I can’t help myself. I am addicted to coverage of the wedding of Kate Middleton to Prince William. With less than a month left, I check the headlines on CNN  Yahoo every day to see what detail has been leaked. The gown speculation alone is killing me. Today I woke up to the news that Prince William will not be wearing a wedding ring. They referred to it as a “single ring ceremony”. Interesting.

Realistically it was not even until after World War II that men began to wear wedding rings. It had been that way for hundreds of years. Of course styles and customs evolve and drastically change over the course of time but, traditionally men did NOT wear a ring and it was considered rather odd to do so.

Right after the end of the war it became fashionable for wedding rings to come in sets; engagement ring with matching his and hers bands. And it seems that ever since Brad Pitt announced to the world that the couple had designed their own rings, jewelers  began offering engaged couples the opportunity to design their own rings, throwing caution to the wind and wearing whatever they want.

In 2011 about 80% of all men wear wedding bands of some sort. They can be encrusted with diamonds or a simple gold band but make no mistake – the current protocol is for men to wear a wedding band.  If a man chooses not to wear a band it is usually due to a high risk profession such as a carpenter or mechanic. This is why it strikes outsiders as odd that Prince William has announced he will not wear a ring and offers to reasoning behind it.

Now for the first time ever I have to also confess that I have no opinion about this. I feel it is a personal choice and that a wedding band does not make a great or even good husband. A lot of real schmucks wear wedding bands. A lot of phenomenal husbands don’t. I am merely speculating here but, my best guess it that there may be a new trend on the horizon for men.

If you are engaged to a man who has no interest in wearing a wedding band,  remember you are not alone and if this is a choice you both agree on – fantastic.  However, make sure you have agreed upon it so there will be no reason to bring it up during a heated argument.  The day after you are married is not the time to try to change his mind. Also discuss it with your jeweler, maybe your betrothed has some pre-conceived notions about the fit and feel of a ring on his finger.  He could be wrong – it happens.

– Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

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