In the purchase of a wedding ring, you have to make sure the ring you select is one you love and one you can live with for years to come. Doing this is never easy. However, when you know the right steps to take, you can streamline the process.

Narrow down the search

Making preliminary choices before you head to the stores is important. Do you want the metal and stones to match those on your watch or her ring? Do you want something simple or over-the-top? Working out these questions will help narrow down your search.

Start shopping early

The last minute rush will only cause you to settle for anything that comes your way. As soon as you know what you really want, start your search. The more time you have to shop for a wedding band the more time you will have to compare and make changes before the big day.

You need adequate time to research your options, browse, compare prices and revisit rings that caught your eye. It is also important to remember that extras such as engravings can take a couple of weeks to complete. Don’t rush the process.

Don’t be afraid to mix it up

Although it is good to match your band with that of your partner, there is no set rule that says you have to select the same style or metal. You can compromise in some areas or be completely different. The secret to finding something that you really love is selecting the bands that mirror your individual styles. All in all, for it to feel like a true pair, some aspects of the men’s wedding bands should match that of the bride.

Set your budget

You definitely have a wedding budget at this point. Your wedding band should not take up more than 3% of the total wedding’s budget. The cost of the ring will be determined by the:

• Retailer
• Karats
• Type of metal or stone used
• Special customizations such as engraving

The more pure (the higher the karat), the more you will end up paying. The price of engraving, on the other hand, is typically based on the number of characters, font used and whether the engraving is done using a machine or by hand. Different retailers will charge differently for their products and services so do not hesitate to compare.

Think long term

While being trendy is a good thing, ensure the style you choose is one you will want to wear for the next forty years or more. The perfect ring should also last through your most demanding hobbies, jobs and social functions. Even though you can always upgrade your ring later on, choose a ring that matches your lifestyle and one built to last a lifetime.

Fit

Choose a wedding band you can wear for a lifetime without ever taking it off. To find the right fitting, schedule the fitting at a time when you are calm and your temperature is normal. Don’t finalize early in the morning or after a rough day at work or the gym.

Author Bio

Gordon Smith is a specialist in men’s wedding bands. In addition to designing and creating personalized rings, he offers professional advice for choosing wedding rings. Visit his blog today for more information.