Wedding Rings: Styles, Metals and More

The date is set, you’ve selected your bridesmaids and you’re immersed in planning the perfect ceremony. A lot of thought probably went into your engagement ring, but what about your wedding bands?

You and your partner have so many options to consider, from the traditional to the unconventional. Your rings will reflect your love and your personalities — plus, they're meant to last a lifetime. It's important to find something you truly love and want to look at for decades to come. 

No matter the inspiration, there are bands to fit every engagement rock, personal taste and lifestyle. There are quite a few factors to consider, and while it can be good to narrow down your search based on your styles, it's also essential to look into all your options before you say "I do."

If you're a bit more classic with your taste, there's nothing wrong with a simple band. You can pair it with an elaborate showstopper of an engagement ring or something timeless and elegant. 

You can find something with little details or stones to make it pop, or just go for the truly plain band that's sure to stand the test of time. These styles are great if you're trying to keep the budget low, as well. 

Did you know nearly all jewelry is used or recycled in some way, from the metals to the stones? That being said, why not swing a little vintage for your rings? Between beautiful art deco shapes and unique detailing, there's something special about dipping into the past.

If your family has any heirlooms, you could wear them as is or even use pieces to make them your own. Using stones or metal from a piece of jewelry that's special to you adds a touch of sentimentality for the big day and the rest of forever. 

To bling or not to bling? While it's pretty standard for your engagement ring to host a dazzling stone, it isn't always so clear what to do with your wedding bands. While there's no pressure to ice it out, it can be a lovely addition. You can find stones to match the engagement ring or go for an extra pop of color. 

Men don't often get the sparkle of an engagement ring, so if your partner is a man, he might want to find something with stones. While you can both go big, there are plenty of subtle options, too. A pavé setting can be a great option if you're looking for something more neutral that won't stick out too much, as the stones are embedded and out of the way. 

There are so many metal choices when it comes to wedding rings, and it all comes down to personal preference, lifestyle and aesthetic. You don't even have to match the band to the engagement ring — think tasteful mixed metals or unique braided bands. It's all up to you and your sweetheart.

Yellow gold is the classic go-to choice for wedding rings. Higher carat golds tend to be softer and less durable for everyday wear, which is important to consider if you work with your hands a lot.

Silver is a bit more cost-effective and more durable. While it's not always the most traditional choice, it's pretty, compatible with life and built to last.

While platinum is on the more expensive side, it's beautiful and made to weather everyday wear. With its bright white color and brilliant shine, platinum will stand the test of time.

White gold looks a lot like platinum, but it's friendlier on the wallet. It's more malleable than platinum, which might be something to consider if you're on the hunt for something tough.

Speaking of tough, if you're looking for a unique, budget-friendly and sturdy metal, titanium has your back. A fairly new choice in the matrimonial game, titanium is a great option for those who want a unique color and a light, yet durable metal.

Here's the deal: You should do whatever makes you both happy because it's your wedding, your marriage and your fingers that the rings will live on for eternity. If you two have different tastes, don't sweat it. There's no rule saying your bands must go together. However, if you have similar styles and want to coordinate, match to your hearts' content.

No matter what you and your beloved choose, your wedding is about so much more than the ring. It's about your eternal love, partnership and building a life together. However, a little sparkle is always nice.