What are the rules for engagement rings vs. wedding bands?
March 8th, 2010 | 
Author: I don’t understand the different purposes or meanings behind the engagement ring vs. the wedding band. Do I really need both? We’re shopping for engagement rings now. I found one I like and it’s not too flashy: I want to wear THAT for the rest of my life. Can I just use it for an engagement ring then have him put it back on my finger during the ceremony? Or am I really supposed to have another seperate wedding band?
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Typically you get an engagement ring and a separate wedding band. The engagement ring is the one with the bling, while the wedding band is typically smaller and simpler. A lot of times you can get a "set" that will come with the engagement ring and a matching band… like this:
http://www.zales.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2507608&cp=2071133.2115463&cp=2071133&categoryId=2115463&parentPage=search&searchId=25175733683
Or a solitaire ring (only one diamond on a band) and then the coordinating wedding band would sit around it to create more of a intricate setting like this: http://www.zales.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2939867&cp=2071133.2115463&pg=2&cp=2071133&categoryId=2115463&kpc=1&parentPage=search&searchId=25175741313
Alot of times people get their engagement ring and their wedding band sautered together, so the engagement ring isn’t worn during the ceremony anyway because it is attached to the wedding band already. Otherwise, if you do have separate rings, you just wear your engagement ring on your right hand leaving your left finger available for the wedding band.
Either way, it’s up to you. I do have friends who got only an engagement ring, no wedding band. Your choice. I’m sure your fiance will be happy to save the $
unless you want people to think you’re only engaged for the rest of your life, you should probably add a plain band for the ceremony
Yes, many people do.
Most that do add a thicker band though and either keep those separate or get them sautered together.
That’s fine to do.
Congratulations!
The rings are meant to symbolize your love and unity together. It’s YOUR preference because it’s going to be worn by YOU. Yes, generally people have an engagement ring & a separate wedding band. But no, you really don’t need both. I worked in jewelry for years and there are actually rings that are not intended for bands. I personally don’t want a wedding band, either.
I am only going to wear my engagement ring, and I know other people who also do the same. It is just up to your preference, but if you wanted a band, you could just get one to match your engagement ring and wear them together (the wedding band will go on your finger first, then the engagement ring)!
The engagement ring is typically a "gift" to the woman. Wedding bands are a "symbol" of love between the man and woman.
It’s your preference, get none, one, or both. and wear them how you like. I got a heart solitare and a sapphire wrap; I wore both as my engagement ring. I also have a (man’s) wedding ring so that my hubby and I can have the exact same ring.
i just got engaged and because we are on a budget for our wedding..paying for it ourselves…he proposed with a necklace which i think is a cute idea seeing how we aren’t very traditional. and in my opinion, i rather have money spent on the wedding and an apartment later on than a big fancy engagement ring. he’s going to propose again if that makes any sense with a wedding band w/ sapphires that i picked out so it will double as both engagement and wedding band!
As the name suggests engagement rings are worn when you get engaged and wedding rings when you get married. So it is actually mandatory to wear a wedding ring after marriage. You can get simple wedding rings and i would suggest you to take a look at http://www.b2cjewels.com/weddingrings.aspx
They have a a huge variety of wedding rings and wedding bands.
Up to you, but tradition says you should have a band, and the engagement ring is the option. It is the shape of the band, round, that says eternity, forever.
I would want both, the band can be simple gold, or as fancy as you can afford.
Before the ceremony, you take the engagement ring off, [you can wear it on the other hand, if you like, and allow the groom to put the band on. You slip the engagement ring on later, but not at the alter, my goodness, you might drop it and lose it!. The band is thereafter worn first on the finger, closest to your heart.
I always wanted the band and engagement ring to coordinate, I wanted a circle of diamonds band, and a solitaire diamond, with smaller diamonds on both sides.