The difference between wedding bands and wedding rings

It may seem very confusing, but yes, there is a difference between a wedding band and a wedding ring. It’s not that difficult to tell them apart once you understand how they differ.

The wedding ring is also commonly referred to as the engagement ring. This is the ring that is given to the woman when the man proposes to her. The wedding ring (or engagement ring) is the more elaborate ring when compared to the wedding band, as it traditionally has a solitaire diamond or other gemstone (or multiple gemstones) in it and may have a very intricate, decorative appearance. Traditionally, this ring is chosen by the man, and its design is a surprise to the woman, who sees it for the first time when she is proposed to. This ring is therefore more difficult to choose than the wedding band, as the bride-to-be is not involved in the choosing process.

A woman's wedding band is described as a plain ring, usually made of gold, that is given to the bride or groom on the wedding day.

The groom’s wedding band is traditionally quite wide, and can be made in number of materials. In recent years, men’s wedding bands have been produced from such materials as titanium, tungsten and stainless steel which are more resilient to damage than traditional metals like gold. Men’s wedding bands are usually quite plain, but such decorations and milgrain, mokume-gane and two tone bands have gained popularity over the last few years. This wedding band is usually chosen by both the bride and groom. Since the man only wears one ring, it can is commonly referred to as either his wedding ring or his wedding band.

The bride’s wedding band is usually thin and minimally decorated, if at all. It compliments the wedding/engagement ring, but doesn’t detract attention from it. It is traditionally worn under the wedding ring. Usually, the bride and groom choose this wedding band together too.

But not everybody needs to stick to the rules. Some couples choose to only purchase one ring for the bride, instead of spending money twice. Sometimes, the bride’s wedding ring and wedding band can be purchased as a matching set, and sets of three rings have also become popular recently - two wedding bands, especially designed to fit next to the wedding ring, worn on either side of the wedding ring. This eliminates the chance that the rings will not suite each other, and generally works out cheaper than buying two, or three, individual rings. Some couples even decide to use a wedding band – a simple, undecorated ring - as the engagement ring and then to decide on the more intricate ring together.

Tradition may dictate that that a larger wedding ring be given to the bride-to-be during the proposal and a smaller wedding band be given on the wedding day, but in reality, what you choose to do is up to you. If you wish to break free from tradition, feel free! The important thing is that she will wear whichever ring(s) you give her on the ring finger of her left hand for the rest of your lives together.