How to choose an inscription for your wedding bands

Many couples today choose to get their wedding bands inscribed. Whether you decide on something traditional or something unique to the two of you, here are some tips to help you get started.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• wedding bands

1. Make sure it's possible.
   
   Not all rings are good candidates for engraving. The major things to think about are the width of the band and the material it is made of. It may make engraving either difficult (translation: more expensive) or impossible.
2. Discuss it with your partner.
   
   What does your fiance(e) think about getting the rings engraved? It's just one of many pre-wedding discussions that you should have. Decide together whether you want the rings to have inscriptions. If you both want them, then there are even more choices. Do you want the inscriptions on your rings to be matching, complimentary, or unrelated? Do you want something traditional, personal, or wacky? Do you want to surprise each other on the wedding day? Once you cover all the bases, you need to figure out what your exact inscriptions will be. Remember that there is often a limit on the number of characters (letters, numbers, and symbols) they can fit.
3. Choose a store.
   
   Check with the store where you bought (or plan to buy) your wedding bands. Often, if you have it inscribed at the store when you buy it, the fee is minimal. If they can't do engravings, they might be able to suggest another reputable store.
4. Choose a font.
   
   Some places have several fonts, other places only have one or two. If you have a choice, make sure to pick something that will be legible in a tiny size - nothing with excessive flourishes and curly-cues. It doesn't matter how nice it looks if no one can tell what it says.
5. Confirm it.
   
   Whatever you and your partner have decided on, it's important to make sure that you, your partner, and the engraver are all on the same page. Write down the inscription for each ring in clear print, and make sure to have them look at it before you leave. If the rings have different messages, make sure they know which ring gets what. You don't want any misunderstandings or guessing going on later.
6. Pick 'em up.
   
   When you go back to the store to pick up the rings, make sure to double-check the inscriptions before you leave the store. This will keep the salespeople from having to look up your order number later, and it will keep you from having to make another trip.
7. Enjoy!
   
   You now have your very own, personalized wedding bands.

Tips & Warnings

• If you and your sweetie are having trouble, there are numerous websites out there with long lists of inscription ideas.
• Remember that you will be wearing these rings for a long time... so resist the urge to put something that will be amusing now but sound stupid in ten or twenty years.
• If you can't decide and time is running out, you can always get them engraved later as an anniversary present.
• Make sure you get your rings engraved at a reputable store. Shady jewelers are infamous for giving you back a cheaper piece of jewelry in place of your own. They are also less likely to fix things should they make a mistake.