How to Buy the Engagement Ring of Her Dreams…Online

Contributed by: Jim Allen, JamesAllen.com

To a woman, an engagement ring is a symbol of love, devotion and enduring commitment. She has secretly been thinking about the ring for years, so making the proper choice is key – but don’t panic just yet. Shopping online offers the ability to get what she wants, or more, for a fraction of what you would pay at retail. There are plenty of sites out there that will give you all the information you need to select the perfect diamond and setting, but let’s review the basics for now.

The diamond is the ring’s centerpiece, its focal point, making it the most important part of the ring. Cut is the most significant factor, as a well-cut diamond will offer the most brilliance. Color and clarity are personal preference, but remember: all she, and you, will be asked about is the carat weight and how much it sparkles. Putting more emphasis on cut and size and less on color and clarity (while still making sure the diamond looks white and is clear of visible inclusions) will make for a happier bride-to-be!

If you’re undecided about what setting to select to hold the diamond you just spent two weeks (or months) picking out, consider this: 81% of women surveyed said they wanted platinum. Gambling men everywhere are jumping on the platinum bandwagon with odds like that! With all of platinum’s benefits working in your favor, what’s not to love: platinum’s a stronger metal that holds its value longer and requires less maintenance. Gentlemen, we have a winner! She shouldn’t be the only lucky one, though – you deserve platinum as well! You work hard and play harder, so you need a ring that will stand up to your active lifestyle.

JamesAllen.com guides you through the purchase process before, during and after the sale: real magnified images, stunning 3HD renderings of over 1,000 platinum settings and wedding bands, a 60-day return period, along with one free resize and one free FedEx label within that same timeframe. Their knowledgeable customer service staff is also available to answer questions 24/7, so they can talk when you can – when she’s not around!

From here, your lives are going to be full of compromises – don’t compromise on your rings. They are all that will remain when the wedding is over, and will be a constant reminder of your love. Start your lives together right: make the platinum choice.

To view platinum engagement rings to fit your budget, visit www.preciousplatinum.com and www.JamesAllen.com

The Most Creative Wedding Invitation You’ll See All Day

We’ve highlighted some creative wedding invitations before, but never anything quite as unique as this. These were the invitations sent by Amy and Casey whom you may remember from their secret marriage proposal video we featured last year. I love these invitations. The couple are both artists and put their own flair on all aspects of their wedding.

They collected scores of old books and screen printed the “Casey & Amy” design on each one and used the library theme for their RSVP cards on the reverse side. Did I say that I loved these yet? I love ‘em.

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Why You Might Want to Consider Hiring a Wedding Planner

Planning a wedding can be a stressful time. The last thing many couples want to do is obsess over the particulars and manage details. Thus, more and more couples are hiring a wedding planner to handle their special day.

It’s true. Wedding planners are no longer just employees of the rich and famous. With affordable pricing and many industry connections, a wedding planner could actually end up saving you money.

photo by Jonathan Timmes via Northern Virginia Magazine

So, what are some of the benefits of hiring a wedding planner?

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Q&A With Jewelry Designer Simon G.

Simon G. Jewelry is a family operated company established in 1980 with the promise of combining old-world tradition and the pursuit of perfection. Simon G.’s modern workshop produces some of the world’s most innovative platinum jewelry.

We asked President and Head Designer Simon Ghanimian (aka. Simon G.) about his wedding jewelry collection.

Q: What is your biggest inspiration when designing a new engagement or wedding ring style?
A: My biggest inspiration is feedback from my customers. I want them to smile every time they look at their engagement and wedding ring. I spend a lot of time reading emails from customers and meeting them at our trunk shows around the country.

Q: How do you get inspiration when designing platinum engagement rings?
A: One of my most favorite activities is designing platinum engagement rings because of the metal’s durability and brilliant white color. I’m inspired when I meet couples that share their love story and want to express their relationship with an enduring platinum ring.

Q: Out of your collections, which piece is the most significant to you?
A: Out of all of my bridal collections, my most favorite piece would definitely have to be the platinum and cushion cut diamond engagement ring. This ring is so simple yet has such captivating elegance that is almost inescapable. And the fine detailing would only work on platinum.

Q: In all your years of experience, what would you say is the most important element in buying an engagement ring/wedding band and why?
A: Forget about what’s “trendy” and focus on the style that best represents you. I want you to wear your ring every day for the rest of your life, so pick a design that suits your personality.

Q: Do you have any tips for men who are looking to purchase an engagement ring? Or couples purchasing wedding bands?
A: Get your soon to be bride the ring that that she wants, not necessarily your style preference. She will most likely prefer a platinum setting since it makes the diamond sparkle brighter. Don’t be afraid to ask her for style hints, if she hasn’t already provided them. For example, does she prefer a modern or vintage style? Ask her what celebrity engagement ring she loves. You can still surprise your girlfriend with a special engraving inside the ring to commemorate the moment. For wedding bands, I urge brides to select a ring that feels comfortable, especially if she’s wearing the band with her engagement ring. Grooms typically prefer the heavy weight and patina of platinum bands. Most importantly, don’t leave ring shopping until the last minute!

