If your partner popped the question with a gorgeous ring, you might wonder if you need the band to match. After all, what’s the difference between an engagement ring and a wedding ring? To ensure you and your soon-to-be lifelong partner understand the symbolism of these rings, we’ll dive into our quick guide to wedding and engagement rings.
What’s the Difference Between the Two?
The main difference between an engagement ring and a wedding ring is that one is given at the proposal and worn during the ceremony. However, both rings serve the same purpose—symbolizing love and commitment. From there, personal choices and decisions personalize the styles and number of rings.
Engagement Ring
Engagement rings are the showstopper. These are the rings that make people stop you in the grocery store or that steal attention during the family dinner. Engagement rings are typically adorned with a solid stone in the middle and intricate designs on the sides.
Wedding Ring
Wedding rings are typically simpler than engagement rings, allowing you to wear them daily, but it’s up to personal preference. Traditionally, wedding bands are pavé, plain, or channel set rings. However, a current trend is to have an infinity band of stones or diamonds.
Do You Need Both?
In the end, you’re the one who’s going to wear these rings, so it’s up to your personal preference! If you love the traditional look of the wedding band and engagement ring, then yes. If you want to build a ring stack of three, go for it. Whatever you choose is perfectly fine because it’s a personal symbol of love.
How To Wear Your Engagement and Wedding Rings
As a newly engaged couple, you and your partner are probably searching for tips and tricks to make your wedding planning spectacular. But do you know how to wear your rings? That was a trick question because there’s no right or wrong way to wear them.
Traditionally, you wear your engagement ring and wedding ring on the fourth finger of your left hand. Then, you stack the wedding band inside the engagement ring. However, many other traditions and cultures may opt for a bride-to-be to wear their engagement ring on one hand and the wedding band on another.
When Should You Pick Out Wedding Bands?
The best time to pick out your wedding bands is about two months before the wedding. This way, you can take care of any last-minute wedding planning without worrying about the rings. However, if you and your partner are still determining the best wedding bands, you should pick out your bands a few months before.
Wear your engagement ring and find the best band that complements the diamond cut and design elements. Your preferences may change throughout the planning process as you see more ideas and inspiration beyond your Pinterest boards.
Bottom Line
Engagement rings and wedding bands symbolize the couple’s forever commitment to each other, solidifying their love. They make your marriage proposal, wedding, and other big events more sentimental and special. When shopping for these rings, it’s always important to remember your partner’s preferences. If your partner said they long for an emerald cut wedding ring with a solid band, don’t shop for a princess cut ring with an infinity band.
Educate yourself on the different types of diamond and jewel choices to find the perfect forever ring to embark on your married journey. Lastly, it’s important not to stress about the decision. Your partner will love whatever you choose because it symbolizes forever with you.
