Wedding ring alternatives

[Joel Villis]

Hi guys.

I'm quite new to this whole planning-a-wedding thing, having been engaged all of one week. We're still very much in the early stages of planning everything, but one thing i've been thinking about in particular is the wedding ring, and whether or not I actually want one. I like the whole symbolism of the wedding ring, but I don't wear any rings or any other jewelry of any kind, and i feel that wearing a ring is being a bit untrue to myself. Also, I do a lot of hands-on work, so wearing a ring feels a bit impractical. I've thought about the concept of a wedding watch, which in my opinion would still have the same sort of meaning as a ring, but to me feels more comfortable and practical.

So basically i'm curious to know if there are any other grooms out there who have had, or are planning to have, wedding ring alternatives. What did you go with? Are you happy with it? Also curious to know what other people think of the concept, and whether you have any other ideas for wedding ring alternatives?

[Ryan Owens]

Well, Joel, I'm in a similar position. I never wear jewelry at all, and I'm always working with my hands. My fiancee works with her hands as well, so we've been kicking around alternative ideas. The one we've hit on, which we really like, is tattooed bands around our ring fingers. Being on a bit of a shoestring budget, this serves multiple purposes: it's MUCH cheaper than buying any form of metal ring, it's easy to customize the pattern so that they're entirely personal and special to us, they won't interfere with our work, and, perhaps best of all, we don't ever have to worry about losing them!

[Shawn Reming Jr]

You could consider specially made wrist bands. Rather than a small wring on the finger, a band made from say, metal or leather or both. Designed in ways unique and special to the two of you. You could even, if you were both very DIY, delve into metal or leather working, and make them, together as a couples project, each of you making one for the other and presenting the finished product at the wedding.

A wristband/bracelet would have the symbolism of a ring, and perhaps a bit more. The tradition of a hand fasting where your hands/wrists are tied together (a pagan tradition, but anyone could use it) could make this even more special if the bands are placed on your wrists and for the ceremony, bound together.

My love and I will most likely do rings, but this idea could be used in combination with that or as an alternative like you are seeking. I am the kind of person who wears a wrist band pretty regularly and as long as it isn't very loose, it shouldn't be a problem working with your hands. Having it a bit wider than an average "bracelet" would also make it a bit more special and obvious to those who see it. Really, by the nature of it being bigger it opens the door to many creative options in how it can be designed and set up.

Hope this is useful to you, or anyone, just a thought.