Rhiannon Hendricks
Planning a wedding can be stressful, and with so many things to consider, it's easy to overlook the wedding rings. Wedding rings are a symbol of eternal love and commitment, so it's important to give yourself enough time to find the perfect ones. Experts recommend starting your search 8 to 6 months before the wedding, especially if you're opting for custom-made rings, as these can take several weeks or even months to craft. This early start allows you to explore different styles, metals, and jewellers, ensuring you find rings that resonate with your personal taste and budget. It's also a good idea to consider practical factors like lifestyle, maintenance, size, width, and whether you want personalisation. If you're keeping the ring a surprise, you can ask friends or family for help with ring size, or borrow a ring your partner wears to get it measured.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Start browsing | 8-6 months before the wedding |
| Start customising | 6 months before the wedding |
| Learn the lingo | Before starting to shop |
| Get the right size | Use a plastic ring sizer or borrow a ring |
| Match the metal | To the engagement ring on the Mohs hardness scale |
| Save money | Buy the wedding and engagement rings together |
| Save time | Buy from in-stock rings |
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What You'll Learn
Customisation and personalisation
Wedding rings are a symbol of eternal love and commitment. Customisation and personalisation can make them even more special. When it comes to customising wedding rings, there are many options to choose from. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Textures and finishes: You can add a unique texture or finish to your wedding ring to make it more personal. Popular options include matte, hammered, and satin finishes. These finishes provide a smooth touch without the shine of a traditional reflective surface. A hammered ring, for instance, has dimples that create a shiny and reflective surface with a unique texture.
- Engravings: Adding engravings to your wedding ring is a popular way to personalise it. You can inscribe a message, your partner's fingerprint, or even your heartbeat on the inside or outside of the band. Patterns, from organic to geometric designs, can also be engraved on the outside of the ring.
- Gemstones: Gemstones, such as diamonds or sapphires, can be added to your wedding band. You can choose a gemstone that holds significance, such as your partner's birthstone, to symbolise that they are always with you.
- Ring profiles: The profile of a ring refers to its shape when viewed in cross-section. A court band, often referred to as a "comfort fit," has a soft, rounded curve on both the inside and outside. A D-shaped profile has a flat inside, creating a 'D' shape. Flat and bevelled profiles offer a more modern, geometric look.
- Metal type and colour: Choosing the right metal for your wedding ring is essential. Consider the Mohs hardness scale to ensure the metal matches that of your engagement ring to avoid scratching. You can also add colour to your wedding band through different metals or accents.
- Design accents: Wedding ring designs have evolved to include various shape profiles and design accents. Classic bands have been updated with different textures and colours.
It's important to start the process early when opting for customisation, as it can take weeks or even months to create your perfect ring. Remember to factor in time for adjustments and resizing.
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Budgeting and saving
Wedding rings are a symbol of your love and commitment to each other. While it is easy to get fixated on the ring shopping, the proposal, and thinking about the budget, remember that the real meaning is in the new chapter of your relationship.
The cost of the wedding rings is traditionally split between the couple and their families, or the couple pays for each other's rings. Nowadays, couples either pay together with shared wedding expenses, split the cost, or one person covers the rings while the other pays for something else of similar expense. It is important to discuss your preferences and finances to see what works best for both of you.
Consider your long-term financial goals as a couple. There will be plenty of other expenses even after the wedding, and jewellery has maintenance costs. You will need to insure your rings in case they are lost or stolen, and it is recommended to have them examined by a professional jeweller once a year to ensure the stones are secure.
If you are looking to save money, remember that you do not need to have diamond rings or solid gold bands. You can opt for a different gemstone, a fake diamond, or silicone or wooden bands. You can also save money by buying your wedding and engagement rings at the same time, as the price of gold and other materials often increases over time.
When it comes to budgeting, it is important to only spend what you can afford without going into debt or sacrificing your financial goals. You can use a budgeting tool to help you plan your expenses and combine your finances.
It is recommended to begin your wedding band search 8 to 6 months before your wedding, as custom bands can take up to 2 months to craft, and you will need to factor in time for resizing and adjustments.
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Ring maintenance
Wedding rings are a symbol of love and commitment, so it is essential to keep them looking their best. Here are some tips for maintaining your wedding ring:
Cleaning
Regular cleaning is essential to maintaining the sparkle of your wedding ring. Dirt, oils, and everyday grime can build up over time, dulling its shine. To clean your ring at home, create a gentle cleaning solution using warm water and mild dish soap. Soak your ring in the solution for 20-30 minutes, then use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub away any dirt or debris. Pay special attention to intricate details and crevices. Finally, rinse the ring under warm water and dry it with a soft cloth.
