1. Start early
Don’t leave buying your wedding bands until the last minute, just in case you don’t find what you want, and you need to order something you like. You might also need to get them resized or engraved so time is of the essence!
2. Decide on a budget
It’s so easy to overspend on something you know you’ll have on your finger for the rest of your life but resist the temptation. Discuss how much you can afford with your future spouse and keep to it! You can easily get a beautiful ring for a couple of hundred euros, so you really don’t need to break the bank.
3. Start with the style
There are so many options, the mind boggles! Should you choose platinum or yellow gold? Rose gold is also a beautiful choice and retains its class through the years. You will also need to decide on whether you want a simple band or one with embellishment.
4. Consider your lifestyle
The style of your rings does not only depend on your personal taste. You should also consider your lifestyle: if your job involves getting your hands dirty, you might want to go for something simple; if you’re very active, then go for something which is tough and longer-lasting, like platinum. Remember, you’re going to be wearing this all the time, so it needs to fit into your life like a glove.
5. Go with your partner
Avoid making the trip to the jewellers alone and buying your bands separately. While the rings don’t need to be identical, or even match, it would be useful to get a second opinion on this one vital item.
6. You don’t need to go all traditional
If you love experimenting with your style, don’t feel you have to backtrack on your fashionista principles. Your look is part of your identity and your ring should fit right in with this. Try on as much as you can when you go to the jewellers to see what suits our fingers and keep an open mind. You might find something you weren’t expecting.
7. Think long term maintenance
If the rings you choose have intricate grooves, and you do not have the patience for the upkeep, you might want to consider opting for something simpler. To keep your bands looking sparkling new, check any maintenance procedures you might have to keep up – as well as their frequency.
8. Have it sized properly
We cannot stress this enough: make sure your rings fit properly. Of course, if they are too big, you can always resize them, but if they’re too small you have a problem on your hands. Ideally, go for your fittings when your body temperature is normal and you’re calm, to avoid swollen fingers. Early mornings and after you’ve exercised are big no-nos.
9. Check the warranty
Check if your rings come with a guarantee. If they do, go over all the terms and conditions to make sure you’re covered. If they don’t, insure the bands just in case they get lost or – heaven forbid – stolen.
10. Make sure you feel comfortable
You are going to be wearing this for the rest of your life after all!
Petr Ovralov on Unsplash