Don’t let your engagement ring go stag to your wedding! Just like you found your soulmate, you need to find your engagement ring’s perfect match, too! You might be wondering – is it even necessary to get wedding rings? The answer is no, some people choose to wear their engagement ring alone, while others opt for multiple wedding rings and more bling to symbolize their union. The choice is yours, but when it comes to how to choose the perfect wedding ring, we’ve got you covered. Here are some tips and bits of advice to consider when shopping for your treasured wedding band.
To Match or Not to Match? Many engagement rings are created with a matching wedding band. The classic choice is to get the match that fits with the curves and style of your engagement ring perfectly. However, nowadays, the mix-and-match look of stackable bands is a very popular option. This allows you the freedom to get something unique, personalized and add some flair to your bridal set. If you aren’t sure what look you are going for, the best way to decide is to try different styles, and figure out what is right for you! If you like an eclectic look, you may opt for a unique band in a contrasting metal color or design, or a couple of stacking bands to mix and match.
Alternatively, if you love a consistent, classic look, the matching band is probably right for you. Not sure if your engagement ring has a perfect match? Just come into a store and ask an expert. If we don’t have it in stock, it can probably be special ordered directly from the designer or manufacturer.
Make It Personal. There’s hardly anything as personal as the wedding ring that symbolizes your love story. And the cool thing is that there are so many ways to add an even more personal touch. Some popular options include adding an engraving and even colored stones. Adding these extra special touches will make your ring even more meaningful. If you do choose to embellish your wedding band design, make sure you leave yourself enough time to special order your rings.
Think About Budget. So we all know that the expense of weddings can certainly add up. But creating a budget will help you ensure you get a ring you both love while respecting the pocketbook. Be sure to set aside enough funds for both wedding bands early on in the budgeting process. As Hayley Parke, a Robbins Brothers customer advises:
“I would encourage grooms to keep an open mind when it comes to the price tag. A lot of men I know bought a simple $50 band online, without putting much thought into it. Sure, it will be durable and affordable, but just make sure that’s the symbol of your love that you want to wear for the rest of your life.”
When my fiancé and I went shopping for our bands, he went in with the mindset that he wants something simple and inexpensive. The first time we went shopping, he found just that. After thinking on it for a couple weeks though, he decided that it didn’t feel special enough, and after we went shopping again with a looser budget, he ended up choosing something different. Even though it went a little above our ideal budget, we both wanted him to be happy with his choice, and a little extra dough was worth it. :)”
Metal Types. You may want to research metal types and designs before making the final decision. Gone are the days where all you had to choose from was gold and platinum. Rings are now made out of a wide variety of metals and materials – some men’s rings even have carbon fiber or meteorite inlays. Although these are cool and unique options, you will find that some particular metals and designs can be difficult or even impossible to resize.
Sizing. This is especially important for men’s rings. Most men have not worn a ring before their wedding band, so they probably have no idea what size they wear. If you aren’t used to wearing a ring, remember that it might feel a little tight at first, but you will get used to it. Be sure you’re ordering the correct size for you! Keep in mind, eternity rings (where the design or diamonds go all the way around the ring) as well as some of the popular alternative metals like tungsten and titanium, cannot be sized. If you choose an eternity band or one of the alternative metals that are not meant to size, make sure to ask about specific ring policies that may allow for an exchange if necessary in the future. If sizing is a concern to you, you may want to stick with a more traditional metal, or add a sizing bar. If you aren’t sure, or need more advice, ask an expert or a master jeweler at one of our stores for more information.
“When it came to shopping for my own rings, I liked the look of an eternity band, but not the sizing inflexibility. I opted for a sizing bar, which leaves a small section of plain metal at the bottom of a ring so that it can be sized in the future, if necessary,” Parke shared.
Shop Early. When shopping for your wedding ring(s), timing is key. When it comes time to purchase your wedding bands, there are many reasons why you might need to special order. The most common being ordering the ring in your size, or switching the metal type. Otherwise, maybe the rings in stock don’t strike your fancy… or you just want something totally one-of-a-kind. If you need to special order your ring, make sure you have enough time. Every designer and collection has a different lead time for special orders, so to ensure that you get your ring in time for the big day, check the chart here. A good rule of thumb is to start shopping for your wedding rings at least 4 months before your wedding. Then be sure to order at least 2–3 months before the wedding. This will give you enough time to think about what you want, look for some inspiration, add something personal, and pick up the rings before the big day!
“Also remember that if you are doing something completely custom, or modifying the wedding band design based on a custom engagement ring, you may need to add additional time.”
Ready to start shopping? Browse our wedding bands or come into a Robbins Brothers store near you! Need more info? Explore our online education center.
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