What's the Difference Between Engagement Rings and Wedding Rings? Plus, Do You Really Need Both?

If your partner surprised you with the perfect sparkler, you might be wondering if you really need to add another ring to your fourth finger once you're married. After all, if you love your engagement ring so much, do you really need to sport a wedding band, or can you simply continue to wear your engagement ring solo after you've tied the knot?

The short answer: This decision is completely up to you! And to help you figure out what works best for your own personal needs, we broke down the differences between engagement rings versus wedding bands—plus, tips on how to wear both pieces after the big day. Read on for more.

What Are the Differences Between Engagement Rings and Wedding Rings?

At a base level, an engagement ring is a piece of jewelry that is given to a person as part of a marriage proposal or, if not, at an early point in the engagement. It will typically have one dominant stone, which either stands alone or is surrounded by smaller stones. By contrast, a wedding ring is traditionally a plain metal band or a diamond-encrusted eternity band that you receive when you exchange vows during the wedding ceremony.

Historically, only female partners received engagement rings and both partners exchanged wedding bands, but that's changed in the last decade or so. Now, more and more retailers are offering gender-neutral engagement ring options, though either partner should feel empowered to choose any style of jewelry they want; no need to hold out for a wedding band if you'd like to start wearing a ring right now.

It's also worth noting that there's a fairly significant price difference between engagement rings and wedding rings. Even if a wedding band has inlaid diamonds or other gemstones, its total carat weight is generally less than that of an engagement ring, meaning it will be more inexpensive.

Do You Need Both an Engagement Ring and Wedding Ring?

Ultimately, this really comes down to your personal preference. If you like the traditional look of an engagement ring and wedding band, then yes, you should wear both. Whether you're adding an eternity band set with pavé diamonds or a plain metal band, a wedding ring and engagement ring pairing is a timeless and beautiful look (not to mention, is a public declaration that you've officially tied the knot). Recent trends also show that wearing multiple rings is extremely popular among those who are newly married, with brides even opting to wear ring stacks of three (or more!) bands, often with mixed metals and styles.

Of course, it's perfectly fine if you'd rather wear just one ring to symbolize both your engagement and your (future) married status. Here are a few sensible reasons why some brides opt to wear just one ring:

• Single rings can be more comfortable and less obtrusive than a wedding band and engagement ring combination, and they can look absolutely stunning on their own. 
• It's one less ring to worry about losing, which is especially important if you're a bit forgetful.
• You don't have to be concerned about two rings perfectly matching. It can sometimes be tricky to find a wedding band that pairs with your engagement ring if they're not purchased as a set.
• The funds that would typically be allocated for both an engagement ring and a wedding band can be invested in a single, standout ring.

How to Wear Your Engagement and Wedding Ring

For those opting to wear both rings, tradition dictates that you wear your engagement ring and wedding ring together on the fourth finger of your left hand. As far as how to stack them, tradition also holds that you'll wear the wedding band inside the engagement ring so that it's closer to your heart.

That being said, some brides are choosing to break with tradition and wear their engagement ring on one hand and their wedding band on the other, especially if they're diverse rings that can't be easily stacked.

The bottom line? There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing, designing, or wearing engagement and wedding rings. Whatever you choose, just make sure it will have enduring meaning for you for many years to come.