Wedding Rings – Which Ring Goes On First!

Picture the scene: you’re stood at the altar, everything is perfect – the groom isn’t too hung over, the toddlers in the congregation are goldenly good, you look a vision in your dress: everything is perfect. But when it comes to exchanging wedding rings, what happens to the engagement rings? Do you put the wedding ring after the engagement ring, or take the engagement ring off and put it back on later?
 

Wedding rings and engagement rings – Getting it right

Exchanging and wearing wedding rings has deep cultural and emotional significance. Wedding rings signify your love and fidelity. But it isn’t simply a question of wearing a wedding ring – there are customs, conventions and superstitions: wearing something new and something blue, something old and something true; passing on engagement rings or wedding rings that are family heirlooms; wearing the wedding rings on the left finger, and being superstitious about taking your wedding ring off. There are countless stories of women who have lost their wedding rings after doing the washing up! We know a lot about the significance of wedding rings – but nobody talks about the practical act of exchanging rings and the right order to wear them in.
 

Exchanging wedding rings

There are plenty of stories and theories around wedding rings – some say wedding rings derive from cavemen days when a woman was ‘stolen’ and tied up, if she chose to stay without the physical ties, the tie would be broken but a bit left round her finger to remind her of who she belonged to (as if she could forget!) When it comes to wearing your rings, traditionally it’s the wedding ring on first, then the engagement ring. This works on a practical level – if you have a plain gold wedding ring or plain platinum wedding ring, but an elaborate diamond engagement ring, then when you’re doing the washing up, you can slip off the engagement ring but leave your wedding ring below. Some wives simply see their wedding rings as fixed, something that should never be taken off – wearing the engagement ring above it reinforces that ethos.
 

Wedding rings go on bare finger

On your actual wedding day, many brides choose not to wear their engagement ring; the wedding ring is supposed to go on a naked finger. It isn’t just about superstition – it is custom. Many brides give their engagement rings to their chief bridesmaid, their mother or grandmother to look after until after the ceremony.
 

Speak To The Jewellery Company About Wedding Rings

The Jewellery Company has a wide range of wedding rings to suit all tastes and budgets. From plain gold bands to contemporary diamond rings, you can find your perfect wedding rings and order online. Set in tasteful ring boxes and with free UK delivery, The Jewellery Company is the perfect place to find wedding rings for your big day. For more information, browse our website, or call us on 0800 023 2283.