Do our wedding bands need to be identical? It's a question that comes up for every couple, and the answer isn't always clear.
The truth, alas, is more convoluted than you may expect.
A lot of modern couples still hold fast to the idea that wearing identical wedding bands is a symbol of your commitment to each other and your shared future as a unit.
It's possible, though, that it's best if your partner's ring doesn't match yours, for historical reasons.
Get matched wedding bands? Find out if that's a good idea in this article!
You have the option of picking congruent or contrasting sets of bands.
Putting a wedding band on your significant other's finger is a tradition with centuries of history and a promise of a bright future.
Historically, it was thought that a vein travelled directly from the third finger of the left hand (not including the thumb) to the heart, which is why wedding rings are customarily placed there.
Despite scientific evidence disproving the myth, it has persisted as a cultural norm.
Who wears a wedding band, where it is worn, and if it is even worn at all are all culturally determined traditions.
Examples include the fact that double-ring ceremonies, in which the groom also receives a wedding band, didn't become prevalent until the twentieth century, even in the United States.
Today, it is customary to get a pair of rings, one for woman and one for him (and possibly her engagement ring).
are a public declaration of your commitment to your spouse and your new status as a united whole.
- Prove your shared sense of style and compatibility.
- Display your appreciation for established norms and want to participate in them.
Today, however, many couples prefer to stray from convention by exchanging wedding bands.
When it comes to your special day, Vogue Ballroom has proven itself to be an iconic wedding venue and function centre in Melbourne
What happens when you pick wedding bands that don't go together?
- Each of you has the freedom to be yourself.
- You won't have to force one person to settle for a boring matching band.
- You can choose a ring that looks great with your skin tone, fits your finger perfectly, and expresses your personal style.
Are Matching Wedding Bands Necessary?
Wedding bands for men and women have traditionally matched. In contrast, Renaissance wedding bands were designed to click into place precisely.
Since the left ring finger was considered the "vein of love," rings were traditionally designed as a set.
Couples might express their love and devotion to one another through the use of corresponding colours and metals.
There has been a steady development of new customs regarding the wedding ring. The Greek Orthodox Church first started using dual-ring ceremonies in the 1300s.
The worldwide adoption of this method, however, was a long time in coming.
It wasn't until World War II that soldiers began donning wedding bands to show their commitment to their loved ones back home.
In the past, wedding bands were considered valuable property in recognition of a marriage. Today, however, there is no longer any requirement that both wedding bands be identical.
The custom of wearing rings is also evolving, and not simply in how they look.
As the trend of males buying engagement rings continues to grow, more and more engaged couples are deciding to split the cost of the ring.
These days, couples are less concerned with following centuries-old norms and more concerned with doing what works for them.
For some couples, getting wedding bands that don't match is the perfect compromise.
Gold, silver, diamonds, and platinum wedding bands are always popular, but there are also many modern alternatives, such as titanium, tungsten, ceramic, and even wood.
Given the diversity of taste, it can be difficult for partners to settle on a single colour and fabric.
Why settle for a ring whose style you don't entirely appreciate when there are so many others from which to choose?
It's fine if your significant other doesn't share your enthusiasm for the latest engagement ring fads, such as coloured stones or man-made stones.
Even today, some couples choose to have their wedding bands be different from that of their engagement rings.
Ultimately, the jewellery you choose should be a reflection of your personal taste. You and your significant other should get rings that you both find attractive rather than settling for something merely acceptable.
Should you wear identical wedding bands? It's totally up to you to decide.
It's a wonderful gesture of love and commitment to get wedding bands that match, but you don't have to.
But replacing the bands with new ones won't diminish the significance of the old ones. Mismatched bands, then, are a great choice for any couple, whether they like different styles or simply wish to wear rings of different sizes.
Because you will be wearing your rings every day for the rest of your lives, it is crucial that you both feel a strong emotional connection to them.
In the event that you are a traditionalist
Congratulations on your engagement if you've both decided you want matching wedding bands. Both the bride and groom can select something that reflects their individuality and complements their shared values and traditions.
Precious metals are more appealing to women, while less valuable metals are more appealing to males.
Because of this, couples can find compatibility without giving up their prefered metal.
Choosing your bands is a lot less of a hassle if you stick to the tried and true methods. Make sure you and your partner are in agreement about the design if you opt to get matching sets.
If you're not confident enough to flaunt a few diamonds or ornate scrolls, simpler is best.
We recommend getting back to basics wherever possible. Choose a durable metal (yellow, white, or platinum) that will complement your fiancée's engagement ring.
A wedding date or other meaningful message engraved on the inside of a plain band is a lovely addition.
Don't get carried away; this is just a ring, after all.
No One Should Be Limited to Just One Wedding Band!
