How Much to Spend on a Wedding Band or Ring

Wedding band prices range from $180 to $2,000 and higher. The cost of wedding bands depends on the precious metal, the setting design, the number of diamonds and where you buy the ring. In 2019, the average wedding band cost for males was $510 and the average cost of a female wedding band was $1,100.

Somewhere in the planning process, you need to determine how much to spend on a wedding band. As with every detail—from your venue to your flowers—you need to decide how much of your budget to spend. 

A large percentage of people go with a ring like this from Blue Nile which goes for under $200 (depending on the metal). But some people may drop 5 digits on a show stopper like this ring also from Blue Nile.

Review our guide to learn about the average cost of wedding bands and what to consider when buying a wedding bands. We’ll also provide inspiration with the best wedding bands for various wedding band price ranges.

Here’s what we’ll cover in this article:

What is the average price of a wedding band?
How much should you spend on a wedding band?
Our top picks of female wedding bands for different price points
Our top picks of male wedding bands for different price points

Average Cost of Wedding Bands – Male and Female

In 2019, the average wedding band cost for males was $510 and the average cost of a female wedding band was $1,100. According to the Brides’ American Wedding Study, wedding bands on average made up three percent of a couple’s wedding budget. Engagement rings made up 14 percent of the wedding budget.

How much should you spend on a wedding band?

How much you should spend on a wedding band depends on a few factors, like your preferred setting style and wedding budget. Opt for a ring you’ll love wearing for years and that’s reasonable for your wallet. Here are 5 things to consider when buying a wedding band.

1. Rings that complement each other

Many couples want their rings coordinate so they look like a pair when side by side. For instance, you might both choose rose gold for your rings. Or you might opt for rings that feature similar designs, like this Princess Cut channel set for women from Blue Nile, and this one for men also from Blue Nile.

Blue Nile even offers couple rings that are designed to match each other.

Some couples, though, don’t care about coordinating with their spouses. They might have a white gold ring and a yellow gold ring that aren’t similar in design.

Talk with your spouse-to-be to determine if you want your rings to complement one another. This will help with choosing styles and determining the cost of your wedding rings.

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2. Wedding bands that match the engagement ring

Because an engagement ring is usually picked out first, it’s important to find a wedding band that matches. For females, the cost of a wedding band can be as high as $2,000 or more. Finding a wedding band that coordinates is time and money well-spent. 

For example, if your engagement ring is white gold, your band should be white gold as well. Consider the thickness of your band and ensure it doesn’t overpower your engagement ring. Choose a simple band without diamonds or include diamonds to add more brilliance. You can use tools like Blue Nile’s Wedding Band Matcher to pair your engagement ring with the right wedding band.

Some people keep their engagement and wedding bands separate, while others solder the two together. The choice depends on your personal preference and how the rings fit together. Soldering them might prevent the rings from spinning and getting out of sync with one another.

You can also match his and hers wedding band. Check out our guide on how to do that in this link.

3. Durability

Your wedding band will be worn every day, so be sure it holds up. 14K and 18K gold and platinum are popular precious metals for wedding bands. 14K gold is the most durable and the least expensive. 18K gold has a higher percentage of gold in its mixture and is more like to scratch, but is still durable enough for everyday wear. Platinum is the most expensive option and is more durable than gold but also requires more maintenance.

Titanium and tungsten carbide are popular for men’s wedding bands. Tungsten carbide is extremely durable and scratch-resistant. Titanium is very durable, but still can be scratched like gold or platinum. Both titanium and tungsten carbide are in line with gold wedding band prices and are sometimes even cheaper than gold. See more about wedding band metals in our guide.
All wedding rings need proper care, like regular cleaning and polishing.

4. Style

How your ring looks and feels to you is the most important element. If you’re into classic styles, you might want a petite milgrain ring like this one from Blue Nile. If you want something unique, you might opt for a twist micropavé wedding band like this one also from Blue Nile. Your wedding band symbolizes your love and commitment to one another. It also showcases your personal style.

The most popular wedding band material for women is white gold and tungsten for men.

