A Celebrant’s view on Wedding Rings
When you decide to marry one of the most exciting purchases you will make is to buy your wedding rings. Remember you are going to wear this metal band on your hand – forever. So you must take time to choose the perfect ring.
Besides engagement rings, wedding rings are probably the most essential of all rings purchased.
The use of wedding rings for both partners, is a relatively recent innovation. The jewellery industry began a marketing campaign aimed at encouraging this practice in the late 19th century. However, the practice only really became accepted in the 1940’s when 80% of brides and grooms exchanged wedding rings.
It was believed that the vein in the wedding ring finger went directly to the heart, and so wedding rings are customarily worn on the left ring finger. Today, that practice continues to exist although it is accepted that the belief is absolutely wrong.
The symbolism behind wearing a wedding ring is so great that choosing a perfect ring is very important and there are many decisions a couple needs to make with regard to choosing wedding rings.
Price is also a major consideration as there are so many other wedding necessities to pay for.
Using the term ‘metal’ alongside the word wedding band is so un-romantic, however, the ring is indeed composed of a metallic material and one has a wide range of choices when looking to purchase a particular type of wedding band.
There are many unique and exquisite styles of wedding rings for both men and women. Gold is one type of material that a couple may choose to have their wedding rings made of. Rings made of gold come in either white gold or yellow gold in a variety of karats, i.e., 10 karat, 14 karat, or 24 karat.
Another popular metal is platinum. Platinum wedding bands have become much more desirable in the past few years. Platinum rings tend to be just a little more costly than gold ones; however, it is a beautiful metal type that is strong as well. Platinum is a wise choice for a wedding ring. A few of my grooms have had rings made from stainless steel – very masculine!
There are so many customs and traditions surrounding the wearing of wedding rings.
A European tradition encourages the engraving of the name of one's intended spouse and the date of one's intended marriage ceremony on the inside surface of wedding rings, thus strengthening the symbolism and sentimentality of the rings as they become family heirlooms. In older times, the wedding rings were not only a sign of love, but were also linked to the bestowal of 'earnest money'. According to the prayer book of Edward VI: after the words 'with this ring I thee wed' follow the words 'This gold and silver I give thee', at which point the groom was supposed to hand a leather purse filled with gold and silver coins to the bride.
In Romania husbands & wives celebrate their silver wedding anniversary (25 years of marriage) by exchanging silver wedding rings, which are worn on the 4th finger of the left hand along with the original (usually gold) wedding ring
The left hand is also used for cultures that believe in the vena amoris or "vein of love" that is believed to be found in the left ring finger.
In several traditions, the Best Man or Best Woman (or Chief Bridesmaid or Matron of Honour) may have the duty looking after a couple's wedding rings and to produce them at the symbolic moment of the giving and receiving of the rings during the traditional marriage ceremony.
In more elaborate weddings, a Ring Bearer or Page Boy (usually a young boy that is part of the family of the bride or groom may assist in the ceremonial parading of the rings into the marriage ceremony, often on a special cushion.
You can decide to have the rings engraved or even embedded with diamonds and other precious stones. Some couples choose to have their birthstone as part of their wedding ring to add a little something extra to it. There is so much that you can do to make your wedding rings unique and special.
Another less romantic consideration is how much is in your budget for your rings so start shopping around and keep a watch out for Jewellery Stores Sales. It is always important to keep an eye out for retailers who are having clearance sales. If you have not bought your engagement ring consider having just one ring – a hugely impressive ring that is a real ‘knockout.’
If cost is NOT a consideration and you can allocate a really nice amount to your special purchase then consider going to a jewellery Designer who will create stunning and unique rings for you both.
A WORD OF CAUTION – I married a couple who had their matching rings designed by a local artisan and they were really beautiful … however … they came in three separate bands that had an intricate system locking them together and had to be placed on the finger in sequence. The locking system was so complex when it came to the time in their wedding ceremony to exchange their rings – no one was experienced in putting them together and it took quite a few minutes to sort them out.
One other option is to use the internet to find the perfect ring. Shopping for a wedding ring over the internet may not appeal to all individuals, and do ensure that this is a means for purchasing that you are entirely comfortable with and that refund, exchange and financial security systems are in place.
These are just a few things to consider when trying to find the perfect ring. If you know what your options are prior to securing wedding rings, you will be more informed and feel better prepared in your quest for the most spectacular wedding ring.
There are many interpretations as to how the rings should be worn – one states that the woman wears the wedding ring below the engagement ring, thus making it closer to the heart. Another practice holds that the woman should wear the wedding ring above the engagement ring, thus sealing the atmosphere of the engagement into the marriage. Still others prefer that the wedding ring should be worn alone.
The wedding ring may occasionally be removed for comfort or safety. It is not uncommon for those who have professions that forbid the wearing of jewelry, such as police officers, or electrical workers. In some cases, those in the food service industry may be required to remove all jewelry while handling ready to eat food, including wedding rings.
It is lovely to involve your guests by including a “Warming (Blessing) of the Rings” in your marriage ceremony. The rings are generally placed into a little bag and, as your marriage ceremony continues, they are ‘passed’ amongst the guests to be warmed with their love and best wishes for the bride and groom. Your marriage celebrant then offers to the bride and groom to exchange their ring “now warmed with the love of all those here present.” It is a beautiful gesture and your guests are then truly a part of your very special day.
Janice Crawford is a Brisbane Celebrant with vast experience having performed hundreds of marriage ceremonies in and around Brisbane. To find out more about Marriage Celebrant Services, please contact Janice Crawford via this website.