Women Buying Men's Wedding Bands: Who Knew?

Traditionally, the bride (and/or her family) buys the groom's wedding ring, while the groom (and/or his family) pays for the bride's. However, nowadays, there are no set rules, and each couple is different. Some couples shop for wedding bands together, while others prefer to keep it a surprise. Some couples split the cost of their wedding rings, especially if they have already combined their finances or are paying for their wedding together. It is recommended to start looking for wedding bands 3-4 months before the wedding and to have them purchased at least two months before the big day.

Tradition

However, this custom has evolved over time, and nowadays, there is no set rule. Couples may decide to shop for their wedding rings together, or the man may buy his own ring if he has specific tastes. In some cases, the couple's wedding bands are bought at the same time and put on the same finance plan, which the man usually ends up paying for.

Some couples also choose to uphold the tradition of the man buying the engagement ring and wedding band for his bride, while the bride purchases the groom's wedding band as a return gift. This custom has its roots in ancient times when wedding rings were made from materials such as hemp, leather, silver, or gold.

Today, many couples discuss wedding expenses together and may opt to split the costs evenly, especially if they have always shared expenses in the past. Others may choose to purchase rings for each other or buy them together using a joint budget, ensuring equality in their relationship.

While traditions may vary, the most important aspect is that the couple agrees on an approach that works best for their relationship and financial situation.

Cost

The cost of a man's wedding band can vary depending on several factors, including the type of metal, band width, style, and whether or not it includes any precious stones. Generally, men's wedding bands can range in price from under $200 to over $8,500, with the average cost ranging between $389 and $547.

One of the most important considerations when budgeting for a wedding band is the type of metal. Precious metals such as gold, platinum, and palladium tend to be more expensive, with platinum being one of the most costly options due to its purity and natural white colour. Other metals like tungsten, titanium, and steel are more affordable choices that still offer durability and style.

Band width also plays a role in the cost, as wider bands require more material and are therefore more expensive. Additionally, the style of the band can significantly impact the price, with simpler designs costing less than those with intricate details or custom engravings.

Precious stones can also increase the price of a wedding band, especially if they are genuine diamonds, sapphires, or emeralds. Opting for lab-created diamonds or alternative gemstones can be a more budget-friendly choice.

It's worth noting that purchasing from an online jeweller may offer significant savings compared to traditional brick-and-mortar stores due to lower overhead costs. Additionally, buying wedding bands as a set or purchasing them together can often result in a multiple-purchase discount.

Ultimately, the cost of a man's wedding band depends on personal preferences, style choices, and the couple's budget. It is recommended to set a realistic budget beforehand to avoid overspending and to find a ring that suits both taste and financial constraints.

Groom's lifestyle

When it comes to choosing a wedding band for the groom, it is important to consider his lifestyle. If the groom has a physically demanding job or hobbies, you will want to choose a sturdy metal that can withstand repeated wear and tear without being easily damaged.

• Silver is a popular option for grooms' rings due to its understated look and lower price compared to other metals. However, silver is not very durable, so it may not be the best choice if the ring is likely to endure a lot of wear and tear.
• Gold is a traditional choice for wedding bands. For a groom's ring, 14-karat gold is usually recommended as it is more durable than higher karat gold.
• Platinum is a durable and prestigious option, but it tends to be expensive and heavy. Some men may find platinum rings uncomfortable to wear.
• Titanium is an excellent choice for a groom's ring as it is extremely durable, lightweight, and hypoallergenic.
• Tungsten is becoming increasingly popular for grooms' rings due to its lightweight, durable, and affordable nature. Opt for a tungsten carbide alloy to make the ring more resistant to scratches.

When selecting a wedding band, it is also important to consider the groom's taste and personality. Many men prefer plain wedding bands that are understated and suitable for all occasions. Adding a simple stone, such as a diamond or ruby, can add a touch of elegance without being too flashy. Ultimately, the style of the ring should align with the groom's personality and be something he will cherish for years to come.

Taste and personality

When it comes to choosing a wedding band for the groom, it is important to consider his taste and personality. Many men prefer to wear plain wedding bands. They are understated and suitable for all occasions. That being said, a simple stone can add a bit of flair to a groom's ring without overpowering it. A single diamond or ruby adds a bit of style and class while keeping the ring suitable for everyday wear. Men with strong, outgoing personalities might prefer something with a bit more flash, perhaps some filigree work along the shank or additional highlighting stones. Ultimately, it is a matter of taste, and you should take your time to find the style that best matches the groom's personality.

The width of a wedding band is another important consideration. Men's hands tend to be larger and vary widely depending on factors such as height and weight. Thicker wedding bands tend to be more comfortable for men with larger hands or those who work in hands-on careers. In contrast, thinner bands (1.5mm-3mm) tend to work well for men with smaller hands and thinner fingers. Thicker bands (6mm-12mm) make more of a statement since they are larger and more noticeable. For men who are not used to wearing a ring, a thinner band might be the best option.

The finish of the wedding band is also a matter of taste and personality. A high polish finish is the most popular option, giving the ring a reflective, shiny surface. A matte finish, on the other hand, has a flat look that is neither shiny nor reflective. A satin finish is similar to a high polish but cuts down on the flashiness for those who don't want to draw too much attention to their rings. A brush or cross satin finish has a textured look without the shine. Sandblasting creates a "rough" look with absolutely no shine or reflection.

The structure of the wedding band also offers some variety. A dome structure gives the ring a rounded appearance that some men find more comfortable. A flat shape has straight edges and no curves. A concave structure is the opposite of a dome, with the surface of the ring curving inward to create a striking shape.

Details such as diamonds, milgrain, or carving can add a unique touch to a wedding band. Diamonds can be seamlessly added to the setting or more intricately designed to create a focal point. Milgrain, or small balls of metal work, adds texture and detail to the ring. Carving can be simple or intricate, adding substance without the need for extra gemstones.

Couple's preference

While there are no set rules, and couples can choose to do what works best for them, tradition dictates that the woman buys the man's wedding band. In more inclusive terms, each half of the couple is expected to pay for their other half's wedding band.

Some couples prefer to shop together and buy their bands at the same time, putting them on the same finance plan. This can make the rings cheaper, and it also means the man usually ends up paying for the woman's ring. Buying together also helps to ensure the rings complement each other in style, metal and choice of stones.

Some women prefer to buy their partner's wedding band as a surprise, keeping the reveal for the wedding day. This can add to the romance of the occasion, but it does mean the woman will have to secretly find out her partner's ring size.

For some couples, it makes more sense to split the cost of their wedding rings, especially if they have already combined their finances or are paying for their wedding together. This doesn't mean they have to contribute an equal amount, though; they could divide the cost proportionally to their individual incomes, for example.

Frequently asked questions