The excitement of choosing your wedding ring is here – it’s the ring you’ll want to wear for the rest of your life, so it’s got to be perfect! Whether you’re the bride and groom that stick to the traditional or the couple that is looking for something a little more unique, follow our top tips to choose the perfect style for you:
Start your wedding ring search early
Give yourselves at least two to three months before the wedding date to ring shop. You’ll need this time to browse, research prices and revisit rings that have caught your eye. If you have your heart set on a custom ring, you’ll probably need even more time. Keep your extras in mind, like engraving, which can take some time. If you are anxious about getting all of your wedding things together in time for your big day, check out our essential wedding checklist to keep your planning schedule on track!
Precious metals
Choosing the metal for your wedding ring is a good place to start. There are numerous metals available, all with different properties and styles to suit any pair of lovers!
Yellow Gold
Yellow gold is a good traditional choice. Consider buying an 18ct, 14ct or 9ct gold wedding ring, as these are combined with stronger metals and are better suited to the demands of day-to-day life. Although striking, a 22ct gold ring is often too soft to wear every day.
White gold
Got a platinum engagement ring currently adorning your finger? This metal will make the perfect complimentary ring! White gold wedding rings are often plated with rhodium to enhance their appearance. This plating will wear over time, but it can be easily reapplied and make your ring look shiny and new!
Rose Gold
Rose gold is created using an alloy of metals, which include natural yellow gold, copper and sometimes even silver and zinc.
These wedding bands can range from a deep almost copper-red colour to light and radiant blush pink – depending on the recipe of metals used in the alloy. It’s a distinctive look for both the beautiful bride and her groom!
Platinum
This precious metal is becoming increasingly popular for modern couples. This white coloured metal is extremely tough and stands up well to everyday wear and tear. It’s more rare than gold and much more expensive but a platinum wedding ring will last, unmarked, forever.
If you love platinum but are afraid it will blow your budget, opt for a palladium ring instead. A popular alternative because of its similar colour, palladium is much more budget-friendly.
Other metals
Want something a little edgier? Titanium, zirconium, black zirconium and tungsten carbide are other contemporary metals for the modern couple.
Shaped wedding rings
After you’ve decided on the metal of your dreams, you need to consider if this new wedding ring will complement your sparkling engagement ring. Both rings will be worn side-by-side for the rest of your life – your wedding band is worn closest to your heart – so it’s important that they sit well together.
You may decide to choose a shaped wedding ring – a curved or fitted ring. These come in so many designs imaginable, including a delicate curve, a pronounced Z-shape or even a cut-out.
Diamond set wedding rings
Once you’ve chosen the wedding ring’s shape and metal, now is the time to consider including a dazzling diamond or other precious gemstones. Diamond-set wedding rings are becoming more fashionable – providing a sparkly backdrop for the engagement ring.
But diamond wedding rings are popular with the men, too. It’s a way of remembering someone close to their heart (look into a fingerprint imprint for this, as well).
Tip for choosing stones: the more unusual the diamond shape, the more glamorous your wedding ring – and probably, the more expensive!
Mix It Up
Don’t panic if you like platinum and your partner likes yellow gold. There’s no rule that says you have to choose the same metal or even a similar style. You could compromise with braided bands that blend the metals together, or just be totally different!
Size It Right
Don’t disregard how important size is! Most people rarely take off their wedding bands; they wear them through summers, winters, exercise and pregnancies. To find the right size to weather all of those changes, schedule your final ring fitting at a time when you’re feeling calm and your body temperature is normal. Avoid finalising first thing in the morning, as you will have water retention from the night before, right after you’ve exercised when your fingers are swollen or when you’re extremely hot or cold.
Keep Your Lifestyle in Mind
Remember: You’re going to wear this band every day, so the goal is to choose something that seamlessly becomes a part of your life. If you play sports or an instrument, a slimmer ring with rounded edges (appropriately called the “comfort fit”) may make the most sense. If you work with your hands, you may want to search for a simple, solid metal ring and avoid gemstones that can come loose or carvings, which can trap dirt. Wear it around the store for a few minutes and while you have it on, try writing and texting as a comfort test.
The key to finding the perfect wedding ring is to find something both bride and groom-to-be love, each that perfectly reflects your individual styles! For all types of inspiration for your wedding ring or your big day, follow us on Facebook.
So go on and have some fun! Happy ring shopping.