The Pros and Cons of Pairing Wedding Bands with Your Engagement Ring

You're engaged! It's time to plan a wedding and make important decisions along the way. One more decision you'll have to make is whether you want to have a wedding band that matches your engagement ring. Some couples choose to get matching wedding bands, too. We've created a guide weighing the pros and cons to determine which is right for you.

Let's Look at the Pros First

Consistency and Cohesion

Getting a matching engagement ring and wedding band provides a cohesive and consistent look. It'll look like a set because they're designed to go together. If you have a unique engagement ring that could make it tricky to find a wedding band that will work well, then a matching set would work well.

Symbolism and Tradition

Choosing a matching engagement and wedding ring represents unity and partnership. It symbolizes two becoming one. A bride and groom with matching wedding rings is traditional, so you'll have to consider whether that's right for you.

Ease of Selection

One benefit of matching rings is that it makes the process simpler. Most couples spend plenty of time looking for the perfect engagement ring. If there's a matching wedding band that you like, purchasing the set saves time later. Plus, getting a set might save you money as well.

Now Comes the Cons

Limited Customization

A challenge of matching wedding bands is limited customization options. When you pick out an engagement ring or wedding ring separately, you can often customize the metal choice, swap out stones, and choose the total carat weight. When buying a set, some of the customization options might be more limited because they come "as is." Some couples may feel this is too restrictive if they want a more personal set of rings.

Risk of Monotony

Matching bands offer uniformity, but some might want to express their creativity and individuality with their rings. Some women could want their rings to be an eclectic stack that represents their own unique taste. Couples also could want different metals for their wedding band - maybe the bride wants platinum, but the husband likes yellow gold. Every couple is different, and there aren't any rules!

Other Factors to be Considered

Budget Considerations

We mentioned this briefly, but buying a set could be more cost-effective than purchasing separate rings. It's important to note that this isn't always the case, depending on the specific designs and the metals that you choose. Keep in mind that platinum costs more than gold, and diamonds on wedding bands will also increase the cost. You can always compare the cost and see what works best for your budget.

Flexibility in Styling

Picking out each ring individually gives more styling flexibility. Brides and grooms can mix and match different metals, select different gemstones, and create unique designs that reflect their individual personalities. We all have different styles, and your engagement ring and wedding band should feel like they represent you. After all, it's jewelry that will be worn daily for years.

Complementary vs. Contrasting Styles

You don't have to have a matching wedding band and engagement ring for a harmonious look. You can achieve the same look by choosing rings that have similar details or design elements that make the rings seem like they go together, such as matching metals or pavé details. You can choose a wedding band that coordinates with the engagement ring rather than completely matching it.

Future Trends and Fashion

Like many other areas of fashion, diamond jewelry trends evolve over time. Some trendy details might change in the future, or maybe a new trend will emerge that you adore. Choosing non-matching bands could provide more flexibility if future trends change and you want to get a new wedding band or mix up your wedding ring look. Your engagement ring and wedding band don't have to be your look forever – you can always upgrade them in the figure by getting a larger diamond or adding another ring to your stack.

Personal Preference

Your wedding rings are a personal and sentimental piece of jewelry that represents your personal style and taste. The choice of having a matching engagement ring and wedding band comes down to personal preference. You'll have to decide whether you want a matching set, want matching wedding rings with your husband, or want the freedom to choose your own wedding rings and go from there. You make the rules and are allowed to get whatever rings you want. Your wedding jewelry is important! And it should be exactly what you want.

Conclusion

Hopefully you now have some considerations about whether to choose a matching engagement ring and wedding band or not. You also have the option to choose matching wedding bands with your husband. There aren't rules for any of this, and it's a profoundly personal decision. You can select a completely matching set, and this could save you money depending on the materials chosen. You can also look for rings that don't wholly match but look coordinated in terms of design elements or ring details. Like any other trend, jewelry trends evolve with time.

Choosing a set that doesn't match provides greater creative flexibility if you decide to switch up your wedding jewelry in the future or want to upgrade your ring. Choose wedding jewelry that fits your style and preferences - you're the one who will see your rings every day, and you need to adore them!