The exchanging of rings as a traditional symbol of marriage dates back to ancient times. As a modern practice, it brings up questions about engagement rings and wedding bands. What’s the difference between engagement rings and wedding bands? Is it necessary to have both?
While there are some traditions to engagement rings and wedding bands, it is not necessary to follow it in this modern times.
When Are They Given?
An engagement ring is a ring that is usually given during a wedding proposal while a wedding band is a ring that is exchanged during the actual wedding ceremony.
The main difference between an engagement ring and a wedding band is the meaning behind them. An engagement ring is given to symbolize a person’s love and commitment to another person, while a wedding band is given to symbolize the couple’s marriage.
Differences In Design
Besides the symbolism, there are also some differences in the designs. Engagement rings can be more expensive than wedding bands, as they are often made with luxury gems and diamonds.
Wedding bands are usually made without the more expensive stones and made purely from metals such as gold, white gold, platinum or silver.
Engagement rings also tend to be more ornate and detailed than wedding bands while wedding bands are usually much simpler in design. This is mainly because they are rings designed to be worn on a daily basis and therefore need to be less intricate so they will be able to withstand wear and tear.
How To Wear Your Engagement Ring and Wedding Band?
Traditionally, you wear your engagement ring and wedding band together on the fourth finger of your left hand. As far as how to stack them, tradition holds that you’ll wear the wedding band inside the engagement ring so that it’s closer to your heart.
Do You Need Both?
It really depends on the couple’s preference, and most of the times the budget. Although many brides tend to have both the engagement ring and the wedding band, it is find to wear just one ring for many rational reasons.
- Single rings can be more comfortable than wearing too many rings especially in a finger.
- Wearing just one ring means that you have one lesser to worry about losing.
- Put your investment of two rings into one, and you’ll get a much better ring that you put on your finger.
Although traditionally, a bride tend to wear two rings, there is a growing trend towards single ring. There can be no right or wrong answer to this, but whatever it is, the most important thing is that it has an enduring meaning to you and your spouse.