Wedding
Band Guide
Your wedding band is the piece of jewellery you will wear every day for the rest of your life, so it is worth taking a little time to get it right. Whether you already know exactly what you want or you are just starting to think about it, this guide covers everything you need to know — from profiles and widths to metals, engraving, and timing.
At Aardvark Jewellery, we offer both ready-made and bespoke options. We specialise in making custom bands to match your engagement ring perfectly. Whatever your style, budget, or timeline, we are here to help you find something that feels right.
Matching Your Engagement Ring
If you already have an engagement ring, one of the first things to consider is how your wedding band will sit alongside it. Some engagement rings have a high 'wedfit' setting that pairs easily with any straight band. Others — particularly those with a low profile setting — may need a shaped or fitted band that curves around the setting so the two rings sit flush together on the finger.
There is no rule that says your wedding band must be the same metal as your engagement ring. Mixing metals — such as a yellow gold band with a white gold engagement ring — can look striking and is increasingly popular. That said, wearing two rings in different metals side by side can cause the softer metal to wear slightly faster over time. If you are unsure, try both options on in person and see what feels right to you.
Ring Profiles & Widths
The profile of a wedding band describes its cross-sectional shape — how it looks when you slice through it. This has a bigger effect on comfort and appearance than most people expect, so it is well worth trying different profiles on before you decide.
D-Shape (Comfort Fit)
The most popular profile for good reason. Gently rounded on the outside and flat on the inside, creating a smooth, comfortable fit. It slides on easily and sits naturally on the finger. If you are unsure where to start, this is the one most people choose.
Flat Court
Flat on the outside with a slightly curved interior. The flat court offers a more contemporary, angular look while still being comfortable to wear all day. A good middle ground if you like clean lines but want a forgiving fit.
Flat
Flat on both the outside and inside, giving a modern, architectural feel. Flat bands look very sleek, particularly in wider widths, but the squared-off edges can feel less comfortable than curved profiles — especially if you are not used to wearing rings.
Knife Edge
A band that tapers to a subtle ridge along the top, creating a distinctive, refined silhouette. Knife-edge bands catch the light beautifully and offer a slightly more unusual look. They tend to suit narrower widths best.
Wedding bands are typically available in widths ranging from 2mm to 6mm. Narrower bands (2mm–3mm) are delicate and understated, and tend to be the most popular choice for women’s rings. Medium widths (4mm–5mm) offer a good balance of presence and comfort, while wider bands (5mm–6mm) make more of a statement and are a popular choice for men’s rings.
Bear in mind that wider bands can feel tighter on the finger, so you may need to go up half a size if you choose a wider style. We always recommend trying different widths on before committing — what looks right on screen can feel quite different in person.
His & Hers
There is no requirement for your wedding bands to match, and many couples choose quite different styles. Men’s wedding bands tend to be wider (typically 5mm–6mm) and simpler in design, often in a plain polished or brushed finish. Women’s bands are frequently narrower and may include diamond or gemstone detailing.
That said, if you like the idea of a connection between your rings, there are plenty of subtle ways to achieve it — matching metals, complementary finishes, or a shared engraving, for example. Some couples choose to have matching bands made in different widths, so the design is the same but each ring is proportioned to suit the wearer. There is no right or wrong answer here; it comes down to personal preference.
Metal Choices
The metal you choose affects the colour, weight, durability, and price of your wedding band. Gold is available in yellow, white and rose colours, with 9, 14 and 18ct alloys. Platinum is naturally white, extremely hard-wearing, and hypoallergenic — making it an excellent choice for a ring you will never take off.
For a full comparison of metals, including the differences between gold carats and how each wears over time, see our Precious Metal Guide.
Engraving
A personal engraving on the inside of your wedding band adds a private, sentimental touch that only the two of you will know about.
Most couples choose to engrave their wedding date, their partner’s name, or a short message. You can also include symbols such as hearts, infinity signs, or other meaningful motifs. Character limits depend on the ring width and size, but as a guide, most bands comfortably accommodate up to around 25–30 characters. If you have something specific in mind, just let us know and we will confirm what will fit.
Engraving is carried out in-house at our workshop, so it can be added at any point — even years after the wedding if you decide later that you would like it.
When to Order
We recommend ordering your wedding bands at least eight weeks before the wedding. This allows plenty of time for production, sizing adjustments, and any engraving. If you are choosing from our ready-made collection, turnaround can be quicker, but it is always best to leave a comfortable margin.
Bespoke wedding bands — including fitted bands made to match a specific engagement ring — typically take six to eight weeks from initial order to completion. If your wedding is approaching sooner than that, get in touch and we will do our best to accommodate your timeline.
A good time to start thinking about wedding bands is around three months before the big day. That gives you time to visit us, try different styles on, and make a relaxed decision without any last-minute pressure.
This is the ring you will wear every day for the rest of your life — it is worth taking the time to get it right.
Key Takeaways
Match your engagement ring — consider a fitted band if your engagement ring has a low profile setting.
Try profiles in person — D-shape, flat court, flat, and knife edge all feel different on the finger.
Width matters — wider bands can feel tighter, so you may need to go up half a size or more.
In-house engraving — most bands accommodate 25–30 characters, and it can be added at any time.
Order early — allow at least eight weeks, or start looking around three months before the day.