While home cleaning is essential, professional cleaning can help maintain your ring's brilliance. Most jewellers recommend professional cleaning every six months to a year. They have the tools and expertise to remove stubborn dirt and identify any potential issues, such as loose stones or worn prongs, that may require repair.
Storage
When not wearing your ring, store it in a safe place to prevent damage or loss. Avoid tossing it into a jewellery box or drawer, where it can become scratched or tangled with other pieces. Instead, store your ring in a soft pouch or a jewellery box with individual compartments. Consider investing in a jewellery organiser with padding or a velvet lining for added protection.
Maintenance Checks
Regular maintenance checks are essential for ensuring the longevity of your wedding ring. Schedule periodic professional inspections to assess the condition of your ring and address any potential issues before they escalate. During the inspection, the jeweller will check for loose stones, worn prongs, and signs of damage or wear. By staying proactive with maintenance checks, you can prevent costly repairs and keep your ring looking beautiful for years to come.
Avoid Certain Activities
While your wedding ring is designed for everyday wear, there are certain activities where it is best to remove it to prevent damage. Avoid wearing your ring during gardening, exercising, or playing sports, where it may be subjected to excessive force or impact. Additionally, remove your ring before performing tasks that involve harsh chemicals, abrasive materials, or direct heat sources.
Metal-Specific Care
Different metals require different care routines. Gold rings, for example, are prone to scratches and require regular polishing to maintain their shine. Silver is another soft metal that can tarnish over time, requiring regular polishing and cleaning to maintain its brightness. On the other hand, platinum is a durable and hypoallergenic metal resistant to tarnish. Titanium and tungsten are also low-maintenance options, known for their strength and scratch resistance.
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Timing and planning
If you want your wedding ring to coordinate with your engagement ring, it is worth purchasing them together. This ensures they pair well and locks in a better price, as the cost of materials like gold often increases over time. It is also helpful to try them on together to see if the styles complement each other and fit well.
When planning, you should consider certain details such as lifestyle, maintenance, look, size, width, and personalisation. You should also familiarise yourself with the relevant terminology, such as size, width, contours, inlays, liners, and comfort fit versus flat fit. This will help you communicate your preferences to the jeweller and make a more informed decision.
If you are surprising your partner with a ring, ask their friends or family if they know their ring size, or borrow one of their rings and measure the inner diameter or take it to a jeweller. You should also allow for extra time if you want to include a personal touch, such as engraving, as this may take longer.
While there is no one "right time", buying your wedding ring well in advance can alleviate last-minute stress and provide time for any adjustments.
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Ring size
Wedding rings are an important symbol of love and commitment, so it's essential to ensure you get the right fit. The ring should feel snug but comfortable at the base of your finger, though it might feel tight over the knuckle. It's common to need resizing for the perfect fit, so plan for a few weeks for this process. If you're expecting significant life changes, like pregnancy, factor in those potential size changes too.
There are several ways to measure your ring size. You can use a plastic ring sizer, sliding your finger into it until you find a size that feels right. Try a half size up and down to find your precise fit. The right size should be snug enough not to fall off but loose enough to slide over the knuckle.
Another method is to use a string. Take a length of string or dental floss and wrap it around the base of your finger. Mark where the string first overlaps, then stretch it out along a ruler or measuring tape to get the length in millimetres. This will give you the circumference, and you can calculate the diameter by dividing the circumference by pi (3.14).
Many jewellery stores will help you get your ring size for free, and some offer free online ring sizers, printable ring sizers, or sizing tools that can be mailed to you. You can also measure your ring size at one of their physical store locations or during virtual shopping appointments.
It's recommended that you begin your wedding band search 8 to 6 months before your wedding day, especially since custom wedding bands can take up to 2 months to craft. You'll want to factor in any resizing and adjustment time, so give yourself ample time to explore different styles and make any necessary adjustments. If you're adding a personal touch with engraved or bespoke rings, you'll need to give the jeweller plenty of time to create them.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you buy your wedding rings around three to six months before your wedding day. This gives you enough time to explore different styles, consider custom designs, and make any necessary adjustments.
Buying your wedding ring early can alleviate last-minute stress and provide ample time for adjustments. It also ensures that your ring is in line with your current style preferences and the latest trends.
You should consider the fit of your wedding band with your engagement ring, especially if it has a low-profile setting. You should also be aware that the metal of the wedding ring should ideally match the metal of the engagement ring on the Mohs hardness scale to avoid one scratching the other.
