Should You Wear Your Engagement Ring on Your Wedding Day?

As your wedding day approaches, there are countless details to consider, and one of the common questions many brides face is whether to wear their engagement ring during the ceremony. Since you’ve likely worn your engagement ring every day since your proposal, it may feel strange to take it off. But, with the wedding band set to take centre stage during the ceremony, you might wonder what the best approach is. The truth is, the decision is entirely personal, and there are several traditions and options you can choose from.

Traditional Approach

One common tradition is to wear the engagement ring on your right hand during the ceremony. This keeps your left-hand ring finger free for the wedding band, which is typically placed closest to your heart. After the ceremony, you can move your engagement ring back to your left hand, placing it above your wedding band.

This tradition stems from the idea that the wedding band should be the first ring worn on the left hand, symbolizing its importance as the new beginning of your married life. However, if you’re more comfortable keeping your engagement ring on the left hand, there’s no rule that says you must follow tradition to the letter.

Stacking Your Rings

Another option is to wear your engagement ring on your left hand as usual and stack your wedding band on top of it during the ceremony. Some brides choose this method for convenience—no need to worry about moving rings between hands mid-ceremony, and it allows both rings to shine together.

Once the ceremony is over, you can decide whether to leave the rings stacked this way or rearrange them later, placing the wedding band beneath the engagement ring. This can be done during the reception or after the formalities, depending on your preference.

Going Ring-Free

If you’d rather not worry about juggling rings during the ceremony, you can walk down the aisle without wearing either ring. This gives your wedding band its moment in the spotlight as the first ring to be placed on your finger during the vows. Afterward, you can add your engagement ring back on top, completing the set.

Many brides who choose this option give their engagement ring to a trusted person, such as a family member or close friend, for safekeeping. Alternatively, you could keep it stored in a secure place, like a ring box, and slip it back on after the ceremony.

Other Alternatives

If none of the traditional options feel right, there are other ways to keep your engagement ring safe while still being a part of your big day:

1. Move It to Another Finger: If your engagement ring fits comfortably on another finger, you could wear it on a different finger, such as the middle finger of your left or right hand, during the ceremony. This allows you to keep your ring close without interfering with the placement of the wedding band.
2. Store It in a Ring Box: For those who prefer not to wear their engagement ring during the ceremony, storing it in a ring box is a safe option. You can have the ring nearby to put on after the vows, or wait until later in the day, depending on your preference.
3. Leave It at Home: Some brides choose to leave their engagement ring at home entirely. This eliminates any worry about where to keep the ring during the ceremony and allows your new wedding band to be the star of the show. If you decide to leave your engagement ring at home, make sure it’s stored securely, perhaps in a locked box.

What’s Best for You?

Ultimately, the decision of whether to wear your engagement ring on your wedding day is entirely up to you. There is no one-size-fits-all rule, and what works best is whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident. Whether you follow tradition, create your own, or mix it up depending on what feels right in the moment, your day will be perfect as long as it reflects your personal style and love story.

No matter what you choose, your wedding day is a celebration of the love you and your partner share. Whether your engagement ring is on your finger or tucked away for safekeeping, the important thing is that you’re surrounded by love and excitement as you start this new chapter in your life.