Who Buys The Groom's Wedding Ring?

There are various traditions and modern approaches to deciding who buys the man's wedding band.

Traditionally, the bride (with or without help from her family) buys the man's wedding ring. This tradition stems from a time when women were expected to be housewives and rarely had their own income. However, nowadays, many couples choose to do things differently. Some couples split the cost of their wedding rings, especially if they have already combined their finances or are paying for other wedding expenses together. Others may buy their own rings or shop for each other. For some, the man may still prefer to buy both wedding rings himself.

Ultimately, there is no wrong answer, and each couple can decide what works best for their relationship and financial situation.

The groom buys the wedding band

While traditions and preferences vary, the groom buying their own wedding band is a common approach. In some cultures, the groom is expected to purchase both wedding rings, selecting one for themselves and giving the other to the bride as a gift.

Nowadays, many couples opt to split the cost of their wedding rings, especially if they have already combined their finances or are sharing other wedding expenses. This approach can be practical and equitable, allowing the couple to contribute based on their individual incomes or financial capabilities.

Some grooms may prefer to stick to the traditional approach, where the bride (or her family) purchases the groom's wedding band. This tradition stems from a time when the bride's family was typically responsible for most wedding expenses, while the groom's family contributed to a lesser extent. However, with the rising costs of weddings, this tradition has become less common.

Ultimately, the decision about who buys the wedding bands is a personal one, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Couples may choose to follow traditions, embrace modern approaches, or create their own unique blend that suits their preferences and financial situation.

The bride and groom buy each other's bands

While traditions surrounding weddings have changed over time, there are a few approaches to the buying process for wedding bands for both traditional and contemporary couples.

Traditional Approach

Traditionally, the groom buys the bride's wedding band, and the couple gives them to each other during the wedding ceremony. The groom usually buys an engagement ring before he proposes, and the couple waits until a few months before the wedding to buy the wedding bands.

In the past, it was also common for the bride to buy the groom's wedding ring. However, this tradition is becoming less common, and different couples have different preferences.

Contemporary Approach

Today, it is generally expected that each half of the couple will pay for the other person's wedding band. This approach allows couples to split the costs of the wedding bands down the middle, with each person footing the bill for the other's ring. This contemporary approach is simple and straightforward, without any fuss.

Some couples also prefer to buy their own wedding bands, especially if they are financially independent. This option combines simplicity with modern elements.

Other couples may choose to let their families pay for the wedding bands. In the past, the bride's family would often buy the groom's band, and vice versa. Alternatively, one family could purchase both wedding bands, while the other family pays for some wedding expenses.

Practical Considerations

When deciding who will buy the wedding bands, it is important to consider the couple's financial situation and personal preferences. Some couples may prefer to stick to tradition, while others may want to create their own unique experience.

It is also a good idea to start shopping for wedding bands about three to four months before the ceremony and make the final purchase no later than six weeks before the wedding. This timeline allows for any necessary customizations, such as engravings, to be made.

Additionally, couples should consider the style, material, and width of the wedding bands. Men's wedding bands are usually 6 millimetres wide, but thinner and thicker rings are also common. A variety of materials are available, including rose gold, white gold, yellow gold, palladium, titanium, tungsten, zirconium, platinum, and stainless steel. The choice of material will depend on the couple's taste, lifestyle, and budget.

The couple buys their own bands

While tradition holds that the bride (and/or her family) buys the groom's wedding ring, and the groom (and/or his family) buys the bride's, modern couples are increasingly choosing to do things differently.

In some cases, each person in the couple buys their own wedding band. This can be a practical solution if one person has very specific preferences for their ring, or if there is a significant difference in income between the couple.

Some couples also choose to split the cost of the wedding rings, especially if they have already combined their finances or are paying for other wedding expenses together. This can be done proportionally, based on each person's income, or simply by splitting the total cost of the rings evenly.

Whatever the couple decides, open and honest communication is key. It is important to discuss individual preferences, tastes, and budgets to ensure that both parties are comfortable with the decision and feel involved in the process.

Tips for Buying Wedding Bands

• Start shopping early to ensure that you have enough time to find the perfect rings.
• Consider the lifestyle of the wearer when choosing a ring. If the person works with their hands, for example, a low-profile ring made from a durable metal may be a better option.
• Choose a metal that suits the wearer's skin. Popular options include gold (white, yellow, or rose), platinum, palladium, titanium, tungsten, zirconium, and stainless steel.
• Identify the correct ring size. It can be difficult to resize certain types of rings, so it is important to get this right the first time.
• Consider adding a personal touch with an engraving on the inside of the ring.
• Set a budget that takes into account other upcoming expenses, such as the wedding itself or future investments like a family home.
• Shop together, even if you plan to buy the rings separately. This can be a fun part of the wedding planning process and ensures that both rings match or complement each other.

The bride buys both bands

While the question of who buys the wedding bands is pretty open-ended these days, with some couples splitting the cost, there is a tradition of the bride buying the groom's wedding ring. This tradition assumes a binary couple, and in modern times, it is more common for each half of the couple to pay for their other half's wedding band.

However, if the bride is the primary breadwinner, or if the groom is taking on most of the wedding expenses, the bride might buy both wedding bands. This scenario is becoming more common, especially if the couple has already combined their finances.

If the bride is buying both wedding bands, she might want to consider the following:

• Shopping together: Even if the bride is buying the bands, it can be fun to shop together and allow both parties to have input. It also makes it possible to pick out matching rings.
• Know your ring size: Rings can be challenging to resize, so it's important to use a ring sizer to establish both ring sizes.
• Choose based on meaning: It's not about how much you spend, but choosing rings that tell your story and have deep meaning for both of you.
• Metal type: You might want to choose the same type of metal for both rings, and ensure neither party is allergic to the chosen metal.
• Design: Some couples might prefer an ornate design with stones, while others might opt for a simpler, streamlined design.

Ultimately, the decision of who buys the wedding bands is up to the couple, and there is no one "right" way to do it.

The couple splits the cost of the bands

While it is traditional for the bride to buy the groom's wedding band, modern couples are increasingly choosing to split the cost of the bands. This approach can be especially practical for couples who are paying for their wedding themselves and plan to combine their finances after marriage.

There are several ways to split the cost of wedding bands. One option is for each person to buy their own band. This can be a good choice if you have different preferences for your ring and want to ensure you get exactly what you want. Another option is to buy each other's bands as a gift. This can be a romantic gesture and a way to surprise your partner. Finally, you can split the cost of the bands equally, even if one band is more expensive than the other. This approach ensures that you are both equally invested in your wedding jewellery.

If you're unsure about how to approach the ring-buying process, consider shopping together. This can be a fun part of the wedding planning process and will ensure that you both get rings that you love. It can also be helpful to discuss your preferences with each other before making a purchase, so you can choose matching sets, use the same type of metal, and ensure your rings are the correct size.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to buying wedding bands. The most important thing is to do what feels right for you and your partner. Whether you split the cost, buy each other's bands, or go the traditional route, the most important thing is that your rings are meaningful to you and your future spouse.

Frequently asked questions