• Shopping Cart Shopping Cart
    0Shopping Cart
SvenStudios
  • ABOUT US
    • WHO ARE WE?
    • TESTIMONIALS
  • WEDDING PACKAGES
    • ADELAIDE PACKAGES
    • AUSTRALIA-WIDE PACKAGES
  • SERVICES
    • WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
      • ADELAIDE WEDDINGS
      • DARWIN WEDDINGS
      • CANBERRA WEDDINGS
      • HOBART WEDDINGS
      • PERTH WEDDINGS
      • QUEENSTOWN, NZ WEDDINGS
      • WORLDWIDE
    • WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHY
    • FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY
    • NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY
    • COUPLES & ENGAGEMENTS
    • PHOTOBOOTH HIRE
    • SELFBOOTH
    • SEATSCAN
    • AUDIO GUEST BOOK HIRE
    • LIVE STREAM
    • DIGITISATION SERVICES
      • SUPER8 TO DIGITAL
      • VHS TO DIGITAL
  • PORTFOLIO
    • WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
      • SORT BY WEDDING VENUE
    • COUPLES PHOTOGRAPHY
    • FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY
    • NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY
  • BLOG
  • SHOP
  • CONTACT
  • Menu Menu
Wedding, ideas, Interesting

Engagement ring etiquette – How do you wear your rings?

Engagement ring etiquette
SKIP TO CONTENT hide
1. Engagement ring etiquette
1.1. During your wedding ceremony
1.2. After your wedding ceremony
1.3. You could also ignore tradition
2. Quick tips to make it easy
3. Final thoughts

As with many things at a wedding, there are details people don’t think about until a decision is suddenly due. In this case, it’s engagement ring etiquette. When should you take it off? Which hand should you wear it on for the ceremony? Do you switch hands once you’re married? Whether your ring features a lab created or natural diamond, there are a few simple etiquette guidelines worth knowing.

There are long-standing traditions about where to place your engagement ring and wedding band before the wedding, on the day itself, and after you’ve said “I do.” As a wedding photographer I’m asked about this all the time, so here’s a clear, modern guide you can follow—or tweak to fit your style.

Couples hands with engagement ring at sunset beach.
A couples hands lovingly intertwined, showcasing her sparkling engagement ring against a romantic beach sunset.

Engagement ring etiquette

During your wedding ceremony

On your wedding day, tradition says to wear your engagement ring on the third finger of your right hand (your right-hand ring finger). This keeps your left-hand ring finger free so your partner can place your wedding band there during the vows. By the end of the ceremony, you’ll usually have a ring on each hand—your engagement ring on the right and your brand-new wedding band on the left. Many people then slide the engagement ring back so both rings sit neatly together on the left hand.

The practice of using the left-hand ring finger is often attributed to ancient beliefs about a vein that ran from that finger straight to the heart—a romantic idea that helped cement the symbolism of the wedding band. If you like adding meaning to your day, you might enjoy a special moment like a ring-warming before the vows—here are some ring warming ceremony ideas—so your bands carry blessings the second they’re exchanged. At the end of your ceremony you should have a ring on both hands, ready to stack.

Close-up of womans hand with engagement ring on mans shoulder, signifying love and commitment.
Womans hand adorned with engagement ring resting on mans shoulder, symbolizing their joyful bond.

After your wedding ceremony

Once you’re married, the classic order is simple: wear both rings on the left-hand ring finger, with the wedding band closest to your heart (at the base of the finger) and the engagement ring stacked above it. This arrangement is comfortable, secure and instantly signals your status at a glance.

If you prefer a particular style or setting—say a low-profile band for everyday wear—you can still mix things up. Many couples choose practical options for daily life and keep heirloom or statement pieces for special occasions. If you’re currently shopping, browsing engagement ring designs can help you imagine how the two rings will stack.

Beige block-heeled sandals with engagement ring on wooden surface.
An elegant engagement ring nestled between beige block-heeled sandals on a wooden surface.

