Who Buys Wedding Bands?

Wedding ring traditions have evolved over the years, and while there are no hard-and-fast rules, several factors influence who buys the wedding bands. Traditionally, the groom purchases the bride's wedding band, and the bride buys the groom's band. However, modern couples often choose to do things differently, with some couples splitting the costs, buying the rings together, or even opting for ring tattoos instead. Financial considerations, personal preferences, and the level of financial independence between partners also play a role in the decision-making process.

Wedding ring traditions

Wedding rings have been exchanged as a symbol of love and devotion for thousands of years. The tradition of exchanging rings can be traced back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. In ancient Egypt, wedding rings were often made of woven reeds, leather, ivory, or bone. The circle of the ring was seen as a powerful symbol of eternal life and love.

In ancient Rome, wedding rings were linked to the marital dowry and later, a promise of fidelity. The Romans are believed to have popularised the use of the ring finger, as they believed that a vein ran from it directly to the heart. This tradition continues in Western culture, where the wedding ring is typically worn on the base of the left ring finger.

During the Middle Ages in Europe, the exchange of rings became associated with Christian marriage ceremonies. Gimmel rings, consisting of two interlocking bands, were popular during this time. The bride and groom would each wear one band, which were then reunited during the wedding ceremony.

In the 1940s, during World War II, men began wearing wedding bands as reminders of their wives back home. Traditionally, the bride buys the groom's wedding ring, but in modern times, couples often choose to divide the costs of the rings equally.

The style of wedding bands has evolved over the years, with plain metal bands being the most common choice in modern times. Gold is the traditional metal of choice, but other options such as platinum, palladium, and titanium are also popular. The cost of wedding bands varies depending on the material and design, with the average cost of a male wedding band being $500 and female wedding bands averaging around $900.

Who buys the groom's band

Wedding ring traditions have evolved over the years and there are no hard-and-fast rules about who buys the wedding bands. While traditionally the bride (or her family) buys the groom's wedding ring, nowadays, many couples choose to split the cost of the wedding rings, especially if they have already combined their finances. Some couples also decide that the woman will buy the rings, especially if she is the primary breadwinner.

If you are a couple who finds comfort in a traditional ring-buying experience, the bride can buy the groom's ring. If you pride yourself on being modern, you could buy the rings together, or the groom could buy both. Another option is to buy the rings yourselves, especially if you are financially independent.

There are a few things to keep in mind when deciding who buys the groom's wedding band. Firstly, it is important to have open communication and be honest about your preferences. Secondly, knowing your ring size is crucial as rings can be challenging to resize. Lastly, choose rings that are meaningful to you and your partner, rather than focusing solely on the cost.

Who buys the bride's band

Wedding ring traditions have evolved over the years, and while the groom has traditionally been the primary wedding ring buyer, that doesn't mean the tradition still stands. Nowadays, there are no hard-and-fast rules about who buys the wedding bands.

Many couples today discuss wedding expenses together and make decisions as a team. Some couples prefer to buy each other's wedding rings, while others opt for purchasing their own rings separately. In some cases, the bride may be the primary breadwinner and choose to buy both wedding bands or the groom's band only. Others may receive financial help from family members or decide to split the costs evenly.

When deciding who buys the wedding bands, it's essential to consider factors such as financial situation, personal preferences, and the level of independence in the relationship. Open communication is key to overcoming this dilemma and ensuring both individuals are comfortable with the decision.

How to shop for wedding bands

Wedding band shopping is an important part of wedding planning. The rings you and your partner choose will forever be a symbol of your love for one another, so it's not a task to be taken lightly. Here are some tips on how to shop for wedding bands:

Start Early

It’s a good idea to start wedding ring shopping about three months before your wedding day to give yourself plenty of time to find the perfect band without feeling rushed. If you want a custom-made ring, you should start even earlier.

Do Your Research

Before you hit the stores, do some browsing online to get a sense of the different collections and styles you might like. Then, make an appointment to go and see the bands in person. Jewellery looks very different in real life than it does on a screen. It's also a good idea to get your fingers professionally sized before you start shopping.

Set a Budget

Discuss and set a budget before you go shopping. The style of the band, the thickness of the band, and the size can all affect the price, so it's important to know how much you want to spend. Wedding bands for men, in particular, can be more expensive than expected as they tend to be wider and heavier.

