Engagement Ring vs. Wedding Ring: Which Ring Goes on First?

Throughout your life, you will get at least four rings: a proposal ring, an engagement ring, a wedding ring, anniversary ring. If you are about to get married, do you know which ring will go on first, the engagement ring or the wedding ring? The engagement ring and the wedding ring, these two rings carry the beauty of love and the sanctity of marriage. This article will guide you through the proper order of engagement and wedding rings. Let's get started!

Wedding Ring or Engagement Ring First?

When it comes to the question, "Which ring goes on first, the engagement ring or the wedding ring?" the answer is it depends. You can wear either ring first, depending on your preference. Traditionally, the engagement ring is worn first, followed by the wedding ring. That's because an engagement ring is typically given at the time of a marriage proposal, while a wedding ring, also known as a wedding band, is exchanged during the wedding ceremony as a symbol of commitment and love between the partners.

How to Wear An Engagement Ring And Wedding Band?

Wedding Ring First, Engagement Ring Second

The traditional order for wearing an engagement and wedding ring is to place the wedding ring on the finger first, followed by the engagement ring. This symbolizes marriage as the foundation of the relationship, with the wedding band closest to the heart.

Engagement Ring First, Wedding Ring Second

Some people prefer to wear the engagement ring first on the ring finger of the left hand, closest to the palm, and the wedding ring on top, symbolizing the union and commitment of marriage. This order represents the progression from the promise of marriage represented by the engagement ring to the actual marriage represented by the wedding ring.

Engagement Ring vs. Wedding Ring: What's the Difference?

Engagement Ring vs. Wedding Ring: Meaning

What is An Engagement Ring?

An engagement ring is a ring given by a partner to their future spouse when proposing marriage, symbolizing the promise of future marriage. It is a traditional and symbolic gesture of commitment and love between partners. Giving an engagement ring to someone you love is a significant moment in a romantic relationship, signifying the intention to marry and the beginning of the journey towards marriage.

What is A Wedding Ring?

A wedding ring, also known as a wedding band, is a finger ring that indicates that the wearer is married. It is typically exchanged during a wedding ceremony as a symbol of the couple's commitment to each other. Unlike an engagement ring, which is typically given at the time of a marriage proposal, the wedding ring is exchanged as part of the wedding vows and ceremony.

Engagement Ring vs. Wedding Ring: Symbolism

Engagement Ring Symbolism

• The promise of marriage: The engagement ring symbolizes the promise of future marriage. It's a public declaration of the couple's intention to marry.
• Love and Commitment: The engagement ring represents love and commitment in a romantic relationship.
• Anticipation of the future: The act of giving and receiving an engagement ring marks a significant milestone in a couple's journey toward marriage. It signifies the excitement and anticipation of their future life together.

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Wedding Ring Symbolism

• Eternal bond: The wedding ring represents the lifelong bond and love between partners. It's a symbol of a couple officially spending the rest of their lives together.
• Unconditional Love: It represents the unconditional love and commitment that the couple shares. By wearing the wedding ring, couples publicly declare their love and devotion to each other and their promise to stand by each other through thick and thin.
• Unity and togetherness: The ring symbolizes the unity and togetherness of the couple. The circular shape of the ring represents eternity and the unending nature of the commitment of marriage.

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The Symbolism of Wearing Both Engagement and Wedding Rings

• A Visual Representation of the Journey of Love: Wearing both engagement and wedding rings together represents the progression of the relationship from the initial promise of engagement to the lifelong commitment of marriage.
• A testament to eternal love: The combined symbolism of the two rings signifies a deep and enduring love that will stand the test of time. Wearing both rings represents the love and commitment between the partners as they embark on the journey of marriage.
• A public declaration of love: Wearing both rings serves as a public declaration of the couple's love and commitment to each other, and serves as a visible symbol of the love and promises shared between partners, both in good times and in difficult times.
• A reminder of vows: The rings serve as a daily reminder of the vows exchanged during the wedding ceremony, the promises made to each other, and the enduring nature of their relationship.

Engagement Ring vs. Wedding Ring: Who Wears It

The engagement ring is usually worn by the person who receives it at the time of a marriage proposal. Today, however, some couples choose to exchange engagement rings.

The wedding ring is worn and exchanged by both partners in marriage during the wedding ceremony. Wedding rings can be worn by both men and women.

Engagement Ring vs. Wedding Ring: Wearing Time

The engagement ring is usually given at a marriage proposal. It is then worn after being given by one partner to another at the time of a marriage proposal.

The wedding ring is typically worn after the vows are exchanged and the couple is officially married.

Engagement Ring vs. Wedding Ring: Fingers or Hands to Wear

Traditionally, both engagement and wedding rings are worn on the ring finger of the left hand. The custom of wearing rings on the ring finger of the left hand can be traced back to ancient Rome, where the Romans believed that the vein in the left ring finger, known as the 'Vena Amoris', led directly to the heart. However, there's no hard and fast rule. You can also wear engagement rings or wedding bands on the right-hand's ring finger. The placement of engagement and wedding rings can be a personal choice. You may choose to wear them on different fingers or hands based on personal beliefs, cultural customs, or comfort.

Also Read: What Finger Does a Promise Ring Go On? Uncover the Secret

Engagement Ring vs. Wedding Ring: Price & Cost

In general, engagement rings tend to be more expensive than wedding rings. This is often due to the presence of a center gemstone, precious stones such as diamonds or emeralds, semi-precious stones such as aquamarines or opals, and possibly additional accent gemstones, intricate designs, and higher-quality materials. Wedding rings are often made of precious metals such as gold, platinum, or titanium, and the cost can vary depending on the type of metal, the complexity of the design, and the brand.

The estimated average price of an engagement ring in the U.S. is approximately $6,350. The average cost is about $1,000 for women's bands and $500 for men's bands. Looking for more high-quality but affordable engagement rings or wedding bands? Shop at Juyoyo Jewelry. We have rings for every budget, like engagement and wedding bands under $500 or $1000!

Engagement Ring vs. Wedding Ring: Style & Design

Engagement rings often have different styles, such as solitaire, side stones, halo, and vintage. Engagement rings also feature a prominent gemstone as the centerpiece, typically a diamond or moissanite, but can also include other gemstones such as alexandrites, moss agates, or moonstones.

Wedding rings tend to be simpler in design than engagement rings, with a focus on the beauty of the metal band itself. Wedding bands often have styles such as plain band, curved band, Milgrain, and engraved, with options for stacking engagement rings or bands that fit seamlessly together.

Common FAQs

Do I Need Both An Engagement And A Wedding Ring?

You don't have to wear both rings. The decision to wear an engagement and wedding ring is entirely up to you.

Where is the Wedding Ring Placed?

Traditionally, wedding rings are worn on the left ring finger. This finger is often referred to as the "ring finger" because of its association with the vein that was once believed to run directly to the heart.

How Do You Wear A Wedding Band with An Engagement Ring?

You can wear the wedding band on the bottom first and then place the engagement ring on top. Or you can wear the engagement ring on the bottom first and then the wedding ring on top.

Where Do You Wear Your Engagement Ring?

Traditionally, engagement rings are worn on the ring finger of the left hand. This tradition is believed to have originated with the ancient Romans, who believed that a vein in that finger ran directly to the heart.