From how to match it to an engagement ring to who pays for it, there are some questions about women’s wedding bands that we hear over and over again. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Orr’s Jewelers and Sylvie to bring you the ultimate list of wedding band FAQs. Between this third generation, family-owned and operated Pittsburgh jeweler (who is also a member of our Burgh Brides Vendor Guide), and this female-founded designer jewelry brand that focuses on timeless, feminine, and artful wedding bands for women, we think we’ve covered just about every question that you might have.
What is the difference between an engagement ring and a wedding ring?
As the names suggest, an engagement ring is given at the time of a proposal and it symbolizes that you are engaged, while a wedding ring is given during a wedding ceremony and it symbolizes that you are married. Engagement and wedding rings tend to look different as well; the former tends to be grander with a center stone and the latter is usually more subtle. This generally means that engagement rings are more expensive than wedding rings.
The engagement ring is generally chosen first and the wedding ring isn’t chosen until a few months before the wedding. This usually means that a wedding ring serves as a complement to an engagement ring. Partners almost always shop for their wedding rings together, whether the rings match or not. Meanwhile, an engagement ring is still very often chosen by one partner as a surprise to the other, but the number of couples who select an engagement ring together is most certainly on the rise.
How do I wear my wedding ring?
Traditionally, both an engagement ring and a wedding ring are worn on the ring finger of the left hand, with the wedding ring placed first and the engagement ring placed above it. An engagement ring is worn throughout the engagement. On the wedding day, some move their engagement ring to another finger or to the other hand so that the wedding ring can be placed on their left ring finger during the ceremony. Afterwards, they move their engagement ring back to their left ring finger and above their new wedding ring. Alternatively, others choose to leave their engagement ring on their left ring finger on their wedding day. During the ceremony, they simply place their new wedding ring above it and then swap the two later.
After the wedding, many continue to wear the two rings together daily. However, some do choose to wear only their wedding ring.
How much should we budget for a wedding ring?
The starting price of a Sylvie wedding band is around $800, with most being between $1100-1200. The cost greatly depends on the type of metal, total carat weight, and clarity of the diamonds, as well as any customization work that you would like to be done.
Who buys it?
In the past, each partner (or each partner’s family) has paid for the other person’s ring. They have traditionally been viewed as gifts to one another. These days, however, many wedding traditions no longer apply to modern couples and this includes who pays for what. Many times, the couple buys both rings together or they split the cost. Sometimes parents will chip in a certain amount and the soonlyweds cover the remainder of the expense. Almost anything goes! No one likes talking about money but you’ll have to do it a lot while planning a wedding. We suggest having an open, honest conversation with your partner about what works best for you both and your financial situation.
How do I match my wedding ring to my engagement ring?
Since your rings will be worn together, it’s important that they complement one another. However, your engagement ring shouldn’t be overshadowed by your wedding ring. For those with a Sylvie engagement ring, the matching process may be quite easy – Sylvie actually makes a matching wedding band for every engagement ring style. Stacked wedding bands are very trendy, as are mixed metal wedding band sets. So some brides choose to mix and match to achieve that look. For those with an engagement ring from a different designer, the hunt for the perfect wedding band may require a bit more trial and error. While there are some pairings that naturally go well together – such as a princess cut engagement ring with an eternity band or a pear cut with a curved wedding band – there really are no hard and fast rules. It all depends on your personal style and what you think looks best. Our best advice is to try on a variety of rings and be open to suggestions from your jeweler. A wedding band could look very different in the display case than it does on your hand next to your engagement ring.
How many diamonds should my wedding ring have?
As many – or as few – as you like! You could even forgo diamonds altogether and choose another gemstone wedding band! There is no right or wrong answer to this question and it really depends on your personal style and lifestyle. Some go for a solid band without any diamonds to allow their engagement ring to really be the focus. Others can’t get enough sparkle and choose an eternity band with diamonds the entire way around. The benefit of this type of wedding ring is that diamonds are always visible no matter how much the ring spins. However, an eternity band isn’t without its drawbacks. They can’t be resized and you risk losing stones on the bottom depending on how much and what type of wear and tear the ring is exposed to. A wedding ring with diamonds ¾ or even ½ way around gives the look of an eternity band but with a bit more security and flexibility.
Do I need to match my wedding ring to my future spouse’s?
Historically, wedding bands did match, and while this look has made somewhat of a comeback, it is no longer the norm. Your wedding ring does not have to match your partner’s unless you want it to. With so many options for metals, colors, finishes, and more, it can be difficult for two people to agree on a single style. This is why we think your wedding band should be a reflection of your personal taste. Choose one because it speaks to you and you’ll be sure to love it for years to come.
What is the best way to shop for a wedding ring?
You will likely wear and look at your wedding ring every day for the rest of your life – you should absolutely love it! The buying process requires careful consideration and a lot of self reflection. Start by exploring wedding ring styles and options on the market. You can do this through searching social media, browsing websites, and finding inspiration photos of rings that you like. Pinterest is a really great tool from which to start to truly discover your options and curate designs that uniquely reflect your sensibilities. After you have an idea of what you might like, it’s important to make an appointment with your favorite local jeweler. An in-person shopping experience – versus buying online – will allow you to look at options, try on various styles, see how different wedding bands sit against your engagement ring (this is especially important if you want them to be perfectly flush), ask questions, and discuss your wishes and the buying process with a trusted professional.
When should we order my wedding ring?
We recommend not rushing through the wedding ring shopping process. It may take longer than you think to find the perfect one. You may want to start shopping as early as six to eight months before the wedding, and you should place your order no later than three to four months before the big day. This allows for ample time to shop, discuss, design, and decide without the added pressure of cutting things too close to the wedding day.
What if I can’t find a wedding ring that I like?
While Sylvie does have a vast selection of wedding bands, it’s ok if you can’t find a ring that really speaks to you. The team at Orr’s will work with you to custom design one that does! Each love story is unique, and a wedding ring is symbolic of that relationship. Therefore, it should be personal and as special as the person wearing it and the love it represents. Allow the Orr’s experts to guide you through the conceptualization, design, and production of a wedding ring that will not only be beautiful, but meaningful as well.
Join us between 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 9 for Orr’s annual bridal event at their Squirrel Hill location. Try on a variety of styles (including some not regularly carried in-store), meet with their bridal consultants, and enjoy champagne, treats, and a relaxed, stress-free shopping experience. There will also be a giveaway for $500 off the purchase of a Sylvie wedding ring, 2 tickets to a Pittsburgh Penguins game, and more!
A HUGE thanks to Orr’s Jewelers and Sylvia for teaming up with Burgh Brides to bring you this post. While we were compensated for our work, all writing, thoughts, opinions, recommendations, and love for the brands are our own. You can read our full sponsored content disclosure policy.
