I'll share my two cents.

Me and my SO wont be getting any rings at all. We find the symbolism unimportant to us and the thing itself an unnecessary weight and an absolute waste of money. And that's not a viewpoint developed by povetry, not exactly. We're actually well off and both earn quite above the local average.

Instead, we'll plant a tree together or something.

In addition to the rings, we wont have a "wedding" either, at least not in the traditional sense. We find that to be a bit vain and also a collosal waste of money. I can see why others want huge weddings and I can respect that, but for us it means absolutely nothing other than unnecessary expenses, stress, vain display of status and a being around a shitload of people you dont really want to be around.

Instead, we'll go to Malta or Greece, or some very remote place in Spain, just the two of us (we're North European), and marry in some lone chapel atop a desolate, rocky hill, if possible - with only a single local priest present. Then we'll enjoy the rest of the vacation and go home to have a little party with just the few closest people (just about 10 heads - friends and family combined). That's my ideal fantasy.

I guess it has also something to do with the fact that my gf's family side expects us to have a huge wedding and all, almost as if it's mandatory. A huge feast where all of them would be invited, etc. I suspect it would be a little scandal and a lot of behind the back shit talking if we dont invite certain people or make such wedding at all. I don't like any of those people and I dont care what they think or say, so I think I'll enjoy the eventual salt mine.