When it comes to wedding rings, images of diamonds and platinum come to mind.
But it’s not all about the engagement ring. For the groom, the wedding band may be more about practicality than striking an impressive vision.
While women have been wearing rings for generations, the trend of bridegrooms donning wedding bands is relatively new.
According to a report from Bloomberg News, the majority of husbands in the U.S. didn’t wear a wedding band before the Second World War — western men fighting abroad wore rings as a reminder of life back home.
There are a number of factors to keep in mind when selecting a wedding band: lifestyle, budget restraints, personal preference, and religious and cultural symbols.
Grooms should also consider how the band will look next to his wife’s ring.
Ring durability varies depending on the type of material with which it is constructed.
Titanium is durable and light, as is palladium, while ceramic is durable yet affordable.
Lower-karat gold can stand a bit of abuse. And while silver is affordable, it isn’t very durable.
The most traditional wedding ring is a simple, plain gold band.
Some men may forego the tradition of the ring completely.
Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, has opted not wear a wedding band.
Often, the decision to wear a ring or not depends on the groom’s occupation and the comfort factor.
