Wedding Jewelry Checklist: What to Buy and When

Wedding jewelry is easier to plan than it looks, as long as you work backwards from the date.

12+ months out

• Engagement ring — allow 2–4 weeks for made-to-order, longer for bespoke
• Decide on wedding band style and whether it should sit flush

6 months out

• Order both wedding bands — allow time for sizing and engraving
• Choose bride's day jewelry: earrings, necklace or bracelet
• Confirm whether you will wear the engagement ring during the ceremony

3 months out

• Bridal party gifts — matched pendants or studs are the safe choice
• Final sizing on all rings; resizing takes 1–2 weeks
• Confirm engraving text and spelling — this is the most common last-minute mistake

1 month out

• Clean everything and have prongs checked
• Photograph each piece for insurance
• Pack a small jewelry kit for the day: polishing cloth, spare earring backs

Day-of essentials

A polishing cloth, spare backs, and one person responsible for holding the rings. That is genuinely all you need.

Start with bands or a custom bridal set.