Wedding Bands: Engagement Ring Alternative?

There are no rules when it comes to choosing, designing, or wearing engagement and wedding rings. Couples may opt for a traditional route, with the bride wearing an engagement ring and a wedding band, or they may choose to forgo one or the other. Some brides choose to wear only their engagement ring, while others opt for a two-in-one bridal set, which consists of an engagement ring and a wedding ring in the same colour. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference.

There are no rules

If you want to use your wedding band as your engagement ring, or skip the wedding band altogether, that is completely up to you and your partner. There are many reasons why someone might opt for a single ring. For example, a single ring can be more comfortable and less obtrusive than wearing two rings. It is also one less thing to worry about losing, and you don't have to worry about matching two rings together. Using a single ring also means you can invest more in one perfect ring.

If you are unsure about whether to have an engagement ring and a wedding band, you could wear just your engagement ring for a few months before choosing a wedding band. This will help you decide if you want to add another ring after the wedding.

Some couples choose to buy two-in-one bridal sets, which include an engagement ring and a wedding ring, usually in the same colour. But this is not necessary. The bride's ring does not need to match the groom's ring, and there is no requirement for the bride and groom to have matching rings.

Ultimately, the choice of whether to have an engagement ring, a wedding band, or both, is a personal one and there are no official rules.

Wear one ring or two?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.

Traditionally, couples buy two rings – one for the engagement and one for the wedding. The engagement ring is usually given at the proposal, while the wedding ring is exchanged during the wedding ceremony. The engagement ring is then placed on top of the wedding ring, with the wedding ring closest to the heart.

However, there is a growing trend of couples choosing to use the engagement ring as the wedding ring, or only wearing one ring after the wedding. This can be for a number of reasons:

• The bride may not be used to wearing rings, so one ring may feel more comfortable than two.
• It can be difficult to find a wedding band that matches the engagement ring, especially if the engagement ring has an unusual shape.
• The bride may prefer the look of just her engagement ring.
• The couple may prefer to invest in one perfect ring rather than two less expensive rings.
• There is less risk of losing one ring than two.
• Wider rings may take up too much space on the finger, so one ring may be preferable.

If you are unsure about whether to wear one or two rings, it is a good idea to wear your engagement ring for a few months before the wedding to see how you feel about it. You can also choose to wear your engagement ring on one hand and your wedding band on the other, especially if the rings don't stack easily.

Whatever you choose, the most important thing is that you love your ring and how you wear it.

Bridal sets

Ultimately, whether you want to use your wedding band as an engagement ring is completely up to you and your partner. If you love your engagement ring and don't want to wear two rings, you can opt to wear just that.

If you're looking for a non-traditional way to honour your love story, you might consider a diamond alternative such as moissanite, which has flickering rainbow flashes, or morganite, a semi-precious stone with stunning clarity and beautiful blush tones.

There are many options for bridal sets, with couples choosing to have matching sets or to mix and match metals and styles. You can also opt for custom-made rings that fit together like puzzle pieces.

Custom designs

Custom wedding bands are a great way to ensure your wedding ring and engagement ring are a perfect match. The custom design process allows you to be involved in every step, from initial sketches to the final product, ensuring your wedding band complements your engagement ring and fits your lifestyle.

Craft Revival Jewelers, for example, offers a custom wedding band design process that begins with sketches and a discussion of design and setting choices. They then create a ring by impressing your engagement ring into a soft wax, ensuring a seamless fit between the wedding set. Krikawa also offers a custom design service, creating curved wedding bands and engagement ring wraps that complement the natural curves and features of your existing ring.

If you have a unique engagement ring, a custom wedding band can be a great way to ensure the two rings fit together perfectly. You can work with a jeweler to create a band that fits next to your engagement ring seamlessly and can be worn alone. This process often involves taking precise measurements and creating a custom design that accents the curves and features of your engagement ring.

The custom design process typically involves ideating, sketching, and bringing your vision to life while keeping your budget in mind. It may involve combining design technology with artistry and fine craftsmanship to create a ring that symbolizes your one-of-a-kind love story.

Tradition

The tradition of exchanging rings as a symbol of marriage dates back to ancient times, with the belief that a vein in the fourth finger of the left hand (the "ring finger") ran directly to the heart, strengthening the pledge of love and commitment. This belief led to the tradition of wearing engagement and wedding rings on this finger.

In some cultures, like in Spain, a single ring is used for both engagement and wedding, worn on the right hand during the engagement and moved to the left hand during the wedding ceremony.

While these traditions are still observed by many, modern couples are increasingly choosing to personalise their rings and how they wear them. Some opt for unique designs, mixed metals, or stacked sets with multiple rings. Others choose to wear their engagement and wedding rings on separate hands or only wear one type of ring, either the engagement or wedding band, after the wedding. Ultimately, the decision is a personal one, with no official rules dictating what a couple should do.

Frequently asked questions