You've chosen the engagement ring of your dreams as well as the person of your dreams, now you have to choose a ring that compliments these choices. Selecting a wedding ring that matches your style and tells the world..."I'm taken and this rings proves it!" is no easy task. Especially since there are so many different choices for wedding rings today. To add to the challenge is the need to find a ring that looks just as beautiful as your engagement ring.
For the Gals
Once you've received your engagement ring you'll have much time to stare and daydream about a wedding band as equally beautiful as the ring he professed his love for you with. Our experience tells us that brides are very concerned about finding a perfect match and won't settle for anything that will detract or overpower the engagement ring. So it is crucial that a ring is chosen that has similar design elements as your engagement ring and fits nicely against it. Today's engagement ring designs can be quite elaborate which is great but it creates the problem of finding a nicely matched engagement ring. Unfortunately many jewelers don't have matching wedding rings available for their engagement rings although, you should always check with the jeweler your ring came from first to see if they have one available. What we've seen most is the difficulty in finding a ring that looks like it was made for your engagement ring and while not having spaces between the wedding band and the engagement ring. There are 3 approaches to solving these problems when choosing your wedding ring.
First Approach - Choosing a band that looks good with your ring but not alone
If you've received a ring that has multiple diamonds or has an intricate and unique design you may have experienced a problem finding a band. In an effort to get your wedding ring to fit together you may choose a contoured ring, or a wrap. A contoured ring is a band that has been specially designed to gently curve to the contoured profiles of today's most popular engagement ring styles. Unfortunately, a contoured ring will not look good on its own and if you plan on wearing your wedding ring on it's own you may be displeased with the way it looks by itself. If you are most concerned about a perfect fit against your engagement ring and won't wear the wedding band alone then a contoured ring may be best for you.
If you have a solitaire engagement ring and you would like to spruce it up with your wedding ring then a wrap could be great. A wrap is designed to fit nicely around your diamond and over the top of the sides of your ring. Most designs have a series of diamond or gemstone accents set with rounds, princess cuts and baguettes. There are many choices to choose from and most people are successful at choosing a wrap that works will with their ring. There are 2 important things to consider with a wrap; most wraps won't fit perfectly out of the case, and wraps can't be worn by themselves. With slight adjustments to the wrap most of them will fit nicely on your engagement ring. Make sure you choose a jeweler who has a skilled jeweler in house to do the work for you.
Second Approach - Choosing a band that looks great alone but does not have an exact fit
Some solitaires have an area on the side where the head meets the ring that protrudes out and prevents the wedding ring from resting against the engagement setting. If you choose a traditional straight band because you want to wear it alone you may have problems with the band hitting against the head. This will create spacing and between both ring and you may become annoyed with that. It's a trade off at this point, you'll have to decide what is more important to you and only you can make that decision. You can circumvent that by choosing a wedding ring that has a low profile to it and allow for the wedding ring to rest slightly below the head minimizing spacing. Channel bands are a great choice in this situation because they generally have a low profile to allow for a proper fit. A channel band also looks fantastic when worn alone.
Third Approach - When all else fails make a custom ring
In some situations you'll never find a wedding band that looks good with your engagement ring. When this happens some people elect to have a custom designed wedding ring made. Custom work allows you to have a say in what the wedding ring will look like and ca give you the best of all worlds. Most custom work begins with you describing to a jeweler what it is that you want out of a wedding ring. You then have the opportunity to share the things that you like about your engagement ring and the jeweler can explain to you how he will compliment those features on your ring. Some jewelers will sketch a concept for you then create a prototype to see as a wax model. More advanced jewelers will use a computer aided design tool to create an image for you to see on a computer screen. The wax model will demonstrate the fit and accuracy of the wedding ring with your engagement ring. It can also be altered with great ease and without incurring added costs. You should be very careful when choosing a jeweler to make you a custom ring because as with any craft there are skilled experts and there are hacks. There is nothing worse than investing hard earned money on something that is poorly made or that improperly interprets your desires. A good rule of thumb is to ask to see a portfolio of the jewelers work or ask to speak to the goldsmith personally to get a feeling of his aptitude for custom work.