Think About Personalisation and Matching

Decide if you want to personalise your rings, for example, by engraving a date or adding a hidden birthstone. You should also consider whether you want your ring to match your partner's. Even if you don't want identical bands, you might want to choose rings that complement each other.

Consider Your Lifestyle

Think about your day-to-day activities and choose a ring that suits your lifestyle and personality. If you work with your hands or play sports, for example, you might want a simple, solid gold design or a ring that's low-profile. If you have an active lifestyle but want something sparkly, consider a wedding ring with channel-set gemstones.

Ask Questions

Don't be afraid to ask questions when you're shopping for wedding bands. Start by looking at the engagement ring and asking about matching wedding bands. Most engagement rings have a matching wedding band, but you don't have to choose that one. There's a growing trend of mixing and matching styles.

Shop Together or Separately

Traditionally, the groom selects and purchases the wedding bands, but many modern couples prefer to make the decision together. Choosing wedding bands together can be a fun and romantic experience and ensure that you're both happy with your rings. However, there's nothing wrong with shopping separately if you prefer to keep the band a surprise or if you have different tastes and budgets.

Wedding band materials

Wedding bands are available in a wide range of materials, each with its own unique properties, advantages, and disadvantages. Here are some of the most popular options:

Gold

Gold, particularly yellow gold, has long been the most traditional metal for wedding bands, with a history dating back to ancient civilisations. Gold wedding bands are typically made from either 14-karat gold (58.3% pure gold) or 18-karat gold (75% pure gold). Yellow gold is versatile and can complement anyone, especially those with olive or darker skin tones. It is also relatively low-maintenance, only requiring occasional polishing and cleaning to maintain its shine. However, one of the drawbacks of yellow gold is its durability, as it is susceptible to scratches and bending.

White gold, an alloy of pure gold and metals like nickel, silver, and palladium, has gained popularity in recent years and is now the preferred choice for both women's and men's wedding bands. It beautifully complements fair and rosy skin tones and has a contemporary appearance. However, white gold requires periodic rhodium plating to maintain its colour and lustre. Additionally, its nickel content may trigger metal allergies in some individuals.

Rose gold, an alloy of pure gold, copper, and silver, is known for its warm and romantic hue. It complements all skin tones and is more durable than yellow or white gold due to its copper content. However, due to the copper content, individuals with sensitive skin should exercise caution as it may pose a slightly higher risk of causing skin issues.

Platinum

Platinum is a rare and luxurious choice for wedding bands. It is one of the strongest precious metals available and is highly resistant to scratches and everyday wear and tear. Platinum bands are also hypoallergenic, making them suitable for individuals with sensitive skin. While platinum is more expensive than other metals, its exceptional durability justifies the higher cost. Platinum wedding bands develop a beautiful patina over time and can be easily polished by a skilled jeweller to restore their original shine.

Palladium

Palladium is a white or silvery-coloured precious metal with a similar appearance to platinum. It is durable, and unlike gold, it does not lose metal when scratched; instead, the metal becomes displaced, developing a patina over time. Palladium is also hypoallergenic and relatively pliable, allowing for the option of resizing. However, due to its rarity and value, palladium wedding bands may be more expensive and have limited availability.

Tungsten

Tungsten, often used in men's wedding rings, is known for its exceptional durability and scratch resistance. It is a low-maintenance metal that can be cared for with soap and water. However, tungsten wedding bands cannot be easily resized due to their hardness. While tungsten is resistant to scratches and tarnishing, it is brittle and can fracture if subjected to impact or dropped on hard surfaces.

Titanium

Titanium is a durable, affordable, and comfortable alternative for men's wedding bands. It has a modern, masculine appearance and is typically used in men's wedding bands due to its masculine look. Titanium is a strong metal that won't bend or break under normal use. It can be polished to a shine or brushed for a matte finish. Similar to tungsten, titanium wedding bands cannot be resized due to their hardness.

Silver

Silver wedding bands offer a sleek and contemporary look and are known for their beauty, affordability, and durability. Sterling silver, an alloy of mostly pure silver and copper or other metals, is the most common type used in jewellery. Silver complements various skin tones and can be used for minimalistic or intricate designs. While silver is durable, it can tarnish over time due to oxidation, resulting in a dull or darkened appearance. Regular cleaning with a silver polishing cloth or mild silver cleaner can help restore its shine.

Frequently asked questions