My Best Life in Jewelry
Two Sides of “I Do”: Why Engagement Ring and Wedding Dress Shopping
Published: Nov 12, 2025
At its core, bridal fashion revolves around two icons—the ring and the dress. From the moment an engagement is announced, all eyes are on the sparkle. Then, when the big day arrives, the spotlight shifts to the gown. Together, they tell a story of love, style, and identity that every bride makes her own. Though engagement ring shopping and wedding dress shopping may seem worlds apart, they share more similarities than most people realize. Fortunately for me, I have a front-row seat for both.
My name is Elizabeth Thompson, and I have the rare privilege of working in both a jewelry store and a bridal boutique. That means I get to witness the “she said yes” moment twice. Every couple’s journey is beautifully unique, but there are a few fun similarities between choosing the ring and finding the dress that are worth sharing.
The Timeline
We all live in a world of instant gratification. With online shopping, we’ve grown used to quick shipping times. It’s not common that we must wait for anything. The biggest thing people fail to understand, in both the ring and dress world, is the timeline. The likelihood that you will walk into a store and find the perfect design and size is very low. Like I said before, these decisions last a lifetime and there are simply too many variables at play. Because of that, most people prefer some degree of personalization and customization. From start to finish, the ordering timeline for an engagement ring is usually a few weeks. For bridal gowns, it’s not uncommon for production time to take several months. In both ring and dress world, so many people underestimate the timeline. It is important to do your research so you can walk into both arenas armed with realistic expectations.
The Process
Fashion has always been a language of self-expression, and engagement rings and wedding dresses speak it fluently. Although there are many variables to consider before the “yes moment”, the process itself only involves two things: the design and the materials used to execute that design. Many people are familiar with the four C’s of diamonds: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight. A similar roadmap applies to wedding gowns. Choosing your preferred stone shape is just like deciding between an A-line and a fit-and-flair. Finding your preferred fabric is similar to the gold versus platinum debate. Whether it’s more sparkle in a rock or more poof in a skirt, it all comes down to the idea and how we can make that idea come to life. For both the ring and the dress, so many people get overwhelmed with the decision process. That’s why it’s so valuable to shop in person with experienced professionals who can guide, educate, and support you every step of the way.
The Trends
From royal weddings to red carpet debuts, celebrities have long defined the styles brides aspire to for both their gown and their ring. Back in 2011, when Kate Middleton walked down the aisle in her timeless lace-sleeved gown, brides everywhere fell in love with the look. Fast forward to today, and the bridal world is in the midst of a Chantilly lace revival— thanks, in part, to Millie Bobby Brown and her 2024 wedding. The same principle holds true for ring design. When Hailey Bieber revealed her engagement in 2018, her oval-cut diamond sparked an enduring craze for the shape. We saw it again with Selena Gomez’s marquise, and I have no doubt Taylor Swift’s elongated cushion will be the next to capture everyone’s attention.
At the end of the day, both the ring and the dress represent more than just fashion choices. They’re reflections of love stories, personalities, and dreams brought to life. Whether it’s a sparkling diamond or a gown that cascades down the aisle, each holds meaning that lasts long after the wedding day. And while the processes may differ, the joy, anticipation, and emotion behind them are beautifully the same.
At Van Scoy Jewelers of Wyomissing, we understand that your engagement ring is more than jewelry—it’s part of your story. Visit us to explore our bridal collection and let our experts help you find the piece that perfectly reflects your love, your vision, and your “I do.”
My name is Elizabeth Thompson, and I have the rare privilege of working in both a jewelry store and a bridal boutique. That means I get to witness the “she said yes” moment twice. Every couple’s journey is beautifully unique, but there are a few fun similarities between choosing the ring and finding the dress that are worth sharing.
The Timeline
We all live in a world of instant gratification. With online shopping, we’ve grown used to quick shipping times. It’s not common that we must wait for anything. The biggest thing people fail to understand, in both the ring and dress world, is the timeline. The likelihood that you will walk into a store and find the perfect design and size is very low. Like I said before, these decisions last a lifetime and there are simply too many variables at play. Because of that, most people prefer some degree of personalization and customization. From start to finish, the ordering timeline for an engagement ring is usually a few weeks. For bridal gowns, it’s not uncommon for production time to take several months. In both ring and dress world, so many people underestimate the timeline. It is important to do your research so you can walk into both arenas armed with realistic expectations.
The Process
Fashion has always been a language of self-expression, and engagement rings and wedding dresses speak it fluently. Although there are many variables to consider before the “yes moment”, the process itself only involves two things: the design and the materials used to execute that design. Many people are familiar with the four C’s of diamonds: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight. A similar roadmap applies to wedding gowns. Choosing your preferred stone shape is just like deciding between an A-line and a fit-and-flair. Finding your preferred fabric is similar to the gold versus platinum debate. Whether it’s more sparkle in a rock or more poof in a skirt, it all comes down to the idea and how we can make that idea come to life. For both the ring and the dress, so many people get overwhelmed with the decision process. That’s why it’s so valuable to shop in person with experienced professionals who can guide, educate, and support you every step of the way.
The Trends
From royal weddings to red carpet debuts, celebrities have long defined the styles brides aspire to for both their gown and their ring. Back in 2011, when Kate Middleton walked down the aisle in her timeless lace-sleeved gown, brides everywhere fell in love with the look. Fast forward to today, and the bridal world is in the midst of a Chantilly lace revival— thanks, in part, to Millie Bobby Brown and her 2024 wedding. The same principle holds true for ring design. When Hailey Bieber revealed her engagement in 2018, her oval-cut diamond sparked an enduring craze for the shape. We saw it again with Selena Gomez’s marquise, and I have no doubt Taylor Swift’s elongated cushion will be the next to capture everyone’s attention.
At the end of the day, both the ring and the dress represent more than just fashion choices. They’re reflections of love stories, personalities, and dreams brought to life. Whether it’s a sparkling diamond or a gown that cascades down the aisle, each holds meaning that lasts long after the wedding day. And while the processes may differ, the joy, anticipation, and emotion behind them are beautifully the same.
At Van Scoy Jewelers of Wyomissing, we understand that your engagement ring is more than jewelry—it’s part of your story. Visit us to explore our bridal collection and let our experts help you find the piece that perfectly reflects your love, your vision, and your “I do.”