For the Guys
Men are not used to wearing rings or jewelry for that matter so the thought of wearing a wedding ring scares them. For some men it is uncomfortable and other men are concerned the ring may look girly or not masculine enough. If careful consideration takes place there should be no problem in finding a wedding ring that works with your active lifestyle and fits with your personality. Today there is a wide array of metals choices and styles available and you are sure to find a wedding ring that will satisfy all your needs.
One option you may consider is ordering your ring with a comfort fit. This will provide a soft smooth feel when wearing the ring while making the ring more durable. Creating a slight dome using metal on the inside of the ring where the finger is placed forms a comfort fit. This dome softens the edges of the ring so nothing digs into the finger; it also prevents much of the metal on the inside of the ring from coming in contact with the finger.
Your lifestyle should be taken in account when choosing a metal type for your wedding ring. If you work with your hands and don't plan on taking your ring off then you may choose the harder metals available like titanium or tungsten. Titanium is very lightweight, comfortable to wear and holds up well over time. Tungsten is the hardest metal on the planet and is basically scratch proof. The finish should also be considered when finalizing your decision; most wedding ring styles are available in multiple finishes. Some finishes hold up better than others under harsh conditions. A heavy brush or stone finish will show less wear and most scratches will not be easily seen. On the other hand a satin finish or a sand blasted finish will highlight even the smallest of scratches. Have your jeweler demonstrate the different finishes to you before you make your final decision.
If you don't work with your hands or you don't think you'll damage the ring then you make want to consider some of the more precious metals available. White gold, yellow gold, platinum, and palladium offer a much richer look than the hard metals. You'll also find a much greater selection of wedding ring styles to choose from in the precious metal family because they are more malleable and easier to craft. You'll also have the added benefit of owning a ring that is more valuable because of the precious metal content.
Take care when selecting the finger size to order your wedding ring in. Many people lose their wedding rings in the ocean while on their honeymoon. This occurs because men are not used to wearing rings so they go with a more loose fit because they think it will feel more comfortable. The ring is too big and then it slips off in the surf. The truth is that a ring will bother you less when it fits more snug then when it is too big. When the ring is too big it will constantly be turning on your finger and this will bother you. If the ring is snug you will notice less turning and the snug fit will prevent you from loosing it. To determine the proper finger size use a ring sizer that is the same width as the ring you are ordering. If you use a finger sizer that is 2.5mm wide and your wedding ring is 7mm there will be a difference in the type of fit. This will cause you to pick an incorrect finger size. Remember that a little tighter is always better than a littler looser.
How To Choose The Wedding Ring Of Your Dreams
Gift a wedding ring
Wedding ring as a gift item is quite surprising. Nothing gives the joy and enjoyments equal to that feeling when you open the gifted jewelry box and find a beautiful wedding ring for your most special occasion. Wedding ring as a gift material is unique and a clever choice. Though every couple selects their own wedding jewelry but why not give them a good pleasant surprise by gifting a wedding ring.
For every bride and every groom wedding ring means something special and most valuable. The spark and enjoyment you can see in their eyes is equally bright like the gold of the ring. Your feeling after gifting them a wedding ring is also as gratifying as the wedding couple's. No one can imagine a gift like wedding ring. So do not let go this idea and gift your favorite couple, your near and dear one's a wedding ring. It can support your purse and also an intelligent choice.
Rings are now more fashionable and they have a designer tag. Many designer houses are making their own wedding rings carrying their own signature. Some prefers white gold wedding rings, some prefers titanium wedding rings. But the bottom line is that ring should be beautiful, as no couple want to make any compromise with their wedding ring. So, even if you are giving it as a gift but keep in mind that ring should look good and so cheap.
Platinum and titanium rings are more durable and have a rendering beauty as they are embedded with diamonds, ruby, Safire, emerald. These stones enhance the beauty of the ring. The more the stones the more beautiful they are. Their cutting and embellishments are most important. A good ring must have a classic look but at the same time a modern touch too. Blending of these two criteria makes the ring precious. Varity of wedding rings for women and men are available in the market. Expensive are those, which have intricate designs and attractive curving done on the body of the ring. Traditional jewelry has their focus on the settings of stones but now the importance is on the designing factors.
