If you want to. Sure, that’s an unsatisfying answer, but it really is that simple. If you want to wear your engagement ring on your wedding day (and many do), you absolutely can. That being said, there’s no rule requiring you to do so. It’s totally your preference. The real question here is whether you should wear your engagement ring on your wedding day.
Does the Answer Differ for Bride and Groom?
Great question! Still, though, not really. While not all grooms wear engagement rings in general, it ends up being a preference thing regardless. It’s much more common for a bride to wear one than a groom, for what it’s worth. However you go about it, there are pros and cons for each.
Why to Wear Your Engagement Ring on Your Wedding Day
Sentimentality
If your ring has sentimental value, you probably want to incorporate that on your wedding day. You could have it on your other hand or on a chain around your neck if you like. Maybe you like the symbolism of the transition of one ring to the other.
It’s easy to add a layer of sentimentality to the ceremony when you already have your engagement ring. If your engagement ring is a family heirloom, you likely want to incorporate it. If it isn’t, though, sentimentality may not play as important of a role here.
Aesthetics
Maybe you think it looks more balanced this way. You like the moving of one ring in favor of the other. Maybe your engagement and wedding rings complement each other, and you want to incorporate both of them. Wearing your engagement ring on your wedding day opens up stylistic avenues you might not have otherwise.
Source: shutterstock.com/Prostock-studio
Why Not to Wear Your Engagement Ring on Your Wedding Day
Convenience
Wedding days can be crazy bundles of nerves and excitement. In fact, that’s likely the default state. With so many moving parts, not wearing your engagement ring can be a purely functional decision. When you’re worrying about so many things at once, the engagement ring is just the cherry on top of a day of well-dressed stress.
Safety
We’re not worried you’re going to hurt yourself wearing an engagement ring (at least, hopefully). We’re talking about the ring here. Maybe it gets scuffed in the transfer, or your best man drops it. Who knows? Sure, it’s unlikely, but you’ve been meticulously taking care of your engagement ring so why risk it now?
Aesthetics
Maybe your engagement ring and your choice of a classic men’s wedding band don’t go together aesthetically. Sure, it’s really not that big of a deal. You’re probably not wearing them at the same time.
However, if you put your engagement ring on your right hand and your wedding ring on your left, they may look odd next to each other. Yeah, we’re splitting hairs, but it’s a consideration.
Source: shutterstock.com/Bogdan Sonjachnyj
What to Do with Your Engagement Ring
If you don’t want to wear it on your other hand, you have to put it somewhere during (and then after) the ceremony. You could hand it off to your best man and entrust that to him. It’s not a bad option, but it is one that adds some moving parts to an already complex day.
At the end of the day, this is one of those things that’s entirely up to your preference. There are pros and cons for each, so do what’s going to make the most sense for you. Whatever you do, make sure you pick up a men’s ring sizing chart before you commit to any type of ring!
