The wedding ring: Which hand? Traditions, tips and trends

The decision as to which hand to wear your wedding ring on may seem simple at first glance. In Germany, you wear your wedding ring on the right hand, period. Or is it? We could end the article here or say "you decide". But that would be too easy. That's why we want to support you and your loved one in making the decision.

Wedding ring – which hand is the right one?

The choice of which hand is "the right one" also depends on traditions, cultural peculiarities and practical considerations. Whether right or left, together with the engagement ring or separately - each option has its own advantages, meanings and stories. We give you valuable tips so that you can make the perfect decision for you.

The German tradition: wedding ring on the right hand

In Germany, it is customary to wear the wedding ring on the right hand. But why do people wear the wedding ring on the right hand? This custom goes back to the Roman Catholic Church, which referred to the right ring finger as the "finger of truth." When someone gets engaged, the engagement ring is often worn as a "placeholder" on the right ring finger, before moving to the left ring finger after the wedding to make room for the wedding ring on the right. However, many people also use the engagement ring as a stacking ring. The engagement ring custom comes from the USA. If it is used as a stacking ring according to Germanized tradition, it is then also moved to the right ring finger.

Where do people wear wedding rings in other countries?

In many countries, the wedding ring is traditionally worn on the left hand. These include Italy, Spain, France, the USA and Great Britain. The reason? The left ring finger is said to be directly connected to the heart through the so-called Vena Amoris, the "vein of love". This romantic idea makes the left ring finger the preferred place for the wedding ring in many countries. Here is a brief overview of how it is worn in some countries:

• Germany : Wedding ring on the right, engagement ring often on the left.

• Italy : Wedding ring on the left, a sign of love.

• Spain : Similar to Italy, wedding ring on the left.

• France : Wedding ring on the left, tradition of Vena Amoris.

• USA and UK : Wedding ring on the left, common.

Wedding ring right or left for left-handed people?

In addition to cultural and traditional aspects, your handedness can also play a role. If you are right-handed, it might be more practical to wear the ring on your left hand to protect it from wear and tear. If you are left-handed, the right hand might be the better choice. This can be an important consideration, especially for jobs that place a lot of strain on the hands - such as manual jobs. After all, your wedding ring should not only last a lifetime, but also remain in the best possible condition. By the way: Depending on which hand you use more often, the ring finger can also be thicker or thinner. Of course, you should also take this into account when choosing your ring. You can find out how to determine your ring size in our blog article " Determining ring size without a ring ".

Not only the hand, but also the material of your wedding ring plays a role in the decision. Softer gold, as is often used for wedding rings, is more susceptible to scratches and wear. If you do a lot of manual work, it is advisable to use 333 or 585 gold instead of 750 gold. The ring should also be worn on the hand that is less used.

On which side do you wear the wedding ring and the engagement ring?

When it comes to the question of the “right” hand, the engagement ring also plays a role. Here, too, there are three options and considerations:

• Both rings on one finger: Many people choose to wear their engagement ring and wedding ring on the same finger. This can be both visually and symbolically meaningful, as both rings together represent a sign of unity and continuity. Ring stacking also always looks great.

• Separate hands: Some couples wear their wedding ring and engagement ring on different hands. This may be for practical reasons, but some people simply want to give both rings the appearance they deserve or find a combination of both simply too clunky.

• Bye engagement ring: Some people take off their engagement ring after the wedding because they are no longer engaged. Then the engagement ring is only worn on special occasions or depending on the mood, either with the wedding ring or separately on the other hand.

Which hand is best for wearing a wedding ring?

Choosing which hand to wear your wedding ring on is a personal decision. And from a practical point of view, it's not a decision you have to make forever. Regardless of whether you choose the right or left hand, the important thing is that you and your partner feel comfortable with the decision and that it symbolizes your love and connection.

If you are still unsure, just try out different variations and find out what feels best for you. After all, your wedding ring should not only be a symbol of your love, but also a piece of jewelry that you enjoy wearing.