Types of Wedding Bands – How to Choose the Perfect Ring to Say ‘I Do’
Planning a wedding is an exciting time! Between picking out a venue, shopping for wedding dresses, and compiling the guest list, it can be easy to overlook important things like buying a wedding band.
Don’t put off ring shopping until the last minute! You will wear your wedding band every day for the rest of your life, and depending on the style and design you want, it can take months to create the perfect wedding band. Use this wedding band style guide to help you assemble a wedding ring set you will cherish forever.
History of Wedding Bands
Rings have been exchanged as a symbol of everlasting love for over 500 years. The concept of a traditional wedding ring dates back to ancient Egyptian, Roman, and Greek symbolizations. Wedding bands have been created from leather to precious metals like gold. However, the circular, never-ending shape has always symbolized eternity, making it the perfect talisman of lifelong love and commitment.
What Do Wedding Bands Symbolize?
Wedding bands have always symbolized devotion; however, the meaning of that commitment has evolved. In the Middle Ages, suitors would give their prospective brides expensive rings as a sign of dedication to the family. However, modern cultures use wedding bands as a public display of connection.
Different Types of Women’s Wedding Bands
There are several different styles of women’s wedding bands to consider. To help narrow down the options, consider style preferences, metal types, lifestyle, and how you’d like to complement your engagement ring.
Classic Wedding Bands
Plain metal wedding bands are popular for active brides, healthcare workers, and food service employees. Rings without diamonds and gemstones are more durable, making them ideal for women who work with their hands and are afraid of losing a setting.
In addition, the minimalist design of classic wedding bands appeals to brides who like simple elegance. Match the wedding band’s metal to the engagement ring’s metal for a cohesive look when stacked together. Most classic wedding bands are gender-neutral, allowing spouses to match their rings.
Dome Comfort Ring
At just 2mm thick, the Dome Comfort Wedding Band offers a chic and elegant look. Available in multiple finishes, including 14k white, rose, and yellow gold, as well as platinum and palladium, there is a version of the Dome Comfort Ring to suit any style. This simple band is unisex and available at an affordable price point.
Eternity Wedding Bands
Eternity wedding bands have diamonds and gemstones set around the entire circumference of the ring. Ideal for a bride who likes some extra sparkle, eternity wedding hands come in various styles to complement any engagement ring. While diamond eternity bands are the most popular, some couples custom design an eternity wedding band to include the bride and groom’s birthstones.
Diamond Eternity Wedding Ring Band
Designed with 27 natural-cut diamonds totaling 0.51 carats, this stunning Diamond Eternity Wedding Band is universally a top choice for brides. This ring of brilliant diamonds serves as the perfect base for a solitaire engagement ring setting. Eternity bands look lovely stacked with other rings, and this ring is also an excellent option to celebrate an anniversary.
Contoured Wedding Bands
Also called notched wedding bands, contoured wedding bands are designed to frame an engagement ring setting. These rings are available in curved and angled styles and offer an elevated and custom look. Many engagement ring designers create specialized contoured wedding bands that can be purchased separately or as a set. To find the perfect contoured wedding band, shop with your engagement ring to see how bands layer together.
Diamond Accented Contour Wedding Band
This gorgeous contour wedding band features 23 natural diamonds set across the top of the ring. It is designed to pair with a halo engagement ring and is available in various precious metals to build the perfect wedding ring ensemble. The counter of diamond swoops beautifully under the engagement ring setting to create an extra-sparkly framed effect.
Different Types of Men’s Wedding Bands
Selecting a man’s wedding band is much more than choosing white or yellow gold. Most couples think deciding on the groom’s wedding ring will be easy, but there is just as much variety for men’s wedding bands as women’s! Between different thicknesses, unique engravings, and gemstone accents, finding a men’s wedding band to suit your style is easy.
Plain Wedding Bands
Classic men’s wedding bands feature a simple design made from any precious metal. Many men prefer a thicker ring that looks more proportionate with long fingers and big palms. If you are still deciding which metal finish to choose, consider other types of jewelry he wears most often, like a favorite watch or chain. For a more custom look, engrave names or sentiments on the inside of a plain wedding band.
Dome Comfort Fit Wedding Band
The Dome Comfort Fit Wedding Band for men has a rounded inside edge for added comfort. This style ring is 5mm thick and more substantial than other plain wedding bands. There is plenty of room to add an engraved name or date. The Dome Comfort Fit Wedding Band is available in 14k gold, platinum, and palladium finishes.
Diamond Wedding Bands
Diamonds aren’t just for women’s wedding bands! A touch of sparkle gives a sophisticated and elegant look to a men’s wedding ring. This fancier style is an excellent choice for men who love jewelry and often dress up for work or a night out.
Yellow Gold Diamond Men’s Band
This timeless ring has five natural diamonds set at a diagonal. The contoured metal design is classic and masculine. The Diamond Men’s Wedding Band is an excellent choice for grooms who think classic wedding rings are too plain but don’t like the glitz and glam of an eternity ring.
FAQS
What are the three wedding bands?
Three rings make up a traditional bridal set. At the base of the finger is the wedding band, then the engagement ring, and finally, an anniversary band. The anniversary ring is typically gifted on a fifth or tenth anniversary.
What’s the difference between a wedding band and an anniversary band?
Most wedding bands can be gifted as anniversary bands and vice versa. The main difference between the two is size. Wedding bands are usually smaller and designed to highlight the engagement ring, whereas an anniversary band can be bolder and more unique.
Who buys wedding bands?
Every culture has different expectations for wedding band shopping. Some couples pick out and buy rings together. Others follow more traditional norms and purchase wedding bands for each other.
Should I pick out my wedding band?
It is completely normal to pick out your wedding band. Unlike engagement rings, there is less expectation of surprise when it comes to wedding rings. Shopping for wedding bands is a fun pre-wedding date idea and is an event couples are encouraged to experience together.