What Finger Does a Wedding Ring Go On?

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by Suzanne Sachs — 5 min read

THE BASICS --

A wedding ring is a sacred symbol of a couple's union, representing their lifetime commitment to one another. But how do you wear a wedding ring properly? The answer isn’t quite as straightforward or easy as many couples believe.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--

In this guide, we will explain the following:

• Traditionally, Which Finger Does a Wedding Ring Go On?
• Why You may Want to Wear Your Wedding Ring on a Different Finger
• Tips For Wearing a Wedding Ring
• Finger Size
• Stacking
• Soldered Together
• Inspections
• Choosing the Perfect finger for Your Wedding Ring

Traditionally, Which Finger Does a Wedding Ring Go On?

It may seem simple to decide which finger a wedding ring will be worn on, but the question is a critical one that must be answered before the wedding day to be sure the ring fits smoothly and comfortably on the designated finger. Nothing can disrupt romantic wedding vows and the exchange of rings more than an ill-fitting ring or fumbling with the hand and not knowing where to place the ring.

In the United States and United Kingdom, it is traditional for the wedding ring to be worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, often called the “ring” finger (between the pinky and middle finger). This custom relates back as far as 4500 BC, when ancient Egyptians, later followed by ancient Romans and Greeks, wore wedding rings on the left fourth finger, believing that finger to have the 'Vena amoris' or “vein of love” that connects directly to the heart.

Wearing a wedding ring on that specific finger was said to be a more romantic connection between a couple. While the 'Vena amoris' does not exist and modern anatomy has disproven the biological connection between the left ring finger and the heart, the romanticism of the legend still captivates couples.

In truth, there is no hard-and-fast rule about which finger is “correct” for a wedding ring. In different cultures and religions, a wedding ring may be traditionally worn on different fingers. Throughout much of eastern Europe and South America, for example, it is customary to wear the ring on the right hand. Some cultures, particularly in the Middle East, also consider the right hand to be more honorable, and therefore the more appropriate location for a wedding ring.

One final consideration to make when choosing where to wear the wedding ring is whether or not the choice may be confusing to others or if the ring and its meaning might be misconstrued by how it is worn. This can become aggravating and frustrating if the ring may be misunderstood.

“Suzanne was amazing! I utilized the layaway service and it was a breeze. Ring made its way to Texas and was even more gorgeous in person."
— Chloe G verified buyer

Why You May Want to Wear Your Wedding Ring on a Different Finger

Ultimately, you should choose to wear your wedding ring on whichever finger is most comfortable and convenient for your lifestyle. Some individuals prefer to wear the wedding ring on the right hand, for example, because they may be left-handed and the ring would be at greater risk of damage if worn on the dominant hand. Similarly, individuals with hand injuries may prefer to wear the ring on a different hand or finger for better comfort.

It is important to note that some fingers are naturally less suitable for wearing a wedding ring. On the pinky fingers, for example, knuckles are often smaller and the finger is more tapered, which could make it easier to lose a ring, whereas on the ring or middle finger, naturally larger knuckles help keep the ring in place. If worn on the thumb, the ring might twist around more easily and be less visible, due to the angled nature of that opposable digit.

Tips for Wearing a Wedding Ring

Whichever hand or finger you choose to showcase your wedding ring, it is important that the ring always look its best.

1. Finger Size

Check the finger size several weeks prior to the wedding to ensure there is enough time for resizing if necessary. The ring should slide onto the chosen finger smoothly, without a struggle, and without any tugging or pulling necessary to move the ring on or off.

2. Stacking

Decide if you will wear the engagement ring on the same finger, and how the two rings may be stacked. There is no “correct” choice, but it is a matter of personal preference as to whether the engagement ring or wedding ring is closer to the palm.

3. Soldered Together

Consider having a separate engagement ring and wedding ring soldered together into a single piece before the wedding if they must be worn as a set. This is common when the wedding ring is a wrap or guard, to be sure they don’t come apart or wiggle against one another.

4. Inspections

Clean and inspect the ring regularly to remove debris and to check for wear or damage. The sooner repairs are made, the less likely it is that any accent stones may be lost from the wedding ring or bridal set.

Choosing the Perfect Finger for Your Wedding Ring

Knowing which finger you want to wear a wedding ring on can help you not only choose the best possible ring to look brilliant on that finger, but to be sure the ring will fit well in its chosen position. While there are different traditions for where and how to wear a wedding ring, ultimately the decision is as personal as the ring design and the partnership it represents, and you should wear a wedding ring wherever and however it feels right to you.