Our Guide to Finding the Chicest Wedding Bands for Women

When planning a wedding, there are countless aspects, tasks, and details to consider. From the venue to the dress, they all seem to take precedence over the often underestimated task of choosing a wedding band. However, what brides and grooms sometimes fail to realize is that, while they will enjoy the fantastic venue and wear their beautiful bridal gowns for just one night, they will wear their wedding bands forever. And although the engagement ring may take all the compliments and excitement, the wedding band is the piece that you will probably spend more time wearing in the long run. Also, while the engagement ring symbolizes the promise of marriage and the intention of a lifetime together, the wedding band is the piece that actually represents the love, faithfulness, and commitment in the relationship, and acts as a reminder of the person to whom you have sworn your devotion.

With all of this in mind, it is extremely important to start searching for the right ring plently of time in advance—experts recommend beginning the hunt at least 3 months before the big day. Why? Because, although it may sound exaggerated, finding the right wedding band is not as easy as you think. From the metal to the shape, there’s endless details to consider before saying "I do" to a ring. To help you navigate this daunting task, L’OFFICIEL put together a guide with the key factors to consider before committing to a wedding ring. And, while we offer a separate guide with recommendations for men, this piece is dedicated to helping you find the perfect wedding band for women. If you are planning to tie the knot anytime soon, grab your pen and paper and scroll through.

When we envision a wedding band, the image of a classic, plain, wide band in yellow gold often comes to mind. Nevertheless, that’s not necessarily what a wedding band for women needs to look like. From pavé eternity rings to modern curved bands, there’s endless options and styles to choose from. 

And although a wedding band can be anything the future bride wants it to be, one of the main factors to consider when shopping for it is how it will complement your engagement ring. “I think proportion and style in comparison to your engagement ring is important,” shared Alexandra O'Neill, founder and designer of NYC-based womenswear label Markarian, on this topic. “They should be well balanced and should look right together. Also remember that this is something you will be wearing every day, so pick something that feels comfortable and suits your personal style,” she added.

Should you opt for a curved shape that hugs the stone in your engagement ring? Or should you go even further and consider a nesting design to stylishly stack alongside your ring? Would you get bored of a plain wedding band after some time? Would a diamond band compete with the gemstone in your engagement ring? All of these questions should be considered when searching for the perfect band shape. Take the time to try on different options both with and without your engagement ring to make sure you love the look in every scenario.

And, although you may already have a favorite style in mind, it’s important to try different designs and make sure you know your options before committing to the one. “I think the most important thing is to go shopping with an open mind and to try on different combinations with your engagement ring—different shapes, metals and styles—you may end up being surprised by what you like,” shared Gabrielle Hurwitz, bridal fashion stylist and wedding authority.

Although future brides usually try to match their wedding band with the metal type of their engagement rings, mixed-metal sets are gaining more and more popularity. In truth, choosing a unique combination of metals that resonates with your personal style feels much more intimate and authentic than having to commit to one type of metal for life.

While white gold is one of the most popular metals in wedding bands for women, yellow gold and rose gold options have become increasingly popular among brides. When it comes to gold, it is important to pay attention to the karat. Since everyone wants their wedding band to be as resistant and durable as possible, experts usually recommend going for 18K gold options. 

As the second most popular metal for wedding bands, platinum guarantees that your band will retain its color without burnishing over time. Additionally, platinum is the purest and rarest metal used in jewelry, making it a sought-after choice for those looking for a distinctive wedding band.

If searching for a more affordable option, there’s plenty of beautiful sterling silver wedding bands for women to choose from. Keep in mind that this metal is less resistant to wear than gold or platinum, and it may darken and develop a patina after some time. Due to this, experts typically recommend opting for more durable metals, even if it means slightly increasing your budget—at the end of the day, you’ll wear your wedding band for the rest of your life.

When searching for the perfect wedding band for women, it is crucial to keep your lifestyle in mind. If you work with your hands or if you are a super active person, then you need to make sure your wedding band is extremely durable and the metal you select withstands continuous wear and tear. Additionally, you should consider the maintenance required for each type of metal and shape. Intricate designs will require more time, care, and potentially additional expenses to keep your wedding band looking pristine.

Additionally, not only should you consider your lifestyle but also your evolving tastes. If you are the type of person that constantly changes their style and cycles through trends, then maybe opting for a classic wedding band would be the safest option. “Don’t feel pressured about current trends or what your friends might have,” advised Markarian’s Alexandra O'Neill. And just as you aspire to adore your wedding dress style for years to come, the same should apply to all these other details in your bridal journey. “Typically, when clients are looking for a wedding dress, they want something that is classic and can stand the test of time. I think the same is true when looking for a wedding band,” O'Neill added.