Which Finger Does a Wedding Ring Go On?

"What finger does the wedding ring go on?" We're willing to bet you've known the answer to this question since you were a child, as it's pretty common for most people, particularly in the United States, to sport their wedding ring on the left ring finger. But why is this piece of jewelry worn on the "wedding ring finger" in the first place? And do brides and grooms absolutely have to sport it this way?

Below, we delve into the intriguing story behind traditional ring finger placements and why you might choose (or not choose) to follow this custom. Plus, uncover other commonly asked questions and traditions behind engagement and promise rings.

What Is the Wedding Ring Finger?

In many Western cultures, the wedding ring finger is designated as the fourth finger on the left hand. This originated from the belief that this digit had a vein running directly to the heart, and "The early Romans called this the Vena Amoris, or vein of love," explains jeweler Stephanie Selle. So, to solidify a union founded in love, a ring was placed on that specific finger to signify the romance that the newly wedded couple shared, essentially connecting their two hearts.

Sadly, our modern-day understanding of anatomy shows that all fingers have venous connections to the heart and no such singular vein exists, shattering the adorable symbolism. Yet tradition still holds true for many couples who designate their left-hand ring finger to signify their commitment to each other.

With all this in mind, it's important to note that cultural traditions and trends set the standard for this custom. According to Selle, "Historically, wedding rings have been documented to be worn on every finger, even the thumb. Today, wedding rings are most commonly worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. But some countries, including India, Germany, Spain, Norway, and Russia, traditionally wear their wedding rings on their right hand."

How to Follow the Ring Finger Tradition

From wedding rings to finger tattoos, there are many ways to express your commitment of love to your partner and stick with tradition, as highlighted below.

The Wedding Ring

As mentioned before, wedding rings are most often worn on the fourth finger from the right, on the left hand, particularly in the West. But, you're also welcome to wear your wedding ring on the right-hand ring finger. In doing so, you'd be following the example of many central and northern European couples—like Norway, Austria, Denmark, Poland, Belgium (some areas), Germany, Russia, Latvia, Greece, Bulgaria, and Ukraine—in addition to Orthodox Christians and many couples in India.

The wedding ring tradition is also one that holds great meaning to same-sex couples. "I remember before individual states passed same-sex marriage, many LGBTQ+ couples would wear 'commitment' rings, sometimes on their right hand," says Selle. "But since the Supreme Court ruled same-sex marriage a constitutional right, just about all of the LGBTQ+ couples I know and have worked with choose the traditional ring finger for their wedding rings."

The Engagement Ring

True to tradition, the newly engaged have taken to wearing the engagement ring on the left wedding ring finger. Interestingly, some of the people in Europe who choose to wear their wedding rings on their right hand, still wear their engagement ring on the left and then transfer it over. (Again, your engagement ring placement will always come down to your personal or cultural preferences.)

If you do decide to wear your engagement and wedding rings on the same finger, though, you may be wondering about stacking. Married duos conventionally wear their wedding bands closest to their hearts, meaning they're at the bottom of the stack, below the engagement ring. For added pragmatism, some brides even opt to have their wedding and engagement rings soldered together into one unified piece. We love how this introduces an entirely new "marital bond" metaphor, but whether you choose to uphold a time-old tradition or create your very own is entirely up to you.

The Promise Ring

The tradition of promise rings can arguably be traced back to the rise of "posy rings" in England and France during the Middle Ages. These were tokens exchanged between lovers and often inscribed with short love poems.

Today, they are predominantly gifted in the same fashion, but the actual "promises" behind a promise ring can have different meanings to different people. Commitment is the general idea here, but whether that commitment is to an upcoming engagement, abstinence until marriage, the idea of forever, or just the immediate future, varies. In terms of placement, no particular rule exists, though many believe whichever finger you've designated as your "engagement and/or wedding ring finger" holds the greatest significance.

No Ring

Rings are a nice way to symbolize your union—and they've got those endless, infinite circle metaphors making a solid case for them—but you certainly don't have to wear one if that's your preference. Or, if you're seriously committed to an expression of permanence and self-sacrifice, nontraditional couples may opt to get a tattoo on their ring fingers to signify their marriage. In this particular instance, you should be very confident in your designation of the finger and hand that will display your commitment, as it's no longer a simple slip-on, slip-off kind of thing.