Wedding Band: Before Or After 'I Do'?

There are many traditions and considerations when it comes to buying a wedding band during an engagement. Firstly, it is important to note that wedding bands are traditionally exchanged during the wedding ceremony, so there is no rush to buy them immediately after the engagement. In fact, it is recommended to start looking for wedding bands about 3-4 months before the wedding and to have them in hand a month before the big day. This allows time for any customisations, sizing adjustments, or shipping delays.

The wedding band is typically a simpler and less expensive ring compared to the engagement ring, and the decision to have both is a matter of personal preference. Some couples may prefer the traditional look of wearing both an engagement and wedding ring, while others may opt for a single ring to symbolise both their engagement and married status.

When it comes to purchasing the wedding bands, some couples may choose to buy them together as a fun pre-wedding activity, while others may prefer to keep it a surprise. It is worth noting that open communication about finances and preferences is essential to ensure both parties are comfortable with the decision.

Wedding band shopping: a fun pre-wedding activity

Shopping for wedding bands is an enjoyable task for newly engaged couples. It's a great way to bond and ensure you both love the rings you'll wear for the rest of your lives. There's no need to rush this decision, but it's recommended to start looking 3-4 months before the wedding and have the bands a month before the big day. This allows for any customisations and resizing to be done without stress.

The Process

The process of shopping for wedding bands can be fun and exciting, especially if you do it together. It's a chance to try on different styles and metals and see what you both like. You can also get creative and add personal touches, such as engravings or unique stone colours.

The Practicalities

There are a few practical considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, the size is crucial. Make sure you know your correct ring size, especially if you're opting for a style that's hard to resize, like an eternity band. Secondly, think about the metal type. Gold is the most popular choice, but platinum is more hypoallergenic and durable. If you want your bands to match, deciding on the metal should be your first step.

The Cost

Wedding bands are typically less expensive than engagement rings, but the cost will depend on the design and materials chosen. It's essential to have open communication about finances and set a budget that works for both of you. You may also want to consider your future plans and other wedding expenses when deciding on a budget for the bands.

The Surprise Factor

Some couples prefer to keep the wedding bands a surprise until the wedding day, which can be a romantic and sweet moment. If you go down this route, ensure you know your partner's ring size and style preferences beforehand. However, shopping together ensures there are no surprises and can be a fun and memorable experience as you plan your future together.

So, when it comes to wedding band shopping, start early, have fun with it, and don't be afraid to make it a joint activity. It's a chance to create lasting memories and find the perfect rings to symbolise your love and commitment.

Surprise wedding band shopping

Wedding bands are traditionally exchanged during the wedding ceremony, so there's no urgency to buy one right away. In fact, choosing the wedding bands together as a couple can be a fun bonding activity. However, if you want to surprise your partner with a wedding band, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

First, it's important to familiarize yourself with your partner's preferences, style, and wedding ring must-haves. You can guarantee your partner is thrilled with your choice by seeking the advice of a jewelry company. This step is essential to ensuring that your wedding band captures your partner's personality and tastes.

Another thing to consider is the timing of your purchase. Most experts advise that couples start looking for wedding rings six months before their wedding date. As a general rule, give your jeweler three to four weeks to prepare the ring. If you're ordering a customized ring, this process may take up to six weeks, so be patient.

When it comes to budget, the amount you're willing to spend will directly inform the carat, color, and clarity of the diamond or gemstone. Creating a budget will streamline the selection process and prevent you from being distracted by rings that are out of your price range. According to wedding experts, couples should allocate between 3 and 5 percent of their wedding budget for the rings.

You can also stretch your budget by playing around with styles and metal types. For example, choosing a half-eternity band instead of a full one can save you money without sacrificing the ring's appearance. Shopping at local jewelry stores can also help you find high-quality rings at affordable prices.

