“Where’s your ring?” Sam, my fiancé’s grandfather, said. He pointed to Anthony’s bare hand.
My fiancé Anthony glanced down. “Isn’t it just the girl who gets an engagement ring?” he said.
Sam’s eyebrows rose above the rims of his thick glasses. “You’re engaged now, aren’t you?”
Well, Anthony and I started our search for a man’s engagement ring promptly after that conversation. From department stores to jewelers, we saw an infinite number of styles, sizes, and metals. To say we were overwhelmed by the myriad of options would be an understatement. So, it came as no surprise when Anthony eventually chose a carved bean ring a family member brought back from the California coast. Fortunately, this engagement experience prepared us for the next challenge—choosing our weddings rings.
Be Prepared
Whether or not you believe in both parties wearing engagement rings, you will have to search for the perfect wedding ring during your Las Vegas wedding planning. To avoid becoming overwhelmed with available options, consider what you want. Do research online, make phone calls, and set consultation appointments at jewelry shops that know you’re there to ask questions before you purchase. With a little bit of research, you can be prepared and decide what you’d like to further explore.
Las Vegas brides, before visiting a jeweler, speak with your groom. Come to a common understanding about these wedding ring essentials:
- Do you want matching wedding bands?
- What will your total budget be?
- Will the same price be spent per ring?
Make Decisions Together
Once you know your budget, you can move toward more specific decisions. Let’s continue with the wedding ring’s appearance. This includes the design and the metal.
Before you visit a jeweler, you and your groom can discuss what designs you like best. However, don’t limit yourself. In a shop, you might come across designs you love but had never considered. Be open and willing to explore while simultaneously keeping your fiancé’s desires in mind. Compromise, and find what the best fit is for you both.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to purchase matching bands. Many couples, with different styles and work requirements, purchase rings that look nothing alike. As long as you wear your ring on your left ring finger, you’ll signify you’re married. Just be sure to ask your fiancé if he likes what you’ve chosen. You may be the one wearing the ring, but this band also symbolizes your shared love.
As for the band’s color, ask your jeweler about metals. While you are probably familiar with traditional gold, many new metals provide an array of colors and qualities. From stronger-than-steel titanium to scratch-resistant tungsten to feminine-hued rose gold, you’ll find metals that appeal to both men and women.
Involve Your Jeweler
The final considerations will be shape, size, and comfort. Decide these issues at a jewelry store, so you can receive input from a professional and try sample rings. Remember that a ring can be a lot like a shoe—if it hurts when you try it on in the store, it won’t become much better over time. Fortunately, some rings can be modified for comfort through width and curvature. Speak with a wedding jewelry professional to see how your desired ring can be altered to fit your finger perfectly.
Enjoy the Moment
Remember that choosing your wedding ring will take a lot of time, energy, and thought. However, it’s worth your efforts. At your Las Vegas wedding, you’ll beam with utter joy as you say your vows and slip the wedding ring you chose together onto your spouse’s hand. Then, for the entirety of your marriage, you and your spouse will possess a physical symbol of the commitment you’ve made to have and to hold, for better and for worse, from your wedding day until the end of time.
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For more information about how to choose the best wedding ring (regarding fit, comfort, metal, and style), please visit Bridal Spectacular’s website to view our “Wedding Rings” page as one of our many wedding tips for Las Vegas brides and grooms.
Author: Allyson Siwajian © 2010
Photo Credit: Jamison Frady of Quiet Art Photography © 2010