Whether you are a bride searching for a sleek band for your fiancé or you're a groom searching for a ring to fit your everyday lifestyle, this article has you covered. Here, you will learn about the important steps, misconceptions, and pointers related to buying a men’s wedding ring.
Who should buy the groom's wedding ring?
This is a question we see come up a lot when a couple is about to take the plunge into marriage. The answer lies in tradition. Normally, both partners buy each other their rings. That would mean that traditionally, the bride would do the buying and shopping for the groom's ring, and vice versa.
However, not everything has to be about tradition. Sure, traditional motifs can be as magical as the movies portray, but who says you have to conform to what the picture-perfect, idealized wedding has to be? Why not suggest picking out your rings together?
You are about to dive deep into the realm of marriage, so why not step into its waters as a couple? Picking your rings together is a great way to bond and add deeper meaning to the rings you will wear for years to come.
Choosing the right wedding ring for him
Alright, so it's finally your turn to pick out a ring for him. If you are worried about getting the wrong ring, don't fret. When it comes to rings, men are typically simple. Some simply want a gold band with nothing fancy, while others may want a more unique, stylized ring.
Regardless, even if you get stuck, just talk to your partner. Most likely, they will be like, “Oh, I already have a cool one in mind,” or they might say something like, “I'm fine with whatever as long as it's not flashy.”
Consider their personality and hobbies:
If your man is sporty or active, you might want to consider an alloy that is more flexible, like 14- or 18-karat gold. If he is more laid-back and a homebody, maybe you can go for a tougher metal that doesn't need to flex with movement, like titanium or platinum.
Does your man value style and pizzazz? Then get him a diamond centerpiece or perhaps a diamond wrap around the band. Not all men desire shiny diamonds, but many do, so it's important to see which setting will fit their style.
For example, if you know your man is a businessman, why not get him a band with custom band edging, ring finish, and engravings? A professional knows how important it is to look dapper at a corporate meeting or for a job interview. But what are band edging, ring finish, and engraving detailing anyway? Read below to find out.
- Band Edging: An edge of a structure that is not perpendicular to the faces of the piece. Essentially, a beveled edge.
- Ring's Finish: The texture and look of the metal on your ring. Some finishes include, but are not limited to, polished, satin, hammered, and brushed.
- Engraving or Detailing: Inscriptions or decorative designs carved into the surface of your ring.
There are so many different customization options, such as wood inlays and diamond wraps, that can really make your future husband's ring stand out. We cover this more in our “Men's Style Guide.”
Whether you are shopping for a classic men’s wedding band or something that feels more like a piece of men’s jewelry, customization can help you find a ring that matches his personality and everyday style.
Do your rings have to match each other?
While it may be appealing for a bride and groom to get matching or similar wedding rings, this is just another tradition. Like all traditions, they are mere suggestions and don't have to be followed strictly.
If you are looking to get identical rings, go for it! However, you might make both husband and wife happier by simply having a single shared element in both of your rings.
For example, let's say your husband doesn't want a centerpiece diamond like your flashy, perfectly cut, heart-shaped ring. Big surprise! Well, maybe you can both pick the same alloy for your bands instead. That way, both of you have a shared element that you can relate to, which can also further represent your bond.
Another way you can do this is to have both rings share an engraving. Maybe you could write each other vows on the interior of the ring, perhaps? This gives both rings something personal that connects them without requiring them to look exactly alike.
Budgeting
Some men tend to cheap out on their wedding band, focusing more on their partner's desires than their own. So when it's their turn to make a ring selection, they choose the first and cheapest alloys and settings.
The best piece of advice when it comes to buying wedding rings is that you should not settle for less.
This is an epic moment in both of your lives, and you don't want to make a cheap decision that you will regret later. Put your men's wedding band in your budget, not as an afterthought to your future wife's ring! Both of your wedding rings are symbolic of the strong bond you have built, so budget them both accordingly!
Fun Fact
You might have wondered why the “ring finger” is designated as the traditional place to wear your wedding ring. Well, this idea dates back to the ancient Egyptians, who believed that the finger between your pinky and middle finger had a direct vein to the heart.
We now know, of course, that all fingers are connected through veins to the heart, but the ancient Egyptians believed that this finger had the only vein. Thus, it became a symbol of love when someone wore a ring given by another on that finger, with a direct connection to the heart.
