When I got married, I stayed organized by keeping a very long, very detailed list of everything that had to be done. That list included the dress, the tux, the food, the venue – and, well, a lot more!
As with any bride, there were small details that struck me throughout the planning process. The rings were one of the tiny details that slipped through the cracks, and I found myself asking somewhat of an odd question – How tight should a wedding ring be?
Obviously, you want your wedding ring to fit. When that moment in the ceremony comes to slide the ring onto your spouse’s finger, you don’t want it to be too snug. It could cause quite the awkward snag in a beautiful moment. That’s why we’re here – to find out how tight your wedding ring should be.
How Tight Should Your Ring Be: The Short Answer
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer (get it?), the general rule of thumb is that your ring should fit comfortably on your finger.
You should be able to wiggle it over your knuckle with minimal effort while having confidence that it won’t slip off during your daily activities.
Getting Your Wedding Ring Sized
It’s customary in the United States to wear your wedding ring on your ring finger. The tradition began way back in the 1400s with the Egyptians, who wore both an engagement ring and a wedding band on the fourth finger of the left hand.
You may have heard this one before. The Egyptians chose this particular finger because they believe the “vein of love” ran straight from the heart to the top of this finger.
Because of the importance of this symbol, it’s essential to have your ring sized appropriately.
Visit a Jeweler
The best and most accurate way to have your ring sized is to visit a jeweler. These professionals not only know what they’re doing, but they have the tools to prove it.
A jeweler will size your finger, typically using a standard ring sizer. These sizers have several dummy rings on a big loop, much like a janitor’s ring full of keys.
While at the jeweler’s, they will have you try on size after size until you find the perfect match. Some jewelers will measure with enough space to fit a toothpick between your finger and your ring, while others base the final decision on your comfort level.
Get Measured Again
It’s pretty standard for people to get their rings sized early since the process can take some time. Our finger sizes fluctuate a lot due to weather, weight, and other factors, so it’s a good idea to go back and get sized again a couple of weeks before the wedding.
What may have felt right a few months ago in the summer may now feel too loose in the cooler weather. Get your ring sized again, and don’t be afraid to ask for an in-between size!
