Wedding Planning Ideas

Are you a guy that is clueless when it comes to purchasing jewelry?

If you’re confused or if you’re a girl that wants your guy to get a clue…you should follow this advice from theknot.com:

1. Shape Matters Most
Even before those infamous 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat), you must know what shape your future fiancee loves. Shape indicates the actual geometry of the stone, as opposed to cut, which relates to the angles of the facets in the stone.

2. Settings
A quality setting — the metal framework in which your stone is mounted — can set the tone for a ring. A classic round gets a fresh and modern makeover in a bezel setting. A trendy oval can look more traditional in a four-prong setting. Getting the right combo of shape and setting is key.

3. Spy on your girl’s style
The trend these days is for couples to ring shop together, but if you’re more of a traditionalist and looking to surprise her with a ring she’ll love, be sure to do some reconnaissance. You can ask her best friend or sibling for help — and swear them to secrecy. But if you’re set on not telling anyone, pay attention to the jewelry she wears. Is she more of a platinum/silver girl than a yellow gold one? Does she gravitate to vintage jewels as opposed to simple classic pieces? Watch her for a couple of weeks and take mental notes to size up her style.

4. Work your budget well
Throw out that old two month salary myth; you should buy the best ring you can without going into major debt. If she’s a size queen and your budget isn’t supersized, go for a ring with a slightly larger table, or surface, area. You won’t get as much sparkle, but a one-carat ring will look much larger if the stone isn’t as deep. Don’t want to sacrifice the look of your stone? Buying just shy of the next carat (1.8 instead of 2) can equal a savings of nearly 20%. And when it comes to clarity, buying shy gives you the most wiggle room without affecting sparkle (often defects are not visible to the naked eye).

5. Give yourself some time
Remember that once ordered, a ring can take up to six weeks to arrive, potentially longer if you’re having it custom designed. If you want to engrave the inside of the ring, be sure to request the inscription when you place your order.

6. Get it in writing
Diamonds that are one carat or larger should be accompanied by a diamond-grading report. This report should be issued by an independent gemological association, such as the GIA or the American Gem Society. You might also get a “fingerprint” of your ring on the bill of sale, which would include the stone’s 4Cs, shape, dimensions, and any cosmetic enhancements. Also, anything that affects its value — if it was made by a famous designer, is an antique or period piece, or is handmade or custom-designed — should also be noted.

When you choose flowers for your ceremony and reception you want to coordinate the colors and types. Also, you want to make sure you don’t overwhelm your guests with the displays…many people are allergic to certain types of pollen.

Although your “big day” revolves around you and your future spouse…be considerate throughout your planning and you will receive a better response after your wedding!

You and your groom will eventually want to register at various stores, but before you begin this process you should think about a few things…

Here are a few tips from www.theknot.com:

1. Keep your options open!
For example: if you have a Queen size bed now but may eventually want a King, it would be wise to register for King sheets now, or even for both.

2. Don’t get locked into one style.
Even if you register for a patterned comforter and sheets, choose solid color sheets as well that you can mix and match.

3. Do ask for all you want.
This isn’t just the chance to get what you need to set up your household. It’s the chance to ask for your heart’s desire.

4. Don’t neglect your guests.
Remember to register for high-quality guestroom bedding and bath linens so your visitors will feel utterly pampered. You will need extra blankets, pillows, and towels in the closet for their comfort!

5. Don’t let laundry run your life.
Life gets busy. And doing laundry may not be your top priority. That’s why you should have at least three sets of sheets.

Finding the perfect dress can be fun or completely stressful… You will probably look at hundreds of dresses before you choose “the one”, but if you need some inspiration take a look at these designer dresses. These dresses were featured in the 2007 Bridal week fashion show. Many of the dresses had tulle trumpet skirts, velvet ribbon belts and many other accents.

Many brides like to personalize their wedding by purchasing items that say, “Bride” or “The future Mrs. Smith.”
I really like this idea and found a cute Web site where you can find all of these items and more!

If you’re getting married soon…you may want to choose wedding colors that match the season. You and your groom could choose invitations, flowers and other decorations to incorporate a particular time of year.

Here is a link that may be helpful:THE KNOT

This is a great, simple cake for fall!