Difference between Wedding Ring and Engagement Ring

Key Difference: Engagement and wedding rings are treated as symbols to denote the engaged or married status of a person. A person wearing a wedding ring symbolizes that he is wedded. Similarly, engagement ring symbolizes that the person is engaged to be married. Engagement ring is often offered to a woman by the man who puts forward a proposal of getting married to that woman. Wedding rings are generally exchanged between the couple in a formal ceremony.

Engagements and weddings are very important occasions in a person’s life. Everyone wants to cherish the memories related to these beautiful days. In societies, various traditions are being followed pertaining to these special occasions. Exchange of wedding and engagement rings denote two such traditions.

An engagement ring indicates that the person is engaged to be married. It symbolizes a strong commitment and love. Most often, it is given to women. However, in many societies, the rings are exchanged. Traditionally, it was often gifted as a betrothal present.

An engagement ring is often offered to a woman by the man who puts a proposal of getting married to that woman. If the woman accepts the proposal, she wears the ring, and this event indicates that she is engaged to that man. A wedding ring is a symbol indicating that the bearer is married. This custom is said to be originated in Europe and later it spread to other parts of the world. These rings are worn on the fourth finger of left hand because of a popular belief of ancient times stating that a vein runs from this finger to the heart directly; the vein was called "vena amoris" - "vein of love" by the Romans.

However, it is important to mention that in a few societies, engagement rings are also the marriage rings.

Comparison between Wedding Ring and Engagement Ring:

	Engagement Ring	Wedding Ring
Definition	A ring that indicates that the wearer is engaged to be married.	A ring that indicates that the wearer is married.
Timing	It is generally given at the time of proposal. It is also often given after the acceptance of the proposal. In some societies, an engagement ceremony takes place to observe this event.	These are generally exchanged at the wedding time.
Wearer	Generally, to women. In some societies it may be exchanged.	It is exchanged in a ceremony, so both men and women wear it.
Design	Generally flashy	Generally simple
Type	Generally, a solitaire diamond or gemstone ring.	Generally, a white gold or a yellow gold ring.
Worn	On the ring finger (finger between the middle finger and the little finger.) of left/right hand.	On the ring finger (finger between the middle finger and the little finger.) of left or right hand.
Priority	After wedding, a wedding ring is generally given more preference and is usually worn before the engagement ring.	Wedding ring is generally prioritized more than the engagement ring.
Inside of the ring	Generally, contains no details.	The inside of a wedding ring is often engraved with the date of the ceremony or the initials.