Engagement Rings vs. Wedding Rings: Do You Really Need Both?
There are many opinions out there on what engagement rings and wedding rings should look like, and how couples should have just one or both sets of rings. Some people believe that you need to have both, while others think it’s traditional for the bride to wear a wedding ring, but not necessarily an engagement ring.
However, most couples agree that they don’t want to spend their entire budget on just one piece of jewelry. For this post, we will explore the pros and cons of buying the perfect engagement rings vs wedding rings so you can make an informed decision before purchasing either one of them.
The Difference Between An Engagement Ring And Wedding Ring
Engagement rings are usually given as part of a proposal, or if not, then early on in the relationship. A wedding ring is traditionally the one you receive and put on while saying your vows during the ceremony. The couple will then wear the wedding ring throughout their marriage.
Advantages Of Owning Two Different Rings
Sometimes, stuff happens and you lose your engagement or wedding ring. While this hopefully never occurs, it’s always good to be prepared in case anything does happen. Hence, the advantage of having an engagement ring is that, when your wedding ring is lost or damaged, you can still put that on and preserve that sign of commitment towards your partner.
Accidents or breakage could come into play at any given time. Aside from that, a ring could also tarnish over time. So, whenever you need to have your wedding ring cleaned up, fixed, or maintained, you can use your engagement ring instead for the meantime.
Engagement Ring And Wedding Ring Budget
When it comes to marriage, there are two major decisions that you’ll have to make. What is the perfect ring for your significant other? And what type of wedding do you want to have: extravagant or modest?
If money isn’t an issue and extravagance doesn’t matter, then get both rings! But if you and your partner are working on a certain budget, then it’s more economical to find a really good engagement ring that will be used later on as the wedding ring as well.
The History Of Wedding Rings
The Western tradition of giving or exchanging wedding rings can be traced to ancient Rome and Greece, where the wife would give her husband a ring as part of their dowry. The practice behind exchanging two sets of matching wedding bands has existed since Roman times when each party offered up his or her own property (one good) in return for something else from the other person (another good).
Later on, the ring became a symbol of promise and faithfulness to one’s partner. In North America and Canada, only the wife initially wore a wedding ring. It was not until the 20th-century when husbands began wearing them regularly too.
Engagement And Wedding Ring Combinations
It can be hard to find the perfect engagement ring and wedding band combination. That’s why many couples are choosing a matching set that is made for their individual needs, wants, and budget. Finding a matching ring combination also saves you time since there’s no need to search around in jewelry stores trying on rings until finding one with your desired specifications.
If you’re looking into picking up an all-inclusive engagement ring/wedding band combo package, then here are some things worth considering:
- Type Of Metal or Material (Silver, Platinum, or Gold).
- Band Width and Size
- Setting Style
- Stone Shape
- Side Stones
- The Quality Grade
- Stone Cut
- Carat Weight
If you’re looking for a more traditional route, there are always matching gold bands or diamond-encrusted rings that will signify an eternal symbol of love and commitment. For others who want something different or prefer less expensive rings, other options such as thick platinum bands, with gemstones like Rubies, would still be perfect! The choice depends entirely upon what works best for you and your partner, and what kind of ring is most comfortable and practical for the both of you as a couple.
Do You Really Need Both?
There have been so many engagement and wedding ring trends in recent years, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer the traditional look of a single band with diamonds on either side then yes, that is an option for you too! Whether it’s adding a one-eternity band set, there are no rules when choosing what’s good for your fiancé or future spouse, as long as you both agree to it.