[Here’s another installment in my “Things You Oughtta Know” series: Tips you’ll find useful before walking down that aisle.]

We all know that the exchange of wedding rings is one of the most beautiful parts of any wedding.  But, my experience has shown me that three things could happen when you try to put a ring on someone else’s finger:

1) The ring slides on perfectly smoothly.  This one happens most of the time, and that’s great!

2) It feels like it’s not going to work.  When a person holds out their hand to have a ring placed on it, they often hold their fingers stiffly, and the other person feels resistance when the ring slides on.  Although the ring will slide on with a little more pressure, the other person’s instinct is to hold back …

If, on your wedding day, someone’s hesitates when putting a ring on your finger but you know it’s going to fit, don’t hesitate to take over, and finish sliding the ring onto your finger. Don’t feel awkward doing this; your fiancée is a little nervous, too, and your finishing this process will put them at ease.

3) It feels like it’s not going to work, because it’s not going to work. This could happen for a number of reasons: you chose a warm day to get married (and the heat swelled up your hands to the point where a new ring just won’t fit), you’re retaining water, etc. etc. — At first, this sounds like a disaster but, believe me, it’s no problem at all.

If, on your wedding day, someone’s putting a ring on your finger and it’s just not going to happen, don’t hesitate to take over: take the ring yourself, and slide it onto your pinky instead.  (Except for the two of you, nobody will notice, believe me.) — After the ceremony, just wash your hands with a little cold water, and then put the ring onto your ring finger, so you’re ready for your pictures.