There are so many things to do when you are planning your wedding. It is easy to overlook the importance of choosing your wedding ring – it’s such a small item and people will often get more hung up over choosing caterers and decorations.
Yet the wedding ring is the part of the wedding that will stay with you forever, so it’s very important to get it right.
We have put together this useful guide to give you the best advice when it comes to how to choose your wedding ring. Keep reading to find out all you need to know.
Budget
The first thing you need to do is decide on your budget. You will need a wedding ring for you and your partner, and you will also need to consider the cost of any insurance you might want to get on the rings.
Wedding rings come in a range of prices to suit any budget, so don’t worry if your budget is smaller. However, if you have a lot of money to spend then choosing a good quality wedding ring will ensure that it lasts you a lifetime.
Ring Size
The next step is to get measured for your ring size. This can be done at any jewellery store. You want to make sure that your ring fits you well so that there are no embarrassing moments during the ceremony if it doesn’t go in your finger!
Also, a ring that is too big could easily fall off and get lost.
Your fingers will change size slightly throughout the day due to swelling and water retention, especially in warm weather. It is a good idea to get measured at different points throughout the day to make sure that you get a ring that will fit you all the time.
Style & Shape
Now you can move on to the fun part of choosing your wedding ring- picking out the style and the shape. This is where you can express yourself.
Remember to choose a style that reflects your personal taste, is complimentary to the other type of jewellery that you wear, and is timeless enough to still look good in years to come.
Remember to consider how your wedding ring will fit around your engagement ring. If you want it to be a snug fit then you may need to choose a ring that isn’t a perfect circle, otherwise there will be a gap in between the two rings on your finger.
Width
Wedding rings come in various different widths, usually between 2mm and 8mm. If you have dainty fingers then you might want to choose a narrower ring so it doesn’t look too big.
Some people prefer wider wedding bands because they feel more sturdy and substantial. It comes down to personal preference.
Weight
Wedding rings also come in different weights. The heavier wedding rings tend to be more durable, especially if they are made from a high quality metal. It is traditional that men’s wedding rings are heavier than women’s, but you can choose the weight that feels right for you.
Plain
Some people like to choose a plain wedding band- something simple that will go with everything. It is cheaper, as you aren’t paying for the cost of diamonds or other precious stones.
It also reduces the risk of damage, as stones can sometimes come loose. Plain wedding bands don’t have to be boring – you can get them engraved if you want to add a personal touch.
Eternity
Eternity rings are a great option if you want something a little more flashy and ornate. They are a circle of precious stones or diamonds to symbolise the everlasting love between two people. The sparkling jewels will complement the jewels on your engagement ring.
Court Shaped & D Shaped
Court shaped rings and D shaped rings are the most popular because they are very comfortable. They have a smooth and rounded design which feels good on your finger.
Court shaped rings are also curved on the inside, whereas D shaped rings are flat on the inside so that they fit flush with your finger.
Curved
A curved wedding band is not quite a perfect circle – it has a curve on the top so that it can fit around a solitaire style engagement ring.
Chevron
A chevron shaped ring has a more prominent curve on the top which is more angular. This is to make room for different types of engagement rings, not just solitaire styles.
Crescent
A crescent wedding band has a deeper curve than a curved wedding ring, but it is rounded in shape as opposed to the angular chevron style. This is also great for fitting around an engagement ring.
Metal
Once you have an ideal of what shape you want, you need to decide which metal to choose. It is best to choose a high quality metal so that your ring will last longer.
Keep in mind that if your engagement ring and your wedding ring are made of different metals, the weaker metal will become scratched by the stronger metal over time as the rings rub up against each other.
You also need to think about the metal of your other jewellery and decide whether you want to wear mixed metals or stick to one colour or type.
Yellow Gold
Yellow gold is a very traditional choice. You will need at least 18ct, as 22ct will be too soft to wear everyday.
White Gold
White gold is more modern that yellow gold and looks great next to silver jewellery. You will likely need to get white gold jewellery dipped every 5-10 years to maintain the colour.
Platinum
Platinum is a white metal that is more expensive than gold but it is very durable. If you want a wedding ring that will last and won’t scratch then choose platinum.
Titanium
Titanium is also very strong, but it has a different colour to platinum and white gold – more grey/silver than white/silver.
Summary
Choosing your wedding ring is a very personal decision, but with this guidance you will be able to find a ring that is perfect for you.
