Engagement Ring vs. Wedding Ring

If you’re new to a relationship, especially a serious and committed one, you’ll be surprised to find out that there are different types of rings that couples give to one another. These rings symbolize different stages in a relationship, each being incredibly symbolic. There’s the promise ring, used to signify serious relationships, the engagement ring, and the wedding ring. Today, we’ll be looking at the latter two rings, showcasing the similarities and differences between the two.

What are the Differences between Engagement rings vs. Wedding rings?

Engagement rings and wedding rings are both highly symbolic rings, but they’re used differently. Before a wedding, one partner proposes to another to ask for their hand in marriage. This is traditionally done by a man to a woman, though more women have decided to be the ones proposing to their men instead. Of course, men’s proposals to other men, women to other women, and people with other gender identities are also done.

Wedding Band

Engagement rings are used to signify a proposal, usually with the giver kneeling and opening the ring case in front of their partner. On the other hand, marriage rings are used during the actual marriage of the couple and are first worn during the ceremony. They are then worn regularly by the couple unless they prefer to keep them safe and in good condition at home instead.

Do You Need Both?
Now that you know the differences between the two types of rings, it raises the question – do you need both kinds of rings in your relationship? The answer is, of course, no, and in fact, you don’t need either ring at all. You could very well ask for your partner’s hand in marriage and become happily married without any ring.

However, if you want to symbolize your relationship, a ring is essential. It’s become an item of culture, and most couples prefer to have rings during these occasions to make them more memorable. Of course, some prefer expensive, glamorous engagement and wedding rings, but that’s not required either, and your spouse may very well be satisfied with a simple ring instead.

The answer is, of course, no, and in fact, you don’t need either ring at all. You could very well ask for your partner’s hand in marriage and become happily married without any ring.

Wedding Band

How to Wear Your Engagement and Wedding Rings?

Wearing your engagement and wedding rings is quite simple once you know what to do. You wear both your engagement and wedding rings on your left hand. The rings are worn on, of course, your ring finger, and you can wear both at the same time if you have both rings.

When wearing both rings simultaneously, be sure to wear the wedding ring first, allowing it to be closer to the base of your hand. This effectively puts your wedding ring closest to your heart. While there may be differences from culture to culture, this is the most widely accepted practice for wearing both engagement and wedding rings.

You wear both your engagement and wedding rings on your left hand. The rings are worn on; of course, your ring finger, and you can wear both simultaneously if you have both rings. When wearing both rings at the same time, be sure to wear the wedding ring first, allowing it to be closer to the base of your hand.

Engagement ring finger vs. wedding ring finger
Because engagement and wedding rings serve different purposes, one may think that they are worn on two different ring fingers. But in fact, both rings are worn typically on the left ring finger. In both rings being available, they are worn on the same finger, with the wedding ring being at the bottom, as mentioned earlier.

Who buys the wedding ring?
Whether you’re planning for your wedding or curious as to how a wedding works at all, you may be wondering – who buys the ring? Here are the answers.

Who buys the man’s wedding ring?
Typically, the bride and their family are responsible for buying the man’s wedding ring. The family can work together to pick matching rings for the wedding ceremony.

Who buys the bride’s wedding ring?
As the bride buys the man’s wedding ring, the man buys the bride’s wedding ring, too. Of course, many families and couples will choose to buy a matching pair of rings to have identical wedding rings.

What is a wedding ring set?
If you want to buy all rings at once, you can get a wedding ring set. A wedding ring set comprises an engagement ring and two wedding rings, making it the perfect purchase if you’re looking to wed your partner. These sets are especially great to purchase as the rings typically match well and can be worn together.

FAQ

Is an engagement ring only for a girl?

No – women can also offer engagement rings to men, and anyone can offer their partner an engagement ring, for that matter, regardless of gender. Simultaneously, it is far more common for a man to give an engagement ring to a woman, as per traditional custom, there isn’t anything wrong about it working the other way around.

Which is more important: engagement ring or wedding band?

There isn’t any difference in importance between engagement rings and wedding bands. Engagement rings signify that the couple has decided to tie the knot, and wedding bands signify the act of marriage itself. As such, they are both equally vital, and if one has the resources, they should consider getting a wedding ring set.

Is it okay to wear a ring on your wedding finger if you are not married?

It’s magnificent to wear rings on your wedding finger even if you aren’t married. You won’t get any social backlash from wearing rings on your wedding ring finger in most cultures. At most, people will be curious or surprised upon learning that you aren’t married, and people may even assume that you are if you don’t tell them. If you’re okay with that, though, then feel free to wear rings on your wedding ring as often as you wish.

It’s magnificent to wear rings on your wedding finger even if you aren’t married.

How much does a wedding band cost?

Wedding rings are pretty expensive, as they’re meant to last a lifetime. The cheapest wedding rings will set you back around $200, and expect to spend a lot more if you want any jewelry or fancy metals used. You could even spend upwards of $2500 or more if you want to buy something timeless for your spouse.

Are we allowed to engrave on wedding rings?

Absolutely! Personalized rings are a great way to add an intimate touch to any wedding ring, and many jewelers give you the option to engrave words, symbols, or anything you wish to make the ring more personal.