Wedding bands are a beautiful symbol of a couple’s eternal love and commitment. Since they will preferably be with you for the rest of your life, they’re a significant purchase.
Wedding rings are also a hefty investment, so you need to approach choosing them with focus. After all, there may be some aspects of the endeavour you have not considered yet.
To pick the ideal wedding rings for you and your beloved, keep these steps in mind.
It is crucial to know what your wedding rings will cost. Typically, couples allocate 3% of the entire wedding budget to wedding bands. The exact cost will depend on the metals and gems you choose, and the quality thereof. Resizing and engraving will also adjust costs. Prices vary widely, so it’s best to do your own research.
Ask your family and wedding planner for advice, and book an appointment with your favourite jeweler.
Helpful Tip
If wedding-related costs keep climbing, you can purchase your ‘forever’ wedding bands at a later date. Some couples use a symbolic band on the day and buy permanent rings when they can.
This way, there may be more time to save money and get something unique designed. This option may not be ideal, but if you’re feeling cash strapped and pressed for time, it could be the answer.
As you can see, it can take time to budget for and find your perfect wedding bands. Therefore, plan to start looking at least 6 – 9 months before your wedding. Resizing and engraving rings can take time, as well—factor in at least a month for these extras.
Remember that the wedding band is a long-term purchase. Consider that a funky design you like now may not be your thing anymore when you’re 75.
That said, you can always change your ring later if you outgrow it taste-wise. However, decide if the sentimental aspect of having the same band from day one is meaningful to you.
The kind of ring you choose also depends on your lifestyle. If you work with your hands or are into sports, it’s best to go for durability and a ‘comfort fit ring. Gemstones can be lost or damaged and may snag on things.
Platinum is the most robust of the metals - if a bit more pricey. The metal doesn’t wear away. It’s, therefore, an intelligent choice for people who use their hands a lot.
Keeping your wedding band in good condition can be more involved if your ring is intricate. It needs to be soaked and then gently cleaned with a small soft brush. If the ring has gemstones, they will have to be carefully scrubbed to avoid dislodging them. You can also use a jewellery cleaner solution.
If this sounds like hard work to you, it will be better to buy a low-maintenance, sturdy ring. A simple platinum or gold band needs a quick buff from time to time with a chamois, and that’s it.
Wedding bands are meant to last, and perhaps even be passed down to the next generations. Therefore, select rings that are the best quality you can afford. A superior band generally has two markings on it. It will have the quality mark, i.e. PLAT or 24k, and it will have the manufacturer’s trademark.
Once you’ve worked out your budget, and the kind of rings you want, refine your choices and search. Eventually, a style will stick, and you can make your purchases.
Once you’ve found the rings you like, you need to make sure they fit you both. If you’re buying ready-made rings, they may need to be resized. A jeweller can do this for a fair fee. Make sure to allow plenty of time to do any resizing.
Just remember, the weather, time of day, and season impact the fit. When getting a fitting, don’t finalise in the morning, after exercise, or in extremely cold or hot temperatures. This is because the body is typically more swollen or contracted in these instances.
Lastly, make sure the wedding bands - as well as the engagement ring - are shiny and clean for their debut at your wedding! You can get them professionally cleaned and buffed, or clean them yourself.
Happy ring shopping!
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