DIY Wedding Bands

When it comes to planning your wedding, everyone talks about the endless list of tasks involved. Some couples—whether for convenience or peace of mind—prefer to hand every detail over to the professionals. Others, by nature or budget, love to tackle each step themselves: handwriting the invitations, assembling the favors, defining the décor’s mood… but have you ever thought about making your own rings?

The latest trend in jewelry stores is exactly that—inviting engaged couples into an artisanal workshop where they design and craft the bands they’ll exchange at the altar.

Those simple circles slipped onto your finger on the big day usually stay with you for life. Civil or religious, the wedding band on your left ring finger speaks of a bond built on commitment and trust. Designing the very symbol of your union together adds an intimate, creative moment to your story—solidifying your sense of teamwork as you pursue this shared goal.

Even more special: some couples bring in old family rings—mom’s, grandma’s, an uncle’s—and have the metal melted down to create two brand-new bands. The result is exclusive craftsmanship imbued with personal history.

Workshops typically run about half a day and are offered midweek or on weekends. Skilled goldsmiths guide you every step of the way—teaching you to melt the metal, shape the rings, polish them, and often even engrave the finished pieces.

• Metal melting and casting
• Ring forming and resizing
• Polishing and finishing
• Optional engraving

Prices depend on the material (white gold, yellow gold, platinum, etc.)—especially if you supply your own heirloom metal—and the level of finish you choose. Some jewelers even include a photoshoot or welcome cocktail in the package. Generally, you can expect to pay around €300, sometimes less than buying off-the-shelf. Costs vary if you use family gold versus workshop-provided metal, the amount of material, design complexity, and scheduling.

No hard rules apply, so here’s the best advice: choose your jeweler carefully, and at your first meeting, ask as many questions as you need. It’s the surest way to avoid surprises and ensure a positive, creative experience together.

You might also be interested in: Choosing Flowers for Your Wedding.