A wedding is one of the most important events in most people’s lives. That decision to share your life with someone else is one that you will remember forever. It is a time of celebration as you invite your closest friends and family to witness the union.
Of all the symbols that surround a wedding ceremony, none is as significant as the wedding ring. It signifies the commitment, devotion and love between the couple. Therefore, when shopping for a wedding ring, you want to get the one that you will be excited to look at for years to come – and this goes for both the bride and the groom. Here is a look at the things you need to consider when shopping for a men’s wedding ring.
1. Start Early
The earlier you start your search for a wedding ring, the more time you have to look at the wide range of choices. Ideally, you should allow for at least three months before the wedding day. The internet is a great place to begin your search as it gives you a good idea of the rings available out there.
You may want to start your search even earlier if you are planning on buying a custom-made ring, one with personalized engraving, unique rings with custom stones, such as men’s emerald rings or any rings with extra embellishments.
2. Develop a Budget
No one has infinite resources. Not even millionaires have an unlimited budget for their wedding ring. Therefore, define a budget that will guide you on what rings fall within your realm of affordability. Rings range from a couple hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. The more embellishments you want such as diamonds, emeralds or engravings, the more expensive the rings become.
Many people choose to set the budget for their wedding rings as a percentage of their total wedding budget. This is usually about 3% of the total wedding budget. Still, you do not have to rigidly stick to this budget, it is simply a guideline. When you see a nice ring, it is okay to go a little over your planned budget if it is something you love.
3. Narrow Down Your Options
Besides your budget, there will be numerous other decisions you will need to make regarding your ring. So, your next task is to narrow these options down to a less overwhelming shortlist.
Think about your preferred style. Do you want an embellished, patterned, jewel-encrusted or simple wedding band? When it comes to ring metal, you can choose from palladium, tungsten, gold, platinum, titanium and more. Rarer metals are more pricey.
4. Keep an Open Mind
As you narrow your selection, keep an open mind. Do not hesitate to look at ring styles and designs you had not thought of before. For instance, a rose gold ring or a braided one could accentuate your wedding theme. Ask the jeweler for suggestions as they are privy to a much wider range of styles than you are.
5. Get the Right Size
Getting the right fit for the ring is vital. You will be wearing the ring during different activities and seasons. Remember that your fingers swell and contract depending on the time and season of the year. It is best to measure the size of your finger when your temperature is normal and your body is calm. The ring specialist can help you determine the best size to choose.
6. Consider Your Lifestyle
What activities are you regularly engaged in on a daily, weekly or monthly basis? Find a ring that fits into your lifestyle.
Do you play a musical instrument? Then perhaps a ring with rounded edges will be most ideal since it offers a nice fit. If you do a lot of manual work, lift weights, use a variety of tools or are active with your hands, it may be best to keep away from gemstones, as they could become loose or fall out. Instead, opt for a platinum ring, as these are often more durable and do not easily get caught on clothing or other items you use regularly.
Have Fun
Shopping for a men’s wedding ring can be a fun, eye-opening experience. As long as you plan in advance and determine what you want, you can pick a wedding band that complements your personality and relationship.
