After the most perfect proposal and receiving the engagement ring of your dreams, finding a wedding band to match will take some time. Consider these tips before you start to shop…
What’s Your Style?
Are you a platinum woman, or will a warm gold suit your skin tone? Have a think about what metals you like and if you’d like something detailed or simple. Consider if you want your band engraved, heavily embellished or finished with glitzy gemstones before you start ring shopping, so you can put more of your efforts into the style you like. And if you’re not at all sure what type of ring you want, start dreaming! Take inspiration from Pinterest and other sharing sites that might give you a few ideas of what ring would suit you.
To Match Or Not To Match?
Do you want your wedding band to match your engagement ring, or just complement it? Would you like you and your husband to- be’s bands to match metals, or take on your own unique styles? Now is the time to answer all of these questions, but don’t be afraid to take a different stride. You and your partner’s rings could entwine two different metals to represent your individual personalities, meaning you could always have them connected to you on your finger. How romantic!
Budget, Budget, Budget!
Just like any other part of your wedding planning, you will need a budget. You might want to research a little into how much your dream ring might cost, before creating an unrealistic budget and being disappointed. Set aside enough of your wedding funds to go towards a ring that you love as you will be wearing it for a long time to come. Take into consideration how much it will be to insure your ring too.
Lifestyle Choices
Ponder your day-to-day lifestyle before committing to a specific ring. Certain metals will be better for different people, so if you’re always on the go and want your ring to feel extra durable, go for platinum and avoid stones that may fall out or get dirty. Or if you’re someone who uses their hands a lot and wants a ‘comfort’ choice, try a flatter band with more rounded edges so your ring slips into your life with ease.
Make Sure It Really Fits
Throughout all the seasons of the year and among having children and many different exercise regimes, your ring will experience it all. But you will need to make sure it’s sized right in the first place so it can be comfortable during all of these situations. Your fingers will expand and slim down depending on the weather and also your weight, so go and try on your ring on different days or in different heats so you can work out what size will be most comfortable for you the majority of the time.
Think Ahead
Most people wear their wedding bands all day, every day for 50+ years. So when choosing your dream ring, you will need to consider if you’ll still like it in years to come. Following the latest jewellery trends can be a great place to start, especially when it comes to finding inspiration. If you do so, however, take into consideration that these styles may become less popular over time. Just make sure you are in love with them regardless. Choose a ring because you have fallen in love with it, not just because your friends love it at the time. Also, don’t forget to get it insured!
Don’t Forget The Upkeep Of Your Ring
After all the time you will spend wearing your ring, don’t expect to have it looking totally sparkling year upon year without any maintenance. Embellishments, gemstones and engraved rings will take more work to make them look new again, so research into what you can do to keep them clean. (And if you’re not sure you can commit, ask your jeweller about what type of wedding bands are low maintenance!)