Grooms And Their Wedding Bands

Wedding band traditions are evolving, and while historically the bride was expected to purchase the groom's wedding ring, nowadays there are no hard-and-fast rules. Many couples are discussing wedding expenses together and making decisions as a team. Some couples split the cost of their wedding rings, while others buy each other's rings, and some shop for both rings together. When it comes to men's wedding bands, some stick with tradition and the bride takes care of the shopping and purchasing, while others prefer to make it a fun part of the wedding planning process and shop for the band together.

Tradition vs modern approaches

Traditionally, the bride (with or without the help of her family) buys the groom's wedding band. However, this rule assumes a binary gender dynamic and that all weddings involve a woman and a man. In more inclusive terms, each half of the couple is expected to pay for their other half's wedding band.

Nowadays, many couples are choosing to split the cost of their wedding rings, especially if they have already combined their finances pre-wedding or are paying for all or part of the wedding together. It is also common for couples to buy each other's rings or to work out a different payment plan with each other and/or their families.

While many couples still choose to follow the tradition of the bride buying the groom's wedding band, others prefer to take a more modern approach and make the decision together as a couple. This may involve shopping for the rings together, which can be a fun part of the wedding planning process, or simply discussing and agreeing on who will pay for them.

Some couples may also choose to purchase two bands each, one for special occasions and one for everyday use. This allows them to have matching bands for their wedding pictures and other special occasions while also having a band that is more rugged and individualized for work and everyday activities.

Ultimately, the decision of who buys the groom's wedding band is up to the couple. Whether they choose to follow tradition or take a more modern approach, the most important thing is that they are both comfortable with the decision.

Who pays for the wedding bands

Wedding traditions are constantly evolving, and this includes wedding ring traditions. While traditionally, each person pays for the other person's ring, modern couples are approaching this in different ways. There is no hard-and-fast rule, and it's up to each couple to decide what works best for them.

In a traditional wedding, the groom or his family pays for the bride's ring, and the bride or her family pays for the groom's ring. However, nowadays, each half of the couple is generally expected to pay for the other person's wedding band. Some couples choose to buy each other's bands, while others split the cost evenly or start a shared wedding bank account to pay for the rings.

If one person bought the engagement ring, the other person may pay for both wedding bands, as engagement rings are typically more expensive. Alternatively, if a couple has already combined their finances, they may choose to pay for the wedding bands from their shared funds.

For more traditional couples, the groom may buy both wedding bands, especially if he also purchased the engagement ring. In some cases, families may pitch in with expenses, or the couple may choose to pay for the rings themselves and have their families contribute to other wedding expenses.

The most important thing is for couples to have open communication about their expectations, likes, and dislikes, to ensure they are on the same page about finances as they begin their journey together.

Matching wedding bands

When choosing matching wedding bands, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, decide on the metal type. Gold is a popular choice, offering a range of colours from white to yellow and rose. Other options include platinum, which is highly durable and hypoallergenic, or unique materials such as tungsten, meteorite, or even whiskey barrel wood. If you want your bands to match, selecting the same metal type is crucial.

You may also choose to personalise your rings with engravings. Adding a special message, date or coordinate location can make your bands even more meaningful. However, keep in mind that engravings may extend the delivery timeline, so it's best to order your rings as early as possible.

Another important consideration is the band size. While most bands can be resized, certain styles like eternity bands are difficult to adjust. Therefore, it's essential to be certain of the correct size before purchasing.

Finally, think about your budget. Wedding bands can vary significantly in price, depending on the materials and level of customisation. If you're planning other significant expenses, such as a honeymoon or a new home, you may opt for a less expensive set of bands to use during the ceremony, with plans to replace them with higher-quality rings in the future.

When to buy wedding bands

Wedding bands are a symbol of love and commitment for married couples. While engagement rings often get more attention, wedding bands are equally important. Wedding bands predate engagement rings, dating back to ancient Egyptian and Greek times, and were founded as a physical representation of love and devotion within a relationship.

It is recommended to start shopping for wedding bands around three to four months before the wedding and have them ready at least one month before the big day. This buffer period allows for any unforeseen delays, such as rings taking longer than expected to be sized or shipped. For custom designs or engravings, it is advisable to start even earlier, around seven to eight months in advance, and place the order at least six months before the wedding. This ensures that any special touches or customisations can be carefully crafted and finalised without rushing.

Factors to Consider When Buying Wedding Bands

There are several factors to consider when deciding when to buy wedding bands:

• Customisations: If you plan to add any customisations, such as engravings or special designs, allow for additional time. Custom designs can take one to two months to complete, and engravings may extend the delivery timeline.
• Ring Sizing: Ensure you know the correct ring size to avoid delays due to resizing. Certain styles, like eternity bands, are challenging to resize, so it's crucial to be certain of the appropriate size before placing the order.
• Shipping and Delays: Account for potential shipping delays or unforeseen issues. Having a buffer period of a few months can help ensure you receive the rings on time, even if there are unexpected complications.
• Busyness of Jeweller: Popular jewellers may have longer lead times, especially during peak wedding seasons. Consider their availability and potential delays when planning your purchase.
• Matching Bands: If you intend to have matching or complementary wedding bands, it is essential to purchase them together. This ensures that the bands are crafted using the same type of metal and have consistent designs or accents.

Shopping for wedding bands

Start Early

It’s a good idea to start wedding ring shopping about three months before your wedding, to give yourself plenty of time to find the perfect band and allow for any customisations and sizing.

Set a Budget

Before you start shopping, decide on a budget. Wedding bands can range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars, so it's important to know how much you want to spend. Keep in mind that the style of the band, the thickness of the band, and the size can all affect the price.

Do Your Research

Browse online to get a sense of the different collections and styles that are available. Look for reputable retailers that offer a variety of styles, whether you're looking for something simple and timeless or more modern, like a wedding ring stack. Many couples also choose to purchase their bands from the same retailer as the engagement ring.

Get Professionally Sized

Before you start trying on rings, get your fingers professionally sized. This will ensure that you get a comfortable fit and avoid any issues with your ring being too tight or too loose.

Think About Personalisation and Matching

Decide if you want to personalise your rings, perhaps with an engraved date or symbol, or a hidden birthstone. You'll also need to consider if you want your ring to match your partner's. There are no rules – some couples choose matching bands, while others opt for unique, individual designs.

Consider Your Lifestyle

Choose a ring that fits your lifestyle. Contemporary metals such as titanium, palladium, or tungsten are comfortable and durable options for men. For women, plain metal bands with minimal diamonds or gemstones are best, as they require less maintenance than diamond settings. If you plan to remove your engagement ring for work or other activities, you may want to choose a more elaborate wedding band that can shine on its own.

Complement Your Jewellery

Think about the jewellery you already wear. Your wedding band doesn't have to match, but it should complement your existing pieces. Most brides tend to get a diamond band in the same metal as their engagement ring.

Be Careful with Your Budget

It can be easy to overspend when shopping for wedding bands. As long as you don’t go overboard, it may be worth splurging a bit to get the rings you love, as you'll be wearing them every day!

Frequently asked questions