Wedding Bands: Surprise Or Not?

There are many different opinions on whether wedding bands should be a surprise. Some people prefer to pick out their own wedding band, while others like the idea of their partner surprising them with it. Some couples decide to pick out their wedding rings together, which can be a fun bonding activity and ensure that both partners like their rings. On the other hand, surprising your partner with a wedding ring can be a memorable moment and show that you know their taste and preferences. Ultimately, the decision of whether to surprise your partner with a wedding band or not depends on personal preferences and what you think your partner would appreciate most.

Should the wedding band be a surprise or not?

There are a variety of opinions on whether the wedding band should be a surprise or not. Some people believe that the wedding band is traditionally exchanged during the wedding ceremony, so there is no urgency to pick it out before the wedding day. In this case, the wedding band can be a surprise for both partners.

On the other hand, some couples prefer to pick out their wedding bands together. This can be a fun bonding activity for the couple and ensure that both partners get a ring that they like and that fits well. Additionally, if the couple wants their wedding bands to match or coordinate with each other, it is probably best to shop for them together.

Some people also believe that the wedding band should be a surprise for the person who did not propose. For example, if the man proposed to the woman, he might want to surprise her with a wedding band that he picked out himself. Or, if the woman proposed, she might want to surprise him with a wedding band that she chose.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to surprise your partner with a wedding band is a personal one. Some people may prefer the romance and excitement of a surprise, while others may want to ensure that they get a ring that they like and that fits well.

Pros and cons of surprising your partner with a wedding band

Pros of surprising your partner with a wedding band

Surprising your partner with a wedding band can add an element of excitement to your wedding day. With so few surprises on your special day, a "planned" surprise can be a nice touch. It can also be a way to blend your tastes together and showcase your unique personalities. For example, one of you can pick out the engagement ring, and the other can choose the wedding band.

Cons of surprising your partner with a wedding band

There is a risk that your partner may not like the wedding band you choose or that it may not fit them properly. While you can usually exchange or return the ring, this process can be a hassle and may detract from the surprise. Additionally, if matching rings are important to you, it may be challenging to find a set that complements each other without your partner's input.

Pros of picking out wedding bands together

Picking out wedding bands together ensures that both you and your partner get a ring that suits your taste and fits well. This approach can also be an opportunity to design custom rings or create eco-friendly and conflict-free jewellery. Discussing and selecting rings together can be a fun and romantic experience, allowing you to bond over finding the perfect ring for each other.

Cons of picking out wedding bands together

Some believe that picking out wedding bands together may take away from the surprise or excitement of the wedding day. Additionally, there may be superstitions or traditions associated with the bride seeing the wedding band before the wedding. However, these beliefs are not widely held, and ultimately, the decision of whether to surprise your partner or not comes down to personal preference.

Wedding band shopping: together or alone?

Wedding band shopping is an exciting part of wedding planning, but should you go it alone or with your partner? There are pros and cons to both approaches, and ultimately, the decision is a personal one. Here are some things to consider when deciding whether to shop for wedding bands together or alone:

Shopping Together

Shopping for wedding bands together as a couple is a fun bonding activity and a chance to extend the excitement of your engagement. It's a great opportunity to discuss your preferences and try on different styles to see what suits you both. This way, you can ensure that you each get a ring that you love and that matches your individual personalities and tastes.

Additionally, shopping together can help to ensure that your rings match or coordinate, especially if you want your wedding band to complement your engagement ring. This is also a practical approach, as you can both get sized at the same time and ensure that your rings are ready in time for the wedding.

Shopping Alone

Surprising your partner with a wedding band they haven't seen before can be a romantic gesture and add an extra element of excitement to your wedding day. If you go this route, it's important to do your research and seek advice from jewellery experts to ensure that you choose something your partner will love and that suits their style and personality.

Practical Considerations

Regardless of whether you shop together or alone, it's important to start looking for wedding bands early to allow enough time for customisation, sizing, and shipping if needed. It's also a good idea to set a budget before you start shopping to streamline the process and avoid being distracted by rings that are out of your price range.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to wedding band shopping. The most important thing is to choose a ring that symbolises your love and commitment and that you or your partner will be happy to wear every day.

When should you start shopping for wedding bands?

While wedding planning, it's easy to get caught up in the ceremony and reception venues, the dress, and the guest list. However, it's important not to neglect your wedding bands, which symbolise your union and commitment to one another. So, when is the best time to start shopping for these essential rings?

It's recommended that you start looking for wedding bands about three to four months before the wedding and have them in hand a month before the big day. This leaves some wiggle room if your rings take longer than expected to be sized or shipped. If you're planning on customising your rings or adding special touches, you may want to start shopping even earlier—about seven to eight months in advance—and place your order at least six months before the wedding.

If you're engraving your rings or opting for custom designs, keep in mind that these processes can take extra time. Engraving may only add a few days to your turnaround time, but custom designs can take one to two months to complete. So, be sure to factor in these additional steps when creating your timeline.

To make the process less stressful, consider making a day of it and enjoying a romantic lunch or a glass of wine with your partner after trying on rings. Remember, this is a special moment and a fun pre-wedding activity that you can do together.

How much should you spend on a wedding band?

The amount you should spend on a wedding band depends on a variety of factors, including your budget, lifestyle, and personal style preferences.

Budget

Your current financial situation will largely dictate how much you should spend on wedding rings. If you're in debt or if a ring's price tag would make it challenging to cover your current bills, it's best to opt for something more affordable.

Lifestyle

Your lifestyle and the type of work you do will also influence your choice of wedding band. If you're used to lifting heavy weights or working with your hands, you'll want a flatter ring that is less likely to get scratched or dented. Platinum is the most durable metal, followed by palladium, while gold is a softer metal that is less durable.

Style Preferences

The type of metal, design complexity, and any added details such as diamonds or gemstones will also impact the price of your wedding band. Plain wedding bands can cost anywhere between $250 to $1,500 for women and $140 to $2,000 for men, depending on the metal. Bands that are larger, more intricate, or have diamonds or other stones can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000 for women and $510 to $10,000 for men, with the average cost being around $1,400 for women and $560 for men.

The four Cs of diamonds (cut, color, clarity, and carat) will also affect the price. A colorless diamond is the rarest and most expensive type, while a light yellow diamond is the least expensive. The cut of the diamond also impacts its sparkle, with shallower or deeper cuts resulting in less sparkle.

Other Considerations

If you're looking to save money, consider buying a pre-owned or vintage ring, or choosing a more affordable metal such as tungsten, wood, ceramic, or silicone. You can also take advantage of sales or discounts offered by jewelers, or look for family heirlooms that can be passed down.

Ultimately, the amount you spend on a wedding band is a personal choice and should be based on your own circumstances and preferences.

Frequently asked questions