Weddings can be so much fun. But, planning is usually an overwhelming experience for most couples. The most controversial part of the planning is when people have to argue about following the traditional or modern approach. Among the most debated questions is; who buys the wedding band, men or women?
It’s challenging to figure out who should cater to the cost of the wedding bands. Some people say it’s the bride’s responsibility, while others think the groom should pay for the rings. Still, some people argue that the family should also contribute.
Moreover, a lot goes on before deciding on the perfect pair of wedding rings-not just the ring size. Since there is no definite answer to this question, keep reading this guide for possible options you can consider for an intelligent decision as a couple.
What Is A Wedding Band?
A wedding band is a wedding ring that couples exchange while taking vows in a marriage ceremony. Even though the proposal ring symbolizes the couple’s agreement to marriage, the wedding bands represent an official lifetime commitment and bond to married life.
Different customs and individual preferences can determine the process of exchanging the rings and who wears them. But, the standard procedure involves exchanging the bands immediately after the couple’s vows and for each to wear a ring.
Some couples would want to go all the way and get rings with halo styles, while others want a solitaire wedding ring. Thankfully, the bride that’s always desired a diamond wedding band but the price is unreachable can still go for a cheaper but high-quality option of lab-grown diamond wedding bands.
These are simple yet glamorous women’s wedding bands that you can live to admire. They have diversified beyond the traditional styles. Still, you can choose to match your wedding set of rings to have something you’ll always admire.
So, when it comes to shopping for wedding bands, couples can do it together or individually. But, they should agree on the budget, style, material, and stones to settle on. There’s so much to choose from regarding the style and material of wedding rings.
Who Should Buy The Wedding Bands?
A century ago, this would be a non-issue because men didn’t wear any wedding jewelry then. This question would still not be debatable because it was a patriarchal era.
In patriarchy, men were deemed to be in control of everything and also carry all the responsibility. This meant that it would be seen as an offense if a woman was to buy the wedding sets.
Thanks to the passing of time, people are more enlightened, and customs have changed. Now, couples have options for the cost of wedding bands. For instance, they can choose to;
● Go the Traditional Way
As customs would have it, the man should buy both wedding rings. Some men feel they need to decide on the style and design. In this case, he can dictate just his ring or a specific style from a wide selection of wedding bands for women.
Usually, the reason for this traditional option is financial. The traditional setting had women earning much less than men, so it made sense for the man to handle the wedding rings and the entire wedding budget.
Perhaps the bride would come in to help brainstorm on the way forward regarding important items on the wedding checklist. The question here would be; how is the woman supposed to spend the money she doesn’t have or can’t afford?
● Go the Individual Way
No, it’s not a wrong decision. Most people would find this wrong for everyone to buy their rings. However, it works perfectly for couples with different tastes and expectations. Just like women, men are also very particular in details, and the modern wedding band selection is vast and confusing. It needs your specific eye for personal preferences.
As for the bride, wedding rings for women are also plentiful. As it goes, diamonds are a girl’s best friend, so having a diamond wedding band would be a jackpot. In this case, a diamond price chart would help her settle for lab-created diamonds, a 3-carat diamond ring, or other diamond styles.
The individual way is ideal for the go-getter couple that knows what they want. Furthermore, couples separate their finances, which involves how they spend their money on ring purchases.
● Go the Modern Way
Some years ago, it would be such a big deal if a woman bought her man his wedding ring. Besides, who should buy the man’s wedding band but himself?
Fortunately, the world has evolved in its thinking. Even with value for success and money still existing, the division of social classes has reduced. Most people have no interest in status.
Now, women with more women becoming more successful than ever, it’s no longer an issue of being incompetent for a man to accept a wedding ring bought by his significant other.
The decision on who should buy the wedding bands relies on who can afford them as long as they are both okay with it. After all, why let traditions get in the way of having a successful wedding come marriage?
● Buy for Each Other
When both the groom and bride have a stable income, they could decide to buy wedding rings for each other. It’s a practice that involves gifting each other a wedding ring.
Therefore, the rings are exchanged with love to bond the married life. Better still, it also means that the couple is willing to accept what they get from their partners. Talk of pleasant surprises!
On another level, this practice signifies equality in the relationship. Nobody has more dominance or expression than the other, as such a significant financial decision works for everyone.
● Shop Together
A more prevalent trend in purchasing wedding rings is when couples choose to shop together. Both the groom and bride can decide to match the wedding sets with the same material, style, or shape.
By shopping together for wedding jewelry, both of them will have individual input on how their rings should look like. Because you’ll be visiting ring shops together, you can explore and decide together after reviewing and choosing a style that meets your expectations.
Final Word
In this era, the question of who buys the wedding band, men or women, shouldn’t see the light of day. Wedding bands are just pieces of jewelry. The only question the couple should answer is if they are willing to spend their lives together through it all.
If they both answer confidently, ‘yes, I do’, then it doesn’t matter who pays for what to have a memorable wedding day. Whatever route they take for buying the wedding rings, they choose.
Besides, nobody will talk about it 20 years down in marriage! But the sight of the wedding rings that long represents a genuine and strong commitment.