How long should I wear my wedding ring after my spouse dies?
Sarah Oconnell
Published Jun 06, 2026
There is no right time, period. We know widows who took their rings off immediately after the death. We know widows who still wear their rings after thirty years, even after they remarried. As with many things in grief, we encourage you to drop any “shoulds” you might be feeling (self-imposed or from others).
Do you still wear a wedding ring if widowed?
Wear It. Many widows or widowers choose to continue to wear their wedding ring for some time. Some wear it for the rest of their life. They might do it because it makes them feel safe.How long do widows usually wear their wedding rings?
There is no right or wrong time frame for when you decide to remove your wedding band after the death of your spouse. Your reasons for doing so are up to you and no one else. There may come a time when you decide it's best to put your wedding ring to rest with the other memories of your previous life.What finger do widows wear their ring on?
The widow wears the ring on the right ring finger while the widower wears the ring on the left little finger. In this manner, the surviving spouse aids in the grieving process by allowing the spouse to express their status as a widowed person.What do I do with my deceased husband's wedding ring?
- Wear the Ring on the Right Hand. ...
- Redesign the Jewelry in a Commemorative Way. ...
- Convert the Rings Into a New Type of Jewelry. ...
- Plant It With a Memory Tree. ...
- Make a Shadow Box Out of Your Spouse's Things. ...
- Display the Rings in a Cloche. ...
- Keep Them Involved in Holidays. ...
- Set the Rings Into Their Headstone.