Wedding rings are a wedding day shopping essential for every couple, whether you’re into gold, white gold, platinum, diamonds or other sparkly things! For centuries, they’ve been a symbol of love and commitment across different cultures and traditions. Styles have changed over the years, but the meaning behind the wedding ring has stayed as strong as ever.
Not proposed yet? Read The Ultimate To A Romatic Proposal Location in London
HOW DO WEDDING RINGS WORK?
Wedding rings are the physical reminder of the vows exchanged during the ceremony. They represent love, unity, and the promise of a lifelong commitment. Their circular shape, having no beginning or end, represents infinite love and devotion.
Whilst wedding rings are mostly symbolic, they also have practical purposes, wearing one is a clear way to show you’re married, avoiding any awkward “Are you single?” moments and more importantly your wedding ring carries deep sentimental value, it’s a reminder of the big day and the journey you’ve been on together.
In some cultures and legal systems, it’s also seen as a recognised sign of marriage, though it’s not required for a marriage to be legally binding. Traditionally, rings are exchanged during the ceremony, usually after the vows, and are then meant to be worn every day.
HOW ARE WEDDING RINGS WORN?
Traditionally, Wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, the “ring finger”. Sometimes this varies across cultures and personal preferences for example, in Orthodox Christian traditions, wedding rings are worn on the right hand instead.
Most people wear their engagement and wedding rings together on the same finger, with the wedding band closer to the heart, below the engagement ring. But some prefer to wear them on separate hands, totally up to personal style!
For people who can’t wear rings at work, like doctors or construction workers, or people who just prefer not to, wearing the ring on a chain around their neck is a popular alternative. Recently, we’ve also seen a rise in ring “alternatives” like silicone bands, which are great for active lifestyles, and travel-friendly “fake” rings for those who don’t want to risk losing the real deal on holidays, or even opting for no ring at all and going for a tattoo on the ring finger. It’s all about what works best for you!
WHY DO WE WEAR WEDDING RINGS ON THE LEFT HAND?
The tradition of wearing a wedding ring on the left hand goes way back, thousands of years, and is tied to both history and symbolism. There’s the “Vein of Love” theory, from ancient Rome where the Romans believed the vein called the Vena Amoris ran directly from the fourth finger on the left hand directly to the heart. It was seen as a romantic and symbolic way to connect the ring directly to love itself. Modern anatomy has proven that all fingers have veins leading directly to the heart, but tradition has stood the test of time!
CHOOSING THE PERFECT WEDDING RING
Picking the perfect wedding ring is a big deal! It’s something you’ll (hopefully) wear every day, so it should feel perfect!
The first thing to think about is the material. A classic yellow gold, sleek white gold, modern platinum, or maybe something a little different like rose gold or titanium. Each metal has its own look, feel, and durability, so it’s important to consider things like your lifestyle. If you’re hard on jewellery, platinum is super durable, while gold is softer. If you have metal allergies, hypoallergenic options like platinum or titanium might be a better option.
Jewellers will usually suggest getting matching metals for your wedding and engagement ring, not just for visuals but because different metals wear down at different rates, so if you stack a softer gold band with a harder platinum one, the gold could wear down faster over time. At the end of the day, it’s about choosing rings that feel right for each of you.
Next, when thinking about your rings, you need to consider style and comfort. Some people love a simple, timeless band, while others want something with diamonds or unique detailing. If you’re wearing it with an engagement ring, make sure they look good together! Some bands are designed to fit snugly against certain engagement ring styles. Comfort is also important as you’ll be wearing it daily. It’s good to try different widths and finishes to see what feels best on your finger. Also, think about ring profiles, curved, flat, domed, they all feel a little different when worn, especially when stacked next to an engagement ring, or future eternity band…
Some other things to think about are practicality and personal touches. If you’re an active person or work with your hands a lot, a low-maintenance ring like a brushed finish or a plain band might be better than something with intricate designs or stones that need regular cleaning. Men will often choose Titanium as it’s lightweight, durable, low maintenance and hypoallergenic or Platinum which is also a great choice for a wedding band as it’s incredibly durable, naturally hypoallergenic, and has a timeless, elegant look. It’s also resistant to tarnish and corrosion, so it keeps its look for years without needing constant upkeep.
And if you want to make it extra special, you could consider custom engraving, we’ve seen couples add their wedding date or initials. You could also do an inside joke only the two of you get. Ultimately, the perfect wedding ring isn’t just about trends on social media or what looks good in a jewellery store, it’s about you and what feels right for you.
If you can’t find something you love, going the custom route might be more your style. It’s a great way to get something totally unique and bespoke to you. It’s a great option if you’re having a hard time finding the one, but custom can take time, so make sure you plan the time for it to be made. But in the end you’ll have something totally personal to you, making it even more special.
Our advice? Take your time, try on different styles, and pick something you’ll actually love wearing every day. Wedding rings aren’t just another piece of jewellery, they’re a meaningful symbol of your love, commitment, and the life you’re building together. Traditions may differ, even maybe between the couple’s families, but the sentiment stays the same, a lifelong promise
So don’t rush it. Find a ring that speaks to you, one you’ll be proud to wear, and enjoy every moment of this new chapter in your life!
Did this blog help you? Check out our Instagram for so much more inspiration and tips to help your wedding planning here or if you’ve recently gotten engaged and are thinking of hiring a planner then book in for a consultation here!