Wedding rings are an important part of marriage. Several men get turned down because they picked a bad ring. It is customary around the world for married couples to wear wedding rings as a symbol of their love for each other. Your wedding ring is something that you’ll want to wear for the rest of your life: as such it has to be perfect. Whether you want a traditional band or something more unique, follow our top tips and learn how to choose the perfect style for you.
Budget
When setting your overall wedding budget, be sure to include wedding rings. Bearing in mind that you’ll be wearing your wedding rings forever, it would be a great idea to spend a little bit more than you would compared to your regular jewellery. First thing you’ll need to do before you step into a jewelry store is establish a budget. It will help the jeweler show you options that are in your price range.
There’s nothing romantic about going into major debt. Buy the nicest ring that you can afford. In the end, it’s not the amount of money you spend on a ring that matters, but rather the thought that goes into purchasing it. Many women would rather start your life together debt-free or use the money for a sweet honeymoon than have you blow all your savings on some rock.
If you want to propose, don’t delay because you can’t afford a better ring. The ring is supposed to be a symbol of your love, and what does it say about your love that you’re willing to postpone your marriage to buy a better rock? A humble ring will be a memory of that hard-scrabble time when you two were young. You can always get her a nicer ring for an anniversary present somewhere down the line.
Tradition says an engagement ring should cost three months’ salary, but that’s no hard and fast rule. Instead, start saving and decide what you’re comfortable spending.
Pick the Right Metal
Years ago wedding rings were mainly purchased in a classic gold style; however these days wedding rings can be designed in a number of different materials. For the bride it’s common to choose a metal to match your engagement ring as it will look lovely in photographs and for the groom, something stylish and sturdy could be a good option. Material options for wedding rings include gold, white gold, rose gold, silver, platinum, palladium, titanium and zirconium to name a few. Prices will vary depending on the style and weight of metal you choose so consider this when discussing your initial budget.
Don’t Forget Shape and Size
Wedding rings come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. For the groom, different metals and styles may be a factor, and for the bride, careful consideration needs to be taken, especially if you have an uncommonly shaped engagement ring. If the groom is not used to wearing a ring or has never worn a ring in the past then it might be an idea to have a wax mould created to wear for a few weeks. This will give the groom an idea of what shaped ring he likes and how comfortable the ring feels. Jewellers can help you, guide and advise on what metals and styles are the best when it comes to your wedding rings.
Find Her Finger Size.
This is very important. If the ring doesn't fit her finger, you're in trouble. Find her finger circumference and add 2 millimeters for growth. Your jeweller will have a special ring size guide so that you can measure exactly what size your wedding rings will need to be ordered in. The size of your finger may change over the years, but having your wedding ring re-sized is always an option in the future. The best way to get your girlfriend’s ring size is to get a ring that she isn’t wearing and bring it to the jeweler to be measured. If you want to maintain the surprise factor, you’ll have to be sneaky about this. Swipe a ring from her jewelry box while she’s getting ready in the bathroom or recruit one of her friends to pocket a ring while she’s over her house. Try to swipe a ring that you don’t see her wearing very much; she’ll be less likely to notice its absence.
