Wedding Bands: To Buy Or Not?

There are many different approaches to buying wedding bands. While tradition dictates that each person pays for the other person's ring, modern couples often have different arrangements. Some couples choose to pay for each other's bands, while others may split the cost or use a shared wedding bank account. Some couples decide that the person who bought the engagement ring doesn't need to contribute to the wedding bands. Others may choose to buy their own ring, especially if they have particular requirements or preferences. Ultimately, the decision about who pays for the wedding bands is a personal one and should be based on open communication and mutual agreement.

Tradition says each person pays for the other's ring

While wedding traditions are changing, with many couples taking on the financial responsibilities of their weddings in different ways, the traditional approach is that each person pays for the other's wedding band. In other words, the bride (with or without help from her family) buys the groom's wedding ring, and the groom (and/or his family) pays for the bride's. This tradition assumes a binary couple, but the same principle applies to same-sex weddings, where each half of the couple is expected to pay for their other half's wedding band.

In modern times, however, the approach to paying for wedding bands is flexible and up to the couple. Some couples split the cost of their wedding rings, especially if they have already combined their finances pre-wedding or are paying for the wedding together. This split does not have to be equal and can be adjusted according to individual incomes. Alternatively, each person could buy their own ring, or one person could buy both wedding rings, and the other could cover a different wedding expense.

Modern couples may split the cost or use a shared account

Modern couples are increasingly choosing to split the cost of their wedding rings or use a shared account to pay for them. This approach can make sense for couples who have already combined their finances or are paying for their wedding together. It can also be a way to contribute proportionally based on individual incomes, as is common when splitting costs as a couple.

For example, if one person bought the engagement ring, the other person might pay for both wedding bands. Or, the couple might decide to split the cost evenly or use a shared wedding bank account that each person can contribute to and spend from. This approach can be a helpful way to openly approach buying wedding bands as a couple.

Some couples choose to purchase their wedding bands out of a joint account, especially if they already have shared finances. This can be a practical solution, as it may not matter who technically pays for the rings if the funds are considered joint anyway.

Ultimately, there is no hard-and-fast rule about who pays for the wedding bands. Modern couples have a range of options, from splitting the cost to using a shared account or even buying their own rings. Open communication and mutual agreement are key, and couples should choose the option that works best for them and their unique situation.

One person may buy both if the other bought the engagement ring

There are no hard-and-fast rules about who buys wedding bands, and traditions vary. In heterosexual relationships, it was traditionally the groom or his family who paid for the bride's ring, and the bride or her family who paid for the groom's ring. However, nowadays, it is common for couples to pay for each other's bands or to split the cost.

If one person bought the engagement ring, it might make sense for the other person to pay for each of the wedding bands. This is a way to balance the expense, especially if the engagement ring was a more costly purchase. This approach can also be a symbolic gesture, showing that both partners are equal contributors to the relationship and that their finances are combined.

Some couples choose to pay for their wedding bands out of a shared bank account, reflecting their joint finances and commitment to equality in their relationship. Others maintain that the person who traditionally receives the engagement ring (often the bride in heterosexual relationships) should buy the wedding band for their partner, and vice versa. Ultimately, the decision about who pays for the wedding bands is a personal one and should be based on what works best for the couple.

You can buy your own ring as a gift to yourself

There are no hard-and-fast rules about who buys the wedding bands. While tradition has it that each person pays for the other person's ring, modern couples approach this in different ways. Some couples split the cost of their wedding rings, especially if they have already combined their finances. Others may decide that one person buys both wedding bands, and the other covers a different wedding expense.

If you want a wedding band, there's no reason why you can't buy it yourself. You can think of it as a gift to yourself, separate from the wedding concept. You could also view it as a symbol of your marriage and your personal style, which is arguably more important than an engagement ring. It's all about what feels right for you and your partner.

If you're concerned about the cost, there are ways to be economical. You could opt for a plain band for the ceremony and then treat yourself to a fancier band later on with any gift money you receive. You could also look at other rings to see if something else strikes your fancy at a more affordable price.

Remember, the most important thing is to have open communication with your partner about your expectations and preferences. This will ensure that the process of choosing and purchasing your wedding bands is a smooth and enjoyable one.

Discuss expectations, likes and dislikes

When it comes to wedding bands, there are many different ways to approach the purchase. While tradition dictates that each person pays for the other's ring, modern couples often choose to pay for each other's bands, split the cost, or start a shared wedding account to pay for the bands.

Discuss Expectations, Likes, and Dislikes

It's important to have open communication with your partner about what you both expect and prefer when it comes to wedding bands. Be honest about your likes and dislikes, and consider the following:

• Design and style: Do you want your wedding band to match your engagement ring, or be independent of it? Do you prefer a simple, smooth metal band, or something with diamonds or other gemstones?
• Lifestyle and occupation: If you are very active, work with your hands, or travel a lot, you may want a low-maintenance band that you can wear all the time without having to worry about cleaning or losing it.
• Metal options: Yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, and platinum are some of the most popular choices. Choosing the same metal for both bands is an easy way to create a cohesive look without matching exactly.
• Customization: Do you want to include engravings, textural techniques, or other symbolic connections between the rings?
• Budget: Discuss your budget openly and decide how much you want to spend on the wedding bands.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to buying wedding bands. The most important thing is to choose rings that reflect your unique relationship and that you both love.

Frequently asked questions