Engagement ring vs. wedding band?

RcknRllr · #1 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 09:05 AM

Ok, maybe I'm just stupid but I need some clarification on the engagement ring and the wedding band. I know the engagement ring is the more expensive of the two, having the diamonds and all. Is it customary to get both? In other words, is it frowned upon to get only the engagement ring? (I'm not cheap, I'm just on a budget). Also, which is presented at the ceremony? Thanks.

Learly bear · #2 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 01:44 PM

the engagement is what matters if you want flash..if you want to express just the bond then just the band..you dont need both but usually they can come ina package!! so you buy the engagement and you get the band with it! Bands are cheap so dont worry too much about it...at the ceremony the band is what its all about...not the engagement cause thats already on her finger

ashley reid · #3 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 01:48 PM

Engagement ring comes pretty expensive as compared to bands as bands are a lot plainer than engagement rings which are set in diamonds. You can opt for either of the two and not necessarily both.

GagesMomColie · #4 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 01:54 PM

I'm only getting an engagement ring. It's fancy enough to be considered as both and would look stupid with a wedding band anyway. When I was engaged before the engagement ring came with the wedding band.

I don't have my engagement ring yet, just a cheap stand in, and he will present me with my engagement ring at the ceremony.

Chris's proud mommy · #5 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 01:57 PM

you can get an inexpensive band for $100, and you would exchange that at the ceremony. If you just don't want one, I guess you would get the engagment ring then.

skydiva · #6 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 01:57 PM

Traditionally, you get the engagement ring when you are proposed to. On the ceremony, some brides choose to wear the engagement ring on the right hand, then during the ring exchange, you exchange wedding bands. Then put the engagement ring on after the wedding band. These days, it is really more of preference. Some women wear just the band day-to-day so they don't snag their ring or risk losing it. My best friend chose not to get a wedding band and just wears her engagement ring (at the ceremony, she didnt wear a ring until the ring exchange and he put the engagement ring on her finger.)
Good Luck and Congrats!

A Wee Irish Lass · #7 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 07:02 PM

Tradition, the engagement ring was a ring with a diamond worn when engaged. Then at the wedding ceremony, the man would put a gold wedding band on the bride's finger. Then , the woman would wear the both of them.

If on a budget, you can just have an engagement ring then for the ceremony, remove it or move it to your right hand. Then the man will have a ring to put on your left ring finger for the ceremony.

HIS! · #8 (**permalink**) 04-07-2009, 10:12 PM

Wedding ring is presented at the ceremony. Engagement is worn during the engagement and after the wedding, along with the wedding band.

But many brides are okay without an engagement ring. It's a personal preference.

Jessica · #9 (**permalink**) 04-08-2009, 06:17 AM

My husband and I were on a serious budget when we got engaged and married. What we did was we bought an engagement ring with a cubic zirconium stone set in white gold (it was about $150) and then both of us got sterling silver wedding bands (about $40 each). Now that our finances are stabilized we bought matching gold wedding bands. He is now looking into replacing the stone in my engagement ring with a real diamond. If your future spouse truly loves you and is understanding of the circumstances surrounding your finances she'll be ok with a cheaper ring as long as you up grade one day. If nothing else have a band, even if it's borrowed, for the ceremony. It's one of the most important parts. Good luck!

D4Pres2012 · #10 (**permalink**) 04-08-2009, 03:51 PM

the wedding band is the one the bride and groom exchange at the ceremony. but you know what, do your own thing! if you don't have the budget right now to get a wedding band, then just get a band for your groom and at the ceremony, he can just put your engagement ring back on your finger and you can continue to wear that (give your engagement ring to the best man before the ceremony). then for your anniversary in 5 or 10 years, get a wedding band then if you have more money at that point in your life.