Personalizing Wedding Bands: Diy Engraving

Engraving your wedding band is a wonderful way to personalise your ring and add a thoughtful, romantic, or fun touch. The custom has been around for centuries, with couples choosing to engrave their most beloved pieces of jewellery with religious quotes and sweet vows. Nowadays, couples often choose to engrave their rings with a secret message, such as a special date, their initials, or a phrase that only they understand. The process is relatively affordable and safe, and can be done either by hand or machine, depending on your preference and budget.

Choosing what to engrave

Names, initials, and significant dates

A popular choice for wedding band engravings is to include your partner's initials, names, or both of your names along with your wedding date. You could also include other significant dates such as when you met, when you fell in love, or your engagement date. Adding an extra phrase can make this option more personal, for example: "Forever Begins - Jan 25" or "Jan 25 (Don't Forget)".

Sentimental quotes

If you're a hopeless romantic, you might want to engrave a phrase that inspires you and captures the essence of your relationship. It could be something like "Love is the greatest adventure", "To the moon and back", or "Beginning of forever".

Nicknames

If you and your partner have special nicknames for each other, engraving them on your wedding bands can be a sweet and endearing touch. It will always remind you of the unique and special relationship you share.

Wedding vows

Excerpts from your wedding vows are another option for engraving. Phrases such as "For better, for worse", "For richer, for poorer", "In sickness and in health", or "Till death do us part" are a way to forever remember the words you promised one another.

Religious or spiritual verses and quotes

If you and your partner share strong religious or spiritual beliefs, engraving a meaningful Bible verse or spiritual quote can be a powerful message. For example, "Do everything in love" (1 Corinthians 16:14) or "Love is always patient and kind" (Holy Bible).

Song lyrics or poems

If there's a particular song or poem that holds a special meaning for you and your partner, engraving a line or lyric from it is a beautiful way to honour that connection. It could be your first dance song, or simply a song that resonates with you both.

Funny phrases

If your relationship is full of laughter and jokes, consider engraving something humorous on your wedding bands. It could be an inside joke that only your partner will understand, or a light-hearted phrase like "Put your ring back on!" or "You're stuck with me now".

Significant locations

If you have a place that holds a special memory, such as where you first met or got engaged, you can engrave the name of that location on your wedding band. Alternatively, you could engrave the coordinates of a meaningful place, such as where you were married.

Symbols or images

Instead of words, you could opt for a symbol or image that represents your love. This could be something universal like a heart or the infinity sign, or something more unique like your fingerprint.

Complementary phrases

You and your partner can each have a phrase engraved on your rings that complement each other. For example, "Little Spoon" and "Big Spoon", or "Hand in hand" and "Heart to heart".

Phrases in a different language

If you share a unique language or have a special connection to a particular country, you could engrave a phrase in that language. For instance, "I love you" in Italian or French. Just be sure to double-check that the translation is correct!

Remember, the engraving is a special and private message between you and your partner, so choose something that truly reflects your relationship and will hold a lasting meaning for both of you.

Types of engraving

There are several ways to engrave wedding bands, from traditional to unique, and the options are limitless. Here are some popular types of engraving to consider:

• Traditional Engraving: This type of engraving typically includes significant dates, initials, or names. Couples often choose to engrave their wedding date, the day they first met, or their first date. If the couple plans to share the same last name, engraving the last name or creating a monogram by combining parts of their names is also a popular choice.
• Sentimental or Romantic Engraving: This can include a brief phrase, verse, or inscription that holds sentimental value for the couple. Romantic engravings may feature terms such as Romantic engravings may feature terms such as "Love, Honor, and Cherish" or symbols such as a heart with an arrow or a love symbol with a star. Couples may also choose to engrave a meaningful line from their wedding vows, such as "I do" or "For better, for worse."
• Funny or Lighthearted Engraving: Many couples share a strong sense of humor, and engraving a funny or lighthearted message can be a great way to incorporate this into their wedding bands. This could include an inside joke, a playful secret, or a funny pet name. Some examples include "You're stuck with me" or "To love, honor, and irritate."
• Religious or Spiritual Engraving: For couples who share a strong religious or spiritual belief, engraving a quote or verse from their sacred text can be a powerful message. For example, Bible verses such as "Do everything in love" (1 Corinthians 16:14) or "Where you go, I will go" (Ruth 1:16-17) are popular choices.
• Song Lyrics or Poems: If a particular song or poem holds special meaning for the couple, they may choose to engrave a verse or a few lines from it. This could be the song that played during their first dance or a meaningful poem that captures the essence of their love story.
• Symbolic Images or Designs: Instead of words, some couples may prefer to engrave a design or image on their wedding bands. Modern engraving technology allows for the conversion of images into engravings. Simple images such as hearts, infinity signs, or fingerprints are popular choices.
• Complimentary Engravings: Couples can also choose to have complimentary or matching engravings on their wedding bands. This could be a phrase completed by the other person's band or words that complement each other. For example, "Little Spoon / Big Spoon" or "Mr. LAST NAME / Mrs. LAST NAME."
• Fingerprint or Signature Engraving: This unique idea involves etching the partner's fingerprint or signature onto the inside of the wedding band. It's a modern twist on traditional engraving and allows the couple to carry a part of their significant other with them wherever they go.
• Language of Love: Engraving a meaningful text in a Romance language such as French, Latin, or Italian can add a touch of uniqueness and tradition to the wedding bands. For example, "I love you" in French is "Je t'aime," adding a romantic flair to the inscription.
• Numeric or Coordinate Engraving: Couples may choose to engrave significant numbers or coordinates on their wedding bands. This could include their wedding date, the date they got engaged, the date of their first kiss, or the coordinates of their wedding venue or the place they met.

