The marriage itself is symbolized by a wedding band, whereas an engagement ring signifies a promise. The shape is important. The wedding ring is a symbol of everlasting love and happiness. It represents the permanent nature of your marriage, and connects the generations of past and future who celebrate the marriage ceremony just as you have.

Of all your wedding day choices, your wedding band is the only enduring choice. While your gown may be beautiful and your wedding cake delicious, only your wedding band will remain with you, a beautiful symbol of your vow, forever. Because of this, you should pick a band that actually shows others what type of person you are.

So many choices! Know them all before you shop:

Yellow Gold: The traditional wedding band metal, shines as a symbol of the warmth and love of marriage. Gold is available in 14K, 18K, or 24K. Carats reflect the purity of the gold with 24K meaning pure gold, and a lower carat weight signifies that metal alloys have been included to make your ring stronger and more durable to activity.

Platinum or White Gold: Today, the hottest trend in jewelry is white metals, such as platinum and white gold. Although they are similar in style, white gold is more affordable.

Can't make a choice? Compromise! Pick a design that effortlessly mixes metals and colors. Rather you choose to have a ring with white and yellow gold or to add platinum as well, your choices are endless. A popular design nowadays is to combine a 18k yellow gold circle sandwiched between two narrow bands of platinum or vice-versa. Dual metal and duo-tone bands are elegant, and show individuality. They don't need to be wide to be noticed, either.

If you don't like the idea of mixed metals, why not ramp up the design with delightful details like a unique finish and possibly other intricacies such as engraving, filigree, or milgraining. Finishes are great in that they can be applied, removed, and changed at if and when you choose. Just think of your hand as a showcase for your wedding band: that plain old wedding band is a blank canvas, full of potential.

For the Manly Man - Besides wearing a wristwatch, the wedding band is likely to be your husband's only piece of jewelry. To ensure that your husband is comfortable with his ring, it may be best to provide him with the traditional band. Don't buy a streamlined design. He might regret it in the long run. Pay attention to the little details. A wedding band can make a big statement, and it certainly doesn't have to be big to do so.

Bonding Bands - Should they match? Confirm your bond by choosing the same ring in two different widths. It is tradition for the woman to have a wider band than the man. Look to decide what looks the best on your future spouses hand.

Your future mother-in-law may claim that yellow is traditional, yet you may prefer white. If this is true, just follow your instincts. Don't forget that it will be you that wears it for the rest of your life.