Shopping for wedding rings tends to be one of the last tasks ticked off couples’ wedding planning to do lists, but nonetheless, it’s important. After all, you’ll be wearing them for the rest of your lives so you’ll definitely want to find the one that’s right for you. Not sure where to start?! Here, we share our top tips on choosing your wedding rings with ease.
1. Decide on style
Before you even step foot in a jewellers, it’s a good idea to get a feel for what you like and want. Do you want diamonds or gemstones? Would you prefer your wedding band to be the same metal as your engagement ring? Do you want a ring to match your partners? Giving these questions some consideration will go a long way in making your wedding ring shopping a breeze.
2. Choose one which complements your engagement ring
Whether your partner choose the ring himself, or you did, it’s a great idea to go back to the original jewellers where it was purchased. Often, there will be a range of wedding bands which complement it perfectly. Even if you don’t buy it, you’ll get a good idea of the style of band, which was made to match it.
3. Decide on a budget
Newsflash – the sky’s the limit when it comes to wedding rings. You can go budget and choose one around £100-£200 or go luxe and spend £1000 or more. Determine how much of your wedding budget you are happy to spend on your wedding rings and stick to it.
4. Start sooner rather than later
Now for the fun part – trying on rings! Once you have a style in mind, it’s time to go shopping so make a day of it and visit a few jewellers with your partner. We recommend beginning your search 3-months before your wedding day. You’ll need this time to browse, research prices and revisit shops to try on ones which you like. If you’re having your ring custom-made, you’ll need to allow even longer than this. Plus, don’t forget engraving takes around 1-month.
5. Throw the rules out the window
Don’t worry if you think you know what you want but change your mind as soon as you start trying on – this is common. Plus, it’s no biggie if you like platinum and your partner prefers palladium. It’s important to find something which you both feel happy wearing and which reflects both your styles.
6. Consider your lifestyle
A wedding ring is designed to be worn everyday so it’s important to consider whether your job or lifestyle could impact its durability. For example, if you work with your hands or in a labour industry, gemstones can trap dirt, so this might not be the most practical option. If you’re active and play sports, platinum, is extra durable.
7. Mix it up
Believe it or not, the same rules apply when choosing a wedding dress. You might have your heart set on a certain style, but when you begin trying on various styles, something else might catch your eye. When speaking to your jeweller, be open to suggestions. You might just surprise yourself and fall for something unexpected.
8. Make sure it’s timeless
It can be easy to get swept up by the latest wedding ring trends but remember – they are just that – trends. One of the most important things to keep in mind when shopping for wedding rings is that you will be wearing these for the rest of your lives so choose something which ages well.
9. Find your perfect fit
Your wedding ring should definitely be comfortable. It will endure summers, winters and exercise, all of which cause our fingers to contract or expand. To find your perfect fit, try on rings when you’re feeling calm and your body temperature is normal.
10. Think about maintenance
Finally, remember to ask your jeweller for advice on maintenance and cleaning. Many shops offer a free annual cleaning service so check if this is included in the cost.
Happy shopping!