These are just a few types of engraving to consider when personalizing wedding bands. The options are endless, and couples can mix and match these ideas to create unique and meaningful engravings that reflect their relationship.

When to get your rings engraved

The choice of when to engrave your wedding rings is entirely up to you. Some couples choose to have their rings engraved immediately after purchasing them, while others may wait until closer to the wedding as a special reveal to one another. If you know you want your rings engraved before you get engaged, it's a good idea to let your jeweller know before purchasing the rings. Engraving is usually done at the end of the manufacturing process, so you can take your time deciding on the message you want to be engraved while your rings are being made.

If you're unsure about what you want to be engraved, it's a good idea to give yourself some time to consider your options. The message will be on your ring for many years, so you don't want to rush the process and end up with something you'll dislike later. It's also important to remember that you don't have to get your rings engraved before the wedding. If you change your mind after the big day, you can always have your rings engraved at a later time.

It's recommended to start the engraving process at least two months in advance of your wedding if you want your rings to be ready by then. Keep in mind that engraving can take anywhere from an hour to a month, depending on your jeweller's schedule and availability. Therefore, it's essential to plan ahead and allow for enough time for the engraving to be completed.

Engraving should be the final step after any necessary resizing, polishing, anodizing, or finishing. It's also crucial to be diligent with your request and double-check the spelling and accuracy of your message before handing it over to the engraver. That way, you can avoid any miscommunication or mistakes in the engraving.

How much engraving costs

Engraving is a great way to personalise your wedding bands. The cost of engraving will depend on the jeweller and the type of engraving you want. Typically, engraving costs range from $35 to $100. Some companies offer engraving at a lower cost or even for free. For example, Rustic & Main offers an optional add-on ring engraving service for $35 to any titanium or gold wedding band purchased.

The cost of engraving can also depend on the character count of the message you want to be engraved. The average cost ranges from $50 to $100, and most rings can accommodate between 15 to 30 characters. Laser engraving is the most common method, and it is a straightforward, quick process that shouldn't harm the integrity of your jewellery.

If you are looking for a more in-depth customisation, such as a fully personalised item, the cost will likely be higher. Additionally, keep in mind that some companies may charge extra for rush production or shipping.

What to engrave

Wedding bands are often engraved with a meaningful message, quote, or symbol that symbolises the couple's love and commitment. Here are some ideas for what to engrave on your wedding bands:

Names, Initials, and Dates

Engraving your names, initials, or both of your names along with your wedding date is a traditional and popular choice. You can also add an extra phrase to make it more personal, such as "Forever Begins" or "Adventure Awaits" followed by the date.

Sentimental Love Quotes

If you're a hopeless romantic, consider engraving a phrase that captures the essence of your relationship. For example, "The beginning of forever", "To the moon and back", or "Love is the greatest adventure".

Nicknames

If you and your partner have special nicknames for each other, engraving them on your wedding bands can be a sweet and endearing touch. It will always remind you of the unique and special relationship you share.

Wedding Vows or Special Words

Excerpts from your wedding vows, such as "For better, for worse" and "For richer, for poorer", can be a beautiful reminder of the promises made to each other. Alternatively, you can choose special words like "Love", "Forever", or "Always".

Spiritual or Religious Verses and Quotes

If you share a strong religious or spiritual belief, engraving a meaningful Bible verse or a spiritual quote can be a powerful message. For example, "Do everything in love" (1 Corinthians 16:14) or "What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate" (Mark 10:9).

Song Lyrics or Poems

Is there a song that holds a special memory for you both? Engraving song lyrics or meaningful lines from a poem is a wonderful way to honour a song that's significant to your relationship.

Funny Phrases or Inside Jokes

If your relationship is filled with laughter and lighthearted moments, consider engraving something funny or an inside joke that only your partner will understand. It's a great way to make your spouse smile, even during difficult times.

Significant Locations

Do you have a special place that holds a lot of meaning for both of you? It could be where you first met, where you fell in love, or a place you travelled to together. Engraving the name of this location on your wedding band can showcase its importance in your relationship.

Symbols or Images

Instead of words, you may prefer to express your feelings through images or symbols. Modern engraving technology allows you to convert images, such as fingerprints, into engravings. Simple images like hearts, infinity signs, or a yin-yang symbol are popular choices.

Complementary Phrases or Sentiments

You can split a phrase or sentiment across both wedding bands so that when the bands are together, the phrase is complete. For example, "I found a reason" and "And the reason is you". This idea symbolises the coming together of two individuals as a loving couple.

Foreign Language Expressions

If you share a unique language or have a special connection to a particular country, consider engraving "I love you" or another meaningful phrase in that language. For instance, "Je t'aime" in French or "Kara sevda" in Turkish, which means a love that forever grows.

Remember, the possibilities for engraving ideas are endless, and you can always consult with your jeweller for advice and inspiration.

Frequently asked questions