You could also ignore tradition

Etiquette is a guide, not a rule book. Plenty of people keep wearing their engagement ring on the right hand permanently, skip it day-to-day for comfort, or fuse the engagement ring and wedding band into one piece by soldering. Do what feels authentic and practical for you.

Trends change, too. For instance, the “traditional” white wedding gown only became popular in the 1800s—before that, the common hue was actually blue. So if you prefer a different stacking order, a minimalist single band, or an evolving stack with anniversary rings, you’re in great company.

Pink rose with diamond ring surrounded by flowers in bouquet.
A diamond ring nestled in a blooming pink rose, surrounded by a lush bouquet of vibrant flowers.

Quick tips to make it easy

  • Before the ceremony: Move your engagement ring to your right-hand ring finger.
  • During the ceremony: Wedding band goes on the left-hand ring finger.
  • After the ceremony: Stack both on the left, band first, engagement ring above.
  • Personal preference wins: Comfort and meaning matter more than strict rules.

Final thoughts

Following engagement ring etiquette can add a touch of tradition to your day, but your love story is yours to style. Whether you keep it classic, modernise the stack, or design something entirely unique, the best choice is the one you’ll enjoy wearing every day.

 

March 22, 2017
Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on X
  • Share on Pinterest
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share on Reddit
  • Share by Mail
You might also like
Ayers house wedding photo between foliage Ayers House Wedding – Mona & Lester
Willunga Peacock Farm Wedding Willunga Peacock Farm Wedding – Aubrey & Darcy
Amongst the tall trees at Idyll & Co Idyll and Co Wedding – Monique & Anthony
Best man straightening jacket Best Man origin story
In amongst the pepper trees Seppeltsfield Winery Wedding – Tahlia & Alex
How to save on your Wedding Dress How to save on your Wedding Dress

Blog

All
News
Wedding Ideas

Latest

  • Botanic Gardens Adelaide Wedding - Melanie & Adrian
    Botanic Gardens Adelaide Wedding – Melanie & Adrian
  • Proposal at Thorngrove Manor - Lydia & Simon
    Proposal at Thorngrove Manor – Lydia & Simon
  • How Early Should You Book a Wedding Photographer?
    How Early Should You Book a Wedding Photographer?
  • Silhouetted couple at sunset by the ocean, sharing a moment of connection and tranquility.
    Pt Willunga Beach Engagement Shoot – Sarah & Major
  • Ayers House Vow Renewal – Francesca & Gian
    Ayers House Vow Renewal – Francesca & Gian

ADELAIDE PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES

  • Wedding Photography
  • Wedding Videography
  • Newborn Photography
  • Family Photography
  • Engagement Photography

ONLINE SHOP

  • Bridal Bouquet Charms
  • Hand Made Wedding Items
  • Super 8 Film to Digital
  • VHS to Digital
  • Photobooth Hire
  • Live Stream Service
  • Audio Guest Book Hire
  • SelfBooth

QUICK LINKS

  • Home
  • About Svenstudios
  • Testimonials
  • Portfolio
  • Contact
  • Sitemap

FREE SERVICES

  • SeatScan – QR Seating Chart
  • SICC – IG Carousel Composer
  • ABIA
  • ABIA
  • Best in Adelaide

AROUND AUSTRALIA & NZ

  • Adelaide
  • Darwin
  • Hobart
  • Canberra
  • Perth
  • Queenstown, NZ
  • International

CONNECT WITH US

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • you tube
  • tik tok

GET IN TOUCH

  • location40 Horseshoe dr Aberfoyle Park, South Australia 5159
  • phone +0401403080
  • msg sven@svenstudios.com

OFFICE HOURS:

  • Monday-Friday 09:00 – 17:00
  • ABN – 81371854076
© Copyright - SvenStudios - Enfold WordPress Theme by Kriesi
  • Link to Facebook
  • Link to Instagram
  • Link to Youtube
  • Link to Pinterest
  • Link to TikTok
  • Link to Mail
Scroll to top Scroll to top Scroll to top