Engagement Ring vs. Wedding Ring: About Marriage Rings

In many Western traditions, engagement rings and wedding bands symbolize a couple’s eternal love, as unending as the circular shape of the rings. Such customs date back to ancient times when Egyptians offered loved ones rings of woven reeds to profess their adoration. There are a few areas of difference between wedding and engagement rings:

• Meaning: One partner will offer an engagement ring as part of a marriage proposal or early in the engagement to symbolize commitment. Traditionally, brides-to-be receive engagement rings, though people of all genders can and do propose. Wedding bands, too, are symbols of love; however, couples receive them as part of the wedding ceremony.
• Payment: Traditionally, each person or each person’s family pays for the other partner’s rings. Today, however, many couples opt to split the costs, and both partners participate in the engagement ring selection process.
• Placement: In Western culture, the fourth finger of the left hand or the right hand is the wedding ring finger. A person wears their wedding and engagement ring together on the fourth finger or the wedding band alone. Wedding rings are first on the ring finger with the engagement ring on top. People might wear these rings on different hands if the rings are not easily stackable. Also, widows and widowers might wear their engagement or wedding rings on the opposite hand after their partner passes.
• Price: In general, engagement rings are more expensive than wedding rings. The most traditional engagement rings are classic, solitaire-style rings that feature a center stone, such as a natural or lab-grown diamond. Modern couples, however, might get creative with their choice of stone, setting, band style, and accessory gemstones in pursuit of more unique engagement rings. Wedding rings or wedding bands are often less ornate than engagement rings and omit a center diamond. It’s common for wedding bands to be plain metal or feature a pavé setting of diamonds or gemstones. Personal preference plays a significant role in selecting gemstones and precious metals, and jewelers carry many styles of rings and center stones.

Every couple chooses how to buy and wear their wedding and engagement rings. Given the expenses of wedding jewelry, some couples decide to invest in a single, standout engagement ring instead of a set or to wear passed-down family heirlooms instead. Others might purchase a complete wedding ring set so all the jewelry matches. The eternity band might take another form, such as a watch, necklace, or other gift or piece of jewelry. Additionally, every couple makes their own decisions about how to propose and then how to profess their love at their wedding.

How you choose to wear your engagement and wedding rings is up to you. Traditionally, the wedding ring goes on the fourth finger of the right or left hand, with the engagement ring after it. You might also choose not to wear an engagement ring because of its delicateness and save it as something to pass down. You can move your engagement ring to your right hand after your wedding day to have a ring on each hand. Family traditions, religious customs, and personal preferences can inform these decisions.

Many brides move their engagement ring from their left to right hand before the wedding ceremony. After receiving their wedding band during the ring exchange, they move their engagement ring back to the fourth finger on the left hand. The wedding band goes on the left ring finger first, closer to the heart, and the engagement ring follows. If you prefer to wear your wedding band on your right hand instead of your left, then follow the reverse of these rules.

Both partners can wear wedding bands when the big day comes. Follow these tips to pick the perfect ones:

1. 1. Allow yourself time. Look for wedding bands three to four months before the wedding to allow time for sizing and shipping.
2. 2. Determine your budget. Wedding jewelry can be expensive, and knowing how much you can spend from your wedding budget on your rings will define what kind of wedding band you buy.
3. 3. Do online research. There are many pictures online of wedding band styles. Common metals for wedding rings include white, rose, and yellow gold. Research a wide breadth of options and get a sense of costs to determine which kind of band is the right one for you. You might want your band to match the engagement ring, or you might want something unique. Educating yourself before you shop will help you make an informed decision.
4. 4. Get details from the jeweler. The jeweler will tell you all you need to know about the potential bands before taking measurements and discussing costs. Ask about discounts, if available, so you can save money on these expensive pieces.
   
5. 5. Go to a physical store. While researching online is excellent for understanding the market, you should ultimately shop at a physical store. You will want to see the band with your own eyes and try it on for size.

Have a wedding to plan? Learn how to take on the process strategically. Discover Mindy Weiss’s approach to setting a budget, choosing a theme, and sending invitations when you sign up for the MasterClass Annual Membership.