Wedding Ring Customs

Wedding Customs - Rings, Jewelry & Other Interesting Trivia

According to some customs, the wedding ring forms the last in a series of gifts which also may include the engagement ring. Other more recent traditions seek to expand the idea of a series of ring-gifts with an eternity ring. The diamond eternity ring symbolizes the renewal (or ongoing nature) of a lasting marriage. Then, there's also the three stone engagement ring displaying three brilliant-cut round diamonds each representing the past, present and future of a relationship.

Wedding Ceremony Customs
The best man traditionally has the duty of holding the couple's wedding rings and to produce them at the symbolic moment of the giving and receiving of the rings during the marriage ceremony. In more elaborate weddings, a ring bearer may assist in the ceremony often carrying the wedding rings on a special cushion.

If the wedding ring is different from the engagement ring (the bride is being given an eternity ring) the question of whether or not the engagement ring should be worn during the ceremony leaves a few options. The bride may wear it on her left ring finger and have the groom put the wedding band over it.


Another option is to have the main bridesmaid keep the ring during the ceremony – there are a variety ways to keep it: in a pouch, on a plate (if your Catholic) etc. After the ceremony, the ring can be placed back on the left hand.


Post-Wedding Customs
People believe that a vein runs directly from the fourth finger on the left hand to the heart. Due to this belief, it's tradition to wear the engagement and wedding rings on the left finger. By wearing the wedding ring on the fourth finger of the left hand, a married couple symbolically declares their love for each other. This has now become a matter of tradition and etiquette.

Contemporary Usage
Women have always worn wedding bands much more commonly than men. Today, both partners often wear wedding rings. When occupations or professions discourage the wearing of jewelry, either marriage partner may not wear a ring. In addition, people often remove wedding rings for comfort or safety. Others may be sensitive to precious metals or dislike the idea of declaring their social status through jewelry.

The usual tradition is that the woman wears the wedding ring below the engagement ring, thus making it closer to the heart. Another is that the woman should wear the wedding ring above the engagement ring, thus sealing the atmosphere of the engagement into the marriage. Still others prefer the eternity ring which should be worn alone.