According to recent media reports, Kim Kardashian has decided on a 10-carat diamond ring for her engagement (whenever that happens). Only ten carats, Kim? Most women wouldn't dare leave the house wearing less than 22. Of course, unless you've got a few gazillion dollars lying around, it can be a bit tricky to keep up with the Kardashians. If your budget can't quite stretch to ten - or even two - carats, take comfort in these top ten disadvantages to wearing a big rock. And if that doesn't work, try ice cream (but not too much - think of the dress!)

1. You're mistaken for an A-list celebrity and stalked by the paparazzi.
2. You get ring fatigue: "Honey, I'm so tired, could you carry my ring for me?"
3. You're blinded every time your ring catches the sun.
4. You're inundated with lawsuits from passers-by you've accidentally assaulted hailing a cab.
5. Your body starts sagging to the left when you walk.
6. No one takes you seriously when you moan how the economic downturn has affected you.
7. You're constantly plagued by magpies trying to steal your bling.
8. Your betrothed says "it's only fair" when he buys a Harley Davison on his 40th birthday.
9. Airline staff insist your ring counts as one item of hand-luggage.
10. Your friends secretly hate you. Forever!

Weddings have changed dramatically over the years. For example, the "traditional" white bridal gown only dates from the Victorian age. The bride throwing her wedding bouquet is reported to stem from a custom whereby female guests would tear shreds from the bride's dress to keep as a kind of fertility charm (oh the horror)! It wasn't so long ago that wedding guests could expect a traditional white wedding: a church service, the Wedding March, the "love, honour and obey" vows. But in the 21^st Century it seems anything goes. If you're planning a wedding today you're probably relying much less on tradition and much more on your own personalities and shared interests. It's not uncommon to hear of ceremonies involving bungee-jumping, brides who opt for a little black dress instead of a long white gown, all-male bridesmaids, and brides who dance down a yellow brick road aisle as Rock Me Amadeus is hammered out on the church organ (okay, I made that last one up). Whilst there may be, let us say, more mature members of the wedding party tuttting beneath their hats, in general these non-traditional ceremonies are seen as apt celebrations of the union of two unique and well-rounded human beings. Your big day reflects who you are - both as individuals and as a couple.

Similarly, your choice of wedding rings isn't restricted to whether you want 9 or 18 carat gold. You'll be wearing your rings for much, much longer than just your wedding day so choosing ones that suit you - not just aesthetically but personally - is just as important as choosing the venue where you'll exchange them. Gold, white gold, platinum or palladium; plain, patterned, engraved or diamond studded; ultra-light narrow bands or heavy metal inch-wide cuffs: these are just some of the ways you can customize your wedding rings to make them truly yours. Like your plans for the special day itself, the only things that will limit you are your imagination and your bank balance - unless, of course, you're having one of those traditional weddings where the bride's parents pay for everything...

Diamond wedding rings achieved their popularity with the phrase "Diamonds are forever". The word diamond in fact comes from the Greek word Adamas which means unconquerable. This denotes the durability of a diamond. It assures long lasting existence of the wedding ring, achieving its goal of being a symbol of undying love.

Diamond rings were first used as engagement rings before they were being used for marriage. Besides, a lady always loves a diamond and it is an assured way for you to impress her. 

When buying a diamond wedding ring, make sure that you check the quality of the diamond. It is always better to get certified diamonds as they are of good quality. So, get that diamond ring for your to-be-wife and get ready for a married life full of love and joy.

Men's wedding rings are somewhat of a new phenomenon. Most likely your fathers don't wear wedding rings but your friends do. In the UK it was very rare for a groom to receive a ring before World War II. But during the war, rings became symbols of wives left at home, and their popularity soared. Certainly you are not required to have a ring, but it will be a comfort when your love is far away, a reminder when temptation is high, and a symbol of pride to the world that you are a married man.

For those who are unsure if a ring will feel comfortable, purchase an inexpensive ring and try it on for a week or so. It will most likely feel uncomfortable and strange at first, but as the week goes on, it will feel more natural. Look for rings that have "comfort fit" (rounded edges that prevent the ring from cutting into your flesh.)

If you think of jewellery as a girl's thing, fear not. Your ring need not be effeminate. Most men's rings are simple wide bands that would never be confused with women's jewellery. On the contrary, such a ring can add to the width and look of strength of your hands. Ask your jeweller to assist you with styles that will most compliment your hand.

If you're still uncomfortable with the idea of wearing a ring everyday, perhaps you'll want to purchase a watch or pendant that has a phrase from your sweetheart engraved on it.

When shopping for a wedding ring, it's easy to be swayed by heightened emotions, idealized examples from movies, and the marketing of the diamond industry. Under such pressures, you might end up with wedding rings that aren't right for you. Before you go shopping, read these tips on how to buy a wedding ring that fits your budget, style, and taste.

Decide on Your Budget
Generally, wedding rings should account for 3% of your wedding budget. So, a £20k budget means that the two of you might spend about £600 on both rings. But if one of you wants diamonds or platinum, or feels that wedding rings should be far less expensive, you'll need to negotiate where that money will come from.

Decide If He Should Have a Wedding Ring Too
Not all men wear wedding rings, and the decision is one that many couples disagree on. He may not be used to wearing jewellery, or feel uncomfortable with a ring, but to not wear a ring might be sending the wrong signal. Either way, this is a conversation you want to have before you go begin your search.

Think About Your Style
Do you want a really classic wedding ring like a simple gold band, or a diamond eternity band? Or do you want to have something modern and unusual? The simpler the band, the more shopping options you'll have, as it is easy to buy simple wedding rings. Since this is a ring you're planning to wear for the rest of your life, you'll want to make sure its style can grow with you.

Decide if You Want Matching Wedding Rings
Although many women want to co-ordinate their wedding ring to their engagement rings, I know many men who would rather that their wedding ring matched their spouses. The symbolism of matching simple bands helps to convey the eternity of your bond together. But if your taste runs to simple and streamlined, while he likes more ornate and detailed jewellery, it may be better to not worry about matching.