Especially for men handcrafted and machine made wedding rings and wedding bands have arrived in the market. These are quite demanding. They are simple in looking and at the same time elegant too. White gold rings with dazzling presence of starling platinum and titanium with diamonds have an amazing pristine appearance. Diamond embedding rings, white gold wedding rings, platinum rings, titanium rings, tungsten rings are much expensive because they are done with intricate designs and attractive cuttings on their body.
Titanium rings come not only in fashion with gold but it has many variations as colored titanium rings etc. these are very popular because they are colorful, durable and glazy. Before giving a gift to any couple be sure about their choice and their personality and life style. Comfort level and fittings are also considerable. If it becomes so tight or so loose then it will not suit. If he or she has any metal irritation then it would be problematic. So be sure about the very facts and then choose a gift.
Setting the Mood - Whether to Hire a Live Band or Dj for your Celebration
Music. It has the power to inspire the guests at your wedding reception to get out on the dance floor and boogie. It has the power to make your first dance as husband and wife emotional and unforgettable. It can be used to set a quiet, romantic mood during dinner and to create memorable moments on the dance floor that your guests will recall for years to come.
So choosing the person or people who create the soundtrack for one of the biggest moments in your life is an important decision. Music can make or break a party, and you need to find performers who understand that, whether they are DJs or bandleaders.
The first major decision you're likely to make when planning the music for your reception is whether to choose a band or a DJ. The major distinction between the two begins with price. DJs can range anywhere from $300 to $1,200, whereas live bands can cost more than $2,500. But before you decide on price alone, consider the possibilities.
Live it up: When you're throwing an elegant affair like a wedding reception, little else compares to the thrill and electricity that a live band can bring. The interactive nature of live entertainment can add a personal touch to your event.
A great vocalist can sing your favorite songs to you during your first dance as wife and husband. Live singers and musicians have a flexibility to be creative and personalize their performance for you. For example, bandleaders can research alternatives to more traditional wedding songs, or they might even explore a bride and groom's relationship to determine what song would be most fitting for their first dance together. This flexibility and interactivity creates an aesthetic that your guests are sure to remember.
Size matter: Once you decide to hire a band you will decide what kind of band will be best for your event. With the plethora of performers out there, this can be a daunting task. You can narrow down your search a bit by determining the size of your reception. The number of guests, the size and shape of the reception area and the acoustical makeup of the room may help you decide whether you want a duo or a trio providing music or if you want an eight-piece band.
Keep in mind that even if your affair is small, with 60 guests, you don't have to sacrifice great sound. Many three and four piece bands can enhance their sound by using digital sequencing. Sometimes power duos and trios will know how to create music that will fill up your reception hall, despite the smaller size. If you're hosting a larger event, the size of your band can grow from the traditional, four-piece band to something larger like a 12-piece band or orchestra. It all depends upon your personal taste, your budget and the effect you want to create at your reception.
Searching for style: In addition to determining the size of the band, you'll want to look for a band that is versatile enough to perform the songs you know will be hits at your reception. Consider what kind of a sound you're looking for ' swing, jazz, classical, rock or a mix of everything ' and seek out bands that can perform in those musical genres. It's best to stick with professional musicians who aim to have a great band ' not just a great wedding band. Professional bands will typically offer you a broader repertoire of songs than a band that moonlights on weekends at weddings.
Reach out for recommendations: Once you've decided what size and type of band will suit your reception, you'll want to know which local bands come highly recommended. To find out, talk to vendors in the wedding industry in your area. Ask managers at respected hotels and reception halls, florists and other associated with the local wedding scene which bands they would recommend. If the several of the same names keep popping up, you'll know where to start making calls.
Seeing is believing: After you have a few band names to pick from, it's time to start making appointments to see bands that appeal to you in action. Whether it's a rehearsal or a performance, being able to see the band you're considering as it performs is one of the best ways to judge it. You will feel for how the band members interact with their audience and for how well the play which will help you when it comes time to make a decision.
If you can't see the band in action, ask for a CD or a videotape of a performance, or better yet, arrange a personal meeting with your prospective bandleader. You'll be able to better gauge the band's talent and style.
For economy and convenience, you really can't beat the effect that a polished DJ can bring to your wedding reception. While generally lower in cost than a live band, DJs offer you variety, versatility and many of the same qualities that a live band can.
