The journey to forever begins with a symbol of commitment: the wedding band. Realistically, most of the emphasis when it comes to wedding jewelry gets placed on a woman's engagement ring. However, more jewelers today are catering to the needs of the groom with unique and trendy men's wedding bands that break out from the basic gold band. With more and more options available, the question that lingers for many soon-to-be-married couples is How much should you spend on a men's wedding band? In this guide, we will explore the various factors that influence the cost of men's wedding bands and provide insights to help you make an informed decision.
Establishing a budget is a fundamental step in the wedding planning process, and choosing a wedding band is no exception. A general guideline is to allocate about 3% of your total wedding budget to the rings. This provides a reasonable guideline without overspending on a single element of your wedding expenses. The engagement ring often takes up a substantial portion of this figure, leaving a much smaller amount available for a men's wedding band. However, that
We carry a wide range of jewelry for every budget. Our clients vary vastly, and we cater to all types of couples, including those who are having a courthouse wedding tomorrow, those who want a set of matching wedding bands to celebrate their twentieth wedding anniversary, and those who are custom designing a ring for their upcoming ceremony.
With that diversity in mind, our clients expect to spend around $250 for a relatively simple contemporary metal men's wedding band and about $2200 for a fine-jewelry men's wedding band made from gold or another precious metal with diamonds, gemstones, or other accents incorporated. However, a simple solid gold band can be purchased for less than $500, and some contemporary metal bands with intricate inlays and gemstones cost several thousand dollars, while simple alternative metal wedding bands may be purchased for less than $200. As an online jewelry store, our prices tend to be lower than local jewelry stores, so you can generally expect to spend more when shopping in-person.
A note on salary guidelines: You've almost certainly heard the outdated guidelines about how many months salary should be spent on a ring. We don't buy in to that concept, but there is a bit of truth to the idea that you will spend a certain percentage of what you earn. Higher-earners may generally spend more on a men's wedding band, simply because they tend to have a larger wedding budget and perhaps want to go with fine jewelry instead of contemporary options.
There isn't pressure to spend a certain amount of money on a men's ring like there was in the past with engagement rings. We always recommend staying comfortably within your budget. With more choices available now than ever before, there is truly something for everyone, no matter the price range you have set.
Deciding what to spend on a men's wedding band
There's more to consider than just budget when thinking about how much to spend on a men's ring. Additional key points include:
- Symbolism: Unlike an engagement ring, a wedding band is a timeless and straightforward symbol of commitment. It represents the bond between partners and is a reminder of your vows. Keeping this symbolism in mind can guide you in making a meaningful choice rather than basing decisions solely on monetary considerations.
- Materials: The material of the wedding band plays a significant role in its cost. From classic gold and silver to contemporary materials like tungsten and titanium, the choices are vast. Traditional metals like gold (yellow, white, or rose) and platinum are generally more expensive due to their rarity. If you're working with a tighter budget, alternative metals like tungsten or titanium can offer a stylish and cost-effective solution without compromising quality.
- Design: The design and style of the wedding band can also impact its price. Intricate details, engraved patterns, and added gemstones will typically raise the cost of the ring. Consider your partner's style preferences and whether they prefer a classic, timeless design or a more modern and unique look. Striking a balance between aesthetics and budget is key to finding the perfect wedding band.
- Customization: For a truly unique and personalized touch, many couples opt for custom-designed wedding bands. While this adds sentimental value, it can also increase the overall cost. If customization is essential to you, allocate a portion of your budget for this purpose. Keep in mind that custom designs may take longer to create, so plan accordingly to ensure the rings are ready in time for the wedding. One much less expensive option that has a quicker turnaround is personalized rings with engraving instead of completely custom made options.
- Gemstones: While gemstones are more commonly associated with women's rings, some men's wedding bands feature diamonds or other precious stones. The inclusion of gemstones will undoubtedly raise the price, so consider your budget and your partner's preference when deciding on this element. Many men opt for simpler designs without gemstones, appreciating the understated elegance of a solid metal band.
- Durability: Gold and platinum are known for their longevity, but alternative metals like tungsten are much more scratch-resistant. Investing in a quality wedding band ensures it will withstand the test of time, serving as a lasting symbol of your commitment.
- Pricing: Comparing prices and shopping around are essential steps in finding the best value for your money. You can visit reputable jewelers, both online and in-store, to explore a variety of options. Don't hesitate to ask questions about the quality of the materials and the craftsmanship, and be sure to read customer reviews to gauge the reputation of the jeweler. Taking advantage of sales, promotions, or even considering a pre-owned wedding band can be cost-effective strategies without compromising on quality.
