When it comes to weddings, there is no shortage of traditions to follow and etiquette to keep track of. The customs vary by culture, making these traditions even harder to remember!
Most of you know just about everything that the bride is supposed to wear and what she should do; there is little talk of the customs that men should follow, though.
One potential rule shrouded in mystery is: can the groom see his ring before the wedding? Today, we are going to talk about that and why or why not they should.
Can grooms see their rings before the wedding?
Yes, the groom can and quite possibly will see his ring before the wedding ceremony. Some pay for it themselves and see it at the store.
Others may accidentally see it at home if the bride-to-be picked one out. If the couple shops for rings together, the groom sees his choice immediately.
While it is up to each couple to determine whether or not to hide the rings from each other, most grooms do see theirs before the wedding rolls around. Most brides see their wedding rings before the ceremony, too! The only common custom is to hide a woman’s engagement ring until you are ready to propose. The rest is more relaxed.
If you see yours before you get married, don’t fret. Taking a peek at the bride in her dress before she walks down the aisle may or may not bring bad luck, but you are in the clear when it comes to seeing your ring.
What are some of the traditions surrounding wedding rings?
Every little part of a wedding involves complex rituals and rules. Rings are no exception! Some traditions are more common than others when it comes to these symbols of your commitment. These are:
- The groom pays for the bride’s engagement and wedding rings. It is common practice for a groom-to-be to pick out these rings with input from a family member or friend of the bride. She never sees her engagement ring until her lucky man pops the question. Sometimes, the groom even pays for his own ring.
- In some places, the bride-to-be buys the groom’s wedding ring. As equality in income improves, women are free to pay for things that they did not have the liberty to before. Now, some couples even opt to split the bill for all rings involved.
- Rings are worn on the fourth finger on your left hand. Ancient Egyptians started this custom because they believed the vein in this particular finger was connected directly to the heart. While most people today do not wear the rings for this reason, we still wear them on that very same finger.
- Usually, a child (typically a boy) is the “ring bearer” in the wedding ceremony. The wedding rings are attached to a small, ornate pillow and are presented by the child to the couple before the exchanging ritual. In many cases, these rings are fakes and the real ones are held by the best man in the wedding party. The position of ring bearer was made to include more relatives in the ceremony.
These are just a few of the customs that are most common in the world when it comes to the exchanging of wedding rings. Some cultures have traditions that are entirely unique! Based on the culture that your betrothed belongs to, you may be dealing with another set of rules.
How has modern society changed wedding ring traditions?
Society is evolving at a speedy rate, and the rules surrounding every custom for weddings are changing. In the old days, traditions sprouted due to religion, superstition, or the dominance of one of the sexes.
Today, however, women and men are getting closer to being on equal ground. Because of this, some customs are no longer needed. Don’t worry! You can still practice them if you choose to.
So how have these events changed traditions based on wedding rings? Let’s discuss.
- Instead of the groom picking out all of the rings, both parties may opt to shop for them together. Many couples enjoy matching to some extent; going together helps both feel satisfied with their choice.
- Women might pay for the rings by themselves or split the bill with their significant others. In times past, women did not make nearly as much as men did at their jobs on average. Until recently, many women weren’t even allowed to hold a job! Now the financial burden does not fall solely on the man; many women feel that they should put in equal amounts of money when it comes to household decisions.
- More couples these days choose to live together before being married. This makes it pretty difficult to hide the rings from each other unless you entrust them to a friend or family member. That being said, more people see their rings before their wedding day.
Can grooms see their rings before the wedding?
By now, you probably have a good idea of the answer. Yes, the groom can and quite possibly will see his ring before the wedding ceremony. Some pay for it themselves and see it at the store.
Others may accidentally see it at home if the bride-to-be picked one out. If the couple shops for rings together, the groom sees his choice immediately.
While it is up to each couple to determine whether or not to hide the rings from each other, most grooms do see theirs before the wedding rolls around. Most brides see their wedding rings before the ceremony, too! The only common custom is to hide a woman’s engagement ring until you are ready to propose. The rest is more relaxed.
If you see yours before you get married, don’t fret. Taking a peek at the bride in her dress before she walks down the aisle may or may not bring bad luck, but you are in the clear when it comes to seeing your ring.
Where can I find a men’s wedding ring?
Now that your burning questions have been answered, you may be in the market for a men’s wedding ring yourself. (If you see one you like, you won’t even have to worry about bad juju!)
You have come to the right place. There’s a special wedding ring out there for every type of man; take a look at some of the following examples to help you get started in your search.
- Men who enjoy the simpler things in life might want a ring that reflects their outlook. A plain but elegant matte black ring elevates any look without being flashy. It is made of stainless steel for durability. For more pricing information, click on this link.
- Christian men often want their wedding rings to be a symbol of love and commitment to both their spouse and to God. The ring is a reminder of your faith in heaven and your loved one on Earth, so why not get one that shows the world how you feel? This stainless steel ring has a band made of silver with gold crosses. For more pricing information, click on this link.
- Is the groom in this wedding an outdoorsman? If so, the perfect ring for him is one inlaid with wood and deer antler. The ring still looks classy and subtle while reflecting his interests perfectly. It’s also a conversation starter for anyone who looks closely! For more pricing information, click on this link.
- Most men’s rings are dark and if they aren’t, they are plain. This can be boring to some; there is a wedding ring that provides a happy medium to produce a polished look while still being anything other than drab. A rose gold plated ring with a deer antler inlay is light to fit in better with the bride’s ring. It is made of tungsten, so it can stand up to the toughest of activities! For more pricing information, click on this link.
- Some men prefer shiny gold to subtle silver. If that sounds like the groom you are picking a ring for, there is one that fits his tastes perfectly. This titanium gold band sparkles in the sun, leaving you looking slick and upscale. Gold is often associated with wealth and power; if you want to elevate your look and boost your confidence, a gold ring might be the right fit for you. For more pricing information, click on this link.
Each one of these rings can be engraved with a special message. It could be part of your vows, a lyric from a love song, a line from the poem – really, it can be anything you want it to be! As long as the engraving is 20 characters or less, it can be put on the men’s wedding ring that you choose. Unsure of what to have engraved? Check out these ideas for inspiration.
In the end, it does not matter whether or not the groom sees his wedding ring before the ceremony. These traditions are fun and can be important in some cases, but more important is the love that you share with your spouse-to-be. Choosing the right ring may include getting his input or surprising him. It may involve engraving a secret message on the inside of the band for him to cherish, or it may not.
Whatever you choose, understand that you know them best. With the right person, anything you pick is the perfect fit!
For more information on men’s rings, read some of these fascinating articles below:
- What is the Average Size for Men’s and Women’s Rings?
- Who Buys the Man’s Wedding Ring?
- Do Guys Wear Wedding Rings Before Marriage?
- The Ultimate Guide to Male Wedding Bands and Promise Rings
- What to Engrave on Promise Rings and Wedding Bands (130 Ideas)
- 41 Amazing Men’s Wedding Band Ring Engraving Ideas