Choosing your wedding bands is a joyous occasion for a couple. An engagement ring symbolizes the first step into the rest of your life as a married couple but the wedding band is a promise.  Pairing your engagement ring  with a wedding band might seem daunting, but it is important to keep in mind that there is no wrong choice. However, if you’re planning on wearing the two rings together, set your sights on a wedding band that complements the engagement ring and minimizes damage. Here are a few tips to inform your search.

How to match a wedding ring to an engagement ring

1. Bring the Engagement Ring

If you don’t wear the engagement ring daily, remember to put it on before visiting the jewelry store. This way, you can see and feel how each wedding band option looks against it. With the engagement ring as a reference, a jeweler can better help in the decision-making process. Pay close attention to whether the two rings sit flush and how they feel on your finger. You should be able to move and bend it comfortably. 

2. Keep Width in Mind

If you’re looking for something more uniform and cohesive, the width of the wedding band and engagement ring should be as close to the same as possible. If the two rings don’t feature the same design elements, finish, or gemstones, this will help bring the two designs together.

Alternatively, a thin wedding band paired with a thick engagement ring, or vice versa, creates interesting visual contrast to make the set more unique. The two rings should be proportionate to one another to create a clear, deliberate style.

3. Be mindful of Metal Choices

From romantic rose gold to classic platinum, numerous metals are used to create wedding bands. You can use the same metal for both rings in the set to create a traditional match. Some metals also look similar but have different price points. If you have an 18k yellow gold engagement ring, for instance, pair it with a 14k band to cut down on costs.  Additionally, many couples are now exploring alternative options, such as silicone rings, for more practical or active lifestyles. When considering silicone rings vs traditional bands, it’s important to weigh factors like durability, comfort, and the aesthetic you’re aiming for. While traditional metals offer timeless elegance, silicone rings provide a more affordable and versatile choice for everyday wear.

Mixed metal bridal stacks are also growing in popularity, as they afford the opportunity to express your eclectic jewelry aesthetic or match existing mixed jewelry. 

4. Try a Trend

In recent years, couples have been choosing to wear stacked wedding bands. The two bands are often much thinner than the engagement ring. One band symbolizes marriage, while the other symbolizes the eternity the couple will spend together. This trend allows couples to personalize their rings while adding a modern twist to traditional wedding jewelry. Many couples also enjoy mixing metals or incorporating unique details into their stacked bands to create a one-of-a-kind look that tells their story. While selecting rings is an exciting part of wedding planning, other decisions, such as how to choose bridesmaids, can also play a significant role in making the celebration truly special and reflective of the couple’s journey together.

Many couples add more bands to their stack as time goes on to mark anniversaries and/or other milestones in the relationship. The eternity and milestone bands may have prong or pavé-set stones to add interest and texture to the stack.

5. Consider the Engagement Ring Shape

In any ring stack, an engagement ring often takes center stage with the wedding band as a supporting character. Keep your eyes peeled for a band that will help the main player stand out even more. Consider keeping your wedding band small and simple in order to add shine to your ring stack without pulling focus. For example, a thin pavé band adds dimension and sparkle to any ring stack without distracting from the engagement ring center stone.

With so many options available for wedding bands, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. When you take the engagement ring width, metal, and center stone shape into account, as well as your personal jewelry style, it will be easier to find the perfect match.