Should You Wear Your Engagement Ring On Your Wedding Day?
In the weeks and months leading up to your wedding day, your shiny new engagement ring is something that everyone will want to gawk at. But once the big day arrives, you might start to wonder: do you wear your engagement ring on your wedding day? The ceremony is all about exchanging vows and getting a new ring – your wedding band – placed on your finger, and the reception is all about the food and partying. Even as a special symbol of your nuptials, you might wonder if and where your engagement ring belongs.
While you can ultimately do and wear whatever you want (this is your day, after all), there is an answer to the question if you're wondering about what's deemed appropriate or inappropriate. We spoke to two experts in the wedding space to find out if it's okay to rock your bling on your left hand the day you're getting married, or if it's something you should leave at home. Read on to find out more.
In this article:
- Do You Wear Your Engagement Ring on Your Wedding Day?
- Where to Keep Your Engagement Ring During the Ceremony
- What to Do With Your Engagement Ring After the Ceremony
Do You Wear Your Engagement Ring on Your Wedding Day?
Again, there's no right or wrong here: you can do whatever you want as the bride. That said, both experts we spoke to agreed that there is absolutely nothing wrong with showing off your engagement ring on your wedding day.
"For many couples, the engagement ring is an important part of the journey to matrimony, therefore the bride should wear it on their wedding day," encourages David Alan of David Alan Custom, Not Customary, a fine jeweler atelier in New York City.
Not only has your engagement ring been part of your love story, but it can also be an essential part of your photos. "One of the best reasons to wear your engagement ring on your wedding day is so your photographer can get pictures," says Kristy Cullinane, co-founder of Plum Diamonds. "Many couples like to have their photographer shoot pictures of their ring in flatlay and other pretty compositions."
If you do plan on wearing your engagement ring on your wedding day, Cullinane recommends getting it professionally cleaned and polished so that it looks its absolute shiny best.
Where to Keep Your Engagement Ring During the Ceremony
During your ceremony, your engagement ring might feel like it's in the way: during your exchange of vows, your partner will be sliding your wedding band onto your finger, and the band should be under the engagement ring, not the other way around.
Because of this, both Alan and Cullinane recommend wearing your engagement ring on your right hand during the ceremony. "This way, your partner can put your wedding ring onto the ring finger without the engagement ring stacked under it," Cullinane explains. "When stacked this way, the wedding band is closest to your heart, which is very symbolic."
Wearing the ring on your right hand is probably the safest place for it to be (as long as it fits properly – some people will experience a slight difference in size with different fingers), but there are other places to put it if you don't want it on. "The ring bearer or trusted adult supervisor can be entrusted to care for not only the wedding bands but also the engagement ring," Alan notes.
If you want someone else to hold it, be sure it's in a safe space that isn't just their pocket. "There are on-the-go ring storage options, like wristbands with zipped pockets and gadgets like Lion Latch (a portable jewelry storage container)," Cullinane says. "You probably don't want to wear any of these with your wedding dress, but if a trusted loved one is in charge of your ring for a short period of time, there may be options to consider."
Want to avoid wearing your engagement ring altogether? Put it in a safe spot and leave it at home.
What to Do With Your Engagement Ring After the Ceremony
After the ceremony, you can choose to either wear your engagement ring stacked on top of your wedding band or not wear it at all. If you want your wedding band to have its moment in the spotlight, you'll need to ensure your engagement ring is protected.
Cullinane recommends asking your wedding planner or venue for a safe place to stow your ring. "I would not suggest putting anyone else in charge of your ring for extended periods, especially when alcohol is involved," she says. "Lock it away if you're not wearing it on your hand."
While some people suggest putting the ring on a chain to wear as a necklace for the night, Cullinane says this isn't a great idea. "You'll be running around and hugging people with too many opportunities to have the chain break and lose your ring," she warns.
And, again, you can always put the ring back on. "Nerves, excitement, and distractions can be a perfect storm for ring loss," Alan says. "We recommend that the bride always places her engagement ring back on as soon as the ceremony is over." Your finger is the safest spot for it.