How To Wear A Wedding Band And Engagement Ring
Sophie Diego
Table of Contents
It’s a common misconception that wedding bands replace engagement rings. In retrospect, they do—considering they’re swapped for the left hand before the ceremony begins.
While some choose to lock-box their betrothal keepsake for future generations, others prefer to show it off. After all, that $6,000 splurge is half-intended as a love symbol and also meant to be a subtle flex.
So, you’re probably wondering how to wear a wedding band and engagement ring. It isn’t a simple matter of jewelry stacking, as these rings—with their intricate design—demand to be put on display.
For those prepping for a photo shoot, a fancy date, or an upcoming anniversary, I’ll provide some styling ideas worth considering.
This ‘how to wear a wedding band and engagement ring’ guide will cover multiple style topics, including:
- How to style a rose gold wedding band
- Different types of wedding band sets
- How to wear a black diamond engagement ring
- Varieties of men’s wedding band designs
What Is A Wedding Band And An Engagement Ring?
Swapping ‘I do’s’ isn’t just considered a verbal exchange. Rings also play a pivotal role in engagements and weddings. For most, these keepsakes symbolize love, promise, and commitment.
It’s worth noting that there’s a subtle difference between these two jewelry pieces, but you can rest assured that the meaning is the same for both.
However, engagement rings are typically more ornate. Often decorated with fancy gems and metals, there are thousands of unique designs on the market.
Wedding bands, on the other hand, are usually more simple. In some cases, they’re free of adorned diamonds and precious metals altogether.
History Of Wedding Bands And Engagement Rings
Weddings are considered an archaic tradition. Let’s circle back to ancient Egypt, where betrothals began with a simple ring exchange. The ring’s infinite design was intentional, given that it symbolized ouroboros—a snake swallowing its own tail.
Meant to represent the cycle of life, its meaning was further enhanced when placed on the fourth finger of the left hand. To Egyptians, this specific area had a vein that directly connects to the heart.
Early Romans and Greeks picked up that tradition and with it, became responsible for the popularity of precious metal rings. Engagement bands, however, didn’t become customary until 850 when Christianity became the main figurehead for official marriages.
Today, wedding bands and engagement rings are considered an important symbol for serious couples. We’ve evolved past simple metal, though, as modern-day designs feature precious gemstones and insets for a more glamorous alternative.
When To Wear A Wedding Band And Engagement Ring
Obviously, an engagement ring is traditionally worn directly after you become engaged. It’s common to wear this ring on the right hand until the wedding ceremony, at which point the groom will place it on the bride’s left ring finger.
Of course, wearing both signifies that you’re no longer a fiance and that you’re officially married. Naturally, wearing either one means something different. And you don’t have to wear the engagement ring if you already own a wedding band.
In terms of occasions, there’s really no specific event that requires you to wear both. You can even don your wedding band and engagement ring as part of your everyday dress.
That said, I totally understand those who prefer to reserve the complete look for fancy occasions, such as anniversaries.
How To Wear Wedding Band And Engagement Ring
For some, wearing their wedding band and engagement ring requires no additional accessorizing. Sentimentality is already stylish, after all. But for those looking to enhance their ‘newly married’ glow, I’ll provide some fashion tips for trendsetters to consider.
It’s worth noting that I’ll mostly focus on OOTDs that do wonders by accentuating your married or a-fianced state. With that in mind, don’t be alarmed if some of these outfits are free of a wedding band or an engagement ring.
12 Outfit Ideas With A Wedding Band And Engagement Ring
Let’s be honest. We often play it safe when it comes to reception outfits. That said, weddings are a time of celebration, which requires an equally festive look to match.
Case in point, this OOTD features a series of armored stilettos rings that help complement your band and engagement set.
Engraved with intricate swirls and decals, it’s considered a more practical alternative to wearing long nails. In terms of the ensemble itself, you can never go wrong with a poofy dress, such as those sold at Selkie.
Minimalism works beautifully with loud jewelry. If you’re blessed with a 4-carat Swarovski set, this ‘how to wear a wedding band and engagement ring’ guide highly recommends opting for a simple outfit.
Featuring a cream turtleneck, beige pants, and alabaster heels, this OOTD puts all the emphasis on any additional accessories. In order to properly flex your newly married status, I suggest rolling up your sleeves as a quick styling tip.
Speaking of simplicity, this casual outfit is considered the perfect go-to for honeymoons.
Composed of a cable-knit shirt, light-wash jeans, and a series of stacked necklaces, it can help emphasize your wedding band and engagement ring set in a subtle manner. If anything, it screams ‘young married couple living their life in Soho, New York.’
