Wedding rings look simple until you start choosing them. Then, suddenly, you are comparing metals, profiles, widths, diamonds and finishes, and working out how two rings should sit together for the next fifty years. It is one of the happiest tasks in a wedding and one of the few you will both wear for life, so it is worth getting right. This short guide lays the decisions out in a sensible order, then points you to the detail wherever you want it.

1. Plain or diamond-set?

The first fork in the road. A plain band is timeless, hard-wearing and understated; a diamond-set band adds sparkle and can echo an engagement ring. Browse plain wedding rings and diamond wedding rings to see which pulls you in, and our free Plain Wedding Ring Guide and Diamond and Gemstone Wedding Ring Guide cover each in full.

2. Which metal?

Platinum, white gold, yellow gold or rose gold: each has its own colour, upkeep and character. Platinum is the strongest for daily wear and needs no plating; white gold gives a similar look for less but needs occasional re-plating; yellow and rose gold keep their colour for life. Our detailed metals guide walks through all four.

3. Which profile?

Profile is the cross-section shape of the band, and it decides how the ring feels on your finger every day. From the comfortable Traditional Court to the modern Flat, there are nine to choose from. It is the decision most people have never considered, and the one that matters most for comfort.

4. Which width?

Width is measured in millimetres and is largely a matter of taste and proportion, though it interacts with profile and fit. Slimmer bands (around 2 to 3mm) feel delicate; wider bands (4mm and up) make more of a statement and suit a court profile for comfort. Remember a wider band fits more snugly at the same size.

5. How do the two rings work together?

Because you are choosing as a couple, the last question is how your rings relate to each other, and how each sits against an engagement ring. They can match, complement or differ entirely. There is no rule, only what feels right for the two of you.

Frequently asked questions

When should we start looking for wedding rings?

Around three to four months before the wedding is comfortable, as made-to-order rings take time to craft, size and hallmark. Starting earlier removes any last-minute pressure.

Do our wedding rings need to match?

No. Matching, complementary and completely different are all valid choices. What makes them a pair is that you chose them together.

What is the difference between the two wedding ring guides?

The Plain Wedding Ring Guide covers metals, profiles and widths for plain bands. The Diamond and Gemstone Wedding Ring Guide adds stone choice, settings and coverage for set bands.