Wedding rings to suit the couple and the wedding dress

Prices, engraving, metal and the Danish customs around the rings.

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How long before the wedding should we buy our wedding rings, and should they match the wedding dress?

Buy your wedding rings three to four months before the wedding. If you have already found your wedding dress, bring a photo of it to the jeweller so the style of the ring suits the dress. If the rings are made to measure or engraved, that takes time, and if a size needs adjusting, there has to be room in the schedule. Try the rings on in the afternoon, when your fingers are at their largest, not in the morning. Agree who collects them, and hand them to the best man or maid of honour the day before, not on the day. Get the rest of your timeline in order with our planning questions.

How much does a set of wedding rings cost in Denmark, and how do they fit into the budget alongside the wedding dress?

A set of classic 14-carat gold wedding rings typically costs from around DKK 11,000 to 16,500, while a simple gold ring can be had from about DKK 1,700. Rings in 9 carat are cheaper, around DKK 7,000-10,000 for a set, and with diamonds the price rises to DKK 15,000-22,000. The price follows carat, width and stones, so ask about all three. Set aside an amount for both the rings and the wedding dress from the start, so one does not eat into the other. Fit the rings into the overall budget with help from our questions on price and budget.

What should we engrave in our wedding rings, and can we repeat a motif from the wedding dress?

Most couples engrave the date, each other's names or initials, or a short line of their own in their wedding rings. Some repeat a small motif from the wedding dress, such as a leaf from the lace, if the jeweller can engrave shapes. Keep the text short, as there is not much room, and ask to see the font first. The engraving sits inside the ring and can wear over the years. Check the spelling twice before you sign off, because an engraving cannot be redone without polishing the ring down. You will find more personal touches for the day in our questions about accessories.

Which hand is the wedding ring worn on in Denmark, and should the photographer know before the photos in the wedding gown?

In Denmark the wedding ring is worn on the right hand. That is the Danish and Nordic custom, unlike many other countries, where the ring goes on the left. Some couples do it the other way round anyway, and nobody can object to that. Tell the photographer which hand it is, so they know which side to photograph the hands from, including the close-ups of the ring against the wedding gown. Read about more Danish customs in our questions about getting married in Denmark.

Do people wear engagement rings in Denmark, and should the ring go with the wedding dress on the day?

Yes, engagement rings are used in Denmark, but differently from the USA. The Danish tradition is that both partners get a simple ring at the engagement, worn on the left hand and moved to the right at the wedding. The diamond ring for the woman alone is an American custom, but it is common here today too. Both approaches are fine, and many couples keep the same ring all the way. The ring is on your hand all day and in every photo, so bear it in mind when you choose the style of your wedding dress. Find more about traditions in our questions about culture and faith.

Do our wedding rings have to match each other, and should they go with the jewellery for the wedding dress?

No, wedding rings don't have to match. Many choose the same metal in different widths, which is a nice middle ground, so the rings look like a pair without being identical. If you want a metal each, go for it, because it is hardly visible from a distance. Think about what else you wear: if one of you wears gold jewellery and the other a silver-coloured watch, that is a good reason to choose differently. Also see how jewellery works with the bridal accessories.

Which metal is best for wedding rings if you are allergic to nickel, and what about the jewellery for the wedding dress?

Platinum and high-carat yellow or rose gold are the safest choices if you cannot tolerate nickel, because they contain the least alloy. White gold is often alloyed with nickel, so ask the jeweller directly what that particular ring contains, and ask for a nickel-free alternative. Titanium and surgical steel are also options, but they cannot be sized up later. Check your earrings and other jewellery for the wedding dress too, as they are against your skin all day. If you have other special needs, see our questions about special requests.

Who looks after the wedding rings during the ceremony when the wedding dress has no pockets?

Traditionally the best man or maid of honour looks after the wedding rings, and that is still the best solution, because they stand right next to you. A wedding dress rarely has pockets, so the bride has nowhere to keep them herself. Put the rings in a small box or pouch, not loose in a pocket, and agree who hands them over and when. If you have a child as ring bearer, let an adult hold the real rings and give the child a box. Read more about the ceremony itself under ceremony and law in Denmark.