Who Pays for the Wedding Rings? | A Breakdown of Traditions & Modern Etiquette

When couples begin planning their wedding, there’s often a long list of “firsts.” From choosing the wedding rings that will symbolise their union, to picking the perfect venue. But a question that often pops up at this stage of wedding planning: “Who pays for the wedding rings?” While some may see it as a simple question, this question has deep roots in tradition and has now evolved over the years with modern society.

Whether you are designing a custom engagement ring, preparing a proposal, or finalising the smallest details of the wedding. Having a good understanding of what goes into buying a wedding ring can help you make the right choice.

Wedding Ring History

Historically, the male counterpart was bestowed the privilege of purchasing both the engagement ring and wedding ring for the bride. This gesture was seen as a sign of commitment and an extension of the male counterpart’s role as a provider. This gesture was not only seen as the ideal romance, but it was also deeply tied to the cultural norms of the times.

Many cultures, however, were deeply involved in the gifting or purchasing of the rings. If you were to go back 100 years, when dowries or symbolic offerings were part of wedding customs, the wedding ring would be gifted by the family. But men didn’t always wear wedding bands. In fact, when World War II arrived, so did the evolution of the wedding ring. It wasn’t until the 20th century that men started to wear wedding rings whilst at war to remind them of their loved ones back home. From then on, the concept of “his and hers” ring sets grew tremendously in popularity.

Now, in today’s day and age, wedding rings have evolved even further with lines far more blurred. Today’s couples often share not only household responsibilities but also the cost of the wedding itself, including the rings.

Here are some common approaches seen in modern relationships:

• Each partner pays for the other’s wedding ring.
• The cost is split evenly as part of the wedding budget.
• One partner covers both rings based on preference or income.

Today, buying a wedding ring is largely done via a joint decision. So what’s changed isn’t just who pays, but the actual mindset behind it all

Navigating the Decision as a Couple

If the question still lingers on who should be the one to pay for a wedding ring, well, the answer lies in a personal conversation between the couple.

Here’s a gentle guide to making this decision together:

• Talk About Your Budget Early: Be clear about what you’re comfortable spending and how you envision sharing expenses.
• Consider What Feels Balanced: If one of you spent more on the engagement ring, the other may want to contribute toward the wedding rings.
• Match Values Over Rules: Some couples prefer to gift each other rings, while others prefer splitting everything evenly.
• Visit the Jeweller Together: This makes the process more personal, and you can both be involved in selecting or designing your rings.
• At Larsen Jewellery, many couples find that designing their wedding bands together becomes a part of their love story. A shared experience that reflects mutual respect and excitement for the future.

LGBTQ+ and Non-Traditional Couples

For same-sex or non-traditional couples, there’s even more flexibility and freedom to define what works best. Without the expectations of traditional gender roles, many LGBTQ+ couples embrace custom engagement rings and shared roles on who pays. Often, the conversation becomes less about “etiquette” and more about equal symbolism. What matters most is that the rings represent your story, authentically and beautifully.

Tradition over evolution, who wins?

At the end of the day, wedding rings are about commitment, not cost. Whether paid for by one person, both, or gifted by a loved one, their value lies in the bond they symbolise. Choosing how to pay for your wedding rings should feel meaningful, not stressful. There is no rulebook, only what feels right for the two of you.

So, who pays for the wedding rings? The real answer: whoever you decide should. There’s beauty in tradition, but there’s also elegance in modern love, where decisions are made together, thoughtfully and respectfully.

At the end of the day, your rings should reflect your values, your journey, and your commitment to each other. Whether gifted, shared, or self-funded, what matters most is that they feel like yours.