Engagement Ring Etiquette

Important Engagement Ring Etiquette to Know

Proposing marriage is a big step and one that comes with certain rules. The minute you propose there is a set of etiquette that is involved. Engagement ring etiquette is something that you should be aware of as respecting the process of getting engaged means respecting your relationship.

Engagement ring etiquette should not be taken lightly as respecting an engagement also means respecting the ring, how it should be purchased and how you should wear it. The etiquette concerned is pretty straightforward and is mostly common sense but it is helpful to know about it in advance.

Who Should Wear the Ring?

Traditionally only the woman wears an engagement ring, increasingly however many men choose to wear engagement rings. Wearing engagement rings together is a great way to start your deepening commitment to each other. However there is a chance that some people will think that you have already been married. The choice is largely up to you.

Which Finger?

Most people wear their engagement rings on their left ring finger. Traditionally engagement ring etiquette required the bride to be to wear the ring on her right hand. This is another point where personal choice is the deciding factor. If both parties want to wear engagement rings then it may be a good idea to wear the rings on the right hand. If however you feel more comfortable wearing your engagement ring on your left hand then you should.

Who Pays?

The question of who pays for the engagement ring used to be simple in traditional engagement ring etiquette; it was automatic that the man paid for the ring. These days however the cost of the ring may be split. This is especially true for couple who already live together and share daily expenses. Despite the practicality of sharing the expense it is a nice gesture on the man's part to pay for the ring.

Broken Engagements

Engagements are made with the hope of a lifelong commitment. There is still the possibility of a broken engagement or a future divorce. This issue becomes particularly thorny when heirloom engagement rings are involved.

Engagement ring etiquette requires the woman to return the ring. However, there is no legal obligation to do so and a prenuptial agreement should be drawn up where heirloom rings are involved.

Some states actually have laws dictating engagement ring etiquette with some states requiring the ring to be given back. Other states dictate that a woman is entitled to keep her engagement ring if the man broke off the engagement.