Wedding Bands: How Many Are Too Many?

There is no set number of wedding bands that a person should have. The number of wedding bands a person chooses to have depends on personal preference. Some people may prefer to have just one wedding band that they wear every day, while others may want to have multiple bands that they can rotate or stack together. Traditionally, wedding bands were made to fit together like puzzle pieces, with matching colours and metals to symbolise a couple's union. Today, there are no rules, and couples are focused on doing what works for them instead of following historical traditions.

Width and height of a wedding band ring

The width and height of a wedding band ring are important factors that can make or break the look for its wearer. The width of the ring is what indicates how comfortable it is to wear and it can also cement the look of the ring – whether it is a big, great ring or a slender and lean ring. The height of the ring, on the other hand, can tell us about its durability.

Width of a Wedding Band Ring

The width of a wedding band ring is usually measured in millimetres. The standard width of a plain wedding band ring usually starts from 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12 up to 20 millimetres. Most women's wedding band rings will be between 1.5 to 4 millimetres in width. Men's wedding band rings, on the other hand, are usually wider, ranging from 2.5 to 5 millimetres in width. Western men's wedding band rings are usually even wider, ranging from 5 to 8 millimetres.

Height of a Wedding Band Ring

The height of a wedding band ring is the dimension of the ring when viewed from a cross-sectional view and is also measured in millimetres. The appropriate height of a wedding band ring is typically between 1.5 to 2 millimetres as it is proportional without being too heavy to wear. A ring that is only 0.25 millimetres in height can also be made durable, but it may need to be made heavier.

Choosing the Right Width and Height for Your Ring

When selecting the right width and height for your ring, it is important to consider your personal preference, your style, and how you plan to wear the ring. If you want a ring that is comfortable and agile in everyday use, a narrower wedding band ring may be a better choice. Narrower rings are also more lightweight and can make the diamond appear larger. On the other hand, wider rings feel firmer and can accommodate larger diamonds. They are also more durable, making them suitable for those who use their hands a lot and do not intend to take off their rings often.

Average men's wedding band size

When it comes to wedding bands, most men don't realise that they should put the same time and effort into picking out their band as they do with the engagement ring. Your wedding band is one of the only things from your wedding that will last a lifetime, and you'll be wearing it every day.

There is no standard men's wedding band width, so you'll want to find the perfect fit. Wedding bands come in different styles and widths that vary by just a few millimetres. The width you select will always be a matter of preference related to personal factors, visual styling and physical comfort.

A typical men's wedding band width (and the most popular size) is between 6mm and 8mm, depending on the general finger and hand size. When you go into a jewellery store to select a men's ring width for the first time, a good starting point is to begin with the average width of 6mm and adjust to a larger or smaller width from there.

A narrow band means a ring with a width of approximately 2mm to 6mm. Narrow men's wedding bands are recommended for those with ring sizes under 9, more slender fingers, or those who have never worn a ring before.

A wide band refers to a ring with a width of 7mm or over. Wide bands are recommended for men with a ring size over 9, larger hands, or those who are used to wearing rings.

However, there is no magic formula or rule that dictates what men’s wedding ring thickness you should choose. Deciding on a specific width for your wedding band comes down to your own personal preference.

The average men's ring size is 9. A wider ring band is recommended for men with bigger hands and long fingers.

Narrow wedding bands

Wedding bands are an important part of the wedding tradition and are often one of the only things from the wedding that lasts a lifetime. While there is no standard width for men's wedding bands, they typically range from 4 to 8 millimetres, with the most popular sizes being 6 or 8 millimetres.

A 'narrow band' typically refers to a ring with a width of approximately 2 to 6 millimetres. Narrow wedding bands are a good option for those with ring sizes under 9, slender fingers, or those who have never worn a ring before. They are also a more cost-effective option, as they are made with a smaller quantity of precious metal.

For those who want a more subtle and sleek look, a narrow wedding band is a great choice. With widths as thin as 1 to 2 millimetres, these bands offer an elegant and refined appearance. Narrow bands are well-suited for those who want a comfortable fit and a timeless style.

When choosing a narrow wedding band, it's important to consider the type of metal used. Softer metals like gold may require a lower karatage to ensure durability. Alternatively, opting for sturdier metals such as tungsten or platinum can provide added strength while maintaining a thin profile.

Wide wedding bands

Wedding bands are one of the only things from your wedding that will last a lifetime, so it's important to find the perfect fit. While there is no standard width for wedding bands, they typically range from 1.6mm to 8mm for women and 4mm to 8mm for men.

However, there are some drawbacks to wide wedding bands. They tend to be more expensive due to the larger quantity of metal required. Wider bands can also be tighter on the finger, so it may be necessary to order a larger size. Additionally, the larger surface area can make it harder to fit comfortably over knuckles, and the bigger size can add to the cost of resizing.

Ultimately, the width of your wedding band comes down to personal preference and what feels comfortable to you. If you have small hands or thin fingers, a wide band may look overwhelming, but if you have larger hands, a wider band can complement them well. It's a good idea to visit a jeweller and try on different widths to find your favourite.

Popular wedding ring widths for brides and grooms

Wedding ring widths are measured in millimetres and typically range from 2mm to 8mm. The width of a wedding band is an important consideration as it affects the ring's durability, comfort, and overall appearance. Brides and grooms typically have different preferences for their wedding ring widths, with brides usually opting for narrower bands and grooms often choosing thicker bands.

For brides, the most popular width is 2.5mm as this is the standard width of most engagement rings, and brides often choose a wedding band that matches the width of their engagement ring. A 2.5mm wedding band also tends to be a good choice for those with slender fingers or smaller hands. A width of 2mm is typically the narrowest option for a wedding band, but rings of this width may be more fragile and less durable.

For grooms, the most popular width is 5mm, though 6mm and 7mm widths are also common, especially for those with larger hands. Wedding bands of 4mm or narrower are generally considered narrow for men and are often recommended for those with ring sizes under 9, slender fingers, or those who are not used to wearing rings. On the other hand, widths of 7mm and above are considered wide and are typically chosen by men with larger hands or ring sizes over 9. Wide bands can be more expensive due to the increased amount of metal used.

Frequently asked questions