If you have an engagement ring and a wedding band, you may wonder which ring goes on first, which hand you should wear them on and whether there is actually a correct way to wear wedding rings.

Wedding ring traditions have developed over centuries and vary between countries, cultures, religions and individual couples. In Australia, however, there is a widely recognised traditional arrangement.

Quick Answer: How Should You Wear Your Wedding Ring?

In Australia, the traditional way to wear a wedding ring is on the fourth finger of the left hand, commonly called the ring finger. If you also wear an engagement ring, the wedding band traditionally sits closest to your hand, with the engagement ring immediately above it.

However, there is no universal rule. Cultural traditions, religion, comfort, occupation, ring design and personal preference can all influence how you choose to wear your wedding and engagement rings.

 

Which Hand Does a Wedding Ring Go on in Australia?

In Australia, a wedding ring is traditionally worn on the fourth finger of the left hand.

This is also the familiar convention in countries including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and New Zealand.

If you are looking for the simplest answer to the question, it is:

Traditional Australian wedding ring position: fourth finger of the left hand.

That does not mean wearing your wedding ring on your right hand is incorrect. Wedding ring customs differ throughout the world, and family heritage, culture, religion and personal preference can all influence which hand a person chooses.

Which Finger Is the Wedding Ring Finger?

The wedding ring finger is the fourth finger when counting from your thumb. It sits between your middle finger and little finger.

In Australia, when someone refers to the “wedding ring finger” or “ring finger”, they generally mean the fourth finger of the left hand.

You may occasionally see this referred to as the third finger because some traditional counting systems do not count the thumb as a finger. To avoid confusion, the clearest description is simply the finger between your middle finger and little finger.

Engagement Rings and Wedding Rings: What’s the Difference?

The distinction between engagement and wedding rings must first be understood.

An engagement ring is traditionally given when a couple becomes engaged, often during a proposal. A wedding ring or wedding band is normally exchanged during the wedding ceremony as a symbol of marriage.

Engagement rings often feature a centre diamond or other gemstone, although there is no requirement for them to do so. Wedding bands can be plain, diamond-set, engraved, textured or designed specifically to sit beside an engagement ring.

There is also no requirement for a person to own both. Some people wear only a wedding band, some wear only an engagement ring and others choose completely different jewellery traditions.

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Just as wedding venues and ceremonies differ around the world, wedding ring customs can also vary substantially between countries and cultures.

Why Are Wedding Rings Traditionally Worn on the Left Hand?

A popular romantic tradition holds that the fourth finger of the left hand was connected directly to the heart through a special vein sometimes called the vena amoris, or “vein of love”.

The symbolism is romantic, but it should not be confused with anatomy. There is no unique vein running directly from that finger to the heart.

Nevertheless, the association between the ring finger, love, commitment and marriage became deeply established in Western wedding tradition and continues in Australia today.

Does the Wedding Ring Go Above or Below the Engagement Ring?

Traditionally, the wedding band goes on the finger first, with the engagement ring positioned above it.

The usual Australian arrangement is therefore:

Finger → wedding band → engagement ring

This means the wedding ring sits closest to the base of your finger.

You will sometimes hear this described as wearing the wedding band “closest to the heart”. It is a symbolic explanation rather than an anatomical one.

However, there is no requirement to follow this arrangement. Some people prefer the engagement ring first because of the shape of their jewellery, how the rings sit together or simply because they like the appearance better.

If you are still choosing your band, Brighton Savoy’s Australian guide to choosing the perfect wedding ring explains metals, sizing, comfort, durability and how a wedding band should sit beside an engagement ring.

What Happens to Your Engagement Ring During the Wedding Ceremony?

One common question is what to do with your engagement ring before your partner places the wedding band on your finger during the ceremony.

Some people temporarily move their engagement ring onto the fourth finger of their right hand before the ceremony.

This leaves the left ring finger free so that the wedding band can be placed directly onto it during the exchange of rings.

After the ceremony, you can move the engagement ring back to your left hand and position it above the wedding band.

You do not have to do this. Other options include leaving the engagement ring exactly where it is and rearranging your rings later, or giving the engagement ring to someone you trust for safekeeping during the ceremony.

After the ceremony, some couples opt to have their engagement and wedding rings soldered together to create a single, cohesive bridal set often symbolically framed by a beautiful Wedding Arch.

Whatever you choose, discuss it before the ceremony so you do not find yourself deciding what to do with an expensive engagement ring while standing at the altar.

Do You Have to Wear Your Wedding and Engagement Rings Together?

No. Wearing the rings together may be traditional, but it is entirely optional.

Depending on your jewellery, work and lifestyle, you might choose to:

• wear both rings on your left ring finger;
• wear your wedding band on your left hand and engagement ring on your right;
• wear only your wedding ring for everyday activities;
• wear your engagement ring only for special occasions;
• wear each ring on a different finger; or
• wear one ring rather than two.

