1. Set a Budget
Important! First and foremost, always discuss how much both of you are willing to spend right at the start of the hunt. Come to a compromise if you can’t see eye to eye. If there is a particular design you have in mind, get it custom made at jewellers who offer this service (TFL is one of them!).

Depending on the store (a well-known brand name would surely cost more because you are paying for their branding costs too), a plain 14-karat gold band starts at about $330, while a simple platinum band can cost around $1,000. Embellishments, like diamonds or engraving, will also add to the cost. At TFL, we are proud to offer wedding bands that are wallet-friendly while not compromising on quality.

2. Buy your engagement rings and wedding bands together
For example, a unique engagement ring (like a pear-shaped diamond) calls for a simple, no-fuss band, whereas a classic solitaire goes great with the added sparkle of a diamond pave band. If you’re planning on wearing your ring and wedding band together on the same finger, look for a contour or shadow band designed to interlock with the matching engagement ring. If you’re planning on wearing your wedding band alone, you may want a more intricate style that will look great with or without your engagement ring. Your ring do not necessarily has to be of the same design as your husband’s, but to be ‘matchy’, you can go for the same metal colour.

3. Mix It Up
But what if you and your husband have different preference in the metal colour? Don't fret if you like platinum and he likes yellow gold. There's no rule that says you have to choose the same metal or even style. You could compromise with braided bands that blend the two metals together or just be totally different—the key to finding something you both love is picking wedding bands that reflect your individual styles. But whatever you decide, some aspect of your rings, such as an engraving of names or dates, should make it feel like a true pair.

4. Size It Right
Most people rarely take off their wedding bands; they wear them on trips with varying seasons, when they exercise, during pregnancies—all times when your fingers swell and contract from heat, cold, water retention or weight gain. To find the right size that will best weather all of those changes, schedule your final ring fitting at a time when you're calm and your body temperature is normal. That means you should never finalize first thing in the morning (you retain salt from the night before), right after you've exercised (fingers swell) or when you're extremely hot or cold (which can cause expansion and shrinking of your hands). You can always give an additional ½ ring size as a buffer.

5. Keep Your Lifestyle in Mind
What's the point of buying a pricey, pretty band if it feels uncomfortable on or if you have to remove it often (and increase your chances of losing it)? Remember: You're going to wear this band every day, so the goal is to choose something that seamlessly becomes a part of your life. If you play sports or an instrument, look for a slimmer ring with rounded edges (appropriately called the “comfort fit"). If you work with your hands, search for a simple, solid metal ring and avoid gemstones that can come loose or carvings, which can trap dirt. If you're super-active, go for platinum, which is extra durable.

And don’t forget the upkeep. To keep a wedding band with stones clean and sparkling, you'll need to wash and soak it in warm sudsy water, then gently brush it with a soft toothbrush, rinse it and pat it dry with a soft lint-free cloth. If you don’t foresee yourself doing all these, you may want to opt for a fuss-free gold or platinum ring—simply rub it with a soft, lint-free cloth and you're good to go.

6. Don’t Rush
Lastly, don't rush your decision! You may love the idea of a braided rose gold ring or a diamond eternity band, but once you get to the store, try some rings that aren't on your inspiration board. Chat with the sales associates, then let them make suggestions based on your finger or hand shape. Not every style looks as good on your finger as it does in the display case. (We will cover this in the next post!)

As you consider different styles, don't forget about comfort too—some rings may look really pretty, but when you put them on, they're just not a good fit. Maybe the diamonds poke your other fingers in a weird way. Wear it around the store for a few minutes and while you have it on, try writing and texting as a comfort test.

While you shouldn't be afraid of being trendy, make sure the style you choose is something you'll want to wear for, say, the next 40 years. This ring is meant to last through all the jobs, meetings and social functions from now until then, so pick one you love that you can picture yourself wearing for a long time. But don't stress too much: You're not married to the ring and can always upgrade (add diamonds or go from white gold to platinum) later on to mark a special anniversary.

Before you go, why not take a look at the variety of wedding bands we have at TFL? Check them out here: http://thefourloves.biz/collections/wedding-bands

Adapted from The Knot