5 Tips to Selecting your Wedding Rings
YAY! You’re engaged! Check below to our tips to selecting your wedding rings:
1. Set a Budget
Keep in mind that wedding bands come in all shapes, sizes, stones. There’s a standard that says you’ll typically spend approximately 3 percent of your total wedding budget on the rings. Different stores will have different prices, but typically, a 14-karat gold or simple platinum band can cost around $1,000. When you add width to the band or stones or engraving, the costs will start to add up. TIP: Remember these bands will last for the next 30-60 years so consider that when creating the budget.
2. Decide on a style
Consider what you want your wedding ring to look like. Do you want to have your spouses band match yours or compliment? The type of band (thin or thick or guard to go around your engagement ring), stones or not (either precious or gemstones), and the type of metal (platinum, gold, silver, titanium, etc.)? It really comes down to the style you want coupled with the budget. Definitely decide upon this before you go shopping so you know what you want and can save precious wedding planning time on what you want and not what sales people will steer you toward. TIP: If you buy the bands at the same time, you may be able to get a discount.
3. Keep Your Lifestyle in Mind
Most people don’t think about the fact that you’ll be wearing this band every day and if you want something that won’t be difficult to wear. If you are someone who get’s their hands dirty, you may want a slimmer band so it’s more comfortable. If you work with your hands, you may want more of a simple band and forego any stones that could become lose with wear and tear. Also consider the metals the bands are made of because some metal is more study than others (i.e. gold is softer and can get dents, but Platinum is very study).
4. Consider the Size
As rings are often worn 24 hours a day, worn during work and in cold or hot weather you want to get the sizing right. You may consider avoiding shopping for rings first thing in the morning as your fingers are more swollen at that time. Also shop when you have a normal body temperature (if you just worked out and are hot and sweaty it’s not good). Also ask about how easily the metal is to cut should you have an accident or get pregnant.
5. Buy from Reputable Stores
Shop reputable stores. If you purchase online, be very careful and check for reviews and return policy. Rings should come with a manufacturer’s trademark and what the ring is made of (I.e. 24K or PLAT). The larger name brand stores usually have a higher markup, but they stand by their products and usually have a generous return policy. Online and smaller mom and pop stores may have better pricing, but be careful and confirm return policy.