Variety ' the spice of DJ life: One of the advantages of hiring a DJ is that you and your guests will have access to an extensive collection of music, ranging from wedding favorites that you hear al the time to the more obscure. Whereas a band may not know how to perform less popular tunes that might appeal to you or your guests, a DJ is sure to have a broad repertoire that will include lesser-known artists. This can make it easier to handle requests from your guests.
While you or your spouse-to-be may have eclectic musical tastes that car be accommodated more easily by a DJ, remember to not get too carried away choosing music that suits only your own tastes. Chance are your guests will be all ages, so their tastes for music will vary greatly. To keep a party going, most DJs will recommend a mix of music to keep guests involved in the festivities.
Original hits, original artists: In addition to their broad repertoires, DJs offer you the comfort of knowing that the music will be performed as it was originally recorded. You don't have to worry about a band taking artistic license with one of your favorite songs. The music is heard exactly the way you and your guests remember it. A DJ needs to take a break, he or she can prepare a mix that will keep the songs going until the break is over.
Choose your own DJ: When you decide to hire a DJ, you will have to determine if the DJ's style will suit you and your guests. DJs can come to your event equipped with extras like lighting, plasma screens with live action video of your guests, dancing and party favors. Additionally, DJs offer differing levels of interactivity with guests. Some serve as a sort of master of ceremonies during the wedding reception, and will do everything from announcing your bridal party to getting your guests involved in the dancing to handing out party favors like Hawaiian leis. Others take a more subtle approach, allowing the bride and groom to be the stars of the show.
Again, seeing is believing: As with a band, it's best to see a DJ in action before agreeing to hire him or her. By observing how he or she runs a party, you will know what to expect when your big day arrives.
Wedding Bands: Comfort Fit For Maximum Comfort
Worn day and night from the time of a couples wedding, a comfortable wedding band is extremely important. If your wedding band bothers your hand, you are more likely to take it off at some point during the day or at night, increasing your chance of losing it. Comfort fit wedding bands give you that additional level of comfort so many people look for.
The Comfort Fit wedding band is currently the most preferred band on the market. With a comfort fit design, the inside of the band has a rounded finish so it cannot pinch your skin. They slide onto your finger easier and sit more comfortably than a traditional wedding ring.
Internally round bands, as comfort fit bands are also known, are especially suitable, and certainly more comfortable, for people not used to a ring, such as many men. They are also more comfortable for anyone that must frequently take their rings off.
Comfort fit wedding bands achieve comfort several ways, each a little differently due to the creative imagination and skills of the designers. Some of the many types include:
• Light Comfort Fit Wedding Band - Slightly rounded on the inside of the ring, giving it a smoother feel when worn, a light comfort fit wedding band is not as thick and contains less metal than both a heavy or regular comfort fit band.
• Regular Comfort Fit Wedding Band - Moderately rounded inside, this band slips on and off with ease and sits comfortable on your finger when you wear it.
• Heavy Comfort Fit Wedding Band - These rings are thick with a lot more metal than both light comfort fit rings, medium comfort fit rings, and standard wedding bands. The inside is extremely rounded which makes it comfortable to wear.
The smooth arc of some comfort fit wedding bands or engagement rings blends the inner and outer portions, making them feel comfortable on the finger, unlike pipe-cut rings. They have sharper edges and over time, the hard metal makes them less comfortable to wear. Comfort fit wedding bands that are two millimeters thick and four millimeters wide are the most popular men's ring. A wedding band could be anywhere from two millimeters to eight millimeters in size. A millimeter is approximately the size of a fine pencil lead.
It is very important to get the correct size of comfort fit wedding bands or engagement rings to get maximum comfort. It is easier to achieve a comfortable fit on smaller rings but adjusting the size helps for larger ring sizes. You may require a comfort fit wedding band one quarter size larger if it the custom fit ring is extra wide, such as a six-millimeter or seven-millimeter ring. You must also take into account that the size of a persons finger fluctuates due to temperature, fluid retention, weight gain or loss. Titanium rings are extremely difficult to adjust the sizing on so it is important to order the correct size comfort fit wedding band. Because it is such extremely hard metal, it is almost impossible to reduce or increase their size after ordering.