Couples who want to have the best of both worlds are increasingly opting to buy two bands.
Perhaps you need to look your best in the wedding photos you'll be taking. No sweat; just give in to your inner puritan and hire a band for the big moments.
There's nothing wrong with keeping a separate set for daytime use, but you could find yourself reaching more often for something sturdier and more tailored to your needs when you're at the office or out and about.
Because men's wedding bands are so cheap (especially ours, which are far less expensive than those sold by jewellers), it's easy to justify buying two of them so that each partner has a spare.
Giving Up on Customs:
Maybe you don't care if your bands match, and that's fine.
It's possible that you and your future spouse have very different visions for your wedding bands. In the end, though, it may just matter that you both find rings that you love and look forwards to wearing every day.
Even while this may present you with more choices, you may still simplify your search by focusing on the aspects you care about most, such as colour and fabric.
This is your chance to find a ring that perfectly expresses who you are as an individual. You can choose from many excellent groups, whether you prefer straightforward or intricate music.
Did you know that bands can be customised by adding a unique inlay material, such as wood or meteorite?
In Case You Have Any Doubts:
You can learn a lot about what speaks to you as an individual and as a couple by simply holding the ring in your hand, trying it on, and wearing it about for a bit.
You can make up your mind with the aid of our at-home try-on kits.
In contrast to competing at-home try-on services, we let you select up to five rings in a variety of metals and designs at once.
Choose a set that goes well with the bride's ring and a set that doesn't. Then you have nothing to worry about.
We're confident that you'll find the ideal band with our assistance, and we've designed our site to make that search not only simple, but also enjoyable, regardless of whether or not you choose to use our matching feature.
Traditions Passed Down Through Families
Incorporating a treasured family artefact into the big day is a huge emotional win, whether it's the groom's father's wedding band, the groom's grandfather's wedding band, or the groom's favourite uncle's wedding band.
If your family has a special heirloom, you might ask the bride if she would be willing to have her wedding band designed to resemble it.
Nonetheless, gauge her interest level before making any approaches. There is no need for the rings to match if you choose to wear a family member's band as your own, but you should make it clear that this is a meaningful gesture. Not every future bride will want to modify her personal style to accommodate the quirks of a family treasure.
While you might appreciate some of the more elaborate details, you can bet that your wife has had a picture of her perfect wedding band pinned on Pinterest ever since you proposed.
Looking to purchase your wedding rings? Check out our list of Wedding Ring Shops to help you choose.
The Greener Way Going Green
Green weddings aren't limited to paper goods; if you're going to go green, why not show it on your hands as well?
Eco-friendly wedding bands are readily available, and their prices are generally lower than those of more conventional selections.
Jewellers do amazing things to keep prices cheap and the environment safe, whether you go for repurposed metal or polished wood.
You could also get a tattoo. But hey, it's your trip, so if you and your new old woman both enjoy tattoos, go for it!
Choose a tattoo that represents the two of you, whether it's a classic band, your wedding date, or another meaningful image. After all, nothing says "forever" quite like ink.
The Path of Perfect Harmony
It's become increasingly common to have the wedding band mirror the design of the engagement ring. As you say, it all makes perfect sense.
If you know your bride well, she has probably had a mental image of her perfect wedding ring and band set since she was in middle school.
It's common for the bride to desire her wedding ring and her bridal necklace to go together flawlessly.
So, now what? You have a lot of leeway in such situations, although many modern men favour titanium, tungsten, or even silicone bands.
They're all long-lasting and inexpensive.
These bands are great for guys who don't typically wear hand jewellery because they serve a practical purpose, look great, weigh next to nothing, and can withstand a lot of wear and tear without breaking.
What To Consider
Similarly, not every couple has the same taste in wedding cakes or honeymoon locales.
The most important thing about wedding bands is that you and your spouse both find a band that you are happy to wear every day for the rest of your lives, regardless of whether or not it is a matching pair.
Wedding band styles are a point of contention for the couple. Consider these points before making a trip to the jewellery store:
Metals
Bridal jewellery has traditionally been made of gold, but platinum wedding bands have recently become quite popular, and men's wedding bands are increasingly being constructed of modern metals like titanium and tungsten.
A hypoallergenic metal is preferable for those who have skin sensitivity.
Colour
Which colour do you prefer: yellow, white, rose, or black? A ring made of yellow gold is the conventional option.
White or rose gold for her, or grey tungsten or black titanium for him, might be just as gorgeous if you have a light complexion or have a more modern aesthetic.
Finish
An object with a polished finish is quite reflecting, while one with a matte or satin finish looks softer and hides scratches better (a jeweller can easily polish out any scratches that occur over time, though a pattern will have to be applied again).
