Double ring ceremonies are common in the United States.
For many couples, the wedding ceremony is a sacred act that unites two people for eternity. To symbolize this deed a husband and wife each wear a wedding band as an outward symbol of their union. The bride and groom wedding band tradition may date back to ancient times when the Egyptians chose the circle, a form without a beginning or an end, to be a symbol of eternity
Ancient Greece and Rome
In early Greece, the ring finger was the index finger because it was believed it contained a vein known as the "vein of love" that led directly to the heart. In ancient Rome, wedding rings -- normally a gold band -- symbolized commitment through marriage and eternal love. Wedding rings were carved with two clasped hands to symbolize everlasting love. On the bride's ring some carved a key. The key allowed the woman to open her husband's heart.
Double Ring Ceremony
It was not until the sixteenth century that men consistently began to wear wedding rings. In the United States the double ring ceremony became popular after World War II. The wedding band provided soldiers with a reminder of their brides. In turn it gave women a constant reminder of their husbands who were away at war. By 1942, 85 percent of weddings in the United States performed double ring ceremonies. This tradition continues and is extremely popular today.
Etiquette
Most couples wear their wedding rings at all times. The ring symbolizes love, devotion and is an outward token to the world to show that you're married. There are many options on wear a wedding band. Women can wear their engagement ring and wedding band on the left hand; wear the wedding band by itself on the left hand; or wear the wedding band on the left hand and the engagement ring on the right hand.
Safekeeping the Rings During the Ceremony
Traditionally the ring bearer's responsibilities are more symbolic than practical. The best man is charged with the safe keeping of the wedding bands. However, if a ring bearer is to be used during the ceremony, the rings are typically pinned to a pillow that the ring bearer will carry down the aisle and bestow upon the best man. Another symbolic tradition is to allow the ring bearer to carry an embroidered pillow with two imitation rings attached on the top. This ensures that the real wedding rings remain secure in the possession of the best man.