This can be particularly practical if an engagement ring has a prominent stone setting that may catch during work, exercise or other activities.

Your rings are personal symbols of your relationship. They are not a test of wedding etiquette.

Can You Wear Your Wedding Ring on Your Right Hand?

Yes.

Although wearing a wedding ring on the fourth finger of the left hand is traditional in Australia, right-hand wedding rings are customary in various countries, cultures and religious traditions.

Couples with European, Middle Eastern or other cultural backgrounds may therefore follow traditions that differ from the Australian convention.

Some people also choose their right hand simply because it is more comfortable, because of an injury, because they already wear another meaningful ring on their left hand or because the right-hand tradition has personal significance.

There is no requirement to abandon a meaningful cultural or family tradition simply to conform with the most common Australian convention.

Wedding Ring Traditions Around the World

Wedding ring customs are not universal.

Left-hand wedding bands are familiar throughout Australia and many other English-speaking countries, while right-hand traditions occur in parts of Europe and elsewhere.

In some cultures, rings may even change hands between engagement and marriage.

This is particularly relevant in multicultural Australia, where couples may bring together wedding customs from two or more cultural or religious traditions.

There is no reason both partners must follow exactly the same convention. Some couples honour both family traditions, while others create a new tradition of their own.

How Do Same-Sex Couples Wear Wedding Rings?

There is no separate wedding ring rule for same-sex couples.

Many LGBTQIA+ couples in Australia follow the same familiar convention and wear wedding bands on the fourth finger of the left hand. Others choose the hand, jewellery or arrangement that has the most meaning for them.

Partners do not need to:

• choose identical wedding rings;
• use the same metal;
• wear rings of the same width;
• wear their rings on the same hand; or
• combine engagement and wedding rings in the same way.

The same principle applies to every couple: tradition can provide guidance, but it does not dictate what your marriage or jewellery should look like.

Couples planning an LGBTQIA+ wedding in Victoria may also find Brighton Savoy’s Gay Weddings Melbourne guide useful when considering inclusive wedding planning, venues and suppliers.

Do Men’s and Women’s Wedding Rings Go on Different Hands?

Not traditionally in Australia.

Regardless of gender, the usual Australian convention is to wear a wedding ring on the fourth finger of the left hand.

The idea that different rules should apply to men’s and women’s rings has also become far less relevant. Wedding bands today include a broad range of styles, widths, metals, finishes and gemstone settings.

One person might prefer a wide brushed band while another likes a narrow polished ring. Another may choose diamonds, engraving, mixed metals or a custom design.

The important considerations are comfort, durability, personal style and what the ring represents to the person wearing it.

Can Men Wear Engagement Rings?

Yes.

There is no reason engagement rings need to be restricted by gender. Some men wear an engagement ring before marriage and later add a wedding band, while others use the same ring for engagement and marriage.

Couples can choose whichever approach best represents their relationship.

Should Couples Have Matching Wedding Rings?

No. Matching wedding rings are entirely optional.

Some couples enjoy having identical bands as a visual symbol of their relationship. Others prefer rings that suit each partner individually.

For example, one partner may choose yellow gold while the other prefers platinum. One might select a simple polished band while the other chooses diamonds or a textured finish.

If you would like the rings to share a connection without being identical, consider:

• the same metal in different widths;
• similar finishes;
• matching engravings;
• a common design element; or
• a shared meaningful date or message inside each band.

Remember that you may wear your wedding ring every day for decades. Each partner should therefore choose something they genuinely enjoy wearing.

What If Your Wedding Ring and Engagement Ring Don’t Fit Together?

Not every engagement ring is designed to sit flush beside a straight wedding band.

An engagement ring with a low setting, halo, unusually shaped centre stone or wide setting may leave a visible gap between the two rings.

That is not necessarily a problem. Some people like a small gap.

If you want the rings to sit closely together, you can consider:

• a curved wedding band;
• a contoured band shaped around the engagement ring;
• an open wedding band;
• a custom-made matching band; or
• wearing the rings separately.

When buying a wedding band, take your engagement ring with you and try the rings together.

Look at them from above and from the side. Make sure claws, stones or sharp edges are not continually rubbing against the neighbouring ring, as repeated contact can contribute to wear.

Can Wedding and Engagement Rings Be Soldered Together?

Yes. Some people have their wedding ring and engagement ring professionally soldered together after their wedding.

This can help keep the rings aligned and prevent them continually rotating independently of one another.

However, joining them also means you cannot readily wear one ring without the other.

Before having valuable rings joined, ask a qualified jeweller whether soldering is suitable for the metals, settings and construction of your particular jewellery.

How Should You Wear an Eternity or Anniversary Ring?

There is even greater flexibility with anniversary and eternity rings.

Some people add an eternity ring to the existing wedding and engagement ring stack. One possible arrangement is:

Finger → wedding band → engagement ring → eternity ring

Others put an eternity band between their wedding and engagement rings or wear it on the opposite hand.

There is no universally prescribed order.

