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Timing Is Everything: When to Buy Your Wedding Ring

June 15th, 2024

A married couple’s hands lay on top of each other with matching bands.

When planning your wedding, timing the purchase of your wedding ring is crucial— not only to ensure a seamless lead-up to your big day, but also to potentially capitalize on cost savings during the actual purchase. Shopping well in advance can alleviate last-minute stress and provide ample time for customizations or adjustments if needed. However, when it comes to the “right” time to purchase your wedding ring, that can vary from couple to couple. Others may want to buy their wedding ring during less busy shopping periods, such as early spring or late summer, when jewelers may offer discounts or sales. By strategically timing your purchase, you can secure the perfect ring that symbolizes your love without compromising on quality or overstretching your budget.

A bride rests her hands around her groom, showing off her rings.

With the Engagement Ring

Shopping for your wedding band alongside your engagement ring offers numerous benefits, and can be a deeply meaningful experience for couples. Coordinating both rings at the same time ensures a perfect match in style, metal, and design, creating a seamless and harmonious look that is certain to turn heads. This approach also allows you to see how both rings fit together on your finger, which is especially important if you're considering a custom design, a unique fit, or a more ornate design. Additionally, purchasing both rings from the same jeweler may provide opportunities for discounts or bundled deals.

A groom slips a wedding band on his bride’s ring finger.

1 Year Before The Wedding

This early start gives you ample time to explore a variety of styles, metals, and jewelers, ensuring that you find the perfect ring that resonates with your personal taste, as well as your budget. A year-long lead time is particularly beneficial if you're considering a custom design, as it allows for a thorough consultation process with the jeweler, ample time for detailed crafting, and any necessary adjustments to perfect the design or fit. Moreover, securing the ring well in advance eliminates one of the major tasks on your wedding checklist, allowing you to focus on other aspects of wedding planning with peace of mind.

A groom holds two glasses of champagne as his bride is on his arm.

6 Months in Advance

Striking a perfect balance between preparedness and flexibility, shopping for your wedding ring six months before your big day may be ideal for you. This time frame allows enough leeway for key adjustments, such as resizing or even minor customizations you might decide on after the initial purchase. Six months is particularly advantageous if you encounter any unforeseen issues with the fit of the ring, as resizing can sometimes take several weeks depending on the ring’s complexity and the jeweler's workload. Additionally, this period provides sufficient time to rectify any discrepancies in the ring's design, or to make changes that better suit your taste or comfort. 

A groom slips a ring on his bride’s finger during a ceremony.

Less than 6 Months

While not always a great idea, shopping for your wedding band less than six months in advance can be highly advantageous, particularly for ensuring the ring aligns with your current style preferences and the latest trends. This narrower time frame allows you to stay up-to-date with the most recent developments in jewelry design, and to select a band that truly reflects your personal taste at the moment. Within this period, you can also thoroughly research and explore a variety of designers, materials, and styles. Additionally, this shorter lead time keeps your choices fresh and exciting, making the selection process a more immediate and engaging part of your wedding preparations.

A display of men’s wedding bands.

Buy Your Wedding Bands at Clarkes Jewelers

When it comes to finding the perfect wedding bands, Clarkes Jewelers is a treasure trove of exquisite options. As a premier Shreveport jewelry store, we offer a wide array of wedding bands that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Located in the soul of Louisiana, our family-owned store combines personalized service with an exceptional selection, ensuring that every couple finds a set of wedding rings that symbolizes their unique bond. Whether you're looking for something classic, contemporary, or custom-made, visit us today and make your wedding bands as memorable as your upcoming special day.