How To Choose Your Fiancé's Wedding Band

Choosing your fiancé's wedding band is an important decision, as it is a symbol of your love and commitment that they will wear for the rest of their life. While there are no hard-and-fast rules, traditionally the bride purchases the groom's wedding band, and vice versa. However, modern couples often discuss wedding expenses together and may decide to split the cost or purchase the bands together. It's important to have open communication and consider your financial situation when deciding who buys the wedding bands.

When choosing a wedding band, there are several factors to consider, such as the metal type, engraving, and band size. Gold is the most popular option, but other metals like platinum are more hypoallergenic and durable. The band size is also crucial, especially for styles like eternity bands that are difficult to resize. It's recommended to start shopping for wedding bands about four months before the wedding and make the purchase 4-6 weeks before the big day.

Metal type: Gold, platinum, tungsten, titanium or ceramic?

Metal type is an important consideration when choosing a wedding band. The most popular materials for wedding rings are yellow gold, platinum, tungsten, titanium, and ceramic. Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding on the metal type for your fiancé's wedding band:

Gold

Gold is the traditional choice for wedding bands and has been valued throughout history. Its softness makes it easy to resize and scratches can be buffed out. However, gold is expensive and requires maintenance to keep it looking new. It is also malleable, so it can be resold if needed. Gold is a good choice if you want a classic, timeless look that can be passed down through generations.

Platinum

Platinum is a more expensive alternative to gold, as it is harder to work with. It is a good choice for those who prefer the look of silver or white gold. Platinum is durable and hypoallergenic, making it a good option for those with sensitive skin.

Tungsten

Tungsten is a popular alternative to gold due to its hardness, durability, and low maintenance. It is many times harder than gold and has a glossy, like-new appearance even over time. However, tungsten cannot be resized and is vulnerable to cracking if impacted on a hard surface.

Titanium

Titanium is a relatively new metal that is strong, lightweight, and hypoallergenic. It is scratch-resistant and does not oxidize, making it easy to maintain. However, titanium is difficult to work with and cannot be soldered or heat-worked, making it challenging to resize.

Ceramic

Ceramic is one of the hardest substances used for wedding rings and is known for its durability and low maintenance. It provides a glossy, like-new appearance even over time. However, like tungsten, ceramic cannot be resized and is vulnerable to cracking if impacted.

When choosing the metal type for your fiancé's wedding band, consider factors such as durability, maintenance, and the ability to resize. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your fiancé's preferences and what best suits their unique personality.

Engraving: Yes or no?

Engraving wedding bands is a beautiful way to personalise them and infuse them with sentimental meaning. It is a way to make the rings truly unique and special, adding a secret message that only the couple will know. The practice dates back to medieval times when people engraved their most treasured jewellery with religious quotes and heartfelt vows.

There are many options when it comes to engraving wedding bands. Couples often choose to engrave their rings with a combination of names, initials, dates, and romantic or funny phrases. Some couples also opt for quotes from songs, films, or books that are meaningful to them. Religious quotes and Bible verses are also popular choices.

When deciding whether or not to engrave your wedding bands, it is important to consider the time and cost involved. Engraving costs vary depending on the jeweller, the length of the inscription, the chosen font style, and the type of engraving. Hand engraving tends to be pricier than machine engraving, and laser engraving is the safest and fastest option. It is also important to ensure that the rings are large enough to accommodate the engraving.

If you choose to engrave your wedding bands, it is crucial to be clear and specific with your instructions. Double-check the spelling and punctuation of your chosen inscription, and check it again once you receive the engraved rings.

• Traditional inscriptions: "Love, Honour & Cherish", "The Beginning of Forever", "I Have, I Do & I Will", "Forever Begins [date]", "Beloved Husband/Wife".
• Numeric inscriptions: The date of your first date, first kiss, engagement, or wedding; the coordinates of where you first met.
• Romantic inscriptions: "Written in the Stars", "Two Souls, One Heart", "Truly, Madly, Deeply", "You'll Never Wander Alone", "A song lyric you both love".
• Humorous inscriptions: "An inside joke", "Property of [your name or initials]", "No Returns, No Exchanges", "To Love, Honour & Irritate", "Trophy Wife/Husband".
• Religious inscriptions: "Deus Nos Iunxit (God Joined Us)", "Mizpah (May the Lord watch between you and me when we are absent from one another)", "Where You Go, I Will Go (Ruth 1:16)", "Do Everything in Love (Corinthians 16:14)", "God Unites Both in Love".

