His And Hers: Wedding Band Style

Wedding bands are a symbol of love and commitment exchanged by a couple during their wedding ceremony. While traditions may suggest that the bride (with or without help from her family) buys the groom's wedding ring, modern couples are increasingly choosing to split the cost of their wedding rings or purchase them independently. Some couples even opt for a more romantic approach, where each partner surprises the other with their wedding band. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong way, and couples should decide together what works best for their relationship.

Who buys the groom's wedding ring?

Wedding band traditions have evolved over the years, and today, there are no hard-and-fast rules about who buys the wedding rings. While there are traditional approaches, modern couples often choose to do things differently, based on their unique circumstances and preferences.

Traditional Approach

Traditionally, the bride (with or without help from her family) buys the groom's wedding ring, and the groom (with or without help from his family) buys the bride's. This tradition stems from a time when men were typically the breadwinners and financially independent, making them responsible for major purchases.

Modern Approaches

Today, wedding band purchases are often a joint effort, with couples choosing to split the costs equally, regardless of the price difference between the rings. Some couples prefer to maintain financial independence and purchase their own rings separately. In other cases, the families of the couple may offer to pay for the wedding bands or contribute to other wedding expenses.

For non-traditional couples, such as those with female breadwinners or same-sex partners, the traditional approach may not be suitable. In these cases, the couple may decide that the financially stable partner buys both wedding bands or that each partner buys their own ring.

Factors to Consider

When deciding who buys the groom's wedding ring, it's essential to consider the couple's dynamics, financial situation, and personal preferences. Communication is key, and couples should discuss their options openly to find a solution that works best for them.

Who buys the bride's wedding ring?

Traditions have dictated that the groom or his family pays for the bride's wedding ring. However, modern couples are increasingly choosing to do things differently. Nowadays, there is no one "right" answer to the question of who buys the bride's wedding ring.

In a traditional wedding, the groom is expected to buy the bride's wedding band, just as he is expected to buy her engagement ring. This tradition stems from a time when men were typically the breadwinners and women did not have financial independence. However, with changing times and evolving gender dynamics, these traditions are no longer set in stone.

Many modern couples prefer to split the cost of the wedding rings, especially if they have already combined their finances or are paying for the wedding together. This approach ensures equality and a sense of collaboration as they embark on their married life together. In some cases, couples may even decide to buy each other's wedding bands as a romantic gesture, adding an element of surprise and personal meaning to the exchange of rings during the wedding ceremony.

Some couples also choose to shop for their wedding rings together, selecting bands that complement each other in style and design. This approach ensures that both individuals are comfortable with their choice of ring and allows them to stay within a predetermined budget. It also eliminates the risk of one partner not liking the ring chosen by the other.

Ultimately, the decision about who buys the bride's wedding ring is a personal one and should be based on what works best for the couple. Whether they follow tradition or forge their own path, the important thing is that the choice reflects their unique relationship and values.

Does the man pick out his wedding band?

Wedding band traditions have evolved over time, and today, there is no one "right" way for a man to procure his wedding band. While some men may prefer to stick to the traditional route, where the bride buys the groom's wedding band, others may opt for a more modern approach, such as choosing the ring themselves or even shopping for it together with their partner.

Traditional Approach:

The tradition of men wearing wedding bands began during World War II when soldiers started wearing gold bands as a reminder of their wives back home. Since then, it has been customary for the bride to purchase the groom's wedding band. This act symbolises reciprocity, as the groom typically buys the bride's engagement ring. In some cases, family members may contribute financially to this expense.

Modern Alternatives:

Today, many couples choose to veer away from tradition and personalise their approach. Here are some alternatives to the traditional route:

• Groom's Choice: Some grooms may prefer to select their own wedding band, allowing them to choose a style and size that aligns with their taste and lifestyle. This option empowers the groom to make a decision about a piece of jewellery they will wear every day.
• Joint Decision: Many modern couples opt to shop for wedding bands together. This approach ensures that both partners are involved in the process and can choose bands that complement each other, whether it's through matching metals or unique yet connected designs. It also allows them to discuss practical considerations, such as ring sizes and metal allergies.
• Surprise Exchange: Some couples decide to surprise each other with their wedding bands during the ceremony. This option adds an element of romance and excitement to the wedding day.

