Ready to choose your wedding ring? It might be the smallest element of your wedding but you’ll be wearing it for the rest of your life so it’s got to be perfect! Before you get ready to put a ring on it, check out guest blogger Aideen McCanny’s advice on choosing that all important bling!
Money matters
First things first… set a budget. Before you begin looking at diamond set bands and customised creations, determine how much of the overall wedding budget you will spend on your rings.
Shop as a pair
There are a few aspects of the wedding prep that will be carried out separately so plan to choose your wedding bands as a couple. Dedicate a weekend or two to shopping for your rings and visit a few different jewellers so that you can see several styles and varieties before you settle on one. Traditionally, the bride buys the groom’s ring and vice versa so make your trip fun!
Begin your search early
Allow yourself at least two to three months before your wedding date to ring shop. If you have a customised style in mind, you may need to allow a little longer than this and extras such as engraving require more time too.
Consider shape and size
It’s no surprise that there are endless options of styles, shapes and sizes when it comes to wedding bands. For the bride, an unusual shape of engagement ring needs to be taken into consideration and for the groom different metals and style may be a factor. When it comes to the size of your band, try to schedule a time for your appointment when your body temperature is normal and you feel calm, avoiding early morning or right after you’ve exercised. Your fingers swell and contract from heat, cold and water retention so it’s best to find your perfect size when your fingers are at their most common temperature.
Metal matters
Traditionally, wedding rings were designed in a classic gold style but nowadays there are various options available. Usually, the bride will choose a style of band to perfectly complement that stunning engagement ring, while the gent opts for something dapper and durable. Today’s metals include gold, white gold, rose gold, silver, platinum, palladium, titanium and zirconium. Phew! Don’t panic if your groom loves gold and your heart is set on silver as couples have strayed from choosing matching wedding rings in recent years.
Lifestyle limitations
There’s little point in purchasing a pricey band if it feels uncomfortable to wear or your profession or hobby requires you to remove it often, increasing the risk losing it! You’re going to be wearing this ring everyday so it should seamlessly become a part of your life. A slimmer ring with rounded edges may be more ideal if you are sporty or play an instrument. If your job entails working with your hands, avoid gemstones which can become loose or a cut which can trap dirt.
Take your time
Finally, and most importantly, take your time when making your purchase. Chat with your jeweller about what you have in mind and don’t be scared to delve outside your comfort zone by trying on styles you hadn’t even considered. You may even end up loving something unexpected.
Aideen McCanny is our resident guest blogger, fashion and wedding guru. She has written for many of Ireland’s top fashion publications.
