If you’re like half of all American adults, you’re probably planning to marry at some point in your life. And, once you’ve found the perfect engagement ring, the perfect wedding venue, and the perfect partner, you’re probably all set, right? But you aren’t done yet. Now, is the time to find the perfect wedding bands. You’ll be wearing your wedding bands for years to come, so you want to make sure you pick the right ones. Here are nine tips to help you find some that are perfect.
Do Your Research Early
Don’t wait to start shopping for your wedding bands. The process can take time — time to find what you like, time to have something made, or time to agree on a pair you both like. Give yourself about three months before the wedding to find what you want. You don’t want to feel rushed, which could leave you with rings you don’t really love.
Buy the Engagement Ring and Bands Together
If it isn’t important for the engagement ring to be a surprise, you could buy it with the wedding bands to ensure they’re a good match. This can simplify the process greatly. You can buy a set that includes an engagement ring that interlocks with the band for the bride and a matching one for the groom.
Talk to Your Fiancé
You and your partner chose to marry presumably because you get along well, so talk to each other openly about what you want when it comes to your wedding bands. Figuring out what elements you like or dislike before you go to the jewelry store can make ring shopping much less stressful. Listen to your partner’s wishes or concerns, and you should both be prepared to compromise.
Consider Your Lifestyle
If you lead an active lifestyle, you may want to take that into consideration when ring shopping. Elements such as engravings, stones, and certain metals can catch dirt or get damaged more easily if you work with your hands or play a lot of sports. Some metals and styles can also feel more cumbersome, so pay attention to how the ring feels on your finger before you buy.
Stick to Your Budget
Wedding bands come in a wide range of prices. Most couples spend around 3% of their wedding budget on the rings. Keep in mind that the type of metal and whether or not you include stones can greatly impact the price. You should decide on a budget beforehand, and stick to that budget.
Think About the Maintenance
Wedding bands with engravings or stones require more maintenance than those without. You’ll need to wash it frequently and carefully or have it professionally cleaned. Bands with stones may also require more maintenance if you don’t remove it while working since you might lose your stones.
Choose Something Timeless, Not Trendy
While you might be tempted to choose wedding bands that are on-trend, try to find something timeless that you will love for many years to come. Trends come and go, but you’ll have your ring forever. You have the option of updating your wedding bands of course or getting a new one down the road for an anniversary, but you’ll always remember the original.
Go Against the Grain
If you and your fiancé don’t want matching bands, go against the grain and get something different. There’s no rule that says you need to wear matching rings. If you prefer platinum and your partner likes gold, go for it! You can incorporate similarities by using stones or including a special engraving.
Go for Quality
No matter the style or material of the wedding bands you choose, don’t forget to buy something that has high quality. You don’t want to have to replace your wedding bands due to defects or overly high maintenance. Do your research on the jeweler and brand beforehand. That way you can be sure you’ll be getting what you pay for.
Choosing wedding bands doesn’t have to be a chore. Just take your time, do your research, and follow these nine tips. When you’re ready, don’t hesitate to reach out to Markman’s Diamonds for a wedding band you’ll love.