Wedding Bands: When To Start Shopping

Wedding bands are a symbol of your union and commitment to one another, so it's important to give yourself enough time to find the perfect one. While there's no right or wrong time to buy a wedding band, it's best not to leave it until the last minute. Most sources recommend starting to shop for your wedding bands three to four months before the wedding and making your purchase around the six-week mark to allow for any alterations and last-minute changes. This is especially important if you plan to customise your rings or add special touches such as engravings. However, if you're planning to wear a bridal set, it's a good idea to purchase both your engagement and wedding bands at the same time.

Start shopping 3-4 months before the wedding

Wedding bands are an important symbol of your love and commitment to one another, so it's a task that shouldn't be taken lightly. While there is no right or wrong time to buy a wedding band, it's best not to leave it until the last minute. It's recommended that you start shopping for your wedding bands 3-4 months before the wedding day. This will give you plenty of time to find the perfect band without feeling rushed.

Starting early is especially important if you plan to customise your rings or add any special touches. Custom designs can take one to two months to complete, and you'll want to allow extra time for any last-minute changes or alterations. If you're engraving your rings, it may take a few extra days until they're ready. If you're adding stones to your band, the width and depth of the metal will influence how feasible this is, and you may need to purchase a setting intended for them.

If you're altering or building on a piece of heirloom jewellery, you'll need to allow extra time for this extensive custom design process. Discuss any design ideas with your partner well in advance, as some spouses may not want to alter or engrave a family heirloom. You should also consider the feasibility of your intended alterations with your jeweller, as certain designs may not be possible if a band needs to be resized.

Starting your wedding band shopping 3-4 months before the wedding will give you time to relax and enjoy the experience. You can make a day of it with your partner, sharing a romantic meal and enjoying each other's company. It's a great opportunity to reconnect and talk about your bands when you're feeling relaxed and reconnected.

Remember, your wedding band is a piece of jewellery that you'll be wearing for the rest of your life, so it's important to find a ring that fits your style and needs as a couple and as individuals.

Allow 6 weeks for last-minute changes

Wedding bands are a cherished piece of jewellery that you'll be wearing for the rest of your life, so it's important to give yourself enough time to find the perfect one. While there's no wrong time to buy a wedding band, it's best not to leave it until the last minute.

Most sources recommend starting to shop for your wedding bands three to four months before the wedding. This gives you plenty of time to find the right band without feeling rushed. If you're planning to customise your ring or add special touches, you may want to start shopping even earlier—up to eight months before the wedding.

Once you've found your dream wedding band, you should make the purchase at about the six-week mark. This gives you a buffer for any last-minute changes or alterations. For example, if you're engraving the rings, it may take a few extra days to get them ready. If you need to resize your ring, most jewellers can do this within a few weeks, but it's better to have a buffer in case they're busy or there are unexpected delays.

If you're ordering custom bands, the process can take at least six to eight weeks, depending on the complexity of the design and the jeweller. So, if you're planning to customise your rings, it's even more important to start shopping early and leave plenty of time before the wedding.

In summary, while there's no one-size-fits-all answer to when you should buy your wedding bands, starting to shop three to four months in advance and allowing at least six weeks for last-minute changes is a good rule of thumb. That way, you'll have plenty of time to find the perfect rings and ensure they're ready in time for your big day.

Custom designs can take 1-2 months

Wedding bands are an important symbol of your union and commitment to one another. They are a cherished piece of jewellery that you'll be wearing for the rest of your life. So, it's important to start shopping for them early. While there is no specific timeline that you need to adhere to, it's recommended to start looking for bands about 3-4 months before the wedding day. This gives you ample time to find the perfect band without feeling rushed.

If you're planning to customise your wedding bands, it's important to keep in mind that custom designs can take 1-2 months to complete. Custom designing a ring is a great option for couples who want something unique and personalised. You could build a ring from scratch or alter an existing piece, such as a vintage wedding band passed down through the generations.

The custom design process allows you to create a ring that reflects your individual style and tastes. You can choose the metal, band size, stones, engravings, and any other special touches you desire. However, creating a custom ring takes time, and you don't want to be rushed or stressed close to your wedding day. Starting the process early ensures that you have enough time for any adjustments or alterations that may be needed.

