After you've said "yes" to the love of your life and picked out the perfect engagement ring, it's time to start thinking about wedding bands! While some couples opt for matching bands, others prefer to mix and match their rings for a unique look. So, do wedding bands have to match? What's the right choice for you?
A wedding band is a sign of unity. It is a reminder that you and your spouse are now one unit, working together for the rest of your lives. As such, your wedding bands should reflect that sense of unity.
They should be complementary, not identical— because you and your spouse are two individuals coming together to form one partnership.
That said, there are a few different ways to approach choosing complementary wedding bands. You can either pick out similar bands with subtle differences, or you can choose bands that contrast each other in material or design.
The important thing is that you find bands that speak to both your style and your shared commitment to each other.
What You Should Know About Mixing And Matching Your Wedding Bands?
Consider Your Lifestyle
The first thing you should do when deciding whether to mix and match your wedding bands is to think about your lifestyle.
If you're someone who is constantly washing your hands or doing dishes, you'll want to make sure that your rings are made from materials that can withstand a lot of water exposure.
On the other hand, if you work with your hands a lot or play sports, you might want to steer clear of delicate rings that could get caught on something.
Choose Complementary Metals
Another thing to keep in mind when mixing and matching your wedding bands is the metal type. While it's not required, many couples choose to have their engagement and wedding rings made from the same metal type for a cohesive look.
That being said, no rule says you have to stick with one metal type—you can mix yellow gold with rose gold, white gold with platinum, or any combination you can dream up! Just be sure that the metals complement each other well.
Decide On A Design Scheme
Once you've decided on the metal types for your rings, it's time to start thinking about design. If you want your rings to match perfectly, then you'll want to choose bands with a similar design scheme.
For example, if your engagement ring has intricate scrollwork, you might want your wedding band to feature a similar design element.
If you're looking for a more mismatched look, then you can choose two completely different designs—just be sure that they complement each other well.
Work with a Jeweler You Trust
Finally, when mixing and matching your wedding bands, it's important to work with a jeweler you trust.
The Case For Mismatched Wedding Bands
There are a few reasons why some couples prefer mismatched wedding bands. First, mismatched bands allow you to express your style as a couple.
You can select two bands that complement each other without being identical. This can be a great way to show off your unique taste as a couple.
Another reason why mismatched wedding bands are becoming popular is that they offer more options when it comes to styles and materials.
If you opt for two matching bands, you're limited to the styles and materials that are available in pairs.
But if you go with mismatched bands, you can mix and match to find the perfect combination for both of you. This gives you much more flexibility when it comes to finding the perfect wedding bands.
The Case Against Mismatched Wedding Bands
Of course, there are also a few reasons why some couples prefer matched wedding bands. First, there's the symbolic meaning behind wearing matching rings. For many couples, their wedding bands represent their committed love for one another.
Wearing matching rings is a way of showing the world that you're in this relationship together and that you're both committed to each other for life.
Another reason why some couples prefer matched wedding bands is that they feel it provides a sense of unity.
When you wear identical rings, it's a physical reminder that you and your partner are part of the same team.
You're in this relationship together, and you're both on the same page about your commitment to each other.
Multiple Options Of Wedding Bands For Couples
When choosing the perfect metal for your wedding band, it is important to consider not only the appearance but also the durability and comfort.
Here are the 6 most popular metals for couples to choose from when picking out their wedding bands.
Gold
Gold is by far the most popular choice for couples getting married. It is elegant and timeless, with a warm hue that compliments all skin types.
Pure gold is too soft to be used in jewelry, so it is alloyed with other metals like copper or zinc to increase its durability without compromising its beautiful color.
When shopping for gold rings, you will often see them described as 10k, 14k, or 18k which refers to the karat (purity) of the gold – 24k being 100% pure gold.
Rose Gold
Rose gold has seen a surge in popularity in recent years due largely in part to its unique pink hue. It is created by alloying yellow gold with copper which gives it a rosy tone that flatters all skin types.
Like yellow gold, rose gold is available in different purity levels with 14k and 18k being the most popular choices for couples getting married.
White Gold
In contrast to traditional yellow gold, white gold is a metal that is mixed with white metals such as nickel, manganese, or palladium to create a bright white color.
White gold rings are typically plated with rhodium – a hard, shiny white metal – to give them an extra layer of protection and increase their durability.
Platinum
Platinum is a precious metal that is prized for its beauty and durability. It is nearly twice as heavy as white gold and does not require plating, so it will keep its bright white color longer.
Platinum rings are also hypoallergenic which makes them a good choice for couples who have allergies or sensitivities to metals.
The only downside to platinum is that it can be quite expensive, so if you’re on a budget, white gold may be a better option.
Titanium
Titanium is a strong, lightweight metal that has become increasingly popular for both men’s and women’s wedding bands.
Titanium rings are extremely durable and scratch-resistant but they can also be quite brittle so they are not necessarily the best choice if you are looking for a ring that can withstand daily wear and tear.
They are also more difficult to resize, so consider this when having your ring made or sizing one for purchase.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel rings are becoming more and more popular thanks to their low cost and high durability.
Stainless steel rings will never rust or tarnish, so they require very little maintenance over time, which makes them ideal for couples who lead active lifestyles or have allergic reactions to other metals like nickel which is often used in costume jewelry.
While stainless steel rings are quite strong, they can still scratch so if you’re looking for a ring that will stay pristine forever, stainless steel may not be the best choice.
Conclusion
In the end, it is up to you and your fiancé to decide what wedding bands look best together. If you are set on having matching wedding bands, then go for it!
However, if you would prefer different styles or even metals, don’t feel guilty about it. As long as you both love them, that is all that matters.
Have you chosen your wedding bands yet? What style did you choose and why?
