> In France, the wedding band is worn on the left ring finger; in many countries (Germany, Spain, Russia…), it's the right ring finger. The choice is down to

*Source : https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/wedding-ring-which-hand/*

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● Guide

# Wedding ring: which hand and which finger?

Published on **24/07/2026** · By **Sébastien Joumel**

In brief

**In France, the wedding band is worn on the left ring finger; in many countries (Germany, Spain, Russia…), it's the right ring finger.** The choice is down to local tradition, not a universal rule. Here are the customs, their origin, and how to combine a wedding band with an engagement ring.

## The short answer

In **France** and much of the Western world, the band is worn on the **ring finger of the left hand** (the 4th finger). Several countries wear it on the **right hand**: Germany, Austria, Spain, Poland, Russia, Greece, among others. No hand is "more correct": it's a matter of custom.

## Where the left ring finger comes from

The tradition traces back to an ancient belief that a vein, the _vena amoris_, ran directly from the left ring finger to the heart. Anatomy disproved it, but the symbol stuck and settled into Western custom.

## Wearing the band and engagement ring together

On the wedding day, the **band traditionally goes on first**, closest to the heart (at the base of the finger), with the engagement ring on top. Day to day, many stack them on the same finger; others move the engagement ring to the other hand. Which finger for the engagement ring? See our [dedicated guide](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/engagement-ring-which-finger/).

## And for men?

Same logic: left ring finger in France, right elsewhere. A men's band, plainer, follows the country's custom and the couple's choice — the key is consistency between the two partners.

## Frequently asked questions

Which hand is the wedding ring worn on in France?

In France, the wedding band is worn on the ring finger of the left hand. It's the local custom; other countries such as Germany, Spain or Russia wear it on the right hand.

Why is the wedding ring worn on the left ring finger?

By tradition: it was once believed that a vein, the vena amoris, connected the left ring finger to the heart. Anatomy disproved it, but the symbol remained in Western custom.

How do I wear a wedding band and engagement ring together?

Traditionally the band goes first at the base of the finger (closest to the heart), the engagement ring on top. Day to day, you can stack them or wear the engagement ring on the other hand.

## Read also

[

Guide

How to choose an engagement ring

](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/choose-engagement-ring/)[

Guide

Which finger does the engagement ring go on?

](https://meilleures-bijouteries.fr/en/guides/engagement-ring-which-finger/)

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