A Guide to Picking a Wedding Band
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Tiffany Moore , Updated October 07, 2024Choosing the perfect wedding band is a chance to select a piece of jewelry that will stay with you for a lifetime. The process of deciding on the rings that will commemorate your relationship is a romantic one between you and your partner.
Your wedding band will enhance the beauty of your engagement ring, and with so many styles to choose from, it is the perfect opportunity to find a unique and stylish combination that is perfect for you.
Below, we’ll cover essential tips for selecting your wedding band, how to wear your engagement ring and wedding band together, and provide inspiration to help you find the perfect style. Our expert guides will help you choose the perfect wedding band to express your taste and love story, whether you're looking for something timeless or trend-setting.
5 General Rules for Picking a Wedding Band
In this section, we’ll guide you through key considerations to help you make an informed choice. The essential rules for selecting a wedding band that you will cherish for a lifetime will be covered, from understanding different metal options and styles to considering comfort and budget.
- 1. Choose a metal that suits your style and lifestyle: Wedding bands are available in a range of metals, including white and yellow gold, platinum, titanium, and more. Consider you and your partner’s daily habits and the durability you need. For instance, platinum is highly durable and will last a lifetime, ideal for those with active lifestyles. The metal you choose should reflect your personal taste as well as meet your lifestyle needs.
- 2. Match (or contrast) the engagement ring: While your wedding band and engagement ring don’t need to be identical or part of a set, they should look good together. You should consider how the metal and design complement or contrast each other. A sleek solitaire engagement ring pairs well with a simple band, while a more intricate ring might benefit from a subtler band to avoid overwhelming the design. Over time, consider how the two will work together.
- 3. Set a realistic budget: Metal, design, and extra stones and details all play a role in determining the price of wedding bands. By setting a budget before you begin your search, you will be able to narrow down your choices and avoid unexpected costs. Make sure you prioritize the features that are most important to you, such as a specific metal, additional diamonds, or custom engraving, and select a band that meets your vision without going over your budget.
- 4. Consider comfort and fit: Your wedding band is likely to be worn on a daily basis, so comfort is a key factor. Bands with rounded inside edges are often a good choice since they're comfortable to wear. A band's width and thickness can also affect its feel on your finger. It is important to try on different styles to find the one that is most comfortable for your lifestyle and hand size.
- 5. Plan for the long term: Your wedding band is a beautiful commitment, so choose a style that you'll love not only now, but for years to come. In spite of trend changes, it's essential to consider timeless designs. It's always a safe choice to choose a classic, simple band, but if you want something more special, consider subtle customizations such as engraving or mixed metals to add personal significance.
How to Wear Your Engagement Ring and Wedding Band Together
In most cultures, especially the US, engagement rings and wedding bands are worn together on the same finger after tying the knot, commonly called the ring finger - which is located right next to your pinky on your left hand.
Throughout history, wedding bands have symbolized unending love since their origin in Egypt over 4,800 years ago.
It is well known that an engagement ring is proudly worn on the ring finger up until the wedding day. After the vows are exchanged, does the wedding band go on first? Wedding rings are traditionally placed on left ring fingers first, followed by engagement rings.
In wedding or bridal ring sets, both the engagement ring and wedding band are designed to complement each other and are very popular if you want to wear both rings at once. The rings are both visually pleasing and functional; they provide a form-fitting look that is comfortable to wear and minimizes the risk of them rubbing together.
Rings take on a wide variety of shapes and forms, as do the ideas and emotions they represent. Even though our left hand's fourth finger is traditionally the ring finger, you can choose whatever you like based on your lifestyle, preferences, and culture.
Wedding Bands Inspiration
It is no longer the norm to wear chunky yellow gold wedding bands overshadowed by engagement rings. Expert retailers have a variety of options: wide bands, petite bands, eternity bands with diamonds all the way around and setting styles including prong, bezel and pavé. All available in different precious metals and weights to suit your taste and lifestyle.
Equally as Spectacular: Standalone Beauty
Your wedding band can be made truly exceptional with diamonds. Featuring half eternity diamonds, the French-cut diamond wedding ring is equally elegant and comfortable. The crescent-shaped setting allows light to flood the diamonds, and it features
classic Tacori details.
With its smooth underside, the row of twinkling diamonds fits perfectly against your engagement ring.
Better Together: Bridal Set
Engagement rings and wedding bands are often designed to match so that they complement each other - a bridal set. For example, a shape might be crafted so that it fits together, it might contain the same number of gems, or it might have the same design.
As tradition dictates, an engagement ring should have a diamond at its center, whereas a wedding band will either be plain or feature accent diamonds.
As with the engagement ring, the wedding band features a single strand of diamonds that travels up the shoulder, while being designed to complement the more complex engagement ring that features a twisted shank and central diamond.
It's a stunning pairing, two rings that seamlessly complement each other. As with marriage, the two become one.
Complementary Pair: Matching Features
If you already have your dream engagement ring, don't let that discourage you. You can match individual wedding bands and engagement rings that aren't designed as a set relatively easily once you know how.
Although both pieces were designed by different designers, their matching metals (in this case, platinum) make them a perfect match. In fact, matching designs or finishes can make rings of different colors look like they were made for each other.
Picking a Wedding Band with Whiteflash
There is something romantic and exciting about choosing a wedding band. Don't let your options overwhelm you. Narrow down your options. We have a wide selection of
designer wedding rings that will fit any style and are durable and beautiful. The highest levels of perfection and craftsmanship are applied to every ring, no matter how unusual or understated the design may be.
There is now a market with something for everyone, and individual taste has replaced tradition for many. Each leading jewelry designer offers a variety of bridal options to suit various budgets and tastes.
The best way to find matching engagement rings and wedding bands is to look for them as a set or at the same time. This will allow you to match designs and features perfectly and avoid mismatched rings.
Choosing a wedding or engagement ring from Whiteflash is sure to make your special day even more memorable. Browse our collection of wedding bands and engagement rings to find the one that's right for you. Start by clicking the button below.