Our guide to Men’s Wedding Bands will help you pick the right one.

5. Your overall wedding budget

How much to spend on a wedding band depends on your wedding budget. There isn’t a wedding band cost rule. On average, couples spend three percent of their budget on wedding bands. For example, if your wedding costs $25,000, three percent would be $750.

You might decide you want to spend five percent of your budget on rings, and a little less on dessert or music. Each couple has to decide how to breakdown their wedding budget. Discuss with your fiancé how much of your budget you’d like to put toward rings. De Beers came up with the idea of spending 2-months salary on an engagement ring which you shouldn’t take seriously. The same applies to wedding bands. Don’t spend more only because someone is telling you what’s the “right” amount to spend. Find an amount you both feel comfortable with.

Best Wedding Bands – Female

The best wedding bands for women range from simple bands to decorative diamond-studded rings. Here are the top wedding band designs for each wedding band price range.

$500 or less

• Traditional Wedding Band from James Allen 
• Petite Milgrain Curved Ring from Blue Nile

$500-$750

• Baguette & Round Pavé Diamond Channel Wedding Band from Blue Nile 
• Milgrain Bezel Set Diamond Ring from James Allen

$750-$1,000

• Petite Twist Diamond Eternity Ring from Blue Nile 
• Riviera Pavé Sapphire and Diamond Eternity Ring from Blue Nile

$1,000+

• Pear Cluster Diamond Wedding Ring from Blue Nile 
• Five Stone Prong Contour Diamond Ring from James Allen

Best Wedding Bands – Male

The best wedding bands for men include those made of tungsten carbide and white gold. No matter your budget, you can find vintage designs and modern styles. Check out these top choices for men divided by wedding band prices.

$400 or less

• Brushed and Polished Tungsten Carbide Wedding Band from Blue Nile
• 5mm Low Dome Gold Wedding Band from James Allen

$400-$800

• White Gold Flat Comfort Fit Wedding Band from James Allen
• Celtic Trinity Knot Wedding Band from Blue Nile

$800-$1,200

• Brushed Inlay Platinum Wedding Band from Blue Nile 
• Blackened Forest Ring from James Allen

$1,200+

• Two-Tone Paisley Wedding Band from Blue Nile
• Etched Channel Set Wedding Ring from James Allen

For help in selecting wedding bands, reach out to our experts.

Here are other wedding related topics to browse:

• Wedding bands – types and materials
• Which metal is best for your Wedding ring?
• Engagement ring vs. Wedding ring – What’s the difference?
• How to buy a Wedding band
• What are the best Wedding bands for a Halo Engagement ring?
• What are the most popular wedding rings for men?
• What is a bridal set?
• Where is the best place to buy matching wedding bands?
• Which metal is better for wedding bands: platinum or palladium?
• Pros and cons of a baguette wedding band
• Wedding gift ideas for parents and wedding party

James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler's loupe. They have the largest exclusive loose diamond inventory online and fantastic prices. They also have the nicest collection of lab-created diamonds online. Get 25% off sitewide at James Allen

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What we love about them:

• No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
• Lifetime Warranty
• Free International Shipping
• Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
• Provide insurance appraisals
• One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
• Free ring inscriptions
• Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
• 24/7 Customer Service
• Best-in-class packaging

Blue Nile Blue Nile is the largest and most well known internet jewelry seller. They have a very large exclusive online inventory. Their high quality images are catching up to James Allens' and their prices are amazing.Save 25% on settings at Blue Nile!

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Click to Visit

What we love about them:

• No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
• Lifetime Warranty
• Free Shipping
• Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
• Provide insurance appraisal
• One free resizing within the first year of purchase
• High quality images of about half of their diamonds
• 24/7 Customer Service
• 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
• Best in class fulfillment

About the author

Mike Fried Mike Fried has over 25 years experience in the diamond industry working with Leo Schachter Diamonds, Moshe Namdar Diamonds, and joining The Diamond Pro in 2007. He is recognized as an industry expert and has been quoted in publications such as Us, People, Page Six, The Next Web and more.