Wedding Planning Timeline: When to Shop for Rings and Jewelry

If there’s one thing we’ve learned from helping countless couples, it’s this: don’t wait until the last minute to shop for your wedding jewelry. Between proposals, wedding bands, and bridal accessories, your jewelry timeline can make or break a stress-free planning experience.

Here’s a guide to help you know exactly when to start each step:

1. Engagement Ring: 2–3 Months Before the Proposal

If you’re planning to propose, give yourself at least two to three months to shop for the perfect engagement ring. Here’s why:

• Time to research: Choosing the right style, metal, and stone takes time.
  

• Customizations take longer: If you want a custom design or need to resize the ring, the process can add a few extra weeks.
  

• Don’t feel rushed: Shopping ahead allows you to make a thoughtful decision rather than settling for what’s available immediately.
  

If you’re nervous about ring size, we can help you estimate it (and resize later if needed).

2. Wedding Bands: 3–4 Months Before the Wedding

Once the engagement ring is secured, start thinking about wedding bands. This should happen at least three to four months before your wedding day.

• Many couples want matching or complementary sets, and finding the perfect pair can take time.
  

• Custom engraving, resizing, or ordering special metals/gemstones can add weeks to the timeline.
  

• Shopping early also allows for any adjustments if the rings don’t fit perfectly.
  
  

Bring your engagement ring when shopping for bands to see how they’ll stack together.

3. Bridal Jewelry & Accessories: 6–8 Weeks Before the Wedding

Think about the jewelry you’ll wear on your wedding day, from earrings and necklaces to bracelets and hair accessories.

• Shop 6–8 weeks before the wedding so you can coordinate your jewelry with your dress and hairstyle.
  

• This gives you time to make any changes if the pieces don’t match your final look.
  
  

4. Gifts for the Wedding Party: 1–2 Months Before

If you plan to gift jewelry to bridesmaids, groomsmen, or parents, shop about one to two months before the wedding. This gives you time for personalization and packaging.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, waiting too long to purchase wedding jewelry can cause unnecessary stress. Here are the most common issues couples run into when they delay:

• Shipping delays: Rings and jewelry often need to be ordered, and shipping can take weeks—especially for custom or imported pieces.
  

• Resizing needs: Rings rarely fit perfectly the first time. Resizing can take days or even weeks, depending on the design.
  

• Limited inventory: Popular styles and metals can sell out quickly, and you may have fewer options if you wait too long.
  

• Customizations take longer than expected: Engravings, unique stone settings, or bespoke designs can add several weeks to the process.
  

• Last-minute stress: Wedding planning is already busy. Leaving jewelry to the last minute adds unnecessary pressure and limits your choices.
  
  

Why Starting Early Matters

Jewelry is a deeply personal part of your wedding story. The right timeline gives you breathing room, helps you avoid rush fees, and ensures you end up with pieces you truly love.

Bottom line:

• Engagement ring: 2–3 months before the proposal
  

• Wedding bands: 3–4 months before the wedding
  

• Bridal jewelry: 6–8 weeks before the wedding
  

• Gifts: 1–2 months before the wedding
  
  

Ready to start shopping? Whether you’re choosing the engagement ring that begins your story or the wedding bands you’ll wear forever, our team is here to guide you through every step.