Financial Considerations:

In addition to the method of procurement, there are also various financial arrangements that couples can consider:

• Traditional Payment: In line with tradition, the groom or his family pays for the bride's ring, and the bride or her family reciprocates by covering the cost of the groom's ring.
• Equal Contribution: Some couples prefer to split the cost of the wedding bands evenly, regardless of the price difference between the two rings.
• Shared Account: Alternatively, couples can open a joint account dedicated to wedding expenses, including the cost of the bands, allowing them to contribute and spend from this account.

Ultimately, the decision about how a man's wedding band is chosen and purchased is a personal one and should be based on what feels right for the couple. Whether they adhere to tradition or forge their own path, the important thing is that the choice reflects their unique relationship and values.

What kind of wedding band should a man get?

Wedding bands for men come in a variety of styles, metals, and shapes, and choosing the right one can be a difficult task. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect wedding band for a man:

Metal Choice

The type of metal used for the wedding band is an important consideration. Some popular options include:

• Platinum: Platinum is one of the rarest metals and is known for its durability and hypoallergenic properties. It is ideal for those who work with their hands or frequently encounter chemicals.
• Gold: Gold comes in different varieties, including white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold. White gold is plated in rhodium, giving it a brilliant white colour, while rose gold gets its pink hue from copper. Yellow gold has a subtle, warm glow and is the most durable type of gold. Keep in mind that gold rings may require occasional polishing to eliminate scratches.
• Palladium: Palladium has a similar appearance to platinum but is less durable and costly. It is also hypoallergenic.
• Tungsten: Tungsten is highly scratch-resistant and ideal for those who work with their hands. It comes in white, black, or grey options, but keep in mind that tungsten rings cannot be resized.
• Titanium: Titanium is strong, lightweight, and available in silver-white or black. It offers many design options, but resizing may be difficult.
• Other options: Other metals used for wedding bands include silver, stainless steel, and cobalt. Silver is affordable but requires regular cleaning and is less durable than tungsten or titanium. Stainless steel is incredibly durable and low maintenance, while cobalt is hypoallergenic and lightweight.

Style and Shape

The style and shape of the wedding band depend on personal taste and lifestyle. Here are some common options:

• Classic court ring: This style is round on the inside and outside, providing a timeless and traditional look.
• D-shaped ring: A D-shaped ring has a round, thin outside and a flat inside, allowing for a closer fit.
• Flat ring band: A flat ring is comfortable to wear but may catch on objects more easily.
• Flat court ring: This style has a more rounded exterior than a flat ring but is not as round as a D-shaped ring.
• Beveled ring: A beveled ring has a slight angle or slope on the edge, creating a unique look and added comfort.

Width

The width of a man's wedding band is typically 6 millimetres, but thinner and thicker options are also available. A thinner ring may be more comfortable, while a thicker ring makes a bolder statement and provides more room for custom designs or inscriptions.

Finish

The finish of the wedding band can enhance its appearance and create a unique look. Here are some common finishes:

• High polish: A high-polish finish is the most common and gives the ring a smooth, shiny appearance.
• Matte: A matte finish is less reflective, creating a more understated look.
• Combination: A combination finish combines different finishes, such as matte and high polish, to create a unique style.
• Hammered: A hammered finish gives the ring a textured look with small dents or dimples on the surface.

In addition to these considerations, it is important to know your ring size, as some styles, such as eternity bands, cannot be resized. It is also essential to discuss any engravings with a professional jeweller to ensure they can be accommodated if resizing is needed.

How wide should a man's wedding band be?

The width of a man's wedding band is a matter of personal preference, but there are some standard widths to consider. Wedding bands typically range from 4mm to 8mm in width for men, with the average being around 6mm.

Narrow wedding bands, approximately 2mm to 6mm in width, are often recommended for men with ring sizes under 9, particularly those with slender fingers or who have never worn a ring before. Narrow bands are less expensive, less noticeable, and may be more comfortable for those who are not used to wearing jewellery.

Wide wedding bands, on the other hand, refer to rings with a width of 7mm or more. These are recommended for men with a ring size of 9 or larger, typically for those with bigger bodies or larger hands. Wide bands tend to be more expensive due to the increased amount of metal used, and they can also feel tighter on the finger.

Ultimately, the perfect width for a man's wedding band depends on his individual preferences and comfort. It is advisable to try on different band widths to determine which feels best and suits your style.

Frequently asked questions