Guest Post by Kristin Sanchez of stellarplanning.com

Engagement rings often steal the show for their glitz and glamour, but wedding bands are naturally the pièce de résistance of a ceremony. Every step in the wedding planning timeline leads up to the all-important ring exchange and the subsequent kiss that seals your marriage.

Thus, shopping for wedding bands is not something to be taken lightly or done at the last minute. You will wear these rings to signify your marriage every day, so you need to ensure that you have enough time to find the right set.

How Soon to Start Shopping

Whether you’re looking for the perfect band to compliment a dazzling engagement ring or just a simple matching set for everyday wear, we advise couples to start shopping well in advance of their wedding date. Allow enough time to browse your options, have your chosen bands sized properly, and add on custom details as needed.

Ideally, you’ll want to start shopping for wedding bands about three to four months prior to the big day. If you and your partner plan to order custom rings, it can take up to two months to deliver depending on your requests, so be sure to prepare accordingly. It’s one of the most major decisions in the wedding planning checklist, so allow yourself enough time to think it through and avoid the stress of last-minute purchases.

Caring for the Rings

Losing the wedding bands prior to the wedding is any couple’s worst nightmare. If timed correctly, you should only have your rings for a few weeks leading up to the wedding. Since you don’t get to wear them yet, you will need to keep them safe until the big day.

Keep your rings in a secure place that, most importantly, you will remember. Whether that’s in a safe or your sock drawer, it should be a place that is easily accessible for you and your partner. As tempting as it may be, avoid bringing it out every day to admire or show off to others — you’ll have plenty of time to display them during the wedding and beyond. Prior to the ceremony, however, they are best kept safe and secure in your special hiding spot.

Tips for Keeping Rings Safe at the Ceremony

When the big day finally arrives and you have your rings ready to go, it’s time to hand them off for the processional. You likely won’t want to entrust your precious wedding bands to a five-year-old ring bearer or your beloved pup from the start, so give them to your wedding planner or officiant and let them handle that when the time comes.

If you don’t have a planner or your officiant is busy, find a trusted adult—like the ring bearer’s parents or a close friend—to hold onto the rings until it’s time to pass them off for the ceremony.

Once it’s time to say “I do” and the bands are lovingly brought down the aisle, you can rest easy knowing that your wedding rings will be safe and sound on your fingers for all the days of your lives.

About Stellar Event Management

Whatever your story may be―a wedding, an anniversary, a corporate affair, or even a shoot that needs styling―Stellar Event Management’s goal is always the same: to seamlessly execute (and beautifully style) a fabulous soirée. Contact them for full-service planning and design or someone to simply coordinate your day-of details at 602.820.3399 or visit their website stellarplanning.com.