Wedding Bands: A Symbol Of Unity

Wedding bands are a symbol of commitment and love within a relationship. They are a piece of jewellery that is expected to accompany the couple forever. While traditionally the groom (and his family) would pay for the bride's ring, and the bride (and her family) would pay for the groom's ring, modern couples have a wide range of options. Many couples choose to pay for the band for each other, while others decide to split the cost evenly or start a shared wedding bank account.

Symbolism and significance

Wedding bands are a huge symbol of love and commitment for married couples. The continuous circle of the wedding band has come to represent eternity, with no beginning or end, and dates back to ancient times.

The tradition of exchanging wedding rings can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where rings were crafted from materials like hemp, leather, silver and gold. Over time, the wedding band has evolved in its outward appearance, with different styles, colours and shapes to suit the essence of modern-day nuptials.

The wedding band is often a simple design, sometimes featuring small embedded stones, and is usually made of precious metal, such as yellow gold, rose gold, white gold or platinum. The metal type, width, fit and any additional embellishments, such as engravings or stones, are all important factors to consider when choosing a wedding band. It's also important that the band is comfortable for everyday wear, as it's a piece of jewellery that will likely be worn at all times.

The wedding band is usually chosen to match the wearer's engagement ring, although some couples opt for matching bands or bands that complement each other with similar metalwork or accent stones. The groom has traditionally been the primary buyer of wedding bands, but this is no longer the case for many couples, who now choose to share the cost or buy each other's bands.

Matching sets

Matching wedding bands are a perfect way to symbolise your love and commitment to each other. They are a physical representation of your relationship and your partner, even when you are apart.

Matching wedding bands are a great way to express your individual personalities and styles while still uniting as a couple. Whether you opt for simple matching bands or something more intricate, matching wedding bands can be crafted to your exact specifications and budget. You can choose from a variety of materials, designs, and styles to create a set of rings that are unique to you and your partner.

When choosing matching wedding bands, it is important to consider factors such as metal type, width, fit, and whether you want additional embellishments like engravings or stones. You should also ensure that the rings are comfortable enough for everyday wear, as they are likely to be worn daily.

Matching wedding bands can be a cherished heirloom that can be passed down to future generations. They are a timeless symbol of your love and commitment, and with a wide range of styles and designs available, you can find the perfect set of rings to match your individual essence and relationship.

Budgeting and affordability

The National Average

According to recent data, couples in the United States spend an average of $1,417 on the bride's wedding band and $558 on the groom's band, resulting in a combined average of $1,975 for both wedding bands. This figure can serve as a starting point for your budgeting process.

Metal Choice

The choice of metal significantly impacts the cost of wedding bands. For example, a plain white gold band is typically less expensive than the same band in platinum. Additionally, consider the durability and maintenance requirements of different metals. White gold, for instance, is more durable and scratch-resistant but needs to be dipped periodically to maintain its lustre. In contrast, platinum is more expensive but is hypoallergenic and more durable than white gold.

Gemstones and Embellishments

Adding diamonds or other gemstones to wedding bands will increase the cost. The number, size, and quality of the stones will influence the price. If you're considering diamond embellishments, it's worth noting that most brides today prefer to have diamonds in their wedding bands.

Matching Sets

If you're aiming for a matching set with your engagement ring, your options may be limited, and customisation can add to the cost. However, it is not necessary for the wedding band to perfectly match the engagement ring. You can opt for a similar style and colour that complements the engagement ring without being an exact match.

Engravings

Engraving your wedding bands can be a meaningful touch, and some jewellers offer this service for free. However, hand engraving may incur additional costs.

Budget-Friendly Options

If you're working with a tight budget, there are still ways to find beautiful wedding bands. Consider simpler designs, basic metal bands, or explore online retailers and sales to find more affordable options. Additionally, you can start with a cheaper ring and plan to upgrade to a more expensive band on a future anniversary.

Payment Plans and Financing

If the cost of wedding bands is a concern, some jewellers and retailers offer payment plans or financing options to help make your purchase more affordable. This can be a way to get the rings you desire while spreading out the payments over time.

