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 perfect venue to finding the wedding rings that will forever symbolise their union. But there’s always a question that quietly lingers in many conversations: “Who pays for the wedding rings?” While seemingly simple, this question has deep roots in tradition and is now shaped by evolving modern relationships.

Whether you’re preparing to propose, designing custom engagement rings, or finalising wedding details. Understanding the nuances behind wedding ring expenses can help you make the right choice. One that fits your values and your relationship.

Wedding Ring History

Historically, it was the groom who purchased both the engagement ring and the bride’s wedding ring. This gesture was seen as a mark of dedication and financial readiness, an extension of the groom’s role as a provider. The idea was not only romantic but also deeply tied to cultural norms of the time.

In some cultures, families were also involved in gifting or purchasing 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. It wasn’t until the 20th century, when World War || arrived and soldiers wore wedding rings to remind them of their loved ones back home. From then on, the concept of a “his and hers” ring set grew in popularity.

Fast-forward to now, and the lines are 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.

What’s changed isn’t just who pays but the actual mindset behind it all. Today, buying wedding rings is often a joint decision rooted in love, practicality, and equality.

Navigating the Decision as a Couple

If you’re wondering what’s right for you, the answer lies in the conversation. Like most parts of planning a wedding, discussing finances openly can prevent misunderstandings and strengthen your connection.

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.

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.