Original wedding rings, personalized wedding rings, wedding and engagement ring alternatives, and tattooed rings! Yes, this is one of the most current trends if a classic wedding ring is impractical for you or you don't want to wear it daily.

The symbolic meaning of a wedding ring

A wedding ring is a symbol of marriage ties, trust, and love. It is believed that in ancient times, during the marriage ceremony, the bride and groom wrapped grass stalks around the joints and feet. Similarly, the first rings were made of reeds, grass, and other natural materials.

The most popular wedding tattoos

Couples who decide to tattoo a sign of mutual trust on their bodies choose creative symbols, but some tendencies have become more popular.

Here are some couple tattoo ideas:

• ring on the ring finger;
• the key for one lover and lock for the other;
• hearts;
• coordinated complementary drawings;
• wedding date or initials;
• phrases or symbols important to the couple.

Love tattoos in the world

The world-famous Beckham couple, David and Victoria, have tattooed more than one confession of love for each other – David has immortalized the name of his beloved on the palm of his hand, but on his finger a number 99, which marks the couple's wedding year, and on his hand – ten roses in honour of the couple's tenth wedding anniversary. Both have tattooed the date of their remarriage in 2006.

Musicians Beyoncé and Jay-Z tattooed the Roman numeral IV on their ring fingers, which marks the date of both birthdays. Adam Levin, the frontman of the Maroon 5, and his wife, Victoria's Secret model Behati Prinsloo, have chosen three equal-dot tattoos on their ring fingers.

What to consider when choosing a tattoo ring

Since such minimal tattoos can fade over time, the tattooed area should be well cared for. Follow your tattoo artist's recommendations. Four expert tips for caring for a tattooed ring:

• keep skin clean – use mild soap and clean water to avoid grease and sweat;
• moisturize the skin – use good quality natural products, such as shea butter or beeswax, which will prevent the skin from cracking during the healing of the tattoo wound;
• avoid UV radiation;
• do not rub the tattooed area, and avoid unnecessary contact with surfaces, such as putting your hands in your pockets too often.

What else can replace wedding rings?

It can be any other compatible jewellery – bracelets or necklaces. There is a variety of materials - gold, silver, copper, leather, or alternative materials, which can be decorated with the wedding date, spouse's initials, or other symbolic engravings and inscriptions.

An even more unusual, but very symbolic and nice choice – a tree planted together. A fruit tree is most often chosen to grow and give fruit, both literally and figuratively. Caring for a tree planted together will symbolize love and a relationship in which you work together to make your union grow stronger.

Author: Ieva Simanovica