Band size: Make sure you get the right fit

When it comes to choosing your fiancé's wedding band, ensuring the correct band size is crucial. Here are some tips to help you get the right fit:

• Start looking for the wedding band early: It is recommended to begin your search for wedding bands about four months before the wedding. This will give you enough time to find the perfect ring and make any necessary adjustments. If you need to order a custom design or make changes to the size, allowing extra time will ensure you receive the ring well in advance of the wedding day.
• Know your fiancé's ring size: It is important to know the correct ring size for your fiancé. Finger sizes can vary throughout the day and across seasons, so it is best to get their finger measured by a professional jeweller. You can also use plastic ring sizers, but keep in mind that wider bands may fit differently.
• Choose the right style: The style of the band can impact the fit. For example, certain styles like eternity bands are challenging to resize, so you must be certain of the size before purchasing. Wider bands may also be less comfortable and more difficult to get onto the finger.
• Consider resizing options: If the band needs to be resized, factor in the time required for this process. Some rings, like eternity bands, are difficult to resize, so ensuring the correct size from the start is crucial.
• Plan ahead for potential delays: Even with the correct size, there can be delays with receiving the ring, such as engraving flaws or incorrect sizing. Allow ample time between receiving the ring and the wedding day to address any issues that may arise.
• Discuss preferences and comfort: Communicate with your fiancé about their preferences and comfort. They may have specific ideas about the style and fit of the band. It is important to ensure that the ring is something they will be happy to wear every day.

Style: Classic or modern?

When it comes to wedding bands, you can choose to go for a classic or modern style. Classic wedding bands are often made of traditional metals such as yellow gold, silver, platinum, or white gold. These metals have proven to stand the test of time and can be passed down through generations. For example, a simple yellow gold band with a milgrain edge is a timeless choice that can be found in a variety of karat options, with 14k or 18k being the most popular due to their balance of colour and durability.

On the other hand, modern wedding bands offer a wider range of possibilities. Alternative metals such as tungsten, titanium, and even ceramic are becoming increasingly popular. These contemporary options provide a variety of sizes and finishes to choose from. For instance, tungsten and platinum are common choices for men, while women tend to opt for more traditional metals. Additionally, modern styles may incorporate unique designs, engravings, or stone colours that hold special meaning for the couple.

When deciding between a classic or modern style, it is essential to consider your personal preferences, the symbolism of the ring, and the longevity of the design. Classic bands offer a sense of tradition and timelessness, while modern bands allow for greater customisation and individuality. Ultimately, the choice should reflect your unique personalities and the aspirations of your marriage.

Cost: How much should you spend?

The cost of wedding bands varies depending on the materials used, the design, and the number of bands purchased. It is ultimately up to the couple to decide how much they want to spend and what factors are most important to them in choosing a wedding band.

According to tradition, each person in the couple is expected to pay for their partner's wedding band. However, modern couples may choose to split the cost of the wedding rings or cover other wedding expenses. It is important to have an open discussion about finances and come to a mutual agreement that works for both partners.

The most popular material for wedding bands is yellow gold, specifically 14k or 18k gold as they have the right gold look and are not too soft. Other gold karat options include 9k gold, which is common in England, and 333 gold, which is found in Germany. However, lower karat gold options may have a different look and be harder than higher karat gold.

Platinum and white gold used to be popular alternative options to yellow gold. Platinum is typically more expensive than gold because it is harder to work with. White gold is a valid alternative to yellow gold or rose gold if you prefer the silver look. Rose gold is also a popular choice, especially for those with a tan as it has a slightly different look from yellow gold.

When it comes to the style of the wedding band, couples may choose matching bands to highlight the unity of their marriage. However, it is more common nowadays for each person to choose a band that suits their unique personality. For women's wedding bands, considerations may include whether to choose a matching bridal set or an engagement ring enhancer that meshes with the engagement ring. Men's wedding bands can be traditional gold bands or include diamonds or alternative metals such as tungsten, titanium, or ceramic.

The cost of a wedding band can also depend on the width of the band, with most bands ranging from 3mm to 8mm in width. A wider band may be more difficult to get onto your finger and may be less comfortable to wear. Additionally, the finish of the band can impact the cost, with shiny polished finishes being the most classic option, and hammered or matte finishes being less common choices.

It is recommended to invest in quality when it comes to wedding bands since they will be worn every day. Unusual materials such as wood, tungsten, cobalt, or titanium are not recommended as they may not stand the test of time. It is also important to consider the time of year when purchasing a wedding band, as your finger size can change slightly during different seasons.

The average cost of a live wedding band is $4,300, although this can vary widely depending on factors such as the number of band members, hours booked, equipment required, and location. In contrast, the average cost of a wedding DJ is $1,700, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $5,500 depending on the region.

Frequently asked questions