1. You’re going to almost forget to do it.
Hard to believe, but wedding ring shopping will slip your mind once you’re in the thick of planning. There’s a lot to coordinate, and since it’s something you can do pretty close to wedding day (1 to 2 months out is a sweet spot to purchase), you’ll probably keep putting it off until that “oh, sh*t” moment hits. Don’t panic! Jewelers are usually great to work with, and it’s more likely than not that your decision will be made quickly once you start looking.
2. There are no rules.
When you get an engagement ring, the roles are cut and dry: The one doing the proposing buys the ring – easy! But when you start shopping for a wedding ring, the rules are up to you and your partner. Will you shop together? Do you pay for your own? Should your partner pick for you? The result is kind of like when you bump into someone in a hallway and both keep moving to the same side – bumpy, but good-natured! Go into it with an open mind and see where shopping takes you.
3. You need to budget for it the same way you do your vendors.
Typically, a wedding ring will cost less than your florist, entertainment, etc., but it’s still a hefty purchase – especially if you like a lot of sparkle. And, unlike other vendors who usually only require a deposit up front, you’ll likely be asked to pay for this baby all in, up front. Of course, there are always cost-effective options out there, but the idea is to be prepared for when your eyes are inevitably bigger than your wallet.
4. Your engagement ring plays a large role.
No matter what style of wedding ring you think you like, it’s going to come down to how it pairs with your engagement ring. If you have a lot of bling on your finger already, that pavé-set wedding band you’ve been eyeing might not be the one, after all – the last thing you want is to take away from the grandeur of your engagement ring diamond. There’s also the metal to think about: Gold doesn’t go with platinum (unless you want it to!). Even the shape of your band can only be decided on once you pair it with your first ring; if you have a uniquely shaped diamond, for example, a traditional circular band won’t sit flush against it. Things to keep in mind when you drop those engagement ring hints!
5. Your partner is probably going to have an opinion.
Unless you decide to shop for your engagement ring together, chances are your partner spent months designing a ring they believed you would love. The result is that they suddenly know a lot about fine jewelry and may have some thoughts about what kind of wedding band you pick out. Ultimately, it’s your choice what you decide to wear on your finger for the rest of your married life, but hear out your spouse-to-be – you might even think it’s cute of them to care.
6. Options can be overwhelming.
You can really shop for a wedding ring…anywhere. Heck, you can make a plastic ring from Claire’s the symbol of your eternal love! But the result is that there are so many options, it can start to be a little much. My advice? Ask friends where they shopped and do some poking around online before making any appointments. If you’re finding that your no-fuss style can be found pretty much anywhere, walk in somewhere you’ve shopped before (a Mejuri or Zales, for example) and don’t overthink it.