Picking out a men’s wedding band can be just as much fun as picking out a women’s band. While you might expect to see the classic simple bands, you will also quickly start to come across a multitude of other options and designs, from inlays to inset diamonds or zirconium.
With all of the choices, you can start feeling unsure about how much you should be spending. You might have heard that a certain percentage of your wedding budget should go towards your rings, or that you should spend at least a full paycheck on your engagement band, but is there a clear rule to follow?
Men’s Wedding Rings cost on average between under $100 for low-end quality, $150-$300 for good quality, and $500-$1,000 for high-end wedding brands. Around $150-$300 is a sweet spot and most people spend that much on men’s wedding bands.
Many things can change how much you actually end up paying for a men’s wedding band. From band metal to special details, if you take some time to explore your options, you are bound to find the perfect ring for the perfect price.
Men’s Simple Wedding Band Price
While some men’s wedding bands can be a bit less expensive than women’s wedding bands, the prices are often comparable, and often simple men’s bands will even run a bit more expensive than a simple women’s band of the same metal.
The price of men’s wedding bands depends largely on what they are made out of, the width of the band and any other details that make the band unique.
| Metal | Men’s Band Average Starting Price | Women’s Band Average Starting Price |
| White Gold | $225 | $120 |
| Yellow Gold | $250 | $150 |
| Platinum | $400 | $300 |
| Tungsten | $135 | $99 |
With simple bands, you can see that sometimes women’s bands fall at a lower price point than men’s.
Generally speaking, you will probably see that men’s wedding rings are made thicker than women’s wedding bands. This can contribute to the price difference, as you may be paying for more material with a men’s band than with a women’s.
| Width of a White Gold Ring | Average Starting Price |
| 3mm | $225 |
| 5mm | $425 |
| 7mm | $625 |
As you can see, as the width of a simple white gold ring increases, so does the price. Women’s rings tend to start at a smaller width, allowing them to start at a lower price on average.
So what is the average price for a simple men’s wedding band?
According to an annual study funded by The Knot that surveyed 21,000 couples “The average male wedding band costs $510.”
By comparing different metals, widths, and details you can easily find something less expensive – or up the price!
This video talks about some of the different elements, like band width and metals, that go into a men’s wedding band.
The video covers four main characteristics of men’s wedding bands:
Band Type
- Classic – no stones or engravings, etc.
- Carved – beveled edges, engravings
- Diamond – any rings with diamonds or gemstones
- Alternative – non-traditional metals used
Metals
- Platinum
- White gold
- Titanium
- Yellow gold
- Rose gold
- Silver
Ring Sizing and Width
- Jeweler versus self-sizing
- How to pick the correct width for you
- 3.5-5mm considered narrow
- 6-6.5mm considered average
- 8-9mm considered wide
Fit and Shape
- Standard traditional fit: flat inside
- Rounded comfort fit: convex inside
- Shape refers to the arc of the top of the ring, and ranges from flat to high domed
All of these things can ultimately affect the price. Knowing what you want can help you to establish a budget.
Related: Men’s Wedding Band Metals | Tungsten, Titanium, Ceramic Cowboy, Gold
Related: 5 Things to Consider When Choosing the Right Wedding Band for Men
Average Prices of Different Finishes
There are a lot of different finishes that you might see on men’s wedding bands. They all offer something different aesthetically and come in at different price points. Not all finishes are available on every metal, but on white gold rings, you can see all of them represented.
| 5-6mm White Gold Ring Finishes | Average Men’s Wedding Band Starting Price |
| Polished | $425 |
| Matte | $450 |
| Brushed | $550 |
| Hammered | $650 |
There is a price difference between all of these finishes. However, as you can see, it’s not a huge difference.
The most common finish you’re going to see is a polished finish. It is a bright and shiny but classic look that not only goes with everything but is the most affordable of all of the options.
A matte ring will be a bit more subtle. Instead of being shiny, it will have a more dull but still very classy look. The price difference between polished and matte finishes is hardly anything, and both are common and affordable.
Brushed finishes are similar to matte finishes. The main difference is that brushed finishes have a soft, textured look. They come in reasonably higher than the matte finish.
Lastly, we have hammered finishes. It is a very noticeable and unique finish that is created exactly how you would expect – with a hammer. Because of the extra time and attention it takes to create a hammered finish, this finish tends to run more expensive than any of the others.
How Details in Men’s Wedding Bands Affect the Price
Men’s wedding bands can be simple, but they can also be very unique and fun! There are lots of exciting additions available, from diamonds to wood inlay to special designs. If you want to find a special wedding ring that fits with your personality and style, these extras might add to the price of your band – but can definitely be worth it.
| Detail | Average Additional Price |
| Diamonds | $1500 |
| Zirconium | $100 |
| Wood inlay | $50 |
| Imitation meteorite inlay | $40 |
| Engraving | $30 |
| Special metal designs | $300 |
You can find a unique wedding band that is still affordable pretty easily, depending on you or your future husband’s style. Earthy and classy wood inlays, customizable engraving and even the diamond-like zirconium can all add a special element to your ring without breaking the bank.
