Do You Wear Your Engagement Ring on Your Wedding Day?

After tying the knot, your engagement ring and wedding band both belong on the ring finger of your left hand. But on the wedding day itself, your partner is ready to place a new band on your bare finger, so what happens to your engagement ring while you exchange vows? 

It's a common, often last-minute question that catches many brides off guard as they prepare for their special day.  Do you wear your engagement ring on your wedding day, or leave it at home? If you do wear it, does it stay on your left finger throughout the ceremony? Should someone hold it while you say your vows? And does your partner place the wedding ring on your finger alongside it, or do you put your engagement ring back on afterwards?

Here as custom jewellers in Melbourne, we’ll walk you through the traditional and practical aspects of handling your engagement ring during the ceremony and beyond. With so many rituals to observe on your wedding day, understanding what to do with your engagement ring can be one less thing to worry about.

Should You Wear Your Engagement Ring on Your Wedding Day? 

The short answer is yes, you can absolutely wear it. Though traditionally, your left ring finger is kept bare during the ceremony. This is because during the exchange of the vows, your partner will place the wedding ring on this finger to symbolise your union. That leaves the question of where your engagement ring goes during that time, and below are options to consider. 

Options for your Engagement Ring during the Wedding Ceremony

To keep your engagement ring safe and a part of your special day: 

1. Wear it on your right hand

Move your engagement ring to your right hand for the ceremony, afterwards, slide it back onto your left hand, above your new wedding ring. Many brides discreetly put their engagement ring back on, making the switch just before signing the marriage certificates. This way you can wear the bridal ring set together - and not miss out on any photo opportunities!

2. Entrust it to Someone Special

Ask a bridesmaid, maid of honour or family member to hold your engagement ring until after the vows. This way, your left hand remains free for the wedding band and your engagement ring is kept close by. In this instance, you can place it back on your hand shortly after exchanging your vows to let it sparkle during your wedding reception.

3. Leave it at home 

If you'd rather not think about your engagement ring at all leaving it safely in your jewellery box is smart choice, especially if you're forgetful or a little clumsy. This is also a great option for those having a destination wedding. It will certainly minimise any risk of losing or misplacing the engagement ring whilst travelling.

4. Wear it on your left hand

When you've become accustomed to wearing your diamond engagement ring every day since the proposal, it may not feel right to take it off. In this case, it means during your vows your partner will place the wedding ring on top of your engagement ring, and you rearrange them after the ceremony so that wedding band sits below closest to your heart. The drawback is that this departs from tradition, and your wedding band may be outshone by your engagement ring, losing its own moment. 

Get your Engagement Ring Sparkling for the Big Day 

For maximum sparkle on your wedding day, we recommend having your engagement ring cleaned as close to your wedding day as possible. Ideally, within two weeks before your wedding. It will look its absolute best in your wedding photos and sparkle brightly in front of all of your guests.

All of our clients at JANAI received lifetime complimentary professional cleaning for the lifetime of their diamond piece. 

What Happens to your Engagement Ring After The Wedding?

Once the wedding celebrations are over, your engagement ring continues to hold its significance. It’s entirely appropriate - and indeed, quite common - for brides to wear both rings every day for life. Together they symbolise your love and commitment, and they signal your martial status as a proud public display of your union. 

Other brides opt to wear their wedding ring day to day and save the engagement ring for special occasions. It comes down to personal preference and lifestyle. Some workplaces don't permit jewellery and activities like gym sessions, housework and gardening are best done without your rings. On those days, store your diamonds somewhere safe. 

However you choose to wear them, your diamonds will last a lifetime and can be beautifully showcased on your finger from your proposal, wedding ceremony and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you wear your engagement ring when you walk down the aisle?
Yes, many brides do. It can be worn on the right hand while walking down the aisle, then moved to the left hand after the vows.

Which hand does the engagement ring go on at the wedding?
Traditionally your left ring finger is left bare for the wedding band, so the engagement ring goes on your right hand, with a trusted person, or at home until after the ceremony.

Does the engagement ring go above or below the wedding band?
Traditionally the wedding band sits below closest to your heart, with the engagement ring worn above it.

Do you have to wear your engagement ring after you're married?
No. Some brides wear both rings daily, while others wear only their wedding band and keep the engagement ring for special occasions.

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