Wondering Who Buys the Wedding Bands? We’ve Got the Answer.

Nowadays, anything goes when it comes to who pays for what at the wedding. It's 2024, after all, and if I've learned anything as a recently married editor at The Knot, it's that traditions can certainly change. That said, you might still be wondering what the "norm" is for specific purchases, like who buys the wedding bands. To give us some insight into what couples have traditionally done—as well as what they're doing now—we tapped Pamela Catlett, Chief Brand Officer at Brilliant Earth, and Leigh Plessner, Chief Creative Officer at Catbird.

"The wedding ring purchase process has undoubtedly evolved over the years, reflecting broader shifts in societal values and personal expression," Catlett says. "That said, tradition still holds a significant place." Read on to learn about the tradition of who buys the wedding bands and how modern couples approach the ring purchase process today. Then, browse The Knot Vendor Marketplace to find jewelers near you and start your search.

In this article:

• Traditionally, Who Buys the Wedding Bands?
• Who Buys the Groom's Wedding Ring?
• Who Buys the Bride's Wedding Ring?
• How to Decide Who Pays for the Wedding Bands

Traditionally, Who Buys the Wedding Bands?

Traditional wedding ring etiquette has it that each person pays for the other's wedding band. And while teaming up on the purchase is still a popular choice for many, Catlett says there are lots of different ways couples approach this in 2025. "For our customers, we're finding it's less about tradition and more about partnership," she says. For example, some may find that it makes more sense to split the total cost of both rings evenly, while others may prefer to each purchase their own. Or, couples can divide the total cost proportional to their individual incomes rather than contributing equal amounts. "Often, both partners are still part of the process, symbolizing the shared commitment," Catlett adds. "When one does take the lead, it's a gesture that reflects personal meaning, not necessarily convention."

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Who Buys the Groom's Wedding Ring?

According to tradition, the groom's fiancé is responsible for purchasing the groom's wedding band. However, this is a personal choice, and there are many alternative ways to approach making this purchase. Depending on a couple's financial situation (which we'll touch on more below), it might make more sense for the groom to purchase his own ring or perhaps even buy both wedding rings.

Who Buys the Bride's Wedding Ring?

Similarly, the person responsible for buying the bride's wedding ring is traditionally the bride's fiancé. That said, every couple is different and may find that another approach works better for them. If the bride's fiancé has already purchased the bride's engagement ring and a wedding band for themselves, for example, perhaps the bride may take it upon herself to foot the bill for her own wedding band.

How to Decide Who Pays for the Wedding Bands

There are plenty of ways you can go about paying for the rings, whether that means sticking to the traditional route and buying them for each other or switching things up by splitting the total cost of both down the middle, each purchasing your own or letting one member of the couple take the lead on the whole purchase. Before you decide, sit down with your partner and consider the questions below.

What is your budget for wedding rings?

Before you decide who buys the wedding rings, make sure you nail down how much you'd like to set aside for them in your wedding budget. To help give you an idea of where to start, The Knot 2023 Jewelry and Engagement Study found that women's bands land at an average of $1,200 while men's fall at $600. However, the total cost will ultimately vary depending on materials and the addition of diamonds, other gemstones and customizations like engraving. "In recent years, we've seen a shift in couples being able to have more creative autonomy when it comes to crafting the exact rings that they're envisioning, while keeping it at a price that's still within budget," says Plessner. Pro tip: The Knot Budget Advisor is a great way to get clarity on how much couples typically spend on various wedding expenses and can help you keep track of your own, too.

How much do the wedding rings cost?

Once you have a wedding ring budget in mind, take the time to browse through wedding bands—whether online or in-person—and get a feel for the styles you like and how much they cost. (Psst: We've got a handy list of top tips for how to save money on your wedding ring.) You may also want to consider the average wedding ring cost (as in an engagement ring) if you haven't already, which is $5,500 nationwide, before you dive into choosing your wedding bands or deciding who should pay.

What is your financial situation, both as a couple and independently?

Some of the most important questions to ask yourself when considering who pays for wedding bands are about your financial situation as a couple. Do you both have a steady income? If so, does one of you make more? Do you share finances or keep things separate? Taking the time to think on these things can help you start your financial planning journey on the right foot and give you both a clearer vision about how you can work as a team to approach purchases like these.

Is anyone else helping to pay for the wedding?

Don't forget that your wedding budget should include your wedding bands, too—not just day-of vendors. If parents or other family members will be helping pay for your wedding, you can consider setting aside some of that money toward the rings. Of course, this will depend on how much your loved ones are contributing financially and how comfortable they are with where you'd like to allocate those funds.