7 Genius Tips for How to Save Money on Wedding Rings
If you are looking for practical ways for how to save money on wedding rings, you are in the right place!
In this post, I’ll share simple and practical tips to help you find beautiful wedding rings (or wedding bands) that fit your budget.
Let’s get started!
1. Compare Prices at Non-Traditional Retailers
You don’t have to shop at fancy jewelry stores to find the perfect wedding ring. Non-traditional retailers like Etsy and Amazon are my go-to places for beautiful and affordable rings and jewelry. Here’s why:
Why I Love Etsy
- Support Small Businesses: Many Etsy sellers are small, home-based businesses, so your purchase helps support their craft.
- Unique Designs: You’ll find handmade, one-of-a-kind rings that feel personal and special.
- Budget-Friendly Options: There are rings for every price range, with many stunning pieces under $100-$200.
- Custom Orders: Some sellers offer customizations to make your ring even more unique.
Why Amazon is a Great Option
- Wide Selection: Amazon has tons of wedding ring styles at lower prices than most jewelry stores.
- Quick Shipping: If you’re in a rush, Prime shipping can be a lifesaver.
- Customer Reviews: Read reviews to make sure you’re getting a high-quality ring that others love too.
Other Non-Traditional Retailers to Check
- Costco: Known for great quality and competitive prices on gold and diamond rings.
- Walmart: Affordable options for simple, everyday bands.
- Local Online Marketplaces: Sites like Facebook Marketplace sometimes have great deals on gently used rings.
Shopping at these retailers not only saves you money but also opens up a world of unique designs and possibilities. Take your time, read reviews, and don’t be afraid to explore your options!
2. Go for Alternative Metals
If you’re looking to save money on wedding rings, consider skipping traditional gold or platinum and trying alternative metals instead. They’re just as beautiful, incredibly durable, and much easier on the budget.
Great Alternative Metals to Consider
- Tungsten: Strong, scratch-resistant, and perfect for simple, modern designs. Bonus: It’s super affordable.
- Titanium: Lightweight, hypoallergenic, and has a sleek, polished look. It’s a great choice for sensitive skin.
- Cobalt: Durable, shiny, and gives off a similar vibe to white gold or platinum without the hefty price tag.
Why Alternative Metals Are Worth It
- Budget-Friendly: These metals are much cheaper than gold or platinum, freeing up money for other wedding expenses.
- Durability: They’re tougher and more resistant to scratches, making them great for everyday wear.
- Stylish Options: From matte finishes to polished looks, there’s no shortage of beautiful designs to choose from.
If you’re open to trying something new, alternative metals are a smart way to get a gorgeous wedding ring without overspending!
3. Repurpose a Family Heirloom
Using a family heirloom for your wedding ring is a beautiful way to save money and add sentimental value. Whether it’s a ring from a parent, grandparent, or another loved one, there are so many ways to make it your own.
How to Repurpose a Family Ring
- Resizing: Take it to a trusted jeweler to make sure it fits perfectly.
- Custom Engravings: Add a meaningful date, initials, or a special phrase to personalize it.
- Redesign: Work with a jeweler to update the style or combine elements from multiple rings into one.
- Add or Remove Stones: Swap out gemstones or add a new one to reflect your personal style.
Why This is a Great Option
- Cost-Effective: You save money by using an existing ring instead of buying new.
- Sentimental Value: It carries a meaningful connection to your family history.
- Eco-Friendly: Repurposing a ring is a sustainable choice that reduces waste.
If you’re lucky enough to have a family heirloom, don’t hesitate to give it new life as your wedding ring. It’s a meaningful and budget-friendly option!
4. Choose a Simple Design
Sometimes less really is more, especially when it comes to wedding rings. Choosing a simple design is one of the easiest ways to save money without sacrificing style.
Why Simple Wedding Bands Work
- Timeless Look: A plain band never goes out of style and pairs beautifully with other jewelry.
- Affordable: Rings without intricate details or stones cost much less to make, which means savings for you.
- Practical for Everyday Wear: Smooth, simple designs are comfortable and less likely to get scratched or damaged.
How to Personalize a Simple Band
- Engrave It: Add a special message, initials, or your wedding date inside the band.
- Mix Metals: Choose a two-tone design to make it unique while keeping it simple.
- Finish Options: Go for a matte, polished, or brushed finish to match your style.
A simple band is elegant, budget-friendly, and easy to make your own. It’s proof that classic doesn’t have to mean boring!
5. Consider Lab-Created Diamonds or Skip Gemstones
Diamonds are beautiful, but they don’t have to blow your budget. Lab-created diamonds or going completely gem-free are smart ways to save money while keeping your ring stunning.
Why Choose Lab-Created Diamonds
- Affordable: Lab-grown diamonds cost up to 50% less than mined diamonds for the same size and quality.
- Eco-Friendly: They’re more sustainable and don’t require mining, which is better for the planet.
- Identical Look: Lab-created diamonds are visually the same as natural diamonds—no one can tell the difference.
Why Skip Gemstones Altogether
- Budget-Friendly: Gem-free rings are often the most affordable option.
- Minimalist Style: A sleek metal band looks timeless and pairs well with any outfit.
- Low Maintenance: No stones mean no worries about them loosening or needing repairs.
Whether you choose lab-grown diamonds or skip the stones completely, these options keep your ring elegant and your wallet happy.
6. Downsize to Lower Karat Gold
Choosing a lower karat gold, like 14k or 10k, is a simple way to save money on wedding rings without sacrificing quality or style. Here’s why it’s worth considering:
Cost Savings
- Affordable: Lower karat gold contains less pure gold and more alloy metals, making it significantly cheaper than 18k or 24k gold.
- Big Savings: A 14k gold ring can cost 30-50% less than an 18k gold ring of the same design.
Durability
- More Durable: Lower karat gold is harder and more scratch-resistant because of the added alloys.
- Perfect for Everyday Wear: It’s less likely to bend or damage over time, making it ideal for long-term use.
Appearance
- Looks the Same: To the naked eye, there’s almost no difference between 14k, 10k, and higher karat gold.
- Minimal Color Change: Most people can’t tell the difference unless they compare rings side by side.
Allergy-Friendly Options
- Hypoallergenic: Many 14k and 10k options are safe for sensitive skin, depending on the metals used in the alloy.
Customization Potential
- Extra Savings for Personalization: Use the money you save to add custom engravings or other unique details.
Switching to lower karat gold gives you a beautiful, durable ring at a fraction of the cost, making it a smart and practical choice!
7. Wait for Seasonal Sales
Timing your purchase around seasonal sales is a smart way to score a beautiful wedding ring at a fraction of the price. Many jewelers offer steep discounts during these times, so it’s worth planning ahead.
Best Times to Shop
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Some of the year’s biggest discounts on jewelry happen during these shopping events.
- Valentine’s Day Sales: Jewelers often run promotions leading up to Valentine’s Day—perfect timing for wedding rings.
- Holiday Weekends: Keep an eye out for deals on Labor Day, Memorial Day, or Fourth of July sales.
How to Stay in the Loop
- Sign Up for Email Lists: Many jewelers send exclusive discounts and early sale alerts to their email subscribers.
- Follow Social Media: Retailers often announce flash sales and promotions on their social channels.
- Set Price Alerts: Use online tools to monitor prices and get notified when they drop.
Seasonal sales can save you hundreds on wedding rings if you shop smart and keep an eye on those deals!
More Money-Saving Wedding Planning Tips
Here are a few more tips on how to save money when planning a wedding:
