How to Match Your Wedding Band to Your Engagement Ring Perfectly

The problem that we're solving here is actually pretty great, as problems go - how to make sure your wedding band and engagement ring complement each other! When you're on the hunt for the perfect wedding ring, there are lots of factors to consider - the look you want to create, the kind of ring your partner will be wearing (if any!), and, of course, how much you have to spend.

It's possible to buy your engagement ring and wedding band together, but that ship has probably already sailed if you're readuing this. Well, don't fret - we've put together a handy guide to how to match a wedding band to an engagement ring, including lots of gorgeous ideas for you to mull over.

Rings and image by Anueva Jewelry

Tips to Match a Wedding Band to an Engagement Ring

1. Keep an Open Mind

Before you pick your wedding band, try on lots of types of rings with your engagement ring, to get a feel for what you like and don't like. A plain band might not seem like your style, but if your engagement ring is quite elaborate, they could well be perfect together! Looking at wedding bands on their own can be misleading - you need to see them on your finger, alongside your engagement ring, to judge the overall look.

Rings and image by Melanie Casey

2. Call Again

If you're happy with your engagement ring, consider returning to the jeweller who made it to view their wedding band collection or to ask about bespoke options. They may already have a band that was specifically designed to fit alongside your ring.

Rings and image by Erstwhile Jewelry

3. Match the Look

As a general rule, it's a good idea to match the width of your band to the width of the band on your engagement ring - thin with thin, chunky with chunky, etc - particularly if you prefer a neater, more uniform look. But naturally there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to style, so it's up to you what you like the look of.

Rings and image by Ellie Air Jewellery

4. Stick with the Same Metal Colour

Unless you want to make a really bold statement, keep the metals uniform across your wedding band and engagement ring - yellow gold with yellow gold, platinum with platinum, etc. If you're concerned about budget, you can make substitutions, pairing sterling silver or palladium with white gold, for example. You can always upgrade your wedding band in years to come.

Rings and image by Natasha Sherling

Wedding Bands: The Most Popular Styles

Because we know that visual references can make life easier, particularly in wedding planning, we're taking you on an aesthetic journey through six of the most popular options for wedding bands. A good jeweller will be able to guide you through the options that will work best for your engagement ring, and, of course, fit in with your lifestyle - some of these styles are more practical than others!

Rings and image by Natalie Marie Jewellery

1. Contoured Wedding Band

A contoured wedding band fits precisely and snugly around the shape of your engagement ring. This means there is no gap between your rings.

Rings and image by Trumpet and Horn

2. Curved Wedding Band

A curved wedding band fits around the shape of your engagement ring. Depending on the style of your engagement ring, this may or may not sit flush with the band of your engagement ring.

Rings and image by Everett Fine Jewelry

3. An Open Wedding Band

An open wedding band fits around the stone or stones on your engagement ring but doesn't actually close the circle, but ends with a little gap in the middle.

Rings and image by Taylor Custom Rings

4. Notched Wedding Band

Depending on the setting, a jeweller might suggest a notched wedding band, which is when the band features a little groove or indent to ensure a perfect fit. The notch isn't visible when the two rings are worn together.

5. Rings and image by Trumpet and Horn

Straight Wedding Bands

A straight wedding band fits snugly in behind the stone or stones on your engagement ring or fits neatly alongside your engagement ring, but doesn't sit flush to the ring.

Rings and image by Marrow Fine

6. Stacked Wedding Bands

Stacked wedding bands are when two or more wedding bands fit on either side of your engagement ring, creating an on-trend stack effect. Either can be used as your wedding band during the ceremony. You could also do this with one as your wedding band, and the other as an eternity ring.

Rings and image by Artemer

7. Pointed Wedding Band

A pointed wedding band doesn't fit the shape of your engagement ring exactly, but leaves plenty of space for the stones.

8. Moi et Toi Wedding Band

Possibly the most romantic of bands, the two different stones represent the two of you coming together. It can be designed as an open band to allow a solitaire to sit snugly in the middle. Different cut diamond are the most popular choice, but don't be afraid to choose different gems too.

Rings and image by Miriam Wade

More Tips for Choosing a Wedding Band for your Engagement Ring

• Have a chat with your partner about the kind of wedding band they'd like. Some couples prefer to have identical wedding bands or even bands that fit together. Others choose a different style but keep a unifying element across two rings, be it the materials, the metal (silver, yellow gold, rose gold, etc.), the stone or the design.
• Consider the alternatives! There's no law against wearing the wedding band on a different finger, or a different hand - it's all about finding what's most comfortable for you. Depending on the kind of ceremony you're having, you could even ditch the wedding band altogether, and exchange a different piece of jewellery!

Looking to speak to an expert? See our list of fantastic jewellers for the perfect match. If you're wondering whether to get your wedding ring engraved, we've listed the pros and cons to help you decide or you'll find unique wedding ring inscription ideas here.