How Much Do Wedding Rings Cost? The 2026 Average Revealed
The wedding rings you and your partner wear are a symbol of your love and commitment to one another, and something you’ll wear every day for decades.
In the UK, couples spend around £1,057 on wedding rings on average, though prices can range from under £100 to several thousand pounds, depending on metal, design and level of customisation.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything related to the cost of wedding rings, including average prices, what affects the cost and how much you should expect to spend.
What’s the average cost of wedding rings?
In the UK, the average amount of money couples spend on wedding rings is £1,057. However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t include the money spent on the engagement ring.
That’s not to say that you have to stick to that amount – far from it. While some couples do spend this much – and more – you can still buy beautiful wedding rings even if you’re on a far tighter budget.
When it comes to choosing your wedding bands, there are plenty of options available that can affect the price.
How much should you spend on a wedding ring?
While there may be a tradition that states you should spend three months’ salary on an engagement ring (which, by the way, you don’t need to stick to), there aren’t any similar traditions when it comes to your wedding rings.
How much you should spend on your wedding rings is a completely personal choice. If you have a smaller budget, and only want to spend a couple hundred pounds, then that’s totally fine – what the rings represent is far more important, anyway. Similarly, if you have a larger budget to play with, then spending thousands is totally okay too – what you spend doesn’t affect the amount of love you have for your spouse-to-be. You should never feel pressured to spend a certain amount of money on your wedding rings.
That being said, there is one exception to this ‘rule’. It’s advised that the metal used in your wedding rings is the same as the metal used in the engagement ring. This is because some metals are more durable than others, and harder metals can damage softer metals. They can also discolour at different rates, leading to them looking mismatched.
This means if your engagement ring is made out of 18-carat yellow gold, your wedding rings should be made from metal with similar durability – ideally 18-carat yellow gold. So, if your engagement ring is made from an expensive metal, your wedding rings should be – if budget allows – as well.
Why do wedding rings cost so much?
Your wedding ring is one of the rare pieces of jewellery that you’ll wear all day, every day, for decades. Whatever you’re doing, wherever you’re going, it’ll be with you. For that reason, many couples opt to wear wedding rings that are made from hard and durable – and therefore more expensive – metals.
So, while you may be able to pick up a pair of silver wedding bands for less than £150, because silver is so soft it’s prone to scratches and dents, and can even become misshapen over time.
Meanwhile, stronger metals, such as platinum or palladium, may cost three or four times this amount but are far less likely to become damaged.
Ruby from Lebrusan Studio explains why luxury ethical wedding bands in particular can cost so much, but are definitely worth it if you have the budget:
“In this instance, we may only speak on behalf of our own wedding bands, whose prices we believe to be a fair reflection of the time and skill that goes into making them. Along with ethical sourcing, quality of craftsmanship is one of our top priorities. Committing exclusively to fine materials with sound ethical credentials and 100% local and independent manufacture does not enable us to compete with high street jewellers in terms of price. What we can promise, however, is that our wedding bands are designed and crafted with the utmost care and attention, brought into fruition with the purpose of serving as long-standing heirloom jewels to be passed down from one generation to the next.”
How does the metal type affect the cost of a wedding ring?
The type of metal you pick for your wedding bands will dramatically alter the price you’ll pay. Choosing the right wedding ring takes thought and consideration. The price of precious metals fluctuates, but below is a rough idea of what you might pay for a few popular choices.
| Metal type | Typical cost (UK) |
|---|---|
| Titanium | From £50 |
| Silver | From £70 |
| 9ct Gold | £150–£400 |
| 18ct Gold | £300–£700+ |
| Platinum | £350–£550+ |
Titanium
Titanium is one of the most affordable wedding ring metals available and is popular with couples looking for budget wedding rings in the UK. It’s lightweight, durable and highly scratch-resistant. Prices typically start from around £50, making it a great option for those prioritising cost.
Silver
Silver wedding rings are another budget-friendly option, with prices starting from around £70. While silver is a precious metal, it’s softer than gold or platinum, meaning it can scratch or dent more easily over time. For this reason, it’s often chosen for lower-cost or occasional-wear rings.
