ring customs vary significantly around the world. Historically, wedding rings have been documented to be worn on every finger, even the thumb. Today, wedding rings are most commonly worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, but in some countries couples traditionally wear wedding ring on the right-hand ring finger, including Norway, Austria, Denmark, Poland, Belgium (some areas), Germany, Russia, Latvia, Greece, Bulgaria, and Ukraine—in addition to Orthodox Christians and many couples in India.

In some cultures, like in Brazil and Turkey, couples wear their engagement rings on their right hands and then move them to their left hands after the wedding ceremony. In some parts of the Netherlands, women wear their engagement ring on the left hand and their wedding ring on the right, while men wear both rings on their left hand. In some traditional Jewish weddings, the ring is initially placed on the index finger of the right hand (though it's often moved to the ring finger after the ceremony). These diverse traditions remind us that there's no one "right" way to wear a wedding ring. What matters most is the meaning behind the ring, not which finger it's on.

Traditions About the Wedding Ring Itself

Today most wedding rings are made from precious metal, usually 14k gold, which is durable and doesn’t tarnish, wear away, or react with most common household substances. Many rings are set with gems, usually diamonds since they are hard, durable, and don't easily scratch or chip. Many couples today choose lab grown diamond wedding rings because they are much more affordable than diamonds that are mined (and look and wear exactly the same.) Couples who care about the environment often prefer wedding rings that are set with lab grown diamonds that are sustainably grown using renewable energy so that they are carbon neutral and climate neutral.

Practical Considerations

While tradition and symbolism play a big role in ring placement, there are also some practical factors to consider:

• Comfort: Some people find wearing a ring on their dominant hand uncomfortable, especially if they do a lot of writing or manual work. In these cases, wearing the ring on the non-dominant hand might be more practical.
• Finger Size: Your fingers may be different sizes on each hand. Choose the finger where the ring fits most comfortably to avoid it being too loose or too tight.
• Occupation: Certain professions might make wearing a ring on a particular finger impractical or even dangerous. Always prioritize safety over tradition.
• Personal Style: Consider how your wedding ring will look with other jewelry you typically wear. You might prefer to balance your rings across both hands for aesthetic reasons.

Wedding Bands & Engagement Rings

In many Western cultures, the engagement ring is traditionally worn on the same finger as the wedding ring – the fourth finger of the left hand. The wedding ring is put on before the engagement ring and worn closest to the heart.

One small detail to think about before your wedding is where you'll put and how you'll wear your engagement ring on your wedding day. Since you're probably used to wearing your engagement ring every day, the idea of taking it off during your wedding might seem strange. But wearing it on your big day likely doesn't seem quite right either, as your partner will be putting your wedding band on that very same finger. So, what do you do? In short, you can wear your engagement ring on your wedding day. There are a few traditional options to choose from, but the choice is ultimately a personal one.

If you want to wear an engagement ring on your ring finger during the ceremony, you can put the wedding ring on above your engagement ring during the ceremony and switch the order of your two rings later. Or you can move your engagement ring to your right hand for the ceremony so your wedding band can be placed alone on your ring finger. After the ceremony, you can move the engagement ring back above your wedding band on the same finger.

However, like with wedding rings, there's no hard and fast rule. You can have someone, like the maid of honor, hold your engagement ring for you during the ceremony, wear your engagement ring on a different finger or even wear it on a chain around your neck. It's all about what feels right for you.

The Meaning Behind Wedding Rings

At the end of the day, remember that the true significance of your wedding ring isn't about which finger it's on or even what it looks like. It's about the love, commitment, and partnership it represents. Your wedding ring is a daily reminder of the vows you made to your spouse. It's a symbol of your unity, your shared dreams, and the life you're building together. Whether you wear it on your left hand, right hand, or around your neck, what matters most is the love it represents.

So, which finger does a wedding ring go on? The answer is: it's up to you! While traditions can be beautiful and meaningful, they're not rules set in stone. The most important thing is that you and your partner choose a way of wearing your rings that feels right for you. Your love story is unique, and how you choose to symbolize it should be too. Whether you follow age-old traditions or blaze your own trail, your wedding rings are beautiful reminders of your commitment to each other. It's not about the finger – it's about the love.

As you embark on this exciting journey of marriage, remember that your ring, no matter where you wear it, is a small but powerful symbol of a big and beautiful love. Cherish it, care for it, and let it remind you every day of the special bond you share with your spouse.