You’ve booked the venue, said yes to the dress, and maybe even nailed down the signature cocktail (margarita, obviously). But now you’re staring at your to-do list thinking, Wait… when do we buy the wedding bands?
You know, the rings—the ones you’ll wear every day for the rest of forever. They don’t seem as urgent as flowers or cake tastings, but they’re definitely not a last-minute decision either. And between balancing fittings, RSVPs, and managing Aunt Linda’s ever-growing list of plus-ones, figuring out the right time to shop for wedding bands can feel like just another mystery in the wedding planning puzzle.
Don’t worry—we’ve got you. Let’s walk through what you need to know (and when you actually need to start thinking about it).
What Are Wedding Bands?
Let’s talk wedding bands! These symbolic rings are exchanged during the ceremony to represent your forever—commitment, partnership, and the promise to stand by each other through thick and thin.
Unlike the sparkle-heavy engagement ring, wedding bands are typically more minimal, though that doesn’t mean they have to be boring.
Wedding bands come in all kinds of flavors—classic yellow gold, sleek platinum, diamond-studded beauties, even custom designs with a hidden message or birthstone tucked inside. Some couples go for matching sets, while others totally embrace their individual styles (and we love that).
Traditionally, they’re worn on the fourth finger of the left hand—a little throwback to the ancient belief in a “vein of love” that runs straight to the heart. Whether you choose something timeless or totally outside the box, your wedding bands are all about your story.
And yes—your wedding band is just as important as the dress, the flowers, and the playlist. Maybe even more.
When to Buy Wedding Bands
Let’s be real—time flies when you’re wedding planning. One minute you’re building Pinterest boards, and the next, your big day is just a few months away. So when should you actually buy your wedding bands?
The sweet spot is about 6 to 8 months before your wedding date. Yep, that early. Why? Because wedding bands aren’t just something you grab off the shelf, especially if you’re thinking about custom designs, engraving, matching metals, or a band that fits perfectly with your engagement ring.
If you’re planning a wedding in peak seasons like spring or fall, jewelers are often swamped with custom orders. Starting early gives you plenty of time to browse, design, resize, and tweak—without the stress of shipping delays or last-minute surprises.
And if you’re doing something totally custom (like a band that curves around your engagement ring or includes heirloom stones)? Bump that timeline up to 8-9 months out, just to be safe. Trust us, it’s worth it.
Bottom line: the earlier you start, the more relaxed—and excited—you’ll feel when the rings arrive. After all, these are the pieces of jewelry you’ll wear every day, forever. Might as well make them just right.
6 Tips for When (and How) to Buy Wedding Bands
Depending on the wedding date, there are several other factors to consider before you begin shopping for bands. Here is a guide to planning your wedding band shopping for 2025.
1. Make an inspiration board.
Before you start the shopping process, take time to gather some wedding band inspo. Start looking at styles—Pinterest is a great resource—and determine your budget for both rings.
Things to consider for a wedding band:
- The metal color. 14k yellow gold has been the star of the show for the past few years, with no end in sight. But mixed metal colors have also been very popular.
- Decide if the bands will be matchy/matchy or stand out on their own. There really are no rules that say wedding bands need to match. Since they will be worn every day, it’s important to choose a band that fits the individual’s style and personality.
- Will you be wearing the wedding band on its own, or with an engagement ring? Some professions will only allow the wearing of a plain band during work (think healthcare settings). That needs to be considered before you begin the shopping phase.
2. Start shopping 6 months before the wedding.
Typically, wedding bands need to be properly sized or even custom-made, which can take some time. Starting your shopping 6 months before the big day allows you to choose the right bands, get them resized if necessary, and make sure that the new piece matches up to the engagement ring perfectly.
If you know you’ll need a custom band to fit up next to your engagement ring, then you should allow even more time (around 8 months) for the design process, creation, and any last-minute adjustments that might be needed.
3. Plan time for special deliveries.
If you have your heart set on a particular designer band or a brand that is in high demand, it’s a good idea to buy the bands early in case of any delays in delivery.
Many jewelers experience longer lead times if they have to order a band around busy seasons (like holidays or wedding season), so it’s better to plan ahead.
4. Determine your wedding band budget.
So many times, the band purchase gets put off until last, but it can be a significant cost and should be part of the overall wedding budget.
Since wedding rings are the one (actually two) things that will live on after the big day, it’s important to plan for that expense first. I mean, no one but you will remember the super expensive, imported floral arrangements for the reception tables, but your wedding bands will be noticed for a long time!
5. Have fun and take your time making your selection.
While planning for a wedding can be stressful, picking out the wedding bands is actually a lot of fun! Remember, wedding bands are meant to last a lifetime, so take your time in choosing the right style that reflects your relationship and personality.
Look at all of the metal options, try on different designs, and test run a few wedding band styles for comfort levels.
6. Buy your bands after the proposal.
Gone are the days when a future groom picked out a “wedding set”—which included an engagement ring and two matching his and her bands—for his future bride.
Today, many couples choose the engagement ring together, but keep the actual proposal date a surprise. But the wedding bands are definitely a couple’s project, done after the engagement.
In short, the ideal time to buy wedding bands is 6-8 months before your wedding. This gives you plenty of time for resizing, customization, and adjustments while avoiding any last-minute stress.
When to Buy Wedding Band: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3-month rule for wedding rings?
The 3-month rule suggests spending three months’ salary on an engagement ring. Don’t fall for it! It’s an outdated marketing idea—modern couples prioritize budget and personal style.
What anniversary do you add a wedding band?
Many couples add an anniversary band on the first, fifth, or tenth anniversary, though there’s no strict rule. It’s a personal choice to celebrate a milestone.
What is the rule when buying a wedding ring?
There’s no one rule, but key guidelines include buying 6–8 months in advance, setting a budget, choosing a style that matches your lifestyle, and ensuring a perfect fit.
Say Yes to the Perfect Wedding Bands with Scott’s Custom Jewelers
You’ve got the partner, the playlist, and maybe even a Millie Bobby Brown Italian Chic-inspired dress saved on Pinterest—now it’s time for the rings. We’ll help you create wedding bands that feel like you. Let’s make your forever sparkle. Shop wedding bands today!