10 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Wedding Ring

Now we’re diving into the specifics! Bride Guide #13 is all about how to choose your wedding ring from Utah Photographer Lauren Kay Photography.

 

Don’t you love looking at wedding rings? I know I do. It is so fun to see all of the different styles. I’m hardly ever surprised by a ring someone has because it seems to fit them so perfectly. You might have a Pinterest board bursting with ideas and already have a pretty good idea of the gorgeous band you want to have on your finger forever. But how do you actually choose? With all of the gorgeous styles, metals, and stone choices? Here are 10 tips for choosing that perfect band:

 

Did you know?

In ancient Egypt lovers exchanged rings on their fourth finger on the left hand. Why? They believed the fourth finger on the left hand had a special vein that went straight to the heart. Because a circle has no beginning or end, they used rings to symbolize their endless love and affection.

 

 

• 1. Go shopping.
     • Have fun with this! Trying on rings is one of the best and truest ways to know what your style is. My style totally shifted once I actually saw the ring on my finger. Try on rings you think you’ll love and ones you don’t think you’ll like. Trying on all sorts of styles will help you find what you truly love.
  2. Talk about your budget beforehand.
     • Talk with your groom about what the budget for your ring is. Your ring and his ring are usually something you two pay for with your own money. If you’re on a tight budget, there is no shame in waiting until later to buy your dream ring. You can even buy a simple ring from Etsy or Walmart and use that until later. Or, consider a different stone option like Moissanite or even something like a morganite, opal, or pearls. The options are endless.
  3. Think long-term and timeless.
     • This is the ring you will wear forever. Keep in mind that styles change. Choose something that is timeless and totally your style so that you will love it forever no matter what the current trend is.
  4. What do you already wear?
     • When deciding what stone and metal you want, it’s helpful to look at what type of jewelry you already wear and love. Are you totally into gold? Do you love simple jewelry or something that’s a bit more bold? You want your ring to complement your current style.
  5. Consider your lifestyle.
     • You want your ring to make sense with your lifestyle. A diamond that sticks up an inch from the band might scratch those children coming later on or snag your favorite sweater. Make sure your ring is something you can wear with your everyday life activities. Guys may want to get a durable metal that won’t scratch easily.
  6. Ask questions and be firm.
     • Jewelers know so much. This is their profession! Don’t be afraid to ask questions and let them educate you. Also don’t be afraid to stand your ground. You get to decide what your budget is and what you want your ring to look like. I highly recommend working with jewelers who are not salesy and have your best interest at heart.
     • See my top pick here!
  7. Narrow it down.
     • Do you want something simple or elaborate? What stone do you want? What metal? Do you want to have an engagement ring and a wedding band or just an engagement band? Thinking about all of these questions will help you narrow it down.
  8. Size it.
     • It’s best to try on your ring when you are calm and at a normal body temperature. So avoid sizing your ring when you just came in from a blizzard or have been running in the sun for an hour. Sizing your ring when you’re relaxed and at a normal temperature will help you get the best fit so that it is comfortable year round.
  9. Personalize it.
     • Do you want to add special touches or symbolism to your ring? Do you and your groom want them to match? Make them personal and special. Let your personalities show. And make it something that will inspire you to love each other better each time you look at it. 
  10. Choose and love it.
      • There are endless options. Once you choose your ring, or your sweetie chooses it for you, choose to love it. And always remember that is stands for your endless commitment and love for each other. 

Remember that your groom gets a ring too! Whether you pick it out or he does, use these tips, make it his style, and a make this a special and fun experience for him as well.

 

 

Real brides and grooms:

• One bride had three stones – one symbolizing her, one symbolizing her groom, and the larger one in the center symbolizing God because He is the one that connects them and makes this all possible.
• One bride had a black diamond to represent that her African American husband is the center of her world.

 

Ask yourself…

Our budget for our rings is:

What type of ring do I see myself wearing in 20 years?

What color and style of jewelry do I already wear?

What about my lifestyle should I keep in mind?

What questions for jewelers do I have?

Do we want our rings to match or coordinate?

 

 

Your ring:

Stone:

Metal:

Wedding band or no?

Size:

Personal touches or symbolism I want to add: 

I would describe my ideal ring as:

 (This is a great thing to tell your jeweler, or your groom if he’s picking it out.)