Do You Get Two Rings When You Get Married
Do You Get Two Rings When You Get Married
When my best friend announced her engagement, I was whisked away into the whirlwind of wedding planning, whether I liked it or not. We dove right into discussions about dresses, venues, and, of course, rings. Despite my general awareness of wedding traditions, it dawned on me during this process that the question "Do you get two rings when you get married?" was more complicated than I'd initially thought.
In many Western cultures, the tradition often includes both an engagement ring and a wedding band. The engagement ring, typically the flashier of the two, is presented during the proposal. It’s the one you see people on bended knee with, sometimes to the awe (or envy) of onlookers in a crowded restaurant. The wedding band, however, quietly waits its turn until the actual ceremony, when vows are exchanged and promises are made eternal.
Interestingly, not every culture or individual follows this two-ring tradition. Some couples opt for a single ring that serves as both an engagement and a wedding ring. This choice might be driven by practicality or a desire for simplicity. My cousin, who is an outdoor enthusiast, preferred a solitary, robust band that wouldn’t suffer from scratches or damage on hiking trips or while she was rock climbing. To her, a single, sturdy ring was a perfect symbol of their marriage—practical and resilient, just like their partnership.
Culturally, the tradition of dual rings varies significantly. While it is common in many Western countries, others might have different customs. In some parts of Europe, a plain band is given during the engagement and worn on one hand, only to be moved to the other hand during the wedding ceremony. This practice underscores the relationship’s evolution from a promise to a fulfilled vow.
Style trends also play a role in whether one opts for two rings. Stackable rings have seen a rise in popularity, allowing for personalization and layering that can grow with anniversaries or other memorable milestones. Personally, I find something charming about this trend. It reminds me of the layered bracelets my grandmother used to wear, each with its own story. There was a blend of mystery and personal history in those layers, and I see a similar sentiment echoing in modern ring choices.
Ultimately, whether you end up with one ring or two, the decision is uniquely personal. It’s an emblem of commitment that reflects both practical realities and deeper emotional connections between individuals. For some, the idea of one ring is beautifully minimalistic—focused on the bond rather than the bling. For others, the pairing of an engagement ring with a wedding band offers a chance to celebrate different facets of the love story. It might be akin to having two favorite songs on a playlist, each capturing a distinct memory or emotion.
As I consider my friends and family, each with their distinct ring choices, it’s clear that marriage, much like the rings themselves, isn't one-size-fits-all. It's as varied and unique as the next couple. So, whether it’s one ring or two, diamond-studded or plain, what truly matters is the story behind it and the journey it represents. And maybe, in years to come, the question of “how many rings?” will matter much less than the strength of the commitment they symbolize.