Other designs and details can be a bit more expensive. Rings with special designs like filigree, a type of detailed metal design, tend to run a bit more expensive than a classic, simple band.
Unsurprisingly, men’s rings adorned with diamonds will often have the highest price tag, adding on upwards of $1500.
Each of these details can add something special to your ring. Take a look at some of the highlights of each unique feature:
Diamonds
- May be inset into the entire circumference of the ring or may have just a few placed equidistant from each other
- Different karats available, which can affect the price
Zirconium
- A more affordable diamond dupe
- Look like diamonds but are ethically produced in a lab
- Generally, inset into the band in the same way that diamonds would be.
Wood inlay
- Classy, earthy feel
- Hardwoods like oak or walnut set into a metal band
- Clear coating such as zirconium used to create a lasting ring
Imitation Meteorite Inlay
- Unique and interesting look
- Smooth finish over a design that mimics the rock look of a meteorite
Engraving
- Engraving can be done on most metal rings by a jeweler
- Can be customized to say anything you like
- Done on the inside of the ring, and can be done in addition to many of the other details listed
Special designs
- Some rings have fancy metal filigree type designs
- Colorful designs may also be set into the ring like this carbon fiber Celtic Dragon Tungsten Ring
Most Bang for Your Buck in Men’s Wedding Band
Tungsten carbide rings are a great option if you are looking for something attractive and sturdy that won’t break the bank. If the $500-$1000 budget sounded like too much for you, take a look at some of the benefits of a tungsten ring.
Tungsten rings:
- Are difficult to scratch or ding
- Resist corrosion
- Come in many different styles
- Are very affordable
On average, a tungsten ring can be as low as $135, with some available for even less.
They are a great choice for an affordable ring because the lower price does not necessarily mean lower quality. Tungsten carbide is an extremely dense metal that cannot easily be scratched or dinged even by a hammer (although they can break with the correct impact).
Tungsten does not tarnish or rust, and bands come in many different styles and colors.
Tungsten carbide rings often include a zirconium coating to add color and can be found with polished and brushed finishes, different inlay details, and even zirconium insets
Colored or Multi-Toned Men’s Tungsten Wedding Band Prices
A fun option for a men’s wedding band is a trending colored or multi-toned tungsten ring. There are many colors available, including black, blue, brown, two-toned and tri-toned.
| Color of Tungsten Ring | Price Range | Average Price |
| Black | $99-$259 | $149 |
| Blue | $129-$189 | $179 |
| Brown | $150-$229 | $179 |
| Two-tone | $129-$249 | $169 |
| Tri-tone | $149-$179 | $178 |
Colored or multi-toned tungsten rings are eye-catching and affordable. Most averaging around $179, these trendy tungsten rings are made primarily with tungsten carbide and a colored coating.
You can find rings that are either fully colored or have just a pop of color via a band around the outside of the ring or spanning the inside. American Tungsten offers black, blue and brown in addition to metal colors such as rose gold and gray.
Related: Top 10 Best Blue Tungsten Rings | See What’s in Trend now
Related: Top 10 Most Popular Black Tungsten Ring Styles
Multi-toned rings offer stripes of various metal colors to create a unique, fashion-forward look. Mixed metal rings can be eye-catching, and are offered with combinations of rose gold and gray tungsten, sometimes with black tungsten as well.
While these options are fun and can offer the opportunity for a truly personal wedding band, they do not add much onto the price of a more simple tungsten band.
Related: Reasons why People Choose Black Color Wedding Bands
Related: 6 Most Popular Color Wedding Band | Tungsten Carbide Rings
Key Takeaways
Searching for the perfect men’s wedding band can be a fun and rewarding experience! As you start shopping, you should keep in mind that:
- Average price of a simple men’s band is $800
- Prices can change depending on metal type, finish, inlay and other details
- Tungsten rings can be found for lower prices without sacrificing quality
- To be on the safe side, save up between $500 – $1000 for the men’s wedding band
Who is supposed to pay for the man's wedding ring?
The most common way to figure this out is by asking the bride or groom to pay for the wedding bands that the other person has given them.A wedding ring is a symbol of commitment and love between two people. It is truly priceless.
Who buys the wedding ring?
In a traditional wedding, the bride or her family would typically pay for the wedding bands. The groom would pay for the other person's.In these settings, the bride's family usually pays for the honeymoon. The groom or his parents would then pay for the rest of the expenses.
Does the man buy his own engagement ring?
Both men and women wear wedding rings as a symbol of their eternal love and commitment.Most couples buy each other's rings. However, for more traditional couples, it may be better for the groom to buy both rings.
Do you still wear your engagement ring after you get married?
You still wear your engagement ring after getting married. This is because after getting married, you will continue to wear the ring along with your wedding bands.Can guys wear wedding bands before they marry? Generally, if a guy wants to wear a wedding band before marriage, then it is not traditional to do so.
