Hey Beautiful, your wedding day is getting closer!
Let’s polish off those final details.
As brides near their big day, one question that often arises is: Should I wear my engagement ring down the aisle? Should it stay on your left hand, switch to the right, or perhaps be temporarily set aside? Let's explore the meaningful choices you have when it comes to wearing your engagement ring down the aisle.
Danielle Harris Photography
Traditional Ring Etiquette
Traditional etiquette would require the bride to wear her engagement ring on her right ring finger to walk down the aisle. During the exchanging of the rings, the groom would place the wedding band on the bride's left finger. The wedding band being placed on the hand first, so that the (blessed) ring may be closest to the bride’s heart. The bride could then slip the engagement ring on top of the wedding band after the ceremony. The purpose of the engagement ring in this instance was to protect the sacred wedding band and the bond of love.
If you want to go traditional, but your engagement ring doesn’t fit on my right ring finger, there are still options! You can opt to wear the engagement ring on your pinky, or entrust it to a family member or friend for safe keeping until after the ceremony.
Rock That Bling
If you choose to rock your engagement ring on the left hand, your fiancé would slip your wedding band on top of your engagement ring during the ceremony. Once you've had your celebratory walk down the aisle, simply change the order of your rings so that your wedding band is on the interior, closest to your heart.
If you opt to go untraditional and wear your engagement ring on your left ring finger, talk to your officiant before the ceremony if you are having a religious ceremony. There may be hard and fast rules dictated by your religious establishment. The wedding rehearsal would be a good time to broach this with your officiant.
Danielle Harris Photography
Additional Options
If you plan to solder your engagement and wedding band together, consider having this done two weeks prior to the wedding. It may feel odd rocking your left hand without the weight of that beautiful sparkle, but once you’ve said your vows you won’t want to give up that precious ring. It also gives you the opportunity to ensure is shines on your wedding day as it will be freshly cleaned for some extra sparkle.
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Updated December 21, 2023
