How Much Do Wedding Bands Actually Cost?

The tradition of exchanging rings to signify love and commitment is something that goes back centuries. Indeed, its roots can be traced all the way back to 4000 BC, with archaeologists and researchers finding evidence that this symbolic practice was common amongst ancient Egyptian lovers.

Now, there’s no doubt that the ceremonial aspect is vastly different today than it would have been in those ancient times, but the meaningfulness and significance of the gesture have persisted all the same － which is why finding the right set of wedding rings is still so important.

But before you can set off on that challenging quest, it’s important to know what to expect, and that includes price. So, here’s a quick overview of how much wedding bands actually cost, how to decide what you yourself should spend, and why wooden bands might be a smarter investment than traditional metal ones.

Average Money Spent on Wedding Bands

It’s no secret, but weddings are pretty expensive events. From the venue to the flower arrangements, everything comes at a steep premium, and the wedding rings themselves are no exception.

But how much do people really spend on them? Well, the figure naturally varies from person to person and from state to state, with some spending enough on one to buy a nice car and others spending an amount that’s far more budget-conscious. 

However, there is an average price for the entire country. Have a guess as to what it is? If you guessed around a thousand dollars, then consider us impressed because you’d absolutely be correct. According to a 2021 engagement study released by popular wedding website the Knot, the average cost for wedding bands hovers somewhere around $1100 for women and around $550 for men. For those keeping track, that means those that are traditionally considered “men’s rings” come in at nearly half the cost of “women’s!” 

Wondering why these bands are so expensive? Jewelry store overhead, high levels of demand, and design definitely play a factor, but you can primarily thank the metals these rings are made of for their costly price tag.

White gold, rose gold, yellow gold, and sterling silver are all top picks for wedding bands here in 2022, and those materials don’t come cheap. High economic value and weight have most certainly assured that. And sorry to tell you, but that doesn’t look to be changing anytime soon. 

Why to Choose Wooden Bands Over Metal

The high costs associated with wedding bands can be rather difficult to swallow, especially if you’re someone who doesn’t have a lot of unused cash just sitting around waiting to be spent.

But if you’re sitting there anxiously worrying about how you’re going to afford tying the knot with the one you love, try to relax a little. There are ways to bring the exorbitant prices down to something a touch more manageable. Choosing a wooden band over metal is one of the easiest (and most stylish!) ways to do so.

In a complete contrast to gold and silver bands, even some of the nicest wood rings available aren’t going to completely break the bank. In fact, you’d probably be hard-pressed to find even diamond-studded options that exceed the $400 mark and the vast majority of regular wood and tungsten bands are going to come in at significantly less. Just take a look at our selection of wood rings is you don’t believe us. $62 - $82 is typical for our single bands and we even have paired sets for $120 or below.

This low price is part of why increasing numbers of people are choosing wooden bands over more traditional precious metals. Although, there are plenty of other reasons to opt for wooden ring varieties if cost aren’t too much of a concern. Mixed wood and tungsten wedding bands are also remarkably durable, scratch-resistant, and comfortable, not to mention gorgeous and unique.

Basically, they’re a great option for just about anybody who’s in the market for a wedding band. They’re definitely different than the norm but that’s part of their appeal. They aren’t just more wallet-friendly; they truly tell a story and wear great while doing so. Trendy, tough, and aesthetically-pleasing, you couldn’t ask for a better ring to bind you and your partner together in marriage.

How to Set a Reasonable Budget

Regardless of whether you see a wood wedding band in your future or continue to be dead-set on finding a more affordable ring crafted from precious metals, the fact remains that you’ll still need to first set a budget. After all, affordable and expensive options alike have to fit in your overall wedding plan, and you’ll need a concrete number in mind to rest assured that mission has been accomplished. What if you’re not sure what you should spend, though?

One of the first steps when creating any budget is to look at your other known expenses. And since buying the wedding rings can often be done later in the planning process (most jewelers, wedding sites, and publications say you can purchase as late as two to three months before the big day), you should already have plenty of other fees worked out. So, sit down and pore over what has already been paid for and what is in the works. 

Be sure to also note what you’ve previously prepared for. Has the attire been worked out yet? Have you already written a check for the venue? Is the catering taken care of? What about the photographer? The more you tick off the list, the easier you’ll be able to determine how much money is left in play. 

Beyond considering general wedding costs, you’ll need to take a hard look at your recent income, living expenses, and bank balance, too, in order to set a budget that works for you. And please － don’t simply glance at the numbers and insist it’ll be okay. Take your time here and be realistic. If spending a few hundred dollars on a ring set is going to make things really tight for the next few months, you might want to look at more affordable options. 

Remember: a budget is to ensure you’re still financially comfortable at the end of the day. The whole point is to keep things balanced. Honesty, realism, and objectivity are what will help you do that, ultimately ensuring that your wedding goes off without a hitch and you’ll have plenty of cash to work with while starting your new life as a married couple!