Who Buys the Groom’s Wedding Ring?

Wearing a ring on your ring finger is the universal symbol of letting others know that you are in a sacred matrimony. Ask almost any girl and she will describe her dream diamond wedding ring that she has already envisioned since she was a little girl. When it comes to the actual wedding, we all already know that the groom is responsible for buying the engagement ring. But have you ever wondered who is responsible for purchasing the groom’s wedding ring?

Interestingly, while the tradition for brides to wear wedding rings have been around since Ancient Egypt, the tradition for grooms to wear wedding rings only became popular around World War II. Want to learn more about the history behind the groom’s wedding rings and its traditions? Then keep reading!

The History Behind Male Wedding Rings

In the US

It is said that men in the US only started wearing wedding bands during World War II as it was a symbol to remind them of their spouses while out in battle. These rings were used more of a symbol than as jewellery. Besides being a symbol of love, groom wedding bands around this time were also used to symbolize the uncertainties of war, whether or not a husband would return to reunite with his wife again.

But who was responsible for purchasing the groom’s wedding band during this era? Since women only started entering the workforce around the start of the 20^th century, it is said that grooms would often purchase their own wedding bands or just go without one. In some cases, the bride might also get financial assistance from parents to buy a ring for their spouse.

Around the globe

But what is it like in other parts of the world? Women’s wedding bands date back to Neanderthal days where women wore a ring made out of twig or grass to wear around their waist. This ‘ring’ was a symbol of loyalty. Then, during Ancient Egypt, rings made out of bone, leather, or ivory can be found worn by women and this tradition would continue to be found in many cultures.

As for men’s wedding bands, it seems the trend only began due to influences from the states. It just was not customary up until this time. After the influences from World War II, the concept of men wearing wedding bands became even more normalized during the Korean war. It was during this time that men paid more attention to actual romantic and sentimental values.

Except, however, in Romania where it is a custom that on a couple’s 25^th wedding anniversary, both husband and wife must wear silver rings. Each silver ring is gifted from one partner and vice versa.

Who buys the groom’s wedding ring today?

Fast forward years later, both married men and women are expected to wear wedding bands. The difference is that there are so many options to choose from nowadays, that men have the option to buy something to reflect their ‘masculinity’. No more are there confined by choosing between your basic shiny, gold bands.

But the question still stands – who buys the groom’s wedding ring? The most common or traditional way is where couples purchase rings for each other as gifts. Secondly, couples might even shop together for their wedding bands. It is not uncommon to purchase matching sets that can even include special inscriptions.

And when it comes to the cost of the wedding bands, it seems practicality is the answer. For instance, if one partner earns more than the other, then he or she might end up buying both wedding rings. Or in some cases, the couples may even buy their own rings without consulting each other.

Then, you also have cases where the groom might not want to wear a ring at all. Take Prince William for instance. In contrast with his wife Kate Middleton’s fourteen solitaire diamonds surrounding her 12-carat oval blue sapphire engagement ring, he does not wear one at all! While Kate Middleton’s engagement ring is known as one of the world’s most famous engagement rings, he chooses not to wear one because ‘he’s not one for jewelry’.

So there you have it. It seems there is not just one answer to the question of ‘who buys the groom’s wedding ring?’ because nowadays it comes down to you and your partner. And today, men have a myriad of options to choose from that they might find just what they are looking for.