The most traditional way to wear stacked wedding rings involves placing the wedding band first on your finger, followed by the engagement ring. This arrangement positions the wedding band closest to your heart.
The Traditional Stacking Order
According to tradition, particularly on the wedding day, the order in which you place your rings holds symbolic meaning:
- Step 1: The Wedding Band
- Place the wedding band on your left ring finger.
- It should be worn on the inside, closest to your heart.
- Step 2: The Engagement Ring
- Stack the engagement ring on top of the wedding band.
- It is worn on the outside, layering against the wedding band on the same finger.
This method ensures the symbol of your commitment in marriage (the band) is closest to you, with the promise of engagement following.
Wearing Rings During the Ceremony
While the post-ceremony stacking order is band first, you have options during the actual wedding ceremony:
- Option 1: Temporarily Move the Engagement Ring
- You can wear your engagement ring on your right hand during the ceremony, assuming it fits comfortably.
- This allows the groom to place the wedding band directly onto your bare left ring finger during the vows.
- After the ceremony, you can then transfer the engagement ring back to your left hand and stack it outside the wedding band.
- Option 2: Wear the Engagement Ring on the Left Hand
- Some people keep their engagement ring on their left hand during the ceremony.
- In this case, the wedding band is often placed onto the finger first (inside), and the engagement ring is then adjusted or moved slightly to accommodate it, before being pushed back into its stacked position on the outside.
Stacking After the Wedding
After the wedding day, the standard practice is to continue wearing both rings stacked on the left ring finger in the order of wedding band first, then engagement ring.
Here's a simple breakdown:
- Everyday Wear:
- Left Ring Finger: Wedding Band (bottom layer) + Engagement Ring (top layer)
This traditional method is widely followed, symbolizing the foundation of marriage (the band) being closest to the heart, supported by the promise of engagement (the engagement ring).
