Ordering your wedding rings is an important stage in the wedding planning process. You can't leave it too close to the big day, especially if the rings are custom-made. Here, we share some tried and true tips that will help when ordering your wedding rings!
What do couples need to know about ordering rings for their wedding?
Our top recommendation for brides is to consider what wedding ring style will work with their engagement ring. The rings don’t necessarily need to match, but more often than not, this is what our clients prefer! Choosing a wedding ring with the same metal, diamond quality, or style as your engagement ring, will make them look as if they were meant for each other. Not to mention, this will also make adding an eternity much easier, if you choose to do so down the track.
However, even if your rings don't match, having a wedding ring that sits next to your engagement ring seamlessly is the ultimate goal. This way, wear and tear is minimised over your lifetime. At Gerard McCabe, we design matching wedding ring options for all our engagement ring designs for this reason!
Grooms, however, have much more freedom when it comes to choosing a wedding ring. We advise our grooms to allow plenty of time to get a feel for what style they like and what metal they prefer. Modern wedding bands can be made in a variety of unique and exciting metals, from traditional gold and platinum to modern titanium and tantalum. Grooms should try on lots of different styles and try not to place any pressure on making a decision on the first visit!
How early do couples need to begin the process?
We suggest that 4-6 months before your wedding day is the best time to book your initial wedding ring consultation. Most of our wedding bands take between 2 and 8 weeks to manufacture and they are all made to order. This allows you to be able to take your time in selecting your perfect wedding bands.
What’s the first thing brides usually ask when they come and see you?
Brides often ask: “What do I do with my engagement ring on the wedding day?” Our usual answer is that if you are able to, wear it on your right hand during the ceremony. After the exchanging of the rings, slip the engagement ring off and put it together with the wedding band. This way, you get some great pictures of the rings together whilst signing the registry! Alternatively though, some brides get one of their bridesmaids to wear their ring for them during the ceremony.
We are also asked, “Does the wedding ring sit before or after the engagement ring on the finger?” Traditionally, the wedding ring is worn on the left ring finger closest to your heart, followed by the engagement ring on top. This is usually followed by an eternity ring, if you so choose, as a final addition to your bridal stack.
Our top tip: Eternity Rings are a lovely gift idea for a first anniversary or first baby!
Who should buy the rings?
Most couples will come in to look at wedding rings together, but it's a personal choice as to who pays for the rings. We see some couples who have a combined wedding budget, and the rings are just one aspect of that. Other times, the clients will each purchase the other’s wedding band, which is also a lovely gesture!
Payment options: Do I have to pay on the spot?
Our sales consultants will be able to provide you with a quote for your rings in store before your go ahead with your order. Every wedding ring is custom made for you, so we ask for a 50% deposit when you are ready to place your order. The balance is then paid when the rings arrive in-store, either by cash, debit or credit card, or bank transfer. We also offer an interest-free Take Home Layby, which also suits some clients. Another way to pay for your rings is to ask friends and family to contribute towards your rings as their wedding gift for you both. This can be done via a gift voucher or direct payment onto your balance in store.
Discover more about our payment terms here...
I live in a rural area: Can you help me over the phone, or internet?
Yes! Our collection is available to preview on our website, however, the range is quite extensive so we do recommend getting in touch so that we can take you through all the options that may be of interest to you. We recommend a phone or video consultation with one of our team members to discuss all the details when you are ready. With cameras, smartphones, email, and video chat at our disposal, there is not much that can’t be achieved over distance! Previously, we have even made bespoke jewellery for clients over a distance.
The most important thing is to allow the time to make sure we have everything perfect and correct before the final ring order is placed. This is why starting the process a good 4-5 months out from the wedding is essential!
Apart from rings, are there other wedding-related products available at Gerard McCabe?
Not only do we have a great selection of jewellery suitable for brides and grooms to give each other, but also fantastic options for bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts.
In our opinion, pearls make the perfect addition to a bridal ensemble. Also, incorporating an aspect of your own jewellery box into your bridesmaid's wardrobes on the day, is a gift we always recommend for a totally seamless look! For the groom and groomsmen, timepieces are an everlasting gift.
Gerard McCabe also offers jewellery cleaning, repair, and restoration services ,which are popular with our brides and their families.
If you have further questions about ordering your wedding rings, then please don't hesitate to get in touch! We can help you over the phone, or we can make a time for you to visit us in our boutiques.