Wedding Bands: When To Buy For Your Wife

Wedding bands are a huge symbol of love and commitment for married couples. While there are no hard and fast rules about when to buy a wedding band for your wife, it's recommended that you start looking for bands about three to four months before the wedding day and have them in hand a month before. This leaves extra time should the rings take longer than expected to size or ship. Wedding bands are traditionally bought by the groom as a gift of love and commitment exchanged on the wedding day. However, some couples may choose to buy their own bands or pay for each other's as a symbol of their devotion.

Start looking 3-4 months before the wedding

Wedding bands are a huge symbol of love and commitment, so it's important to allow yourself enough time to find the perfect ring. It's recommended that you start looking for your wedding bands about 3-4 months before the wedding day. This gives you plenty of time to browse, try on rings, and make a purchase without feeling rushed.

Wedding bands are traditionally worn every day, so it's crucial to find a ring that you'll be excited to wear for a lifetime. Consider factors such as metal type, width, fit, and any desired embellishments like engravings or stones. Opt for a metal that matches your engagement ring and your lifestyle. Platinum and gold are popular choices, but other options include yellow gold, rose gold, and palladium. If you plan to wear your wedding band daily, make sure it's the proper size and consider a comfort fit.

Custom and engraved bands can take six to eight weeks to create, so keep this timeline in mind when planning your purchase. You'll want to have your rings in hand about a month before the wedding to allow for any last-minute adjustments or surprises.

Enjoy the process of finding your dream wedding band, and remember to start your search early to ensure a stress-free experience!

Have the rings in hand one month before the wedding

It is recommended that you have your wedding bands in hand at least one month before the wedding. This is to ensure that you have extra time should your rings take longer than expected to be sized or shipped. It is also a good idea in case you need to make any last-minute adjustments or changes.

Wedding bands are a huge symbol of love and commitment, so it's important to choose something that resonates with your personal style and that you'll be comfortable wearing every day. When shopping for wedding bands, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, focus on the material. Opt for a metal that matches your engagement ring and your lifestyle. Platinum and gold are popular choices, but other options include white gold, rose gold, yellow gold, and palladium. Consider your lifestyle and the type of work you do—if you work with your hands, for example, you may want to choose a stronger metal such as tungsten or platinum.

The size and fit of the ring are also crucial. Make sure the ring is properly sized and consider a comfort fit, especially if you plan to wear it daily. You'll want to wear your wedding band forever, so it's important to choose a ring that is comfortable and fits well. Another thing to consider is whether you want matching bands or individual styles. This is a personal choice and there is no right or wrong answer. Some couples may choose matching bands as a symbol of their unity, while others may prefer to express their unique style with individual rings.

Don't leave it too late to purchase your wedding bands. It's recommended to start shopping about three to four months before the wedding and have them purchased by the six-week mark at the latest. Custom bands or engravings can take extra time, so factor this into your planning. By having your rings in hand a month before the wedding, you'll have peace of mind and one less thing to worry about as your special day approaches.

Consider engraving

Wedding bands are a symbol of eternal love and commitment. While the design and style of the ring are important, engraving adds a unique and personal touch. Engraving your wedding band is a timeless way to commemorate your special day and capture the essence of your relationship. It is a subtle yet beautiful way to add a thoughtful touch to the bands you'll wear every day for the rest of your life.

The custom of engraving wedding rings dates back to the courts of medieval Europe. Today, engraving is done with a machine or handheld laser to inscribe the inside of the shank or the perimeter of the stone. It is a safe process that poses no harm to your jewellery. However, very delicate rings may be difficult to engrave due to technical limitations.

If you're considering engraving your wedding band, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Timing: Engraving should be the final step after any necessary resizing, polishing, anodizing, or finishing. Some couples choose to engrave their bands immediately after purchasing, while others wait until closer to the wedding as a special reveal. It is recommended to start shopping for bands three to four months before the wedding and have them in hand about a month before the big day. If you're engraving the rings, they may need a few extra days to be ready.
• Cost: The cost of engraving varies across jewellers, typically ranging from $50 to $100. The price may depend on the number of characters, the font used, and whether it is engraved by hand or machine.
• Type of ring: Laser engraving is a process designed for etching onto metals. Therefore, wood or silicone wedding bands cannot be engraved. Titanium and tungsten bands usually have lighter engraving than gold or platinum.
• Engraving ideas: From sentimental phrases to whimsical expressions, the options for engraving are endless. You can choose a romantic saying, a short inscription, or a whimsical quote. Consider engraving your wedding date, a popular wedding phrase, a nickname, a love quote, a psalm, a joke, or even coordinates of a special location.

Opt for a metal that matches your engagement ring

Opting for a wedding band that matches your engagement ring in metal type is a traditional choice. However, it is not necessary for the two to be the same metal, and mixed-metal bridal sets are becoming increasingly popular. When deciding whether to match or mix metals, it is essential to consider how different metals wear over time and their relative hardness.

For example, while white gold and platinum are both white metals, white gold is not naturally white. Instead, it is made by mixing yellow gold with white metals like silver or nickel and then rhodium plating. Consequently, the rhodium plating on white gold wears down over time, requiring re-plating by a jeweller every few years to maintain its bright white colour. In contrast, platinum is more durable and dense than gold, and when scratched, it develops a sheen known as a 'patina', giving it a vintage or worn look.

Therefore, if you want your rings to maintain a consistent appearance over time, choosing the same metal or metals with similar hardness is essential. For instance, silver, scoring a 2.5-3 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, pairs well with yellow gold, which scores a similar 2.5-3. On the other hand, mixing white gold (2.8-4 on the hardness scale) with platinum (3.5) may be feasible if you are careful.

Another option is to mix and match different shades of gold, such as pairing a yellow gold engagement ring with a wedding band in rose or white gold. This approach allows you to create a unique combination that reflects your personal style while also ensuring the longevity of your rings.

Decide whether to buy matching bands

Matching wedding bands have historically been the norm, symbolising the couple's union and commitment to one another. However, modern couples are increasingly choosing to forgo tradition and opt for unique, personalised options that reflect their individuality and shared values.

There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to buy matching wedding bands or not. Firstly, think about the symbolism of the rings. Matching bands represent unity and commitment, while non-matching bands celebrate the individuality of each partner within their union. Another factor to consider is practicality. If you or your partner leads an active lifestyle or has a physically demanding job, a more durable and practical ring design may be preferable. Additionally, consider the compatibility of the wedding bands with engagement rings or other jewellery you plan to wear together.

Open communication and compromise between partners are essential when making this decision. Each partner should express their preferences, share their viewpoints, and be open to the other's perspectives. If you decide against matching bands, there are other ways to symbolise unity and commitment, such as exchanging personalised vows or incorporating meaningful rituals into your wedding celebration.

Remember, there is no hard-and-fast rule regarding matching wedding bands. The choice is entirely up to you and your partner, and there are no wrong answers.

Frequently asked questions