To view platinum engagement rings and wedding bands from Simon G. Jewelry, visit www.preciousplatinum.com/designgallery

5 Wedding Planning Tips to Keep You Organized (and Sane)

Now that you’ve said “YES,” your post-proposal glow is probably beginning to fade as you flip through that overwhelming, 500-page wedding idea guide. It’s true that planning a wedding is no small task but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it. So, take a deep breath and read on for some simple tips on planning the most important (wink, wink) day of your life.

photo via Southern Event Planners

1. Have a Vision

If you have a clear picture of what you want your wedding to look like, it’ll be that much easier to make it a reality. Do you envision getting married in an intimate garden setting or in a grand ballroom? Is your dream reception made up of close family and friends or is it a 500-plus event? Before you make any appointments or pay a single deposit, get your creative juices flowing. Scan bridal magazines and then jot down details of what your perfect day would look like. Knowing the big picture of what you want will prevent you from becoming overwhelmed by details during the planning process.

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Weddings by the Numbers (Infograph)

The wedding industry brings in over $71,795,327,100 annually….yes, that’s $71 billion! Have you ever wondered how that breaks down and where you fall within the norm? We’ve gone ahead and crunched the numbers to see exactly how it all plays out. How do you stack up?

One of the more interesting points is that the actual expense is $10,000 higher than the average budget. What is your budget and do you think you’ll be able to stay within it?

Don’t forget to follow @BridePOP on twitter and facebook.com/bridepop

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Creative Wedding Favors on a Budget

Wedding favors are a small way to thank your guests for taking the time (and money) to celebrate your special day. But more than that, favors can be a creative and fun way to make your wedding unforgettable in the minds of your guests long after the “Just Married” car drives off.

Unfortunately, wedding favors can get expensive. “Our guest list was nearly 200 people,” says Charis Fischer, “so even spending ten dollars on each favor can get expensive fast.”

this beautiful photo is from Brides of Oklahoma

Here are a few suggestions for wedding favors that will impress the guest list without breaking the bank.

• Start Cooking! For their wedding, Adam Ralko and Charis Fischer baked cookies for their guests.  “I think the key is personalized favors,” says Fischer. Though the couple married in New Jersey, they made the cookies in the shape of fleurs-de-lis, which is the symbol for St. Louis, where they met.

If you’re not the Betty Crocker-type, try store-bought cookies stacked in vintage jars or wrapped in colored cellophane and ribbon. Check out your local vintage store or Etsy.com for some more one-of-a-kind ideas.

• Think Charitably- For their fall 2010 wedding in St. Louis; Angela Smith and Justin Hartmann donated to the Missouri Humane Society. “We put a dog bone on every place setting, so guests knew about the donation. It made sense for us to donate to a cause we support, and since most of our guests have dogs, they were able to take the treat home” said Smith.

Check out the I Do Foundation, where you can make charitable wedding favor donations to an array of charities, in your guests’ names. Other organizations, like Changing the Present, offer specialized gifts for hundreds of charities worldwide at price points as low as $5. Charitable donations can be made as one lump sum, or tailored to your individual guests’ favorite causes.

• Personalize: Linda and Criss Palacios had a small 2008 ceremony in his native Ecuador, so for their 2010 wedding celebration in her hometown of Cincinnati, their wedding favors were napkin rings and coasters handmade by Ecuadorian artisans, in a fair-trade project with Peace Corps volunteers the couple know.

Melissa and John Kipke created unique favor baskets with guitar-shaped bubbles and packets of daisy seeds at their July 2006 wedding in Athens, Ohio. We wanted things that spoke to who we are. Daisies are my favorite flower, and I thought “plant the seeds of love,” would be cute. John’s mom found the bubbles online and everyone got a kick out of them since John is an avid musician, says Melissa.

Pick small items that reflect your personalities or shared interests. Consider personalized wine toppers, or monogrammed fans for outdoor weddings or customized boxes filled with your favorite popcorn, candy or nuts.

• Think Big: Instead of individual gifts, consider giving one gift to the entire reception party.

At their 2008 wedding in Wadsworth, Ohio, Lindsay and Erik Valiante surprised their wedding party with a catered Taco Bell bar around 10pm. “It was the most popular part of our wedding,” says Valiante, “people still bring it up all the time!”

Consider giving one gift to the entire party, like limousine service back and forth to their hotels, a decorate-your-own cupcake bar or a table of assorted chocolates and small bags for guests to create their own wedding favors. Opt for brands like Choxie (at Target) or Hershey kisses over pricier brands to save money.

Do you have some creative wedding favor ideas? If so we’d love to hear about ‘em. Feel free to share them in the comments section below!

