Every weekend 46,000 weddings take place across the country. Countless hours have gone into planning every detail of the special day. Perhaps the most important decision to make is what type of wedding band to choose. Unlike wedding day attire, wedding bands are the one thing that will be worn everyday for the rest of the couple's life. When shopping for wedding bands, it is important to find a style that matches each person's lifestyle and personality. Here are the latest trends in wedding bands:

Diamonds are no longer just a girl's best friend; they are men's friends too. Men and women alike are choosing to add some sparkle to their wedding bands. For women, eternity bands (a narrow band with diamonds set all around it) are the ultimate choice because they provide the maximum amount of shine and can be worn together with the engagement ring or alone. However, those with active lifestyles or smaller budgets can choose to have a band set halfway with diamonds. For men, flush set princess or round diamonds make a great (and surprisingly manly) addition to a simple band. Cognac or black diamonds also are great accents to men's bands. The bottom line is that everyone deserves some diamonds in their life every day.

For those people looking to add something less traditional to their ring finger, a lot of designers are providing the perfect solution. The mixing of materials is quickly becoming a favorite alternative to a simple band. Designer Stephen Kris has taken to the sea for inspiration by using stingray skin. He incorporates the stingray skin with precious metals such as 18K yellow and white gold as well as platinum. Designer Chris Correia uses rubber to give otherwise traditional rings a more modern feel. Besides materials, there are new shapes in wedding bands as well. Rings no longer just have to be round. Claudia Endler’s collection has some rings that are square on the outside and round in the middle for a stylish and comfortable option.

Let's face it, colors makes people feel good. Blue stones can make you feel tranquil while red stones make you feel loved. But when it comes to wedding rings people usually think in terms of white or yellow, that is white or yellow metals. Ladies, it is time to start thinking about the breathtaking hues of sapphires, rubies, and emeralds when choosing wedding bands. Solid eternity bands of these brilliant gems make wonderful accents to engagement rings or look exceptional when worn alone. A rich, deep hued blue sapphire looks excellent set in a thick platinum men's wedding band while a large emerald would look masculine when surrounded by a thick, warm, yellow gold band.

Wedding bands and engagement rings are taking cues from eras gone by. The Victorian era was a time for femininity and romance. The Victorians' appreciation for naturalism, especially their love of gardening, is reflective in jewelry from this period. While vintage pieces are incredible and a wonderful option, new wedding bands are also being engraved with designs that make them look and feel vintage. Designs on wedding bands bring emotion to the wearer. It often reminds them of ring that their Grandmother wears or used to wear. These types of wedding bands are perfect for feminine women who have a love for classic design.

For decades platinum has been growing in popularity. In 1967 Elvis Presley and his bride Priscilla exchanged Platinum wedding rings during their private ceremony in Las Vegas. The A-list of celebrities who wear platinum wedding bands is now a long one. Though not just for celebrities, platinum is quickly becoming the metal of choice for all brides and grooms. In a recent survey by National Jeweler, nearly 40% of people polled were planning to purchase a wedding band made of platinum. This may be in part to platinum's alluring qualities. It is the most rare, precious, and eternal of all metals. But buyers beware: platinum is also the most expensive because of the very characteristics that make it valuable. For those who crave platinum but are on a budget, some wedding bands come in lightweight versions, bringing the cost down significantly.

The most important step in selecting wedding bands or any piece of fine jewelry is to shop at a reputable and professional jeweler. Look for a jeweler who is a member of a professional trade association, such as Jewelers of America (JA), which requires high ethical standards of members and provides them with ongoing education.