by Heidi Labron

Created on: February 24, 2009

Wedding bands can be a big part of the expense for your wedding day, but with some careful planning, you can get some great wedding bands at great prices.

#1. Decide on your style. If you are content with a unique style, you might be able to get some great deals on non-traditional wedding bands, such as bands that are made from silver or stainless steel. Many times, jewelers offer simple rings that can pass for wedding bands at much lower prices simply because they market them differently. If you have an open mind, you can find great rings at reduced costs simply because they are not traditional.

If you are more traditional, keep in mind that the lower the carat, the cheaper the gold. You can get really beautiful 10 carat gold bands that look stunning, and they are a stronger gold than 24 carat so you'll have fewer dings and dents in the long run. To get good value, keep the band simple, without adornment or stones and you'll pay less.

#2. Watch for sales. You'll often see wedding bands go on sale around Christmas or Valentine's Day. If you can wait to purchase your bands, you'll get better deals during these times as retailers know this is when most people are thinking about getting married. You can even be more cost effective and buy your engagement ring and wedding band as a set. Often, sets are very beautiful and you can get more for your money as they are designed to go together perfectly. If you are content with a matching set, wait for the sales and buy them together.

#3. Keep your setting in mind. For the bride, the engagment ring is often chosen for the size of the diamond, but if the setting is too high or the wrong shape, she'll be more likely to catch it on something or lose diamonds. If you think about this before purchasing rings, you can avoid having to choose a different ring later on, adding to your expense.

#4. Buy in unusual places. Everyone wants the illusion of purchasing rings as high end jewelers, but if you don't mind shopping around, you can get great rings for wonderful prices in some unique places. Many department or box stores have great jewelry departments, such as Walmart and Sears and the prices are often much less than what you'd pay in a jewelry store. The quality is usually very good, although the choices may be more limited. You can also try box stores such as Costco. They have fabulous jewelry and you'll pay a lot less.

#5. You can find great deals online. If you go to a jewelry store and find bands that you like, you can often find something exactly the same or similar online. There are many jewerly discount stores online and you'll get the same quality for a lot less. Or try auction sites like Ebay. You can often get brand new jewelry and discount prices, or try for something vintage and classic, often at a steal!

When choosing good value wedding bands, shop around, consider different metals, comparison shop online and have an open mind. You just might end up with a great deal and fabulous wedding bands that will look like you spent a million bucks!

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