Gold
A plain 9ct white gold wedding ring typically costs between £150 for a 0.5cm band and £400 for a 0.7cm band. The variation in price depends on the amount of gold used and the carat weight.
9ct and 18ct gold are the most popular choices, with 18ct gold costing more due to its higher gold content and richer colour.
Platinum
Platinum is the most durable wedding ring metal and is highly resistant to wear, which is why it’s also the most expensive option. A 0.2cm platinum band typically starts from £350, while wider bands can cost £550 or more from high-street jewellers.
What is the most expensive type of metal for a wedding ring?
Ruby from Lebrusan Studio shares her expert insights and explains about the cost of different types of metal in more detail:
“The greater the pure gold content in a gold alloy, the higher the caratage. In other words, whilst 18ct gold is 75% pure gold and 25% other metal, 9ct gold consists of 37.5% pure gold and 62.5% other metals. The higher the carat weight, the greater the price, with 18ct gold generally tending to cost around twice as much as 9ct gold.
Here at Lebrusan Studio, we offer three types of gold with different provenance stories. Our recycled gold affords our clients the opportunity to minimise their environmental impact by utilising material already above-ground. Priced the same as ‘industry standard’ gold, it’s our cheapest option. Meanwhile, our Fairtrade Gold is a little more expensive because it can be traced right back to its artisanal source, with a proportion of the money we pay for it ensuring safe working conditions, financial security and educational, medical and environmental investment in the miners and their communities. Similarly, our Fairmined Ecological Gold – our most expensive gold option – fulfils the same purpose of championing and supporting artisanal miners, but is extra special because it’s extracted without the use of any mercury or cyanide whatsoever.
In spite of a historic dip in recent years, platinum just about remains a more expensive option than gold. This can be attributed to its relative rarity and its density, as precious metals are often priced by weight. Although white gold, which is almost identical to platinum in appearance, is cheaper, platinum comparatively requires very little maintenance over the years, so is arguably a reliable investment.”
What other factors can affect the cost of a wedding ring?
Just like when it comes to choosing any other piece of jewellery, there are many factors that will affect exactly how much your wedding rings cost.
- Design – Many couples choose a simple band, but this isn’t a requirement for your wedding rings. The more intricate the design, the more it’s likely to cost.
- Size – The thicker the band, the more metal it requires and therefore the pricier it will be.
- Brand/retailer – Rings from high-end brands and retailers, such as Tiffany&Co., will cost more than most online or high street retailers.
- Season – During periods of high demand, such as the spring and early summer, costs can fluctuate.
- Customisation – Many couples choose to personalise their wedding bands with a meaningful engraving, or the fingerprint of their beloved on the inside. Due to the time and expertise required, this will increase the cost.
- Stones – It has become an increasingly popular option for brides and grooms to go for diamond set rings, as they can add a bit of sparkle to a simple band. These are priced similarly to engagement rings, depending on the metal that you choose and the cut, carat and clarity of the diamonds you wish to include. To give you an indication of prices, an 18ct white gold ring with approximately 0.15ct of diamonds in a half-band design typically costs in the region of £350 to £650 from UK jewellers, with many common designs starting around £600–£650.
Wedding Ring Costs FAQ
Do wedding ring prices apply per ring or per couple?
Wedding ring prices are usually quoted per ring, not per couple. This means the £1,057 UK average typically refers to the combined spend on both partners’ rings, though individual ring prices can vary depending on metal, width and design.
How much is a wedding ring in the UK?
Wedding rings in the UK cost around £1,057 per couple on average, though individual rings can range from under £100 to several thousand pounds depending on metal and design.
What is the cheapest metal for a wedding ring in the UK?
Titanium and silver are typically the cheapest wedding ring metals, with prices starting from around £50–£70.
Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook
Here at Bridebook, we have a fabulous range of jewellers so you and your partner can find your perfect wedding bands. Sign up today and begin your planning journey!
You Might Also Like…
- The Ultimate Wedding Budget Breakdown
- The Average Cost of a UK Wedding in 2026 is £20,604
- Saving Tips: Wedding Accessories
- How Much Does a Wedding Dress Cost? The 2026 Average Revealed
Happy Planning!
Related articles
