Each Wednesday, we tackle wedding etiquette. At times, it’s a reader question or one from a colleague, friend or family member and other times we’ll cover a popular issue. This week, we’re running an excerpt from Dee Lane’s etiquette column in our New Orleans Bride Magazine Summer/Autumn 2014 issue.
Question: I’m having a debate with my bridesmaids that I’m hoping you can settle: What is the proper way to wear a wedding ring set? And, how do I wear my rings the day of the wedding? Which goes first and how do they stay?
Answer: There is actually a wonderful sentiment behind how wedding sets should be worn. The idea is that you wear your wedding band closest to your heart – first on your finger – with your engagement ring closer to your knuckle – or put on above the band.
Right before your wedding ceremony, you should transfer your engagement ring to another finger – I suggest the ring finger of your right hand – so that your fiancé can most easily slide on your wedding band during your ceremony. Then, as soon as you have a moment to do so, you can slide your engagement ring back onto your left ring finger.
If you have a full band set (or two bands, also known as a cage), then you should put the second band on top of the engagement ring – closest to your knuckle.
Do you have a solution to share or a wedding etiquette question? Respond in the comments or email Melanie@MyNewOrleans.com.
For more advice by New Orleans Bride Magazine etiquette columnist Dee Lane, check out her most recent column in the new Winter/Spring 2015 issue or her column from the Summer 2014 issue.
