Women are often faulted for being the more selective of the genders, but men can be just as picky. When it comes to choosing the right wedding band for your groom, this is no exception. The great but perhaps overwhelming news is that there are more options than ever for men’s wedding bands. One of the challenges you’ll face is that, for most men, this will be the first time they’ve ever worn jewelry. You’ll need to consider a few things, including his lifestyle, his personality, your budget, and whether or not you want matching bands. At the end of the day, it needs to be something the man of your dreams enjoys reaching for and putting on, not something they dread or conveniently forget. We’ve compiled a few considerations to help you through the process of finding the perfect wedding band for him.

Consider His Style      

If your man is an extrovert, loves to dress up, go out, or match his wardrobe, shopping for a band means the sky is the limit. You can opt for something bold like a band with diamonds or colored stones. If your groom wears a bracelet or watch, you can use that as a reference point and try to match the metal or texture. If this will be the first time your husband-to-be puts on a ring, you can’t go wrong with something classic like a simple domed gold band that gives a clean look. Metal and finish play a huge role in what kind of ring you choose. If your groom is outdoorsy, you could choose a ring with wood inlay or a sandblasted finish to give it that coarse texture.

Consider His Life(style)

What kind of work does your betrothed do? This may play a bigger role than you’d think in how you pick the right wedding band. If your man works with heavy machinery, for example, you’ll need to consider comfort and safety. Some workplaces will not allow metal rings to be worn by their employees; just something to consider if your groom can’t wear his ring for the majority of his day.

Consider the Width and Weight

The wider the ring does not always mean heavier or more expensive. It really depends on the type of metal. A ring width of 4 to 6 mm is going to offer a slimmer look and a more subtle feel. Widths between 6 and 8 mm are going to take up more real estate on a hand, but depending on the metal you choose, they may not feel much heavier than a slimmer band. Bear in mind that bigger fingers do not always warrant a wider ring size; a thinner ring will have an elongating effect, if that’s what you’re going for. More and more couples these days are also opting to have inscriptions etched on the inside of their band. While a good jeweler will be able to inscribe just about anything, a wider band certainly helps.

Consider Coordination and Matching

Since the 1940s, couples have been purchasing wedding band sets together, where the engagement ring and his and her wedding bands match. Modern couples feel they have more choice in the matter, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a cohesive look. Your budget could play into this, as some sets come with savings. Consider bands in the same metal/finish as a way to tie it all together, or having his band carry a diamond or stone that matches the one in your engagement ring. You could also have two completely different bands with the same words engraved on their inside.

Explore our selection of men’s wedding bands at Schwarzschild Jewelers. Visit us in Richmond, Charlottesville, and Midlothian Virginia.