Quick Answers
Typically, the bride buys the wedding ring for the groom. However, sometimes the groom may also buy his own ring, or the couple may shop for rings together. The decision on who purchases the groom’s ring often depends on the couple’s preferences and budget.
In modern weddings, both the bride and groom exchange wedding rings as a symbol of their commitment and vows. While the engagement ring is traditionally purchased by the groom for his bride-to-be, there are no hard and fast rules about who buys the wedding ring for the groom. This is a decision that is up to each couple based on their circumstances and preferences.
Some key questions around purchasing the groom’s wedding ring include:
– Should the bride buy the ring for her groom?
– Should the groom buy his own ring?
– Should both partners shop for rings together?
– What factors play into this decision?
This article will explore the various options and considerations for who purchases the wedding ring for the man. Traditions and etiquette have evolved over time, so couples today have more flexibility around how they handle ring shopping. By understanding the different approaches, you can decide what feels right for your relationship and wedding planning style.
History of Groom’s Wedding Bands
The tradition of men wearing wedding rings is fairly recent, only dating back to the early 20th century in the United States. Before that, it was mainly a woman’s tradition to wear a wedding ring. According to Brides magazine, the trend was kickstarted by jewelry companies looking to expand the market for wedding rings.
By World War II, it had become more commonplace for American grooms to wear a wedding band as well. This was both for sentimental reasons, to remind them of their wives back home, as well as practical to denote their married status. The popularity of male wedding bands continued to grow in the postwar era and became standard practice.
So while the bride’s ring has centuries of tradition behind it, the groom’s ring is still a relatively new concept. With no firmly established etiquette, couples now have a lot of leeway in deciding how to handle the groom’s ring.
Should the Bride Buy the Groom’s Ring?
The most common practice today is for the bride to buy the groom’s wedding ring. This mirrors the tradition of the groom proposing with an engagement ring that he selects and purchases for his future wife.
There are several good reasons why it makes sense for the bride to purchase the groom’s wedding ring:
It’s a Gift of Love
Just like the groom gifting the bride’s engagement ring shows his love and commitment, the bride buying the groom’s wedding ring can represent the same sentiments. The ring becomes a meaningful symbol of her dedication to the marriage and lifelong partnership. Selecting a ring for the groom demonstrates thoughtfulness, care, and romance.
Budget Considerations
Typically, men’s wedding bands are simpler than women’s engagement rings. They tend to feature a basic gold or platinum band rather than an ornate setting with a large diamond. So the groom’s ring may be a more modest purchase for the bride’s budget after splurging on an expensive engagement ring.
If finances are tight, buying the groom’s ring may be one area where couples can save money in the wedding planning process.
Coordinating Rings
When the bride purchases the groom’s ring, it offers the chance to select complementary wedding bands. Factors like metal type, finish, and thickness can be coordinated so both rings have a cohesive look. This styling unity helps convey the symbolic meaning of the ring set.
Some couples even opt for customized wedding rings with special engraving on the inside that complements both rings. If the bride buys both rings, this type of personalization and linking design details can be incorporated more seamlessly.
Surprise for the Groom
There’s also the element of surprise for the groom when the bride purchases his ring independently. Just like proposals are often orchestrated to be a surprise, the groom may not know details about the ring chosen for him until the wedding day. This allows the bride to make the process more exciting and keep the wedding band a unveiling.
Takes Pressure Off the Groom
Researching and selecting an engagement ring can be stressful and challenging for many grooms. Not all men feel confident navigating jewelry terminology, settings, diamond specs, and more. Some may appreciate not having to go through a similar process for a wedding band.
When the bride takes the lead on picking out the groom’s ring, it removes pressure from the groom during wedding planning. He can rely on her sense of style and preferences to choose something perfect for him.
Should the Groom Buy His Own Ring?
In some couples, the groom prefers to take responsibility for purchasing his own wedding band. This gives him autonomy in a tradition that’s focused mainly on the bride. There are some scenarios where it makes practical sense for the groom to buy his own ring:
Strong Opinions on Ring Style
Maybe the groom has very specific taste when it comes to jewelry and materials. He may want a tungsten carbide ring instead of traditional gold, for example. If the groom has etched-in preferences for style, width, finish, and other ring qualities, selecting it himself can help ensure he gets exactly what he envisions.
Wanting to Stick to Tradition
While traditions have relaxed, some grooms still want to uphold the standard of buying their bride an engagement ring while providing their own wedding band. For very traditional couples who want to follow customary gender roles around ring gifting, the groom buying his own ring can feel right.
Pre-Existing Family Heirloom Ring
Some grooms choose to use a family heirloom ring or vintage ring owned by a grandfather or other male relative as their wedding band. In this case, it makes sense for the groom to provide this meaningful piece of jewelry rather than rely on the bride to source a ring.
