Start Your Search Early - Allow at least 2 months to look around, do your research, compare prices and revisit any rings that catch your eye. You will need to allow additional time if you are considering custom rings. Also, extras like engraving can take up to one month. If you find you are pressed for time but still wish to have your rings engraved, ask if you can bring your rings in for engraving after your wedding. The wedding rings will be the most important piece of bridal jewelry you will be purchasing.
Have a Budget - Shop for rings assuming you will be spending about 3% of your overall wedding budget. The average price for a simple gold band is generally $150. However, a platinum band rises to around $600 or $700. Adding diamonds can add considerably more to the price of your ring(s).
Think About Form and Function - You should not base your ring decision on just looks. That would be something like choosing your soul mate based on looks alone....gorgeous, but no personality. If you enjoy sports or other similar activities, you should opt for a slimmer ring that has rounded edges rather than a very wide band. Anyone that works with their hands will want a simple, metal ring. Stones may come loose and intricate carvings tend to trap dirt. If you are highly allergic to any metals, you will probably want to invest in platinum. It's purity makes is hypoallergenic to most people. Titanium rings are also a good choice for people with skin allergies. It is hypoallergenic and very affordable. These rings also make great mens wedding bands because of their durability.
Check for Quality - Wedding rings should have two marks on the inside; the manufacturer's trademark and the quality mark (24K or PLAT for example). These marks proves the manufacturer stands behind its work and the quality is what is says it is.
Consider Style - This is a ring you will wear constantly and have for quite a while. It should look as good with a suit as it does with a pair jeans. It is best to stick with classic styles and avoid unusual stones or settings that are fads and will be over by next year. Consider mixing metals. If you wear both gold and silver on a day-to-day basis, you may want to consider a yellow gold and white gold or platinum mix.
Be Different - Just because the bride and groom are a perfect match, that does not mean the wedding rings need to be. Choose rings that reflect your personal styles and tastes. With that being said, some aspects should match but can be as simple as the metal or the inscriptions inside.
Size Matters - NEVER finalize your ring size first thing in the morning, during your monthly cycle, after exercise or when you are extremely cold or hot. Make sure the final fitting is later in the day when you are calm and your body temperature is normal.
A Final Note - You are marrying your fiance, but you don't have to marry your wedding ring. If, at the time of your wedding, your "perfect" wedding ring is not financially feasible, purchase what you can afford with the promise you will upgrade on a pre-determined anniversary.
Here are a few examples of wedding ring styles:
Wedding Ring Styles
Simple Yellow Gold Band
Yellow Gold & Diamond Eternity Band
Thin Yellow Gold Band
White Gold Knotted Band
Mixed Metal Embellished Band
Platinum & Diamond Men's Band
You might want to check out this YouTube video for some additional information:
