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Wedding Band Before Engagement Ring: The Right Order?

2 Sep 2024·5 min read
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The tradition of exchanging rings dates back 4,800 years to the Egyptians. Over time, the meaning and ways of wearing them have changed. People often ask about the best order for wearing a wedding band and engagement ring.

Traditionally, the wedding band goes closest to the heart, on the inside of the finger. Then, the engagement ring comes next. But today, brides have more freedom in how they wear their rings.

do you put wedding band on before engagement ring

In Saudi Arabia and many other places, the engagement ring comes first. It symbolizes the promise of marriage. Then, during the wedding, the wedding band is added, showing the couple’s commitment for life.

Some couples might wear their wedding band first, then the engagement ring. Or they might choose a unique way to stack their rings.

Exploring the Traditional Order

Wedding ring etiquette suggests wearing the wedding band on the inside of the finger, next to the heart. Then, the engagement ring goes on the outside. This order is seen as meaningful. The wedding band symbolizes the strong bond of marriage, being closest to the heart.

The Classic Approach: Wedding Band On the Bottom

The traditional way is to put the wedding band on first, followed by the engagement ring. This makes it simple to take off the engagement ring for cleaning or washing hands. The wedding band stays close to the heart. This method is part of ring finger traditions and bridal jewelry order.

Many brides stick to this wedding ring etiquette because it shows the deep commitment of marriage. The proper ring order with the wedding band below shows a lasting promise. The engagement ring is seen as a sign of the proposal.

But, there’s more than one way to wear the rings. Some brides prefer to start with the engagement ring, which we’ll look at next.

The Unconventional Order: Engagement Ring First

Some brides choose to wear their engagement ring first, then the wedding band. This order follows when they got the rings. Supermodel Emily Ratajkowski wears her engagement ring on the bottom and her wedding band on top.

Choosing to wear the engagement ring first is a personal choice. It lets the bride show off the beautiful center stone and setting. This way, the wedding band won’t slide under the engagement ring, keeping the look neat.

Yet, for those who like tradition, putting the wedding band on the bottom is still a classic choice.

Deciding which ring goes on first depends on your style and what you like. Whether you go for the traditional or the new way, the engagement and wedding ring sequence should match your taste and the deep meaning of these rings.

do you put wedding band on before engagement ring

Choosing the right order for wearing a wedding band and engagement ring is up to you. It’s all about what feels right and looks good. Traditional ways guide us, but today, brides can pick what works best for them.

Personal Preference and Style

Some brides like to put their wedding band on the bottom, near the knuckle, then the engagement ring. This is the classic way, showing the deep meaning of the wedding band. Others prefer their engagement ring first, especially if it’s big or fancy.

Some brides switch it up, wearing their rings on different fingers or stacking them with other bands. It’s all about finding what suits their style best.

At the end of the day, there’s no one “right” way to wear these rings. It’s about what the bride likes and how she wants to show off her jewelry.

wedding band placement

Complementary Ring Sets

When planning a wedding ring set, think about the engagement ring first. The rings don’t have to match exactly, but it looks good when they share similar details. This could be the same diamond shape or metal color. Trying on the full set before the wedding helps make sure everything looks good together.

Matching the engagement ring and wedding band makes the bridal jewelry order look better. You can match them in different ways:

  • Matching metal tones, such as yellow gold, white gold, or platinum
  • Complementary diamond shapes, like round, oval, or cushion cut
  • Incorporating similar design motifs, such as engraved patterns or milgrain detailing
  • Selecting stones with comparable sizes or carat weights

Thinking about the engagement and wedding ring sequence helps couples pick rings that look great together. This way, the engagement ring vs wedding band will look amazing as a set.

Design Element Engagement Ring Wedding Band
Metal Tone White Gold White Gold
Diamond Shape Round Cut Oval Cut
Carat Weight 1.5 Carats 0.75 Carats
Engraving Floral Motif Dotted Pattern

By thinking about the engagement and wedding ring sequence, couples can make sure their engagement ring vs wedding band look great together. This creates a beautiful and meaningful set.

Engagement and Wedding Rings

Creative Ring Stacking

In the world of wedding jewelry, the traditional order of wearing the wedding band before the engagement ring is often challenged by innovative styling options. Many brides are now exploring creative ring stacking solutions to add a unique and personalized touch to their bridal sets. This approach allows for a more dynamic and customizable look, as well as the ability to adjust the ring order to suit the bride’s preferences on any given day.

Stackable Bands and Ring Jackets

One popular trend in bridal jewelry is the use of stackable wedding bands. These bands can be worn alongside the engagement ring, creating a layered and visually interesting look. Some brides even opt to wear the engagement ring between two stackable bands, flipping the traditional order of the wedding band placement. Additionally, ring jackets have gained popularity, allowing brides to wrap an extra band around the engagement ring for added sparkle and dimension.

The versatility of ring stacking enables brides to experiment with different ring finger traditions and bridal jewelry order to suit their personal style. Whether you prefer the classic approach or a more unconventional wedding band placement, the options for creative engagement and wedding ring sequence are endless.

Ultimately, the choice of which ring goes on first is a personal decision, and proper ring order should be guided by your individual preferences and the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve. By embracing the world of stackable bands and ring jackets, you can truly make your bridal jewelry order your own.

Conclusion

Whether to wear the wedding band before the engagement ring is up to each person. It’s not a hard rule. The key is that the bride feels good about her choice of jewelry.

The rings symbolize a strong marriage bond. They should reflect the bride’s unique style and taste. Some like the classic look of the wedding band below. Others prefer the engagement ring on top for a different look.

Wedding ring etiquette is changing, and there’s no single right way to wear the rings. The bride should choose based on her style and what feels right for her. This way, she can show her love and commitment in a way that’s all her own.

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