Finally, consider your partner's lifestyle when choosing a wedding band. If they spend a lot of time outdoors or working with their hands, look for a ring that can endure wear and tear and has a simple structure without gemstones or engravings that can trap dirt. For those with active lifestyles, platinum wedding rings are a good option, while comfort-fit rings are best for musicians.

Surprising your partner with a wedding band can be a memorable and romantic gesture, but it's important to keep their preferences and lifestyle in mind to ensure they'll love and be able to wear the ring every day.

When to start looking for wedding bands

There are many factors to consider when deciding when to start looking for wedding bands. Here are some guidelines and tips to help you navigate this process:

Timing and Planning:

It is recommended to start looking for wedding bands about 3-4 months before the wedding day. This timeframe allows for customisation, sizing, and shipping, and provides a cushion in case of any delays or unforeseen issues. Having the wedding bands in hand a month before the wedding is advisable.

Communication and Preferences:

Discussing wedding band preferences with your partner is essential. This conversation can be a fun bonding activity and ensures you are both involved in the decision-making process. Be open about your preferences, whether you want matching bands or unique designs, and any financial considerations.

Practical Considerations:

Knowing your ring size is crucial, especially for styles like eternity bands that are challenging to resize. Consider the metal type, engraving preferences, and any custom design elements you may want. These factors may impact the timeline, so it's best to finalise these decisions as early as possible.

Budget and Cost-Sharing:

The cost of wedding bands varies depending on design preferences and materials. Discuss your budget and how you plan to share the expenses. If you have a shared bank account, you may use that for the purchase. Otherwise, splitting the cost evenly or contributing based on the investment in the engagement ring could be considered.

Sentimental Value:

Wedding bands are a lifelong symbol of your commitment to each other. While the financial aspects are essential, don't forget to make the experience enjoyable and memorable. Involve your partner in the process, and choose rings that hold special meaning for both of you.

By starting the process early, communicating openly, and considering practical and sentimental aspects, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect wedding bands that reflect your love and commitment.

Custom wedding band designs

Wedding bands are traditionally exchanged during the wedding ceremony, but there's no rule saying you have to follow this tradition. You might want to wear just your engagement ring, or you might want to pick out your wedding bands together as a couple. It's recommended that you choose your wedding bands at least three months before the wedding to allow time for custom work and sizing.

Custom wedding bands can be designed to complement your engagement ring perfectly. You can choose from a variety of metals, including platinum, gold, titanium, cobalt, zirconium, Damascus steel, and recycled gold or platinum. You can also incorporate lab-grown diamonds or ethically sourced materials such as reclaimed historic woods, whiskey barrels, meteorite, dinosaur bone, and naturally shed elk antler.

If you want a very close fit between your engagement ring and wedding band, you may need to create a custom design. You can work with a designer or design consultant to bring your vision to life and create a ring that tells your unique story.

When designing a custom wedding band, you'll have a range of options to choose from to capture your specific taste. You can select the colour, finish, design, and band width. You might opt for a plain metal band, a diamond-encrusted eternity band, or a unique style with personal meaning.

Who buys the wedding bands

While there is no definitive rule about who buys the wedding bands, tradition has it that each person pays for the other person's ring. So, in a heterosexual marriage, the bride (and/or her family) buys the groom's wedding ring, and the groom (and/or his family) pays for the bride's. However, this tradition assumes that all weddings involve a man and a woman, and modern weddings are no longer governed by the gender rules of the past. Nowadays, each half of the couple is expected to pay for their other half's wedding band.

There are many ways for couples to approach the purchase of wedding bands. For example, if one person bought the engagement ring, the other person might pay for both of the wedding bands. Alternatively, couples may split the cost evenly or start a shared wedding bank account to pay for the rings. Some couples even choose to buy each other's wedding bands as a gift.

The most important thing is that there is open communication between the couple. Being open about expectations, likes and dislikes will help to make the process of buying wedding bands smooth and enjoyable.

Frequently asked questions