When it comes to proposals, many couples will consider engagement ring and wedding band rules at some point. There are countless traditions associated with both rings, including who pays for them and how to wear them. Without a doubt, wedding and engagement ring rules can get confusing fast.
But in this progressive day and age rules around fashion and style are consistently broken–so why not do the same with wedding jewelry rules?
Here we will examine several wedding and engagement ring rules and traditions, and how couples are continually changing them. But first, let’s start by reviewing the differences between wedding rings and engagement rings.
What Is the Difference Between an Engagement Ring and a Wedding Ring?
The difference between an engagement ring and a wedding ring is pretty straightforward. The person proposing presents their partner with an engagement ring, which usually has some type of center gemstone and tends to be fancier and more expensive than a wedding ring.
A wedding ring often comes later, when the couple gets married and exchanges them while they recite their vows. Wedding rings tend to be simpler than engagement rings and cost much less.
Do You Give the Engagement Ring and Wedding Band Together?
In general, no. You don’t give the engagement ring and wedding ring together. So when you propose, you will present your partner with only one ring.
Although, there is nothing to say you can’t purchase them at the same time. If you decide to purchase both at the same time you should save the wedding bands for your wedding ceremony.
Now that we have ring basics covered, let’s go discuss ways you can wear them together–some traditional, and some alternative.
How to Wear Your Engagement Ring and Wedding Band Together
Whether you choose to sport two bands on one hand, one on each, or several at once, your rings represent your personal style along with your love story.
The following are just a few ways you can wear your rings:
Wear Your Wedding Ring Close to Your Heart
The long-standing tradition is to wear both rings on the left hand ring finger, with the wedding band on the bottom. The wedding band is worn on the bottom to show that you cherish it and keep it close to your heart.
Try Wearing Your Rings on Different Hands
Some people choose to wear both rings but on different hands. You can start out with your engagement ring on your left hand ring finger, then once you’re married switch it to your right hand ring finger. After you switch your engagement ring to your right hand, wear your wedding band on your left.
You may prefer this method if you have two rings that don’t match, or if two rings on one hand feel cumbersome.
Experiment With a Wedding Stack
Who says you can only wear your wedding and engagement ring together on your fourth finger? What if you have other rings you love, like an diamond eternity band or nice yellow gold, platinum, or silver rings? You don’t have to wait for special occasions to wear them. Break the rules and try something different–stack them with your wedding band and engagement ring.
When you stack your rings you can mix metals, stones, and add interesting texture to your jewelry style. This also allows you to effortlessly pair other jewelry pieces like earrings, necklaces, and bracelets with your rings.
If you’re a minimalist and prefer to wear just one nice ring, you may be wondering if that is something people do. Continue reading for that answer.
Do You Have to Wear an Engagement Ring and Wedding Band?
No, you don’t have to wear an engagement ring and a wedding band; it’s perfectly fine for you to wear just one ring.
If you like your engagement ring and want it to be your statement piece, than do it. If you prefer your wedding ring because it’s less instrusive to wear throughout the day, not a problem. Whatever your reasons and preferences, it’s your choice to wear what will suit you.
However, if you know for sure that you want to wear both of your rings together, consider having a jeweler solder them.
How to Keep Wedding Ring and Band Together
If you decide you always want to wear your wedding ring and band at the same time, you can have a jeweler solder them together.
Ring Soldering
Ring soldering is one of the easiest ways to keep a wedding ring and band together, and there are several benefits to it. Just be sure that the jeweler who solders your rings together does so in a way that they still look like two separate rings–not one unified ring that is overly wide.
Aside from keeping your wedding ring and band together, there are other benefits to ring soldering. The following are just two of the biggest benefits of ring soldering:
It Minimizes Wear on Both Your Engagement Ring and Wedding Ring
Over the years your two separate rings can rub against one another and wear each other down. The act of rubbing can also loosen prongs, causing you to lose a stone; if your rings attach to each other, this can’t happen.
It can Prevent Your Engagement Ring From Turning
Certain engagement ring styles tend to turn. Rings that are top-heavy, like solitaires with higher-set, larger center stones are a good example of this. If you choose to have your rings soldered together, it will prevent them from turning.
You’re now familiar with different ways to wear your bands (as well as how to keep them together). Next, we will go over ring shopping along with who pays for them.
How to Find the Right Wedding Band for Your Engagement Ring
It’s easiest to find a wedding band for your engagement ring if you have some say in choosing your engagement ring. In the past, the person who bought the ring often did it alone. They may have looked for hints as to what their partner wanted, and they may have asked close family members and friends for ideas.
But more couples are now shopping for rings jointly. And while there’s nothing wrong with the surprise element of a traditional marriage proposal, it just makes sense to choose your ring together. After all, you’re going to be wearing it for the rest of your life.
Plus, how many people now are truly surprised by a marriage proposal? Modern couples naturally end up talking about marriage (and everything that comes with it) before either individual proposes. If you take the time to discuss and plan your lives together, why not also take the time to discuss your ring preferences?
Go Ring Shopping With Your Partner
If possible, go with your partner to browse rings. This way you can look at both engagement rings and wedding bands side-by-side. You can see what looks best together, and you won’t be limited by the style of a ring that you had no part in choosing.
Purchase Your Engagment and Wedding Rings as a Set
Many jewlers offer engagement and wedding ring sets. These sets consist of two separate rings that were made to go together. They’re going to complement one another’s metal color, gemstones, and style. The wedding band will fit perfectly with the engagement ring and there should be little-to-no need for adjustments beyond resizing.
Have Your Rings Custom Made
What could be more beautiful than custom-made rings? Rings with custom details truly reflect who you and your partner are. You’re both involved with the process, and you both get exactly what you want.
Going with custom-made rings will of course cost more. But if it’s worth it to you to spend a little more up front and get exactly what you want, then why not do it?
Who Pays for Engagement and Wedding Rings?
In the past, the man paid for both the engagement and wedding rings; but that is not as relevant anymore. Many brides opt to purchase their rings or pay for part, and same sex couples also buy rings–so it’s not always a man purchasing.
However you and your partner choose to pay for your rings is entirely up to you, your budgets, and personal preferences. It’s no longer the sole responsibility of the person who gets down on one bent knee to propose.
What Is the Difference Between an Engagement Ring and a Wedding Ring?
The difference between an engagement ring and a wedding ring is pretty straightforward. The person proposing presents their partner with an engagement ring, which usually has some type of center gemstone and tends to be fancier than a wedding ring.
A wedding ring often comes later, when the couple gets married and exchanges them while they recite their vows. Wedding rings tend to be simpler than engagement rings and cost less.
Do You Give the Engagement Ring and Wedding Band Together?
In general, no. You don’t give the engagement ring and wedding ring together. So when you propose, you will present your partner with only one ring.
Although, there is nothing to say you can’t purchase them at the same time. If you decide to purchase both at the same time you should save the wedding bands for your wedding ceremony.
Lab Grown Diamond Rings From Clean Origin
No matter if you decide to go with tradition or make your own rules about how to wear your engagement ring and wedding band, we have a large selection of beautiful rings for you to choose from.
All of our jewelry features lab grown diamonds which are ethical, eco-friendly, and affordable (20-40% less expensive that natural diamonds). You can shop with confidence knowing that you are getting the highest quality rings at the best price.