The Average Wedding Ring Cost: How Much to Spend

The Wedding Report, a market research firm that specializes in all things nuptials, has a big prediction for 2022. They say that a whopping 2.5 million couples will get married this year, the most that the country has seen since 1984. 

Perhaps you're one of the many brides or grooms who's planning to wed this year. As you smooth out the final details of your big day, you have come to realize that you don't have the wedding bands just yet. 

There's plenty of wisdom on how much you should spend on an engagement ring, but not as much when it comes to wedding bands. What's the average wedding ring cost? That all depends on the style you want and the materials you choose.

Here's everything you need to know.

What's the Average Wedding Ring Cost?

As we said before, there's no one answer to this question. How much do wedding rings cost? Well, that depends on the materials and finishes you want it to feature.

You can get a men's wedding band for as little as $100, but you could also spend upwards of $2,000 if you choose top-of-the-line materials, such as platinum or diamonds. 

Still, that doesn't answer your question of what's the average cost. Most will spend somewhere around $600 on their wedding ring. Ultimately, though, the choice is yours to make — and you should spend what feels comfortable to you.

As you figure out your wedding budget, though, most experts suggest not to cut corners when it comes to your wedding bands. After all, the cake and flowers will only be there for a day. You'll wear your wedding band for the rest of your life, so buy something sturdy and beautiful so you look forward to slipping it on every morning.

Does It Matter What Material I Choose?

The materials that make up your wedding band will drive the cost. Some options are much more budget-friendly than others. 

Between $150 and $400

Let's say you have a tight budget for your wedding bands. You can still get a durable gold ring at this price point.

You'll just have to choose 8-karat white gold, as opposed to 18-karat white gold. They look nearly identical, so you won't have to sacrifice style for the sake of your finances. 

However, white gold does have its downsides. Your wedding ring will have to be re-plated every one to three years. This process refreshes the coating on white gold that bulks up the material, as it's not as strong as platinum, for example. 

Some jewelers may offer a few free re-plating sessions, but most of the time, it will cost you. Prepare to pay $60 to $120 for this treatment every one to three years.

Even with a tight budget, you can avoid re-plating costs over time. Keep in mind that you may be able to choose a thinner wedding band to save cash. So, if you want a more expensive, more durable material, a thinner design can make it possible for you.

From $400 to $700

As we said before, this is the price range in which the average wedding band will fall. If you want something in gold — as opposed to white gold — then there's a good chance that your dream ring will fall into this category, too. 

Gold rings cost slightly more than white gold, and, unlike white gold, you can visually tell the difference between 8-karat and 18-karat gold. That's because there's more gold included in an 18-karat piece of jewelry. So, it will have a brighter, deeper golden color than something that's got just 8 karats.

The same goes for rose gold if you've considered that route for your engagement rings or wedding bands. In fact, the difference between 8-karat and 18-karat rose gold is even more noticeable than regular gold. So, be sure you're ready to spend toward the higher end of this price point if you want an extra-warm, extra-pigmented rose gold ring.

$700 or More

There's no end to how much you can spend on a wedding band, really. You could design something so extravagant that it costs you thousands. 

However, most people end up in the $700+ price range for one of two reasons — or because they combine these two enviable materials. Can you guess what they are? 

One pricy wedding band material is platinum. It's more durable than white gold, and it doesn't have to be re-plated. So, investing now could save you the upkeep costs we mentioned above.

On top of that, platinum is hypoallergenic, and it's rarer than gold, too. That's why a platinum wedding band costs so much, but you get what you pay for: a durable ring that will last a lifetime.

Now, you can spruce your wedding band even further with the addition of another extra-pricy material: diamonds. Yes, some men will add diamonds to their wedding bands, too, which makes them even more expensive — and we don't have to explain why. 

So, How Much Do Wedding Rings Cost?

You now know the average wedding ring cost, as well as the price you can expect to pay for a range of materials. Ultimately, though, no one can tell you how much your particular ring will cost you. You'll just have to go shopping, pick out a few you like, and see how your options fit into your budget.

Ultimately, though, keep in mind that your wedding ring is a once-in-a-lifetime purchase, and it's something you'll wear forever. So, don't be scared to splurge — you'll be happy to have something as lasting as your union.