Cost and Budget Considerations
If money is tight, the groom may want to choose an affordable ring to ease the wedding expenses for his partner. Or he may have family money or a gifted ring he can use to save costs. By being responsible for his own band, the groom ensures this detail fits within budget.
Should the Couple Shop for Rings Together?
More and more couples are choosing to select both the engagement ring and wedding bands together. This offers benefits like:
Making Decisions as a Team
Big purchases and symbolically important items like wedding rings should reflect both partners’ tastes. Ring shopping together allows the couple to evenly weigh in and reach compromises. No one has to defer to the other’s solo judgement.
Finding Something Unique and Personal
Shopping together means the couple can brainstorm outside-the-box ideas that hold special meaning for their relationship. Maybe they want to use ethically sourced metals or incorporate fingerprints into the design. Joint ring planning fosters creativity.
Prioritizing Shared Financial Decisions
With couples often splitting wedding costs, ring shopping is now seen as a joint financial effort by many. Making this large purchase together allows transparency and accountability around budgeting.
Bonding Experience for the Couple
For many couples, ring shopping ends up being a fun and memorable experience to share. Trying on different styles, debating options, and finalizing beautiful symbols of commitment can be very romantic.
Avoiding Surprises
Not all couples like big surprises with milestone jewelry moments. Those who want to stay aligned around major relationship milestones may prefer the no-secrets approach of joint ring shopping.
Sign of Evolving Gender Roles
Sharing the process of selecting both the engagement and wedding rings is symbolic of shifting gender norms. Couples are increasingly making major decisions equitably as equal partners.
Factors That Influence Who Buys the Groom’s Ring
From personality to finances, several considerations may shape each couple’s decision around the groom’s wedding band purchase.
Budget
– For couples on a tight budget, splitting responsibility for the two rings helps manage costs
– If financial resources are unequal, the partner with more savings may cover both rings
– With expensive tastes, the groom may prefer to fund his own ring
Personal Preferences
– Some grooms have specific style opinions, suggesting they buy their own ring
– If the bride has a strong sense of the groom’s taste, she may enjoy selecting his ring herself as a gift
– For very traditional couples, sticking with the norm of the groom buying his own ring may feel right
Relationship Dynamics
– More egalitarian couples often shop for rings together now
– Surprising the groom with his ring can be a sentimental gesture from the bride
– Responsible grooms may offer to buy their own ring to reduce the burden on their partner
Logistics
– If using a family heirloom ring, it simplifies for the groom to provide this
– When coordinating complementing rings, the bride may prefer to shop for both
– Customizing engraved messages is easier if one partner handles both rings
Confidence Selecting Jewelry
– If the bride feels more knowledgeable about ring styles, it makes sense for her to take the lead
– Grooms very confident in their own jewelry taste may want autonomy over their ring choice
– Couples unsure about jewelry can get guidance by shopping together
Expert Recommendations
Jewelry experts share modern perspectives on who should buy the man’s wedding band:
Marla Aaron, Jewelry Designer:
“There are no rules! Do whatever feels right for both partners. Maybe split it 50/50 or each buy your own. For us, my husband knew exactly what kind of ring he wanted, so he bought his own band.”
Michael Fried, The Diamond Pro:
“It’s up to the couple, but many of our grooms today want to stick with tradition and buy their own wedding band. That gives them autonomy in a process focused heavily on the bride. We help guide grooms in selecting a comfortable, quality ring.”
Raegan Jackson, Bridal Stylist:
“I encourage brides to think about buying the groom’s ring as a special gift. Pick something meaningful that fits his style. It’s a chance to express your love in a tangible way.”
Sarah Robertson, Wedding Planner:
“For budget-savvy couples, splitting the cost of the two rings keeps everything even. The wedding expenses add up fast, so costs sharing from the start helps.”
Key Takeaways
– Traditionally the bride buys the groom’s wedding ring, but more couples are shifting towards joint ring shopping
– It’s common and acceptable for the groom to buy his own ring, especially if he has specific taste
– Budget, relationship dynamics, and logistics all factor into the decision
– Couples should do what feels comfortable for them rather than abiding by outdated “rules”
– Selecting the groom’s ring can be a thoughtful gesture and gift from the bride
Conclusion
Who buys the wedding ring for the groom is ultimately up to each couple. While the bride purchasing the ring is still the most common approach, options are wide open in modern weddings. Some grooms prefer to buy their own band or the couple may shop together. There are good reasons to consider all these strategies.
As gender norms and finances evolve within relationships, traditions have relaxed. The decision should align with the couple’s budget, taste, and desired symbolism. Whether he opts for a simple gold band to match his spouse or a unique inset wood ring, the groom’s wedding ring represents his commitment. How the ring makes it to his finger matters far less than the meaning it holds for the couple saying their “I do’s.”