Around 2.3 million couples get married every year in the US.
For any wedding, there can be a lot of things to think about, and one of the most important components is the wedding rings. Not only are they crucial for the day, but they’ll stay with you forever.
Buying a wedding ring is no small task. There are plenty of things you need to consider to make sure you settle on the perfect choice. For 6 tips on choosing wedding rings, keep reading.
1. Set a Budget
The price of wedding rings varies greatly. Before you go shopping and start getting excited by all of the options available, you should know how much you’re looking to spend. You might go into a shop and find something you really like, but may then be left disappointed if you find out the one you want is way outside of your price range.
Deciding on a budget should be the first thing you do. When visiting a jeweler or looking online, you need to be honest about what you’re looking to spend. You might be a bit concerned that you won’t be able to afford the ring you want, but you may still find the perfect ring, even if you’re on a tight budget.
Many people opt for custom wedding rings. This can cost a bit more, so many people assume they won’t be able to afford this option. In reality, bespoke rings can often still be a reasonable price, so this may well be an option.
2. Shop Early
Even if you know how to choose a wedding ring, you might be unsure of when you should do it. It may seem obvious that you want to do it early, but there are still plenty of people that make the mistake of leaving their ring shopping until the last minute.
This is especially crucial for custom designs. It can take a while for rings to be created, and you don’t want to risk yours not being ready in time for the big day.
A good time to shop for a ring is about 6 months before your wedding. It’s unlikely that you’ll decide on a ring immediately, so you want to give yourself plenty of time to look at different options. In the weeks leading up to your wedding, you’ll undoubtedly have plenty of other things to take care of, so making sure you’ve already got the ring covered will free you up to handle other tasks.
3. Choose a Metal
While gold is the most common material choice, there are plenty of wedding ring options available. Some couples like to match their rings, so you may want to ensure you both get rings made from the same material. This way a bride and groom can have rings that are different styles, while still sharing a connection.
While some couples opt for this, others may want rings that more closely match their individual preferences. In this case, you can get rings made from different materials. It’s also worth bearing in mind that many brides like to match their wedding ring to their engagement ring.
Some of the most popular choices to consider are:
- Yellow gold
- Silver
- Platinum
- White gold
- Rose gold
Beyond these, there are also some less traditional options such as cobalt, tungsten, titanium, and stainless steel.
4. Know What Carat Size You Want
This is one of the most crucial aspects of wedding bands, as the style of rings can vary significantly. Some people like to go for rings with a larger stone, while others may be more focused on color or clarity.
While many people already have an idea of the size of stone they want before shopping, it’s good to keep an open mind. When trying rings on, it’s not uncommon for people to change their minds. Once it’s on the finger, your partner may realize they want something completely different from their initial idea.
It’s worth noting that less common carat sizes are generally less expensive, so you may be able to save some money here. More common sizes are generally at half weights (0.5, 1, 1.5, etc.). Going with something just below these sizes will cost a lot less, and no one will be able to tell the difference.
5. Consider Your Lifestyle
This is something that can easily be forgotten, but wedding rings should always be suited to people’s lifestyles. When shopping, don’t just focus on what looks the best, but think about how it will work practically. Wedding rings are worn for life, so they need to be able to handle everything that a person does.
If you and your partner do a lot of outdoor activities or are often exposed to various chemicals, you should take this into account. Your ring needs to be able to withstand these conditions.
6. Get Measured Correctly
Anyone who’s used to wearing rings will know how uncomfortable it can be if one doesn’t fit right. If it’s too tight, it will cut off circulation to your finger. Conversely, if it’s too loose, you could easily lose it.
Both you and your partner should have your ring fingers measured properly. You’ll be able to get this done at any professional jeweler, so you and your partner don’t need to be shopping together to get the measurements.
Choosing Wedding Rings
Choosing wedding rings is a difficult task, but by following the tips above things will be a lot easier. At Garner Wallace, we have a range of wedding rings for women and men, as well as other jewelry. We also offer jewelry repairs and appraisals.
If you have any questions about our products or services, click here to contact us today.