Wedding Bands: Your ultimate accessory, long after the wedding

TACORI designers create platinum and diamond wedding bands for the Bride and Groom
that are uniquely united through matching crescent silhouette design elements.

Contributed by our friends at Tacori

Have you made your most important wedding purchase?   Long after your wedding, when the flowers are gone, the cake has been eaten, and the dress safely stored….your wedding rings will be the ultimate visible and lasting symbol of your commitment.

From the wedding day onward, wedding bands are an enduring symbol of eternal passion.  While many brides and grooms plan key wedding items months in advance – it’s importance to place the same amount of serious thought and planning into the purchase of wedding bands.

TACORI designer Paul Tacorian knows a thing or two about timeless designs.  His family business, TACORI, has been designing engagement rings and wedding bands for three generations.

“Wedding rings are a symbol of your marriage that’s with you always,” says Paul Tacorian. “Wedding bands may indeed be THE ultimate accessory of your lifetime.  It’s the mark of a lifelong connection, and your wedding ring will reflect your passion and commitment every day of your life.”

Continues Tacorian, “TACORI prefers to use platinum in any design that is being set with diamonds – from engagement rings and wedding bands to earrings, pendants and bracelets – because the pure white metal reflects the quality of our colorless diamonds best.”

“Also, and this is important – we’ve found that the majority of TACORI brides request platinum for their engagement and wedding rings; and something to think about when purchasing the wedding band is to choose the same metal for your engagement and wedding rings, because these two rings will be sitting together and should have the same metallurgical properties in order to avoid scratches or nicks between the two rings.”

When selecting your wedding band, also consider its long lasting quality. When you say “I Do,” you want your bridal jewelry to last as long as you’re enduring commitment. Because a key property of a platinum wedding band is its durability — it doesn’t ever wear away; making it ideal for rings that will be worn every day or handed down as family heirlooms.

Like your relationship, platinum endures over time, so your rings will look just as breathtaking 10 years from now as they did on your wedding day.

Looking for your Perfect Match?  Simply answering these six questions to find perfect wedding bands that reflect your unique style:  http://www.tacori.com/Perfect-Match-Quiz

To view more wedding band styles from Tacori, visit www.preciousplatinum.com/designgallery

The Next Big Decision: Where to Live in Married Bliss?

You’ve survived the stresses of planning a wedding and getting down the aisle, you’ve enjoyed the bliss and romance of a honeymoon and now you’re overwhelmed with the excitement of officially beginning a new life together.  You’re finally entering into this new, fairytale life of being a newlywed.

Congratulations! Now, enters the real world.

One of the most important and least discussed details of newlywed life is determining the location where you and your lawfully wedded spouse will nurture your marriage.  As newlyweds, there are numerous questions to ask before embarking on this quest for the perfect home.  Are you and your husband in the market to purchase a home? Or, is renting a home something with which the two of you are more comfortable?  Renovation is also a very common move among newlyweds.  Many couples choose renovation so that they can make their new home their “own” without the stress of a huge financial purchase.

Though there are many options to choose from, finding or creating the perfect home for you and your spouse can be stressful and is important.  So, before you throw yourselves into the excitement, be sure to ask yourself some of these questions:

1. Do you want to buy a new home or redecorate one of your existing living spaces?
2. Whose apartment do you redecorate?
3. Can you afford to purchase a new home, or is renting your better option?
4. Is proximity to family important to you or your spouse?
5. Career! Is the commute doable?
6. Children – Now or in the future? Are you in a nice neighborhood with a good school system?

Even under the best of circumstances finding a home is one of the top-five stress producers. Now try adding on the combination of two households and your moving into the top-three!

And, if this is your second wedding and you are preparing to have a stepfamily, learn how to blend a family under the perfect roof from our friends at www.RemarriageWorks.com!

Southern Wedding Venues: Castle Hill Resort

Looking for a picturesque location for your wedding in Oxford, Mississippi?  Castle Hill Resort, formerly known as Colonel’s Quarters, is an ideal venue to host your ceremony, reception and honey moon.  Located just 5 miles outside of Oxford MS, this exclusive inn is set on a beautiful scenic landscape.

The Rebel Room honey moon suite is just one of the seven rooms each with it’s own name and unique decor. All bedrooms have direct access to a wraparound porch to enjoy the view and have easy access to the courtyard and pool.  A fireplace, pool side gazebo, breakfast, common living area and kitchen are a few of the luxuries available to guests at the inn.

The restaurant menu includes only the best southern cuisine you would expect in such an elegant atmosphere.  Shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, eggs benedict and filet mignon are just some of the specialties.

The Castle Hill Resort and Inn offers a wonderful chance to experience true southern hospitality in one of the south’s favorite college towns… Oxford, MS.  Take a look at the gallery of images below to check out this beautiful southern wedding venue.

And you can also check out this other great wedding venue in Mississippi: Fairview Inn