Quick answer (if you want it fast)

In many Western countries (United States, Canada, the U.K., much of Latin America), wedding rings are traditionally worn on the left ring finger. In large parts of Eastern and Central Europe — and in many Orthodox Christian communities — the right ring finger is the norm. Religious practices (for example, some Jewish and Orthodox Christian rituals) and local culture determine which hand is used — and modern couples increasingly choose whichever feels right for them.

The idea of wearing a ring on the fourth finger goes back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians and later the Romans believed a special connection ran from the fourth finger of the left hand to the heart — the so-called vena amoris, or “vein of love.” That poetic idea helped make the fourth finger the symbolic place for rings signifying love and commitment. Modern anatomy doesn’t support the literal vein story, but the symbolism stuck and became tradition.

The left ring finger is most common across English-speaking countries and much of the Americas. The “left” tradition is the one many people first imagine when asked about wedding rings. Popular wedding / engagement customs—such as wearing an engagement ring on the left ring finger and adding/moving the wedding band after marriage—are rooted in these Western conventions.

Many countries in Eastern Europe and parts of Central/Northern Europe traditionally wear wedding rings on the right hand. Examples include Russia, Poland, Greece, Germany (in many regions), Austria, Norway, and several others. In Latin America some countries, such as Colombia and Venezuela, also have right-hand traditions. These customs are often tied to regional religious practices, historical precedent, or symbolic meanings associated with the right hand.

In India customs vary by region, religion, and community. Historically the right hand is often considered the “clean” or auspicious hand for rituals, and many couples who wear wedding/engagement rings do so on the right hand — though modern practices and Western influence mean you’ll see both hands used today.

In many Jewish wedding ceremonies the ring is placed on the right index finger of the bride (and sometimes the groom) during the marriage declaration; afterward, many Jewish people move the ring to the left ring finger for everyday wear. The right hand holds special significance in Jewish law and lore — used for oaths and for expressing precedence — which explains why the right hand is used in some ritual contexts.

Eastern Orthodox weddings commonly place the wedding rings on the right hand, reflecting liturgical symbolism and regional custom. In many Orthodox countries this right-hand tradition is the cultural norm.

In many Catholic and Protestant countries, the left ring finger is the typical choice — though local variants exist and clergy or families may follow older regional customs.

• Engagement ring on the left; wedding band added on top: This is common in the U.S. and U.K.

• Engagement ring on left, wedding ring moved to right after ceremony: Some European couples move the engagement ring to the right after marriage, or stack rings on the same finger on the left.

• Only one ring used in ceremony: In some traditions only a single band is used as the wedding ring (no separate engagement ring).

Customs about which ring goes where differ by country — that’s why it’s common to see engagement rings and wedding bands being rearranged depending on culture and personal preference.

These days many couples decide based on practical reasons rather than strict tradition:

• Dominant hand & comfort: If you work with your hands, you might prefer the non-dominant hand to reduce wear and tear.

• Ring stacking & style choices: Some choose to stack an engagement ring and wedding band on the left and put other rings on the right.

• Relocation & mixed-culture marriages: Couples from different traditions often compromise or alternate — some wear rings on one hand for ceremonies and the other for daily life.

• Personal meaning: Many couples invent their own rituals — for example, wearing a ring on the left during dating and moving it to the right at marriage, or vice versa.

There’s no single “correct” choice anymore — tradition guides some couples, but personal comfort and symbolism guide others.

If you’re unsure, ask yourself:

1. What does tradition in your family or culture say? Some families place high importance on ceremony-based placement.

2. Do you have a religious or ceremonial reason to choose one hand? (Discuss with your officiant if necessary.)

3. Which hand is your dominant hand? Non-dominant often sees less wear.

4. Do you want to stack rings or show off an engagement ring? Stacking often determines which hand looks best.

5. Practical considerations: occupations, sports, or activities that could damage a ring might influence placement.

• Sizing: Fingers swell and shrink with temperature, altitude, and time of day — size rings later in the day for best fit.

• Durability: If your ring will be worn on the dominant hand, consider sturdier metals (platinum, 14k gold with stronger alloys) and simpler profiles.

• Insurance: Consider jewelry insurance for valuable rings — especially if you travel with them.

• Ceremonial index-finger placement: If your ceremony uses the index finger (as in some Jewish rites), ring sizing may need adjusting for comfort during the ritual.

• In Poland, the right hand is traditional; widows/widowers sometimes wear a ring on the left to indicate bereavement in older customs.

• In several Latin American countries, wedding rings are commonly worn on the right hand.

• Some regions historically used other fingers (even thumbs) for rings — but the fourth finger became dominant due to symbolic ideas like the vena amoris.