Marriage has been around a long time. In all of human history, there have been some interesting traditions to come and go related to weddings. The engagement ring, for example, is a symbol that experts believe came about sometime during the height of the Roman Empire. According to historians, wives in Rome would often wear rings that housed key charms. These keys were meant to represent the connection a wife had to her husband and to let other suitors know that the woman was already taken by another.
Nowadays, engagement rings are less about “ownership” and more of a symbol of love. A wedding band often symbolizes the eternal nature of love and an engagement ring is now viewed as a sort of precursor to the next ring in the process. If you and your partner are not interested in traditional rings, then you might want to take time to think about alternatives. Consider these ideas and see if any work for your specific needs.
Diamonds Aren’t Forever
Most people understand that weddings are expensive. While it is obviously costly to bring together a large group of people for a big celebration, the most expensive aspects of the process are usually extraneous. Diamond engagement rings, for example, have been the norm for many years now. As far as rocks go, diamonds are wildly expensive. What’s more, many people don’t even find diamonds appealing anymore. To get more out of your rings, you might want to ditch the diamonds in lieu of something that holds more personal significance for you and your partner.
There are a ton of other jewels and stones to consider for your engagement ring. Sapphires have become popular in recent years, with the blue coloration of the stone acting as a dazzling alternative to diamonds. Any stone that holds personal meaning to you and your significant other can be a solid option. Whether you lean more toward emeralds, amethyst, or moissanite, you can definitely find a stone that matches the personal tastes of your partner without spending a small fortune in the process.
No Rings Whatsoever
Another great alternative to consider is ditching the ring altogether. Since you are more than likely going to be exchanging rings at your wedding, you might feel like engagement rings are an arbitrary step. You and your partner are about to start your lives together. Instead of tossing money at a ring, think about using that cash toward something more significant. You might find that putting the money forth as a down payment on a house might be a perfect fit for your needs.
Some couples have even begun taking their engagement ring budgets and using it for other wedding-related expenses. If you want to take a spectacular honeymoon excursion but lack the proper funds, then you might find using the engagement ring money is a perfect way to book a trip without going broke. Find a clever way to use the funds and you’ll feel satisfied with your final decision.
Break Free of Debt
Marriage is a big step in life. Since you want to start fresh with a marriage, it can be a good idea to try and clear the air of old debts before married life begins. If you have a lot of debt from credit cards or student loans, it can be interesting to think about using the engagement ring money to pay down the balance. The less debt you have when you wed, the easier it will be to start a new life without restraint.
While there are plenty of unique traditions surrounding marriage, it can be a good idea to think about which rituals are the most practical for you and your partner. If an engagement ring isn’t really exciting to either of you, then look at the alternatives and find a great fit.
Add Your Comment