In terms of shoes, for this ‘how to wear a wedding band and engagement ring’ guide, I’d suggest wearing Converse sneakers or loafers, depending on what mood you’re in.
You can never go wrong with casual academia. For instance, this chic outfit features a beige trenchcoat, a cream turtleneck, matching pants, and a pair of black boots. Tailored to perfection, this classy OOTD can definitely make you look like an accomplished university professor.
Wearing a wedding band and an engagement ring only adds to the charm of this outfit. And obviously, having a partner that has the same taste in fashion enhances the final look as well.
Getting married in your early 20s typically entails a ‘fun, flirty, but taken’ lifestyle. With that in mind, it’s only natural that your outfit matches your vibe. This summer-inspired look is comprised of a floral mini dress and a Y2K-inspired choker.
Complemented with a wedding band and engagement ring, it’s definitely the outfit to wear during casual dates between you and your partner. For the rest of the OOTD, a pair of platform sandals can help enhance the overall look.
Ideal for photoshoots, fancy dinners, and reception parties, this dreamy number is a perfect match for the fairytale aspect of marriage. It’s composed of floral chiffon fabric with ruffles for extra volume.
Form-fitting in silhouette, it’s the perfect go-to for those who want to channel their inner Cinderella. This ‘how to wear a wedding band and engagement ring’ guide suggests wearing a pair of dainty kitten heels to help complete the final outfit.
This look is a bit too casual for weddings, but it’s definitely something to consider for the reception.
Featuring a gray blazer, a patterned button-down shirt, and a pair of matching dress pants, this playful look exudes that celebratory vibe that marriage is all about.
It’s best accentuated with diamond accents, which are most likely readily available on your nuptial jewelry. If you’re feeling especially extra, why not complete the final look with a pair of studded earrings?
Who says that marriage requires a ‘mature’ dress sense afterward? Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to sacrifice your current style in order to look more adult.
If anything, you should treat your new status as an opportunity to experiment with various aesthetics, such as streetwear.
Composed of a puffy blue jacket, a black top, matching tights, and a pair of chunky Doc Martens, this look stays true to its youthful spirit. Wearing silver jewelry is a must, as it can help offset the dark tones of the outfit.
Stacked jewelry looks best with bright colors. If you’re a fan of neon, this ‘how to wear a wedding band and engagement ring’ guide suggests wearing this vibrant OOTD.
Comprised of an orange top, a Barbie pink handbag, light-wash jeans, and a pair of green heels, it’s emitting ‘young, fun, and thirty’ vibes for those who are married. For additional accessories, a set of hoops can help accentuate your decolletage.
Jil Sander is known to blend simplicity with maturity. From dresses to pantsuits, this designer brand knows how to elevate minimalism.
With that in mind, for this ‘how to wear a wedding band and engagement ring’ guide, I highly recommend opting for this label if you want to exude a level of sophistication. Showcasing a white midi dress, ankle booties, and a mustard yellow clutch, this look works beautifully with any nuptial jewelry.
The plush nature of velvet and suede goes very well with glamorous jewelry. If you own an extravagant opal engagement ring or a bedazzled wedding band, I suggest opting for this stunning look.
Worn by the legendary Tyler the Creator, this outfit features a red blazer, matching pants, a turquoise turtleneck, brown loafers, and a series of gem-studded rings. It definitely has King Louis XIV vibes, but as a more subtle alternative.
Looking for a simple way to style your women’s wedding band? If so, I suggest that you go back to the basics. This outfit is comprised of a white turtleneck, a black blazer, dress pants, and a matching belt.
It’s all about fit, as this OOTD is relatively simple in design. Ideal for fancy events such as anniversaries or 5-star dinners, this ‘how to wear a wedding band and engagement ring’ contender is definitely something worth considering in the future.
What Type of Wedding Band And Engagement Ring Can You Get?
Dreaming of your future ‘I dos?’ If so, you’re probably fantasizing about your perfect wedding band or engagement ring. For those prepping for an engagement, this style guide will discuss some popular designs that are worth keeping in mind.
- The sentimental aesthetic: Often characterized by rough-cut gemstones and handcrafted metal, this style of wedding/engagement ring usually symbolizes effort and humility.
- The ‘Dynasty’ ring: This specific cut refers to ostentatious gemstones and bedazzled insets. Basically, it’s the kind of ring meant to incite jealousy among married and non-married trendsetters.
- The infinity band: Considered one of the most popular designs on the market, this ring features an interwoven loop with a series of crystal insets.
