One of the most exciting parts of planning a wedding is shopping for and deciding on an engagement ring and wedding bands. These rings are the one part of the wedding that will stay with you both for the remainder of your time, so making sure this element is perfect is essential.
Arguably the most important decision regarding the rings will be setting a budget. This decision will not only guide where you will be shopping but what you will be looking at. Being firm on this decision is a good idea, as it allows the salesperson to best guide you and also allows your overall wedding budget to stay on track.
When we call to mind the image of a wedding ring, it is typically the yellow gold band with a white diamond combination. For males, the typical image is a plain gold band. From here, there are endless possibilities that each person can decide upon, whether inlays, stones, engraving, and other details. Taking a more non-traditional approach to wedding rings will open more possibilities such as black diamonds, opals, birthstones, or other precious stones to you and your spouse. A non-traditional route will also open you up to smaller budgets and a variety of metal selections.
Modern wedding rings come in a wide variety of metals, far beyond your basic silver or gold. Alternatives like tungsten offer a hard-wearing option for those who are constantly working with their hands. Other materials like silicone or even wood have been used for a more sustainable option or alternative aesthetic.
Many places offer a wide selection of ready-to-wear rings and also offer custom designs or modifications to their selections. While this option will be dependent upon budget, do not rule out the possibility of creating something with the help of a designer in store. Even something off-the-shelf may be able to have some customization done. A different stone, for instance, or adding a feature, might be possible.
Some people prefer having both an engagement ring coupled with a band for the wedding ceremony. This would be a total of three rings for a couple, but some grooms-to-be also want to wear an engagement ring – bringing the total to four. Some brides are okay with getting a plain band for the engagement then shopping for a statement ring later. Other times, people will switch out or upgrade the proposal ring for the actual wedding ring, so the couple ends up with just two rings – one for each partner.
While the act of proposal is as much a part of the wedding planning as any other, getting the right ring is often stressed over. To help ease this pressure without ruining the surprise of a proposal, some people planning a proposal will get a plain band and then go shopping for a fancier ring once the wedding planning has begun. This joint planning may also be a good time to consider swapping out the engagement ring for a single wedding ring, depending on preference.
Men’s rings are typically less frilly than a female’s ring but can still contain quite a bit of sparkle in some instances. The type of work a person does will have some impact on the type of ring they choose. Having a thin band inlaid with diamonds all the way around probably is not a good choice for someone involved in heavy construction or blacksmithing daily due to the wear and tear the ring will receive. This might be the perfect ring for someone working in an office daily, however.
A growing trend that many are opting for is simple, matching bands. This is a good idea for those who have a larger engagement ring but still would like a new ring for the wedding ceremony. A matching band trend is also a great option for those that want to keep their jewelry simple and understated, giving them an option for adding on at later anniversaries if desired.
Overall, there are many things to consider when shopping for wedding bands. Budgets are probably the most important and will guide you in your choices and options throughout the selection and purchasing of the rings. Knowing your options and working with a good salesperson are also keys to getting the most out of this crucial decision.