Jewels, Including Diamonds and Color Stones
Is a ring with a diamond or coloured stone an option for you? Does her engagement ring come with a matching wedding band?
Design
Wedding rings can be found in a wide variety of designs, including modern, classic, and even unique ones. So, your wedding band should reflect your personal taste.
Tell me about the clothes you wear. I was wondering if you could tell me what genres of art you enjoy. That will aid in decision-making before you ever visit the jewellery store.
When a Complimentary Pair Won't Do
What if, after some thought, you and your partner decide that you'd prefer to get separate wedding bands? Or, suppose neither partner is interested in a set, but one of you insists on having a pair.
If you're still interested in getting married, you have two more choices before you have to give up on the idea of having rings that match.
It's possible that a certain design would seem ridiculous on a man's ring finger or overly gargantuan on a woman's hand due to differences in proportion.
Inquire your jeweller to display matching sets in a variety of widths.
If the size isn't a problem, talk to your jeweller about their custom design options so you can make a matching set with your fiancé or girlfriend that you'll both adore.
A compromise pool awaits you if you still can't settle on a pair.
In place of matched rings, perhaps a better option would be to use rings that are complementary to one another. There is a wide variety of alternatives that jewellers can show you, but here are a few to get your imagination going:
- Similar metals from two bands with contrasting aesthetics.
- Two identically constructed rounds, albeit made of different metals.
For instance, a ring with three vertically positioned diamonds across the centre would seem classic in yellow gold yet modern and masculine in grey tungsten.
Choose rings that are nearly identical, except that one is made of highly polished gold throughout and the other has a texture or inlay of another metal in the middle, if one of you prefers a simple design while the other prefers more detail.
For their wedding bands, some brides opt for eternity bands, which are encircled entirely by diamonds. The man might next think of getting her an eternity ring with diamonds or a diamond wedding band with three stones of the same size.
Only you and your fiancé/fiancée know what kind of wedding band will make you both happy.
Each of you should appreciate the other's perspective, whether it agrees with your own or not.
Does It Have To Be An Engagement Ring Or Wedding Band That Matches?
We understand that it is not required that you and your partner wear matching wedding rings (though you certainly can if that is your thing), but should your wedding band also match your engagement ring? These follow the same guidelines.
Although traditionally, wedding and engagement rings were purchased together, couples are increasingly choosing to purchase separate rings.
It's not unusual to find mismatched pairs these days.
As an alternative to the traditional white gold solitaire engagement ring set on a plain white gold band, we now see sets that include a variety of metals, ring widths, patterns, and stones.
The manner you wear your wedding band can reveal a lot about your personal style, and the trend of stacking wedding bands shows that this is increasingly true.
Choices to Suit a Variety of Personal Tastes
The option of wearing numerous rings, including a pair that symbolises your commitment to one another and one that compliments, accentuates, or sticks out from the engagement ring or wedding band, is another fantastic choice. While the "formal" wedding band may be a traditional metal band, many couples also like wearing silicone rings or other forms when the occasion calls for it.
The short answer to the question of whether or not wedding rings must be identical is "no." The wedding planning assistance you seek is here.
Check out our list of Wedding Event Planners here.
There is room for nuance and variation in every aspect of the wedding ritual. Finding a solution that complements your relationship and personal tastes will make you want to wear it constantly.
Conclusion
Do our wedding bands need to be identical? It's a question that comes up for every couple, and the answer isn't always clear. You can choose a ring that looks great with your skin tone, fits your finger perfectly, and expresses your personal style. The Greek Orthodox Church first started using dual-ring ceremonies in the 1300s. Today, some couples choose to have their wedding bands be different from their engagement rings.
Mismatched bands are a great choice for any couple, whether they like different styles or simply wish to wear rings of different sizes. Both the bride and groom can select a band that reflects their individuality. Precious metals are more appealing to women, while less valuable metals appeal to men. Choosing a durable metal (yellow, white, or platinum) that will complement your fiancée's engagement ring. Wedding bands can be customised by adding a unique inlay material, such as wood or meteorite.
You can learn a lot about what speaks to you as an individual by simply holding the ring in your hand. At-home try-on kits let you select up to five rings in a variety of metals and designs at once. Wedding bands are one of the most important pieces of jewellery you wear every day. Consider these points before making a trip to the jewellery store. Modern men favour titanium, tungsten, or silicone bands, which are long-lasting and inexpensive.
Wedding rings can be found in a wide variety of designs, including modern, classic, and unique ones. An object with a polished finish is quite reflecting, while one with a matte or satin finish looks softer and hides scratches better (a jeweller can easily polish out any scratches that occur). Does It Have To Be An Engagement Ring Or Wedding Band That Matches? We understand that it is not required that you and your partner wear matching wedding rings. But should your wedding band also match your engagement ring? The answer to the question is "no".