Remember, the most important aspect of wedding bands is that they symbolise your love and commitment. You can find options that fit within your budget and still hold personal meaning for you and your partner.

Metal types and styles

Wedding bands are available in a wide range of different metals, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. The metal you select for your wedding ring will affect its appearance, durability, and value. By understanding the unique qualities of each metal, you can make an informed decision and choose a band that suits your lifestyle and personal taste.

• Yellow gold: Yellow gold is the most traditional and purest colour of gold. It's easy to maintain and hypoallergenic, but it's less durable and needs occasional maintenance.
• White gold: White gold has a bright white colour and is more durable and scratch-resistant than yellow gold. However, it needs to be dipped every few years to maintain its coating.
• Rose gold: Rose gold has a unique pink hue and is considered very romantic. It's also quite durable and affordable, but it may cause skin issues due to its copper content.
• Platinum: Platinum is a luxurious and strong precious metal with a white colour. It's hypoallergenic and ages well, but it's more expensive than other metals.
• Palladium: Palladium is a white, silvery-coloured precious metal similar to platinum. It's durable and lightweight but tends to be more expensive.
• Titanium: Titanium is a lightweight and durable metal with a modern, masculine appearance. It's also affordable and easy to maintain, but it can't be resized.
• Tungsten carbide: This metal alloy is extremely durable and scratch-resistant, making it ideal for active lifestyles. It's available in various colours but cannot be resized.
• Tantalum: Tantalum is a durable and hypoallergenic metal similar to platinum. It's less brittle than tungsten and can be resized, but it's more expensive.
• Cobalt: Cobalt is a durable and affordable alternative to white gold and platinum. It resembles white gold but is harder and more scratch-resistant. However, resizing cobalt rings can be challenging.

When choosing a metal type for your wedding band, consider factors such as durability, maintenance, skin tone complement, and budget. Additionally, think about your lifestyle and whether you work with your hands, as this will impact the type of metal that will be most suitable for you.

Timing of purchase

Wedding bands are a huge symbol of love and commitment for couples. They are a piece of jewellery that you will likely wear every day for the rest of your life, so it's important to get it right.

Wedding bands are often left until the last minute, but it's recommended that you start shopping for them early. Most wedding bands are made to order, so you should allow plenty of time to avoid unforeseen delays. Ideally, you should start your search at least three months before the big day. This gives you time to consider the various options available and make a decision that you will be happy with.

It's also a good idea to purchase your wedding bands well in advance of the wedding in case anything goes wrong. Issues like incorrect ring size or engraving errors can occur, so it's best to give yourself a cushion of time to correct any mistakes.

Who buys the wedding bands?

Traditionally, the groom or his family would pay for the bride's wedding band, and the bride or her family would pay for the groom's. However, modern couples often decide to share the cost of the wedding rings as a symbol of their union. Alternatively, if one person bought the engagement ring, the other might pay for both wedding bands, or you could split the cost evenly.

Budgeting

When budgeting for wedding bands, it's helpful to consider your financial history as a couple. If you've always split costs evenly, you may want to continue to do so when purchasing wedding bands. It's also important to think about your future together. If you have big honeymoon plans or are in the process of buying a home, you may need to stay within a certain budget to save money for other important expenses.

Metal type

Gold is the most popular option for wedding bands, but platinum is more hypoallergenic and durable. If you want the bride and groom's bands to match, deciding on the metal type is crucial. This should be the first step in the process. If matching isn't a concern, you can choose the type that is most stylish and comfortable for everyday wear.

Engraving

If you want to add an engraving to your wedding bands, you should order them as far in advance of the wedding as possible to give the jeweller plenty of time. Engravings are typically placed on the inside of the band and can be a beautiful way to immortalise a meaningful message.

Band size

It's important to know the correct size for your wedding band, especially if you choose a style that is difficult to resize, such as an eternity band. Knowing the right size will also prevent any delays in receiving your rings, as you won't need to send them back to be resized.

Frequently asked questions