As we find ourselves at the beginning of a new year, there's always a lot of talk about what the next big wedding trends or fashion trends are going to be. Will those oversized sneakers make a comeback? What’s up with the man buns? Are the big “nerd” glasses cool now? Should we have a micro wedding? While these are all intriguing questions, we’re wondering about something different: what will engagement rings and wedding bands of the '20s look like?

People are now turning their attention to alternative ring materials and styles. This suggests a shift toward more individualized, meaningful wedding bands. Here are a few of the biggest trends in wedding bands for men to look out for, this year and beyond.

Alternative Metals Are In

There was a time when pretty much all wedding bands were made of metal, and you had two choices: gold or silver. Those days are behind us and some of the most exciting new trends in wedding bands for men include nontraditional metals.

Platinum is a popular (if pricey) option, and cobalt is also a great choice for someone who wants the silvery, lustrous sheen of platinum without the hefty price tag. Titanium and tungsten carbide are also becoming increasingly popular because of their considerable strength and dark-colored finish.

Comfort Matters

Ring designers are working hard to make pinched skin a thing of the past, and it's about time.  Most modern men's wedding bands are produced with a beveled inner surface (instead of a flat surface) allowing them to slide on and off easier. Many men are finding that it’s tough to beat the comfortable fit of these “comfort fit” rings.

Wood You Believe It?

Rings made from materials other than metal are quickly growing in popularity, and wood seems to be the most attractive non-metal option. Wood is comfortable, warm, rugged, durable, eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, beautiful to look at, and perhaps most importantly, personal. 

Wood wedding rings have the ability to become a part of the wearer's life in a way that few materials can. They reflect our inner connection with nature. They tell a story. And because no two pieces of wood are exactly alike, wooden rings are also some of the most unique wedding bands on the market. With the customization options available for wood, you're guaranteed to find the perfect ring.

Designs and Patterns Are Expanding 

With new and expanding options for patterns and designs becoming available every day, there's no reason why men should feel restricted to a simple wedding band. Carvings and engravings are one of the fastest-growing trends in wedding bands for men, with some of the most popular choices including Celtic knots and Nordic runes. Beveled edges, inlays, and combinations of different materials also provide more choices than ever before. 

Diamonds Are a Man's Best Friend?

For most men, putting on diamond wedding bands is a bold move, but there are a lot of bold men out there. Diamonds on men's rings tend to be more subtle than on women's rings, often with a small center stone or series of stones set flush with the ring's surface for a completely smooth exterior. If you are one of the courageous fellas with no desire for subtlety, why not go all in with a solitaire engagement ring flanked by a pair of stackable wedding bands? Many leading ring makers are getting creative with different ways to cut diamonds, the diamond shape and even the use of colored stones, such as black diamonds and champagne diamonds. 

Gold Isn't Going Anywhere

Classic yellow gold wedding bands and gold engagement rings may seem old-fashioned, but there are plenty of more modern ring designs that use gold in trendy ways. Rose gold, which has a reddish hue, is becoming more common and is great for romantic men who want a more colorful gold band. White gold can offer the simple, elegant design that you normally find in silver rings. Gold accents or inlays on a wood ring are another example of how gold can be used in new, creative ways. 

Our team at Rustic and Main stays up to date with the latest trends in wedding bands for men. Take our ring style quiz to find the ring style that suits your lifestyle and has deep personal significance, or start designing your own custom wedding ring right now!