It’s a small circle of metal, often overlooked among the grandeur of gowns and florals. And yet, the wedding ring holds a significance that quietly outshines all other wedding details. It is the symbol that lasts long after the cake is cut, the speeches are spoken, and the final dance has faded.
But why rings? And why on that finger?
Let’s take a closer look at one of the most enduring traditions in the history of marriage.
Why do we exchange rings at all?
The use of rings to symbolise a union dates back thousands of years — to ancient Egypt, in fact. Circular objects were seen as emblems of eternity: no beginning, no end, just continuous, unbroken love. Egyptian couples would exchange braided hemp or reed rings as tokens of commitment, long before gold or gemstones entered the picture.
The idea was later adopted by the Greeks and Romans, with rings evolving into more durable materials like iron and, eventually, gold. In Roman culture, a ring wasn’t just a romantic token — it was often a symbol of ownership or contractual agreement. Thankfully, today’s exchanges are built more on partnership than possession.
The enduring presence of rings in wedding ceremonies speaks to something deeper: permanence, promise, and presence. The ring is a daily, visible reminder of the vows taken — simple, silent, and always near.
Why the fourth finger?
Tradition places the wedding ring on the fourth finger of the left hand — which we commonly call the “ring finger.” But why?
The story, as it’s often told, comes from an ancient belief in the vena amoris, or the “vein of love,” said to run directly from that finger to the heart. It’s a poetic myth — anatomically inaccurate, yes, but emotionally resonant.
In truth, the tradition varies across cultures. Many European countries place the wedding ring on the right hand. But in the UK and much of the Western world, the fourth finger of the left hand remains the chosen spot — perhaps less for anatomy than for symbolism and consistency.
There’s a certain comfort in tradition, even when its origins are wrapped in myth.
What does the exchange actually mean?
It’s easy to focus on the moment itself: the words, the sliding of the ring onto the finger, the applause. But the deeper meaning is in the exchange — a mutual act of offering and accepting.
To give a ring is to say: “I choose you, and I choose this bond.”
To receive one is to say: “I accept, and I honour it in return.”
It is a promise made visible, a vow made wearable. And unlike many other wedding elements, it goes with you. Into daily life. Into challenges and triumphs. Into the ordinary and extraordinary alike. It also forms part of a physical legal contract, in which something must be given, and received by each party.
However simple or ornate your rings may be, their power lies not in carats or engraving, but in their meaning.
A circle, worn close, declaring something quietly profound: this is not just a wedding day — this is a lifelong commitment.