If you’ve recently gotten engaged, you know that deciding on the right engagement ring is no joke. Around 35% of couples spend three or more months looking for the perfect ring and an additional 24% spend up to six months searching for a ring.
Despite all of the fuss around engagement rings, it’s the wedding band that makes the biggest appearance at a wedding ceremony. So, it’s just as important to make sure you select the right wedding band as it is to select the right engagement ring.
If you’re not sure what the difference is between an engagement ring and a wedding band, this guide is for you. Keep reading to see the differences between an engagement ring vs a wedding band, what they symbolize, and when to pick out a wedding band.
Engagement Ring vs a Wedding Band
Engagement rings and wedding bands, while similar, have somewhat different purposes. Below is a breakdown of how they differ in appearance and in what they symbolize.
Engagement ring
An engagement ring is what’s used at a proposal, or at the least, it’s given at an early point in the engagement period. It symbolizes the promise of marriage as well as commitment and loving devotion to your beloved.
The shape of an engagement ring itself also has an important symbol. The round, circular shape symbolizes an infinite bond without a beginning or an end.
Engagement rings have historic origins dating back to the Roman era. During this time, engagement rings symbolized ownership and they didn’t contain diamonds. Most women nowadays appreciate the cultural upgrades that have occurred in engagement rings as most contain diamonds, whether that be on the larger or smaller side.
Wedding band
On the contrary, a wedding band signifies the same message of eternal love that engagement rings convey, but also more of a mutual commitment to the other. This is because wedding bands are exchanged between the bride and the groom at a wedding ceremony after you’ve both said your vows.
Wedding bands are typically simple metal bands that can be encrusted with diamonds or just left plain. While wedding bands typically are made from either gold or metal, there’s a major price difference between an engagement ring and a wedding band.
That’s because engagement rings typically contain more carats, even if a wedding band comes adorned with diamonds or other jewels. Nowadays, brides and grooms are known to add a bit more flair to their wedding bands than in previous decades, so it’s completely up to you to decide what you want your wedding band to look like.
How Do You Wear Your Engagement Ring and Wedding Band?
Most women know that you wear your engagement ring typically on the fourth finger of your left hand, but what about your wedding band?
Your wedding band also goes on the fourth finger of your left hand. When it comes to stacking, it’s most typical to see the wedding band inside the engagement ring; that way this final symbol of commitment is closer to your heart.
Men also wear their wedding band on the fourth finger of their left hand. This is a universal symbol of marriage and a lifelong commitment to your partner.
How to Choose a Wedding Band
While not as difficult as choosing your engagement ring, choosing the right wedding band for you and your groom still requires a lot of thought and consideration. Typically, the two of you need to start picking out your wedding band at least two months before your wedding date.
This helps you prepare for any last-minute details that may pop up in your wedding planning. Plus, you don’t want to risk your wedding bands not being ready on time, so it’s good to have them already in production a few months before the wedding.
Factors to consider
When picking out your wedding band, be sure to consider what your engagement ring looks like. It’s helpful to wear your engagement ring for a few months to get a feel for it and decide what you think would best complement the style and shape.
Factors like the type of materials or precious metals used, the diamonds, and the setting quality are all important aspects to take into account when browsing wedding bands. Ideally, you want a wedding band that stacks up nicely against your engagement ring.
Also, you don’t have to worry about matching your wedding band to your groom’s or husband-to-be’s. Your groom might opt for a more subtle look, while you may want something more grandiose to match your engagement ring.
Do You Need Both?
You might be wondering if you need both a wedding band and an engagement ring. While many brides do have both, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and how much you’re willing to spend.
If you want more of a traditional look then you’ll want to wear both rings. The stacked look is timeless and classic, but that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone.
There are a few reasons why you might want to opt for just one ring. Wearing one ring can be more comfortable and might be more realistic for your lifestyle.
And if you’re prone to losing things, two rings might be too much to keep up with. For those who have a hard time matching two rings together, it might be easier to just wear one.
Book Your Wedding Venue Today
Hopefully, you now understand the difference between an engagement ring vs a wedding band. If you’re recently engaged, it’s time to move on to the next major step: wedding planning!
A major part of planning your dream wedding is locating your wedding venue. Book a tour with the Madison Event Center today. They offer all-inclusive packages, stress-free planning, and unique, elegant ballrooms. Happy planning!