Many modern couples are eschewing the tradition of the bride paying for everything that has to do with the wedding once engaged. Both parties are chipping in for everything from the cake, venue and even the attire. But it's been virtually unheard of for the person who proposes to ask his betrothed to chip in for the engagement ring – until now. Perhaps the bride-to-be has a say in the style of the ring and may even pick it out herself. These days, it's becoming more common for partners who plan to share their lives together to share the cost of the engagement ring and wedding bands. Many women don't want their partners to spend that "two months' salary" on such an extravagant purchase because the couple already shares their lives – and expenses. When two households become one, so does any debt or other significant financial decisions.
It may not be a good idea to start your lives off on shaky financial footing, particularly if it's for the sake of a pricey bauble or over-the-top wedding. In tough financial times, many couples find that shouldering the financial burden of a wedding and all the trappings that come with it is better handled when they pool their resources. Another factor to consider is the fact that women can pay for jewelry on their own. That wasn't the case in the past when it was uncommon for women to work – and perhaps unheard of for a woman who did work to make more than her male counterpart. There are plenty of couples today in which the woman makes more than the man. In that case, it seems fair to at least chip in a few hundred dollars for an investment that ideally will last a lifetime.