Throughout the United States, LGBT couples can legally marry and are free to enjoy the rights and privileges therein. Many couples look forward to an “official” life together and begin making plans for weddings. One major part in engagements and weddings for couples, queer or straight, is choosing rings to celebrate the union. These pieces of jewelry are universal symbols that the wearers are committed to each other in marriage. Are you and your partner thinking about rings of your own? Here are some things to consider when looking at wedding rings for LGBT couples.

Deciding On an Engagement Ring or a Wedding Band

One of you may plan to propose to the other with an engagement ring. You may decide to wear wedding bands later as part of the ceremony. Some people like wearing both together after marriage, while others opt to replace the engagement ring with a wedding band. The good news is that you can do whatever suits you as a couple. It’s your relationship, your marriage and your life together. The important thing is that both of you are happy and healthy.

Choosing Matching or Unique Bands

Another consideration is whether to have identical bands or not. Some partners like the idea of a unique, identical design that symbolizes the union. You may prefer to have pieces that match but aren’t identical. They could have styles that coordinate or complement, representative of the way you and your partner are a complementary pair. Of course, each of you could pick your own favorite style and wear that for the big day.

Picking the Wedding Ring Material

While gold is usually the most popular choice for wedding bands, there are other material options. LGBT couples may want their wedding rings upgraded to a more luxurious metal such as platinum or a more unique gold blend such as white gold and rose gold. You also have other metallic options such as sterling silver or even tungsten or steel. Perhaps you’re not really into a metal ring. You might appreciate the unique beauty of rings made of wood or multiple materials. These pieces of jewelry can be an extension of your quirky sense of style, so go for options that you and your partner truly love.

Setting a Budget

Many people believe that an engagement ring or band should be at least three times a monthly salary. The best advice here is to purchase jewelry that makes the most sense for your and your future spouse’s financial situation. It’s not advisable to go into serious debt or other financial strain on account of wedding jewelry. Determine the price that works for your budget and shop within that range. The rings are symbols of your union, but you shouldn’t go broke for mere symbols when the marriage is what actually matters.

Choosing the Fingers

Most people wear wedding bands on the ring finger of their left hand. If you or your partner are left-handed, the right ring finger may be the digit of choice. As a couple, you might prefer to wear your bands on other fingers that may have some special significance. Most people have fingers of different sizes, so make sure that you size your bands accordingly. The ring or band shouldn’t be too tight or too loose.

Ditching the Ring Altogether

There’s no law that says that either of you have to buy or wear rings for an engagement or the marriage itself. You or your partner might not be into finger jewelry. Other types of jewelry may be more your speed, such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets or even toe rings. It’s your union. You get to decide which objects will be worn as emblems of your marriage, if at all.

For queer couples, the idea of formally uniting in legal marriage is a dream come true. You and your partner get to decide if your wedding ceremony will feature traditional elements and customs or unique approaches. This includes the idea of exchanging rings. The only rules that matter are your preferences as a couple.