Content Summary
- A lot of modern couples still hold fast to the idea that wearing identical wedding bands is a symbol of your commitment to each other and your shared future as a unit.
- It's possible, though, that it's best if your partner's ring doesn't match yours, for historical reasons.
- Putting a wedding band on your significant other's finger is a tradition with centuries of history and a promise of a bright future.
- Prove your shared sense of style and compatibility.
- You can choose a ring that looks great with your skin tone, fits your finger perfectly, and expresses your personal style.
- Couples might express their love and devotion to one another through the use of corresponding colours and metals.
- There has been a steady development of new customs regarding the wedding ring.
- As the trend of males buying engagement rings continues to grow, more and more engaged couples are deciding to split the cost of the ring.
- For some couples, getting wedding bands that don't match is the perfect compromise.
- Given the diversity of taste, it can be difficult for partners to settle on a single colour and fabric.
- It's a wonderful gesture of love and commitment to get wedding bands that match, but you don't have to.
- But replacing the bands with new ones won't diminish the significance of the old ones.
- In the event that you are a traditionalistCongratulations on your engagement if you've both decided you want matching wedding bands.
- Make sure you and your partner are in agreement about the design if you opt to get matching sets.
- Choose a durable metal (yellow, white, or platinum) that will complement your fiancée's engagement ring.
- No sweat; just give in to your inner puritan and hire a band for the big moments.
- Giving Up on Customs:Maybe you don't care if your bands match, and that's fine.
- It's possible that you and your future spouse have very different visions for your wedding bands.
- You can make up your mind with the aid of our at-home try-on kits.
- Choose a set that goes well with the bride's ring and a set that doesn't.
- There is no need for the rings to match if you choose to wear a family member's band as your own, but you should make it clear that this is a meaningful gesture.
- Check out our list of Wedding Ring Shops to help you choose.
- You could also get a tattoo.
- The Path of Perfect HarmonyIt's become increasingly common to have the wedding band mirror the design of the engagement ring.
- It's common for the bride to desire her wedding ring and her bridal necklace to go together flawlessly.
- The most important thing about wedding bands is that you and your spouse both find a band that you are happy to wear every day for the rest of your lives, regardless of whether or not it is a matching pair.
- Wedding band styles are a point of contention for the couple.
- Does her engagement ring come with a matching wedding band?DesignWedding rings can be found in a wide variety of designs, including modern, classic, and even unique ones.
- So, your wedding band should reflect your personal taste.
- When a Complimentary Pair Won't DoWhat if, after some thought, you and your partner decide that you'd prefer to get separate wedding bands?
- If you're still interested in getting married, you have two more choices before you have to give up on the idea of having rings that match.
- Inquire your jeweller to display matching sets in a variety of widths.
- In place of matched rings, perhaps a better option would be to use rings that are complementary to one another.
- Only you and your fiancé/fiancée know what kind of wedding band will make you both happy.
- Does It Have To Be An Engagement Ring Or Wedding Band That Matches?We understand that it is not required that you and your partner wear matching wedding rings (though you certainly can if that is your thing), but should your wedding band also match your engagement ring?
- The manner you wear your wedding band can reveal a lot about your personal style, and the trend of stacking wedding bands shows that this is increasingly true.
- The short answer to the question of whether or not wedding rings must be identical is "no."
- The wedding planning assistance you seek is here.
- There is room for nuance and variation in every aspect of the wedding ritual.
- Finding a solution that complements your relationship and personal tastes will make you want to wear it constantly.
FAQs About Wedding Bands
Bands performing at weddings normally have two hours to play, which can be broken up into three 40-minute sets or two one-hour sets. There are, however, numerous variants, some of which might be better suited to your wedding than others. Two 45-minute sets, three 60-minute sets, three 45-minute sets, or even one 30-minute set followed by a 90-minute session are all viable options.
Titanium's silvery white colour and three times the strength of steel contribute to the metal's widespread popularity. It is stronger than silver or gold and can't be bent or scratched. In the event of an emergency, a titanium wedding band can be easily slashed.
Obviously, if you want music for your wedding ceremony, the band will need to arrive considerably earlier than if they are only playing at your reception. Choose between having a live band at both events, hiring two separate bands, or just using speakers. It usually takes a band an hour to get set up.
The first is to put them on your left hand's ring finger, in the sequence that you received them. The diamond ring should be worn last, after the wedding band.
According to custom, a woman's wedding band should be worn on the little finger. In other words, it's the outermost layer and must be worn before the engagement ring. The wedding band is traditionally the one worn closest to the heart, although this tradition has both symbolic and practical significance.