Consider whether the rings sit comfortably together and whether stones or settings are rubbing against each other.

What If Your Wedding Ring No Longer Fits?

Finger size can change over time, so a wedding ring that fitted perfectly when you married may eventually become too tight or too loose.

If a ring becomes uncomfortable, do not force it onto your finger.

A professional jeweller can assess whether it can safely be resized. The options depend on factors including:

• the metal;
• ring construction;
• engraving;
• gemstone settings;
• the amount of size adjustment required; and
• whether stones extend around the entire band.

Some alternative-metal rings and certain full-eternity designs can be difficult or impossible to resize conventionally.

If resizing is not practical, alternatives can include wearing the original ring on another finger, placing it securely on a chain or incorporating its metal or stones into a new piece of jewellery.

When Should You Remove Your Wedding Ring?

A wedding ring may be intended for everyday wear, but that does not mean it needs to stay on your finger every minute of every day.

Depending on your ring and activities, removal may be sensible when there is a risk of damage, injury or loss.

This may include certain:

• manual work;
• gym and weight-training activities;
• gardening;
• contact sports;
• swimming;
• work involving machinery; or
• activities involving harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.

Different metals and gemstones require different care, so follow the maintenance advice of a qualified jeweller familiar with your particular ring.

Removing your wedding ring temporarily to protect yourself or your jewellery does not change what the ring represents.

Wedding Ring Etiquette: Frequently Asked Questions

Which hand does a wedding ring go on in Australia?

In Australia, a wedding ring is traditionally worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. Right-hand wedding rings can also be appropriate because cultural, religious and personal traditions vary.

Which finger is the wedding ring finger?

The wedding ring finger is the fourth finger when counting from the thumb. It is the finger between the middle finger and little finger. In Australia, the left-hand ring finger is traditionally used.

Does the wedding ring or engagement ring go on first?

Traditionally, the wedding band goes onto the finger first, with the engagement ring positioned immediately above it.

Does the wedding ring go above or below the engagement ring?

The traditional arrangement places the wedding ring below the engagement ring, meaning the wedding band sits closest to the base of the finger.

Do you move your engagement ring on your wedding day?

You can, but you do not have to. Some people temporarily move the engagement ring to their right hand so the wedding band can be placed directly onto the left ring finger during the ceremony.

Can I wear my engagement ring before my wedding ring?

Yes. Although putting the wedding band first is the traditional Australian arrangement, there is no rule requiring you to wear the rings in a particular order.

Can I wear my wedding ring on my right hand?

Yes. Right-hand wedding rings form part of several cultural and religious traditions and can also simply be a matter of personal preference.

Do both partners have to wear their rings on the same hand?

No. Each partner can choose whichever hand, finger and ring arrangement best reflects their culture, comfort, lifestyle and preferences.

Do wedding rings have to match?

No. Matching wedding bands are optional. Couples can choose identical rings, subtly coordinated rings or completely different designs.

Can I wear only my wedding ring without my engagement ring?

Yes. Many people wear a wedding band every day and reserve their engagement ring for particular occasions, especially where work or lifestyle makes wearing a prominent gemstone ring impractical.

Can you wear an engagement ring on your right hand after marriage?

Yes. Some people choose to wear their wedding band on their left hand and engagement ring on their right, particularly if the rings do not sit comfortably together.

Do men wear wedding rings on the left hand in Australia?

Traditionally, yes. The usual Australian convention for people of any gender is to wear a wedding band on the fourth finger of the left hand.

So, What Is the Correct Way to Wear a Wedding Ring?

If you want to follow the traditional Australian convention, the answer is straightforward:

Wear your wedding band on the fourth finger of your left hand. If you also wear an engagement ring, place the wedding band closest to the hand and the engagement ring immediately above it.

But tradition is a guide rather than a compulsory rule.

Your cultural background, religion, relationship, profession, comfort, lifestyle and jewellery design are all legitimate reasons to wear your rings differently.

The most important consideration is not whether one ring sits a few millimetres above or below another. It is what those rings represent to the people wearing them.

Continue Your Wedding Ring Research

If you are still choosing your rings rather than deciding how to wear them, see Brighton Savoy’s How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Ring: Australian Buying Guide.

The guide covers wedding ring metals, widths, comfort, resizing, durability, matching a band to an engagement ring and questions to ask a jeweller before purchasing.

You can also explore Brighton Savoy’s broader Australian Wedding Planning Guide for help working through the other decisions between engagement and your wedding day.

Why Brighton Savoy Publishes Wedding Guides

Brighton Savoy has more than five decades of first-hand history in Melbourne weddings and hospitality. Generations of couples celebrated their weddings at the former Brighton Savoy beachfront hotel and wedding venue opposite Brighton Beach.

Today, Brighton Savoy operates as an independent Australian publishing and information platform covering weddings, hospitality, travel and consumer topics.

Our wedding content combines that long-standing industry experience with ongoing research to create practical information for Australian couples planning weddings today.