We tend to think of matching wedding bands as being traditional. However, while wedding rings have been around for a very long time, ring styles and customs are always changing. In some European and Nordic countries, men and women used to wear matching engagement rings, while right up to the mid-twentieth century, most American men didn't even wear wedding rings.
All this is to say that it's completely up to you and your spouse whether you wear matching wedding bands, coordinated wedding bands, or completely different styles. What matters is that you're both happy with your choice.
Matching wedding bands
Your options are virtually unlimited when it comes to the look of your wedding band. Rings are available in your choice of precious metals, from traditional gold through more unusual metals like titanium and palladium. Finishes and detailing options are more creative now than they have ever been - if high shine isn't your style, consider a brushed or hammered finish, or add subtle visual interest to a smooth band with a row of milgrain detailing. A pair of matching rings is a beautiful symbol that you and your partner are connected, even when you're apart.
Coordinated wedding bands
For couples who prefer to express their individual styles, while maintaining a unified look, coordinated wedding bands are the perfect solution. There are lots of ways to pair rings that are different, yet subtly mirror each other. Choose one or two elements that you both enjoy; these might include metal, finish, detailing, engraving, insets, or precious stones. Then, just mix and match until you find the combination that's right for you both. Perhaps you both opt for platinum, but one prefers a hammered finish and the other chooses smooth. Maybe both partners agree on a subtle inlay or border around the edges of the ring, but one prefers white gold and the other yellow. If your rings share at least one design element, chances are they're going to look great together.
Diamonds and other precious stones offer another high-impact way to coordinate your wedding jewellery. While men typically prefer a little less sparkle, a single diamond, or a vertical row of tiny ones, can look amazing on an otherwise simple band. A corresponding ring with diamonds all the way around the band, perhaps in the same precious metal, makes for a perfect pair.
Unique wedding bands
If you both decide you'd rather choose your own rings, without worrying about whether they match or coordinate, that's great! There are so many options when it comes to ready-to-wear wedding rings that you're bound to find something you love. One or both of you might also want to consider having a custom wedding band made especially for you. Our consultants work with couples to design engagement rings and wedding bands that incorporate your favourite elements and suit the wearer perfectly. Read more about the custom design process here, or contact us to book a consultation.