Wedding Band Price: What You Really Pay in 2025

When you think about wedding band price, the cost of the ring worn daily after the ceremony, often made from gold, platinum, or alternative metals. Also known as wedding ring cost, it’s not just a symbol—it’s one of the biggest line items in your wedding budget. Most people assume it’s simple: pick a band, pay for it. But the truth? The price can swing from under £300 to over £5,000—and none of it has to be that way.

What drives the cost? Three things: metal type, the material the band is made from, like yellow gold, white gold, platinum, or titanium, width, how thick the band is, measured in millimeters, which affects how much metal is used, and craftsmanship, whether it’s mass-produced or hand-finished by a jeweler. A 4mm yellow gold band from a chain store might cost £600. The same width in platinum? Double that. A custom design with hand engraving? You’re looking at £1,500 or more. And if you’re buying matching bands for both partners, that cost doubles again.

There’s no rule that says you need to spend a month’s salary. In fact, most couples in the UK spend between £800 and £2,000 total for both rings. You don’t need a diamond-encrusted band to make it meaningful. A simple, polished platinum band lasts a lifetime. A brushed titanium band is tough, light, and costs under £400. Even a classic 18k gold band can be found for under £1,000 if you shop smart. What matters is fit, comfort, and durability—not how much you spent.

Don’t fall for the myth that bigger carats or flashy settings make a better wedding band. Most people wear their band every day, for decades. You want something that won’t snag on clothes, scratch easily, or turn your finger green. That’s why many are skipping gold altogether and choosing tungsten, titanium, or even ceramic. They’re affordable, hypoallergenic, and hold up better than you’d think.

And here’s something most shops won’t tell you: the markup on wedding bands is often 200% to 400%. That £2,000 platinum band? The materials and labor might’ve cost £400. You’re paying for branding, store rent, and sales staff. Buying online from a direct-to-consumer jeweler or even a local artisan can cut that cost in half—with no loss in quality.

What you’ll find below are real breakdowns from couples who’ve been there: how much they spent, what they got, and what they’d do differently. You’ll see comparisons between gold and platinum, tips on sizing and comfort, and how lab-grown diamonds on bands are changing the game. Whether you’re budgeting for a simple band or planning a custom piece, these posts give you the facts—no fluff, no pressure, just what actually matters when it comes to wedding band price.