Engagement Rings

When you're engaged, one of the first things people ask is to see the ring.  Engagement rings have been around since the 1400's and are still the most important pieces of jewelry a woman will wear.

When picking out a ring it is typical to spend two months salary.  This mayseem like alot, but rings usually average around $3,500 to $4,000 in a jewelry store.  Depending on your financial situation and the brides style, rings can range in price.  The media is showing celebrities getting five carat rings, but that does not necessarily make it reality.  Choosing a ring should be a romantic, personal choice that should be decided solely on the couples taste. 

Some tips to take before shopping are to have a budget in mind so you don't get overwhelmed.  Having a price decided upon will make the shopping experience much easier and will guide the salesperson in the right direction.  Also, while choosing a ring, think about the "Four C's".  Color, Cut, Clarity, and Carat size are very important while choosing a style.  Make sure you know what the brides style is and have an idea of what she wants, because this is a piece of jewelry that she will wear for the rest of her life. 

Another key aspect that you should keep in mind is the metal type.  Some couples like to match metals for their wedding bands and some want the complete opposite.  Three of the most popular metals are yellow gold, which are the most traditional, white gold, which will match both platinum and silver, and finally, the platinum.  While this metal is the most expensive of the three, platinum is in high demand.  Being the hardest metal and allergy friendly, brides are falling in love with the platinum sets. 

All of this may seem overwhelming, and many of the grooms out there are probably feeling clueless of what to get.  One solution to all of these problems could be to bring the bride along.  Keep an open dialogue and ask what she wants.  It's even okay to bring her along for the shopping process.  Bringing the bride along will help with any confusions and will help you pick out the perfect ring!

If this doesn't seem like the thing for you, tattoo wedding bands are the newest trend that you may....or may not want to look into. 

Staying on Budget While Planning Holiday Events

Staying on budget while planning your holiday event is easy!

The first step to stay on budget is to plan ahead. Giving people plenty of time to R.S.V.P gives you a better chance of receiving an accurate guest list. Knowing how many people are attending is key to knowing how much food and beverages to be purchased.

The next step is to create a list of all the party essentials and basics. Price out everything on the list so price tags don’t become a shock, then you can filter through the items and decide what’s really needed.

Another great way to stay in budget would be to throw the party at home. If the event can be held at the comfort of your own home then that is a sure way to save some extra cash.

The last and most important is to compare prices and find the better deals. Alcohol is one of the top expenses when throwing an e vent. Going non-alcoholic would help you save, but if that’s not a possibility just limit the amount and brands of alcohols you use.

 

Just because you have a budget doesn't mean that you can't still have a fabulous party.  You just have to think outside of the box!

Winter Themed Weddings

Winter themed weddings are a hot trend in the bridal world, but many brides want something new. Creating a menu and venue that resemble the holidays will send guests home in the spirit.

To create the wintery feel, choose different shades of whites and silvers to set the mood. Then by adding candles or flickering lights it will create the ambiance of a lifetime.

As for cocktails and menus; peppermint, butterscotch and cranberry are a few holiday favorites. Adding extra spices such as cinnamon, rosemary and almonds help you achieve the perfect winter taste.

The wedding cake flavors should be rich with colors reflecting the Christmas theme by using whites, blues, deep reds, or rustic greens and browns.

To have the perfect flowers at your winter themed wedding, try some calla lilies or red roses to get that romantic feel.

After the party is over the main goal is to send the guests home with the great memory of your winter wedding. Gingerbread cookies, hot chocolate or mini ice wine bottles are great wedding favors that will have guests remembering forever.