Who Picks The Wedding Bands?

While there are no rules when it comes to wedding bands, there are several traditions and considerations to keep in mind when deciding who picks the wedding bands. Traditionally, the groom or his family would pay for the bride's ring, and the bride or her family would pay for the groom's ring. However, modern couples often approach this decision as a team, with both partners selecting their own rings together. This ensures both parties are happy with the rings they will wear for the rest of their married lives. It is also common for couples to pay for each other's bands or to split the cost evenly, especially if they have a shared bank account. When it comes to style, some brides may prefer a matching set so that their wedding band complements their engagement ring. On the other hand, the groom may not regularly wear jewellery, so the bride may want to consider his everyday style and help him make a choice. Ultimately, the decision of who picks the wedding bands depends on the couple's personal preferences, budget, and level of involvement in the wedding planning process.

Women can pick a wedding band that matches their engagement ring

Women can certainly pick a wedding band that matches their engagement ring. In fact, it is becoming increasingly common for couples to select their wedding bands together. While there are no strict rules about pairing your engagement ring with your wedding band, it is important to love how they look together, as that's often how you'll wear them.

When it comes to matching a wedding band to an engagement ring, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide on the type of metal you want for your wedding band. Traditionally, wedding bands are made from the same type of metal as the engagement ring. However, mixed-metal bridal sets are becoming more popular, with combinations of white, yellow, and rose gold creating stunning and unique looks.

Next, determine whether you want your wedding band to sit flush against your engagement ring or if you're okay with a small gap between the two. This decision will depend on the setting of your engagement ring. High-set rings typically result in no gap when paired with a band, while low-set rings may produce a gap depending on the style of the band.

If you want a seamless, integrated appearance, a flush fit wedding band sits level with the engagement ring. If you can't find a straight band to sit flush with your engagement ring, you can opt for a curved or contoured band that fits neatly around the centre stone or setting. Open bands with a gap can also create a flush fit by allowing the centre stone of the engagement ring to nestle in the gap.

When it comes to the style of the wedding band, there are numerous options available. Stacking bands are versatile and customisable, allowing you to mix and match different designs, gemstones, and textures. Contoured bands are designed to match the curvature of your engagement ring, creating a modern and unique twist. Notched bands have a small groove or cutout, allowing them to sit perfectly alongside an engagement ring or another band for a comfortable and stylish fit. Diamond bands add extra brilliance and glamour to your ring finger, with diamonds partially or entirely encircling the band.

Ultimately, there are no strict rules when it comes to matching your engagement ring and wedding band. It all depends on your personal style and preferences. While some may prefer a perfectly matched set, others might want to experiment with different combinations of metal types, diamond shapes, textures, and band widths.

They can also choose a band that can be worn without the engagement ring

Traditionally, it is the groom who selects the engagement ring, but often the bride-to-be is involved in the selection process. When it comes to wedding bands, however, it is less clear-cut. Brides may want a wedding band that complements their engagement ring, while grooms may not wear jewellery regularly and need help choosing a ring they will be happy to wear for the rest of their married life.

There is no "correct way" to wear your wedding band and engagement ring. Many women opt out of wearing their engagement ring all the time because the settings snag on clothing or hair, or they are worried about losing or damaging the ring. It is perfectly acceptable to reserve your engagement ring for special occasions and choose a wedding band that can be worn without it.

If you plan to wear your wedding band without your engagement ring, you may wish to choose a straight wedding ring without a shape that is designed to embrace another ring. Active contours can look awkward when the wedding band is worn alone, as though something is missing. A simple, fuss-free gold or platinum ring is a good choice if you don't want the extra upkeep that comes with a more intricate band.

Women can select a wedding band that matches their partner's band

Traditionally, it is the groom's responsibility to select an engagement ring as a precursor to the proposal. However, many brides-to-be are often involved in the selection of the engagement ring to varying degrees. When it comes to choosing wedding bands, however, the situation is less clear-cut.

A bride may desire a matched set so that her wedding band complements her engagement ring. On the other hand, if the groom does not regularly wear jewellery, it may be challenging to select a wedding ring that he will like. In this case, the bride can consider his everyday style and assist him in making a choice.

The safest option is for both the bride and groom to select their own wedding bands together. This ensures that both parties are happy with the rings they will wear for the rest of their married lives. There is no requirement for wedding bands to match, and couples can express their individuality by choosing rings that suit their personal tastes.

However, if a woman wishes to select a wedding band that matches her partner's, there are several ways to achieve this. Firstly, they can opt for a set of matching bands, which is common in many European countries. These bands typically consist of simple yellow gold bands with the names of the couple and their wedding date engraved on the inside. In some cases, the wife's ring may be slightly thinner than the husband's and may feature a few small decorative stones. Alternatively, they can choose conceptually similar rings that differ in size or metal colour to suit their individual styles and preferences.

Women may choose to wear their wedding band on a different hand than their engagement ring

While there are no firm rules about how to wear wedding and engagement rings, and personal preference is the most important factor, there are some traditions and practical considerations that might influence a woman's decision about which hand to wear her wedding band on.

In most cultures, wearing a ring on the left-hand ring finger indicates that the wearer is in a committed relationship. In parts of Europe, however, women wear their wedding band on the right-hand ring finger, and in some cultures, the right hand is used for oaths and vows, so the wedding band is worn on the right. In other cultures, the wedding ring is worn on the thumb, and in some religions, women remain committed to their deity and wear a ring on the right-hand ring finger.

The tradition of wearing a wedding band on the left-hand ring finger is believed to have originated with the Ancient Romans, who thought that the "ring finger" had a vein that ran directly to the heart. This was known as the Vena Amoris, or vein of love.

Some women choose to wear their wedding band on their right hand if they want to wear their engagement ring on their wedding day. They can then switch the engagement ring to their right hand before the wedding ceremony and have the wedding band placed on their left hand.

Women who are very active or use their hands a lot for work may want to consider wearing their wedding band on their right hand if they feel it will get in the way or be damaged.

Ultimately, it is a personal choice whether a woman wears her wedding band on her left or right hand, and there is no right or wrong answer.

Women may opt for a simple, fuss-free gold or platinum ring

Gold and platinum are hypoallergenic and durable, and their simplicity means they can be worn with or without an engagement ring. For those who want their wedding band to match their engagement ring, a simple gold or platinum band is a safe choice as it will complement most designs.

A fuss-free band is also a good option for those who want to focus on the symbolism of the ring rather than its design. A simple band can be a practical choice for everyday wear, while the woman may choose to add more ornate rings to her collection for special occasions.

Additionally, a woman may opt for a simple band if she intends to wear multiple rings. Stacking wedding bands is a popular trend, and a simple gold or platinum ring can be easily paired with other metals and styles. This option allows for a versatile collection, catering to different tastes and occasions.

Ultimately, the choice of wedding band is a personal one, and women may prefer a fuss-free gold or platinum ring for its practicality, timelessness, and versatility.

Frequently asked questions