Choosing Her Wedding Band: A Guide

Choosing a wedding band for her is a highly personal decision, but there are some general tips that can help guide you in the right direction. Firstly, consider her lifestyle and taste. If she leads an active lifestyle or works with her hands, opt for a more durable metal like platinum. Think about her existing jewellery preferences and whether she likes to mix metals and shapes or stick to a matching set. If she has an engagement ring, the wedding band should complement it, whether that's by pairing metals or creating a custom design to fit the shape of the engagement ring. It's also important to start the search early, especially if a custom design is on the cards. While there are no strict rules, the wedding band should be something she loves and feels comfortable wearing every day.

Start your search early

Start your wedding band search early in the wedding planning process. Ideally, aim to have your rings selected at least two to four months before your wedding date. This will be your sweet spot to end up with a ring you'll love for a lifetime. This allows ample time for any custom designs, as well as customization, sizing adjustments, and any unexpected delays that may arise.

If you're opting for custom-designed wedding rings, factor in the additional time needed for design consultations, production, and revisions. Custom rings often require several weeks to months to complete, depending on the complexity of the design and the jeweller's workload.

Even if you have a specific style in mind, there are so many choices available that it can be overwhelming. It's normal to have a tough time making a final decision, so give yourself time to browse and try on different styles.

If you're eyeing a custom design, it's especially important to start early. You'll want to have your rings in hand at least a month before the wedding, so aim to begin the process three to four months in advance. This will give you plenty of time for any adjustments and ensure a stress-free experience leading up to your special day.

Remember, choosing when to buy your wedding band is a personal decision that should align with your preferences and priorities. The most important thing is to find a ring that you love and that symbolizes your union.

Shop with your engagement ring

When shopping for a wedding band, it's important to keep your engagement ring in mind. While there are no strict rules about pairing your engagement ring with your wedding band, you should love the way they look together, as that's how you'll likely wear them. It's up to you whether you want the set to be a perfect match or complementary.

Try Different Styles

Try on options with and without your engagement ring to ensure you love the look both ways. This will help you determine if you want a perfect match or a complementary design. It's also a good idea to try on different styles in person to get a sense of comfort and to see how the rings look together.

Mix and Match Metals

Your wedding band doesn't have to be made of the same metal as your engagement ring. Feel free to mix metals and shapes to create a modern look. For example, mixing white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold can be a stunning combination. However, if you prefer a more classic and coordinated look, you can match the metals.

Consider the Height of Your Center Stone

The height of your center stone will determine whether a straight wedding band will fit flush with your engagement ring or create a gap. If your center stone is low-set, a standard wedding band may create a gap, which some people prefer. In this case, a curved band might be a better option. If your center stone is raised, you'll have more options, and both straight and curved bands could work.

Think About Your Lifestyle

Consider your lifestyle and how often you plan to wear your wedding band alone. If you lead an active lifestyle or travel frequently, you may want a low-maintenance band that you can wear all the time without worrying about cleaning or losing it. A simple band without diamonds can be both timeless and practical.

Add Your Personality

Your wedding band doesn't have to be plain! Pick a style that complements your engagement ring and lets your personality shine through. You can add new elements like milgrain or different shapes of diamonds to enhance your engagement ring.

Keep your lifestyle in mind

When choosing a wedding band, it's important to keep your lifestyle in mind. This is a ring you'll likely be wearing every day, so you want to make sure it's comfortable and suits your daily activities. If you work with your hands or play sports, consider a more durable metal such as platinum, which is a harder metal. On the other hand, gold is a softer metal and may be at risk of damage if worn during manual activities. If you plan on wearing your ring to the gym or while doing sports, a simple, solid gold design or a low-profile ring might be a better option. If you want to add some sparkle to your ring but still want it to be durable, consider a wedding ring with channel-set gemstones. With this setting, the pavé details are placed side-by-side between open channels, keeping them secure.

The level of intricacy of your wedding band will also determine the level of maintenance required. More intricate wedding bands will require more time and care to keep them in good condition. If you're not interested in the extra upkeep, a simple, fuss-free gold or platinum ring is a perfect choice.

Additionally, the width of your wedding band can be influenced by your lifestyle. If you plan on wearing your wedding ring with your engagement ring, pairing them with a similar width can create a balanced look. However, if you have larger fingers, you may prefer a wider wedding ring, while those with smaller fingers may feel more comfortable with a delicate style.

Don't worry about matching

Matching wedding bands have traditionally been seen as a symbol of commitment and a shared future. However, it is not a requirement for couples to have identical wedding bands. In fact, it is becoming increasingly common for couples to choose bands that reflect their individual personalities and tastes rather than matching sets. This allows each partner to express their personal style and choose a ring that they will be happy to wear every day.

When choosing a wedding band, it is important to consider your lifestyle and taste. If you are very active or use your hands a lot for work, you may want to choose a more durable option that is low-maintenance. Simple gold or platinum bands are classic choices that go with everything and require less upkeep than more intricate designs. You may also want to consider your skin tone when selecting a metal type and colour. For example, white or rose gold or grey tungsten can look stunning on those with lighter complexions or a more modern aesthetic.

Ultimately, the most important thing is that you and your partner choose rings that you both love and that reflect your individuality. There is no need to sacrifice your personal style or comfort just to have matching bands. You can also opt to buy two bands—one for everyday use and another for special occasions or travel—so you can have the best of both worlds.

Opt for comfort and convenience

When choosing a wedding band, it's important to keep comfort and convenience in mind, especially if you plan to wear your ring every day. If you lead an active lifestyle, regularly hit the gym, or work with your hands, opt for a more durable wedding band that can withstand daily wear and tear. This will help prevent damage and premature wear to your ring.

Simple gold or platinum bands are classic choices that are low-maintenance and durable. These metals are less likely to show scratches or dents compared to softer metals like silver. Additionally, the more intricate the design, the more time and care you'll need to invest in cleaning and maintaining your ring. So if you're not interested in the extra upkeep, go for a fuss-free style.

The weight and proportions of the ring are also important considerations. A heavy and wide band might look and feel too bulky and heavy on your finger, especially if paired with a substantial engagement ring. On the other hand, if your engagement ring is delicate, you may want to choose a wedding band with a similar width to create a balanced look.

Another factor to consider is your ring size. It's crucial to have an accurate ring size before purchasing, especially if the design is intricate and difficult to resize. You don't want to end up with a ring that doesn't fit properly or have to go through the hassle of returning or resizing it.

Finally, think about your daily routine and choose a ring that aligns with your lifestyle. If you work in an industry where wearing a ring could be unsafe or inconvenient, consider buying a simpler version of your wedding band to wear during work hours and a more ornate one for your days off.

Frequently asked questions