When a couple gets engaged, the responsibility of who buys the engagement ring is as clear as day. Traditionally, the man pays for the engagement ring. However, when it comes to who buys the wedding rings, things get a little murky. There’s no hard-and-fast rule. This post will discuss the basics of who buys the wedding band for a simplified shopping experience.
Who Buys the Wedding Bands?
Traditionally, who buys the wedding bands?
Generally speaking, there is no clear tradition that dictates who buys the wedding bands. It depends on what you as a couple decide. Either of you can buy the bands for each other or make a joint purchase.
Although you can split the costs evenly, you can choose to give each other the rings. If you have a joint wedding savings account, you can pull from the savings. A wedding band tends to take up around 3% of the budget of the wedding. However, the actual price will depend on the size, type of metal, etc.
Whether you pay for each other or buy on your own, it doesn’t matter, as long as you do make the decision together.
Who is paying for the majority of the wedding?
According to a 2013 report from The Knot, the average cost of a wedding in the United States is $30,000. That’s a pretty significant chunk of change. Who is going to be paying for most of it? If the bride’s family is picking up the tab, they may have some say about which rings are chosen. The same goes for the groom’s family. If the couple is paying for most of the wedding, they’ll have far more leeway in terms of ring selection.
In most cases, the bride and groom each pay for their rings. This gives them the most freedom to choose something they love that fits within their budget.
What is a wedding band?
A wedding band is a key aspect of your wedding day and wedding vows. It’s a symbol of never-ending love.
These unadorned bands are typically a simple wedding ring in gold or silver. They can also include engravings to suit your style. Some couples choose plain metals; others add gemstones.
In contrast, an engagement ring indicates that the person wearing it is about to be married. It’s a symbol of commitment to a beloved partner.
Who picks the wedding bands?
As for who picks the wedding band, once again, its a decision that is usually made as a couple. Some couples will go to the jeweler together. Rarely will you see a bride pick a wedding band for their groom and vice-versa. After all, it boils down to personal preference so important to choose together.
What does the band mean to you? Once you get this part right, it doesn’t matter who pays or chooses. If it’s a symbol of becoming one, paying together can be a better fit. No matter the path you choose, there’s no wrong or right way to do it.
If both of you already have engagement rings, you want to be sure to choose a wedding band that fits the style of your engagement band.
Do you buy both the bride & groom wedding bands together?
There is no definite rule on how to buy wedding bands. You can decide who buys by having an open conversation. Sometimes this can be a huge financial cost for couples meaning decisions might need to be made.
If you want to buy both the bride and groom wedding bands, you should know the taste of your partner before you make the final decision.
Since wedding bands are very personal, they don’t need to match. It’s all about finding your style.
You should not buy a wedding band based on guesswork or what you think will look good on your partner.
How to decide who buys?
A wedding band is something you’ll wear for a long time. With that in mind, you must choose something both of you like.
If you’ve been on the lookout, you will have likely realized that most modern weddings are gender sensitive. Some couples will even share their bank accounts. In the planning phase, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
- Time is a factor – with so many things to do on the wedding day, time is always of the essence. It’s better to shop for your wedding band early since there could be many unforeseen events. But again, you should take it slow to ensure the wedding bands live up to your expectations.
- Decide on the design – a wedding band is not just any piece of metal. Designs can customized and refined to suit your taste.
- Communication – as mentioned above, you should have a plan for who buys the band. As a couple you should discuss your finances. Find out which style each of you wants and decide whether or not the bands should match. This will ensure that you love your band for years to come.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can buy inexpensive bands that you can replace later on. If you’re both chipping in, it doesn’t matter who pays for what.
When do you buy wedding rings?
Now that we’ve touched on the topic of buying a wedding band, it’s time you buy the wedding ring. Generally, you should buy the rings three to four months before the wedding. If you want to engrave them, it could take several days before they are ready for collection.
The earlier you start, the better the chances of getting something you will cherish for the rest of your life.
Get the size right
If you’re not sure of the size, you can visit the jeweler for measurements. If you’re buying online and you require size exchange, you need to factor in return and replacement times.
If you want custom bands, the process can take 6-8 weeks depending on what specific designs you want.
Where do you buy wedding rings?
Once you understand who buys the wedding bands, it’s time to find your perfect jeweler. You can also buy the wedding ring online however you should be sure to check the reviews of the website. Remember, these rings will be with you for the rest of our life.
Further considerations
A lot of attention is given to wedding rings these days. They’re a big part of a wedding day’s overall look and feel, and it’s important that they match the intended couple well. Some basic principles and considerations go into buying a wedding band that guides most couples through the process. It’s always best to take the time to research and think things through before making any big decisions.
What type of rings do you both want?
Do you want matching bands or something a little more unique? Perhaps one of you wants a plain gold band while the other wants something with diamonds. There are no right or wrong answers here; it’s all about what you and your fiancee want.
If you do want matching bands, there are still plenty of options to choose from. You can go for identical rings or something with a similar design. There are all sorts of different types of rings out there, so it’s worth shopping around to find something that you both love.
What time of year is your wedding being held?
This may seem like a strange question to ask when choosing wedding bands, but it can be quite substantial. The date of your wedding can affect the type of ring you choose. For example, if you’re getting married in the middle of summer, you may want to avoid metal bands that will get hot and uncomfortable in the heat.
Materials of the band
The material of the band is another important consideration. The most popular choice for wedding bands is still gold, but there are now many different types of metals to choose from. Silver, platinum, and titanium are all popular choices. Some people may have metal allergies or work in an occupation where a metal ring would pose a safety hazard. You can choose alternative materials such as silicone, wood, or even plastic for the wedding band. It’s up to you to decide what material is best for you.
Your Lifestyle
There’s no point in buying an expensive ring if you’re just going to take it off all the time. You will want to avoid wide, chunky, or delicate rings if you have a job that involves using your hands a lot. You need to pick a ring that fits your lifestyle. If you’re active and outdoorsy, you’ll want something that can withstand a little wear and tear. A simple metal band might be the best choice for you. If you’re more low-key, you can choose something a little more delicate, like a ring with small diamonds.
Differences between Men’s and Women’s Bands
The style of the wedding band has changed a lot over the years. In the past, it was more common for men to have simple metal bands, while women’s rings were often more ornate. Nowadays, there are much more choices for both men and women. There are still simple metal bands available, but there are also rings with different designs and gemstones. It’s really up to you to decide what style of ring you want.
Remember to measure
When shopping for rings, it’s important to get your finger sized correctly. If the ring is too loose, it can slip off and get lost. Too tight means it could be uncomfortable to wear. The best way to get your finger sized is to go to a jeweler and have them do it for you. They will have a special tool that they can use to get an accurate measurement. Couples often choose to have their wedding bands made to order so that they get a perfect fit. This can be a good option if you’re having trouble finding a ring in your size.
Conclusion
A wedding band is a very special piece of jewelry you will wear for the rest of your life. It’s important to choose something you love that fits your lifestyle. There are different materials, styles, and designs to choose from. Take your time to pick something that you both love, and that will last.
No matter the final decision on who buys the wedding bands, remember to discuss everything as a couple. The decision on who makes the purchase solely depends on what you want.