Additionally, keep in mind that you may need to account for delivery and resizing, which could add a few extra weeks to the process. So, if you're considering custom wedding bands, it's best to start the process about 6-8 months before your wedding day. This will give you plenty of time to create the perfect rings that you and your partner will adore and cherish forever.

Shop in-store, not online

While shopping online is convenient, there are several advantages to shopping in-store for your wedding band. Firstly, you can physically see and try on the bands, helping you make an informed decision. This is especially important for wedding bands as they are a symbol of your love and commitment to your partner. By trying on the bands, you can ensure that you find a ring that fits well and that you feel comfortable wearing.

In-store shopping also allows you to interact with the staff and ask questions about the jewelry. Experienced sales personnel can provide personalized assistance by showing you different options and answering any queries you may have. This can be particularly helpful if you are unsure about the type of metal, stone, or style you want for your band. They can guide you through the process and make recommendations based on your preferences and budget.

Additionally, shopping in-store minimizes the risk of disappointment. When you shop online, you rely solely on pictures and descriptions, which may not always accurately represent the product. In contrast, in-store shopping allows you to inspect the quality and craftsmanship of the bands firsthand. You can examine the details, feel the weight, and assess the overall appearance of the ring on your finger.

Furthermore, if you are considering customizing your wedding band, in-store shopping provides a face-to-face opportunity to discuss your preferences and vision. You can ask questions, see examples, and make adjustments accordingly. This personalized experience ensures that your customized ring turns out exactly as you imagined.

Finally, shopping in a physical store can be a fun and memorable experience. It can be a special outing for you and your partner to browse and try on rings together. You can make a day of it by grabbing lunch or enjoying a romantic activity afterward. This adds to the excitement and significance of choosing your wedding bands.

While online shopping has its advantages, such as a wider selection and the convenience of shopping from home, in-store shopping for wedding bands offers a more personalized, tactile, and engaging experience. It allows you to make an informed decision, ensure quality, and create a lasting memory as you prepare for your special day.

Choose the metal

Choosing the metal for your wedding band is an important decision that should be taken seriously. The metal you choose will impact the ring's appearance, durability, comfort, and price. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the metal for your wedding band:

Style and Aesthetic

Each metal has a unique look and feel. Traditional choices such as gold and platinum offer a timeless and classic look, while alternative metals like titanium and tungsten provide a more modern and stylish feel. Consider your personal style and that of your partner to determine which metal suits your preferences.

Durability

Wedding bands are meant to be worn every day, so choosing a durable metal is essential. Platinum and titanium are known for their durability and scratch resistance, making them excellent choices for long-lasting wedding bands. Gold is also durable, but it may require more maintenance due to its softness. If you lead an active lifestyle, consider metals that can withstand daily wear and tear, such as platinum or titanium.

Comfort

The weight of different metals can affect how the ring feels on your finger. Titanium and tungsten are lightweight metals that offer a comfortable fit, while gold and platinum have a slightly heavier feel. Try on rings made from different metals to determine which one feels most comfortable and suits your lifestyle.

Customization and Resizing

Some metals, such as titanium and tungsten, are challenging to resize due to their hardness. If you anticipate the need for resizing in the future, consider metals like platinum or gold, which are more workable. Additionally, if you plan to customize your ring with engravings or other designs, choose a metal that allows for such modifications.

Maintenance

Certain metals require more maintenance than others. Gold, for example, may need regular maintenance to keep its best appearance due to its softness. Silver is another metal that requires upkeep as it can tarnish over time and needs regular polishing to maintain its shine. If you prefer a low-maintenance option, consider metals like platinum or titanium, which are highly resistant to corrosion and scratches.

Budget

The price of wedding bands varies depending on the metal and other factors such as design and thickness. Platinum is one of the most expensive choices, while titanium and tungsten offer more affordable options. Consider your budget and the features that are most important to you when making your selection.

Remember, the right metal for your wedding band depends on your individual needs and preferences. Take your time, do your research, and try on different metals to find the perfect choice that you and your partner will love and cherish for a lifetime.

Frequently asked questions