How To Choose The Best Wedding Band And Engagement Ring
Choosing the best wedding/engagement ring requires a lot of forethought. It’s the type of purchase that needs months of consideration.
Typically bought for an astounding $3,000+, budget, design, and practicality play a big role in the decision-making process. If you’re in need of some shopping assistance, this ‘how to wear a wedding band and engagement ring’ guide will brief you with some details.
Material quality plays a pivotal role in the ring’s lifespan and overall look. Trust me, you do not want to settle for a cheap option, as it’ll run the risk of breakage in the future. Opting for real diamonds and precious metals will help guarantee durability.
If you’re skeptical about the make of your ring, I recommend requesting the help of a professional, as they can authenticate gemstones and other core materials.
The design you choose will heavily depend on your partner’s taste. To help prevent disappointment, it’s best to confirm the design with your future fiance before making a purchase.
It’s worth noting that you don’t have to ‘spill the beans’ when it comes to an engagement, as you can easily get a sense of their preferences by casually taking them to a jewelry shop. Whether they prefer minimalism or retro vintage, you can rest assured that there’s a ring out there for you.
Of course, it’s important to keep your personal budget in mind too. Wedding/engagement rings can retail for around $3,000 to $6,000, depending on the design.
If that seems out of your ballpark range, I suggest getting placeholder bands for the time being. They provide you with enough time to save up, given how expensive weddings usually are.
How To Style Wedding Band And Engagement Ring Outfits
Styling wedding bands and engagement rings shouldn’t be that difficult. In fact, they’re one of the easier pieces to style compared to other types of jewelry.
But for those in need of additional styling tips, I’ll provide some inspo for the fashionably inclined.
- The stacked approach: This styling tip requires you to stack your wedding band and engagement ring on top of each other. This works best with simple designs, as glamorous sets can often look too overwhelming.
- The left & right-hand look: Most wedding experts recommend wearing the wedding band on the left and the engagement ring on the right.
- Additional accessories: This includes more rings, bracelets, earrings, or necklaces. I suggest sticking to one type of precious metal, like rose gold or sterling silver.
- Consider personalization: Some couples opt for engraved initials or symbols on their wedding/engagement rings. It’s considered a simple way to add a personalized touch to any type of jewelry.
Fashion Tips To Avoid With Wedding Band And Engagement Ring Outfits
Here’s to hoping that you know how to wear a wedding band and engagement ring. That said, inspiration doesn’t always result in the best looks. For those not fond of post-Instagram regret, this style guide will discuss some fashion faux pas with this set of jewelry.
- Gloves: Delicate fabrics, such as chiffon and silk, are prone to ripping when they’re under stress. If you’re still intent on wearing gloves, I recommend taking your rings off beforehand.
- Athleticwear: High-performance activities, such as climbing, jogging, and sports, often do a number on jewelry. To help prevent tarnishing and loss, it’s best that you keep your wedding and engagement rings tucked away.
- Mix-and-match: As previously stated, this ‘how to wear a wedding band and engagement ring’ guide recommends sticking to one type of precious metal. It’s generally considered poor taste to pair silver with gold.
- Loud accessories: If you want your wedding ring to stand out, I suggest sticking to simple jewelry. Bright and bold designs are known to hog most of the spotlight.
How To Take Care Of A Wedding Band And An Engagement Ring
Obviously, that $5,000 investment should be well looked after. To help maintain the durability of your jewelry, this ‘how to wear a wedding band and engagement ring’ guide will provide some tips and tricks worth considering.
- Eliminate excess dirt and debris with a microfiber cloth
- Wipe off any stains with a damp cloth
- Consider professional help for in-depth cleaning
- Never take your wedding/engagement ring off in public
- Store in a dark and dry place to help maintain its quality
Best Places To Buy A Wedding Band And An Engagement Ring
Before this ‘how to wear a wedding band and engagement ring’ guide comes to a close, I’d like to leave readers with some store recommendations. You can rest assured that each retailer is known for its quality selection of designs.
- Vrai
- Etsy
- Blue Nile
- KatKim
Final Thoughts
Whether you realize it or not, wedding bands and engagement rings can help boost one’s confidence. As a result, they can enhance almost any final outfit. From minimalism to cottagecore, this specific set of jewelry can add a fairy-tale element to any core aesthetic.
If anything, it’s considered an ‘automatic’ accessory, as long as you never take it off. From the outfits I’ve featured, I’m fairly certain that I’ve given you enough fashion inspo for weeks to come.
Whether you own a princess-cut engagement ring or a family heirloom, there are hundreds of unique ensembles that are worth a try-on.
Looking to up your fashion game? We’ve got you covered:
