Millennial here. When I got married we skipped rings because ring culture is bullshit.
(It was her idea before anyone asks. I suggested we get non-diamond or lab grown, and was pleasantly surprised when I learned she also thought rings are dumb)
(It was her idea before anyone asks. I suggested we get non-diamond or lab grown, and was pleasantly surprised when I learned she also thought rings are dumb)
My fiance, whom I believe is fairly reasonable and frugal in all aspects considered, also learned (thanks to the movie, Blood Diamond) that diamonds are not worth the price and unethical. But she still wanted me to spend some amount on rings. So I had to buy decently priced wedding bands (cost about $1700 each). Otherwise, I am sure my fiance wouldn't be too happy (thinking that I married her for cheap). I really was surprised when I first heard my fiance complaining about me not planning to buy rings for our wedding. The marketing and brainwashing of women about rings and wedding culture really work.
My current spouse and I just skipped it all entirely. It all feels like ownership.
I've also never had a proper wedding - both times I got married at a courthouse. With this one, I had a small wedding/going away party (I moved overseas upon marriage). I definitely do not think I've missed anything.