Preparing for Marriage - Dealing With the In-Laws

Preparing for a wedding is fun, after all this is a party, a celebration of two lives coming together. Preparing for a marriage during your engagement is entirely another event; it is not fun, rather it is work. Any time you take two different view points, two different personalities, and two different backgrounds and merge them together, there is bound to be tension. One of the often overlooked areas of preparing for a marriage is dealing with the in-laws to be. They are likely to be involved in your lives going forward so setting the parameters now before marriage decreases the potential conflict.

The new "we". Before you walk down the aisle or go to the courthouse, you should begin the practice of changing your perspective from "me" to "we". More importantly, the "we" means you and your spouse to be, not "we" meaning you and your parents. For some this a hard adjustment as even the most simple of decisions were discussed with your parents, for others this is a no-brainer. Nevertheless, if you begin this process now, before the wedding, your parents are more likely to adjust to the new perspective as well. This is not a perspective that you want your in-laws to adjust to after the wedding as it may cause frustration and resentment. Rather, practice it now. When you say "we", it is only you and your spouse; no parents allowed.

Mine are mine, yours are yours. As a rule of thumb, communication is best received from you to your parents. Parents are more likely to receive good or bad information if given directly from you to them without any interference. You talking to your in-laws can create a question of whether or not their child, your spouse, really agrees with the decision. This question then lives in the minds of your in-laws for the duration of your marriage and will likely be brought up an inopportune time. When the two of you finally agree on an issue, you tell your parents and your spouse tells his/her parents.

Mark your calendars. One of the most common disagreements that an engaged couple find themselves addressing is where to spend the holidays. This may not have been an issue while dating, but when engaged each set of parents are basically staking out their claim on a particular holiday. They know that the plan you set the first year is going to be very close to the one you will follow every year including when you have their precious grandchildren. So plan carefully. Keep one holiday for yourselves, at your house, to begin your own tradition and then divide out the rest amongst everyone else. You don't have to communicate your plan ahead of time but if both of you agree now, there will be less tension later.

Keeping these tips in mind will reduce the in-law tension in your home. Remember, future decisions should involve you and your spouse; not you, your spouse, your parents, and your in-laws. The more people involved in a decision, the more difficult it is to come to an agreement, just look at congress.

Chris Hammond is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern at LifeWorks Group w/ over 15 years of experience as a counselor, mentor & teacher for children, teenagers & adults.

Reprint Permission- If this article helps you, please share it with your own list at work or church, forward it to friends and family or post it on your own site or blog. Just leave it intact and do not alter it in any way. Any links must remain in the article. Please include the following paragraph in your reprint.

"Reprinted with permission from the LifeWorks Group weekly eNews, (Copyright, 2004-2011), To subscribe to this valuable counseling and coaching resource visit http://www.lifeworksgroup.org/ or call 407-647-7005"


Original article

10 Golden Ring Buying Rules

There has always been hundreds, if not thousands, of diamond ring choices available for customers walking into their local jewelers. If it was hard to choose which ring to buy then, nowadays it is even harder as jewelers advertise and sell rings via the Internet. With secure payment technology firmly in place, shopping online for high-priced, big-ticket items such as diamond jewelry has been embraced by consumers throughout the world. Shopping online certainly has its advantages over High Street or mall shopping: it is convenient, fast, (potentially) offers great value and a vast choice for consumers.

So, let's ask the question. With hundreds of thousands of websites and catalogues to choose from, how do you buy a diamond ring without going horribly and expensively wrong? Well, the secret of successful ring buying is actually a bit of no-brainer. You just have to BE PREPARED BEFORE you venture into cyberspace. By following these 10 ring-buying rules, you will be a successful shopper online.

How to Buy A Ring
Give yourself plenty of time to buy your diamond ring - a hasty decision can be costly and hard to reverse.Set a budget - it's easy to get carried away when you view the beautiful, rare and expensive diamonds in the market.Find out about diamonds before you buy them.

Where To Buy A Ring

Use people's recommendations to pick a jeweler.Go online and use search engines such as Google to find an online diamond ring store.If you want to create a custom-made ring, search for 'design your own diamond ring' to find jewelers who can manufacture a ring to your exact requirements.Make sure the jeweler you choose offers a comprehensive service including: knowledgeable advice about the ring you're choosingeasy-to-use communication - telephone calls, email and live chat (messaging)timely responsescertified (GIA) diamonds and jewelryreturns policy, secure shopping, insurance and guaranteesskills required to create or size the ring you want.
Jewelers who use CAD (computer aided design) technology create precise design plans for each diamond ring meaning that before any metal is cast or stone set, a 3-D wax model of the ring can be made ensuring perfect fit. You can view the ring before it's made allowing you to make any adjustments before it's too expensive.

What Ring To Buy
If the wearer of the ring has a favorite ring design, look for a close imitation or ask a jeweler to create something similar based on a picture you send.Decide what type of ring you like (solitaire diamond, three-stone ring, multi-stone ring), the ring metals you prefer (rose-gold, white-gold, platinum, palladium, titanium) and think about the style you like (traditional, contemporary, antique or ethnic).

The secret of successful ring buying is to be prepared. Follow our golden rules before you fork over your cash and you'll end up with the diamond ring you want.

A site like diamondrings.co aims to provide easy to understand information about buying diamonds and diamond rings for the 'Average Joe'.


Original article

Understanding the Basics of Diamond Engagement Rings

Is the big question about to be asked? While you as a consumer may think a diamond is a diamond, there is actually some basic information you should keep in mind when searching for diamond engagement rings. Some of the most beautiful diamond engagement rings meet a set of criteria making them as excellent and valuable as they are. These basics are known as the four Cs of diamonds.

The Carat is Not a Vegetable

Those unfamiliar with gems may thing that a carat is a reference to a root vegetable you can find in the garden. In fact, the carat of the diamond ring is one of the most important parts of the diamond description and quality you can find. Many consumers fall into the trap of labelling their diamond engagement rings as high in quality simply because they have a larger carat. The carat is a unit used to measure a diamond. Every 200 milligrams (0.2 grams) is considered to be one carat. Depending on the cut, which we will get to, the table of a diamond can actually cause it to appear larger than it is. Be sure you are aware of the carat weight of the diamond engagement rings you are considering.

Colour is Not Merely for Rainbows

Have you ever wondered how those diamond engagement rings sparkle so? This is a true sign of grade when it comes to a diamond. The more the diamond lacks in colour or the more purity or whiteness it contains the more desirable it is because it is able to refract light in such a perfect way as to cause great sparkle and shine. That is not to say that coloured diamonds are not beautiful to many, but as far as the value of that diamond is concerned lack of colour is vital.

Clarity is Key to Flawless Beauty

Blemishes and marks can make a persona special and their own person. For diamond engagement rings, blemishes and flaws are not something to be desired. For diamond quality you want diamond clarity and this means a grade level of FL which stands for flawless. Of course, FL diamonds are few and far between. Also considered excellent clarity are VVS and VS.

Understanding the Cut of Diamond Engagement Rings

When you sum up all the factors of carat, colour and clarity you are still left with a basic diamond that is pretty but doesn't really pop. It takes the right cut in order to put the diamond engagement rings in the light and draw a crowd. This is not to say the shape of the diamond is the factor here. Diamonds can be pear shaped, oval shaped, square, rectangular or even heart shaped. The cut of the diamond is the way in which a jeweller cuts into the diamond to use the refraction of the light to the diamonds advantage creating the deepest sparkle possible.

Regardless of your choice in diamond engagement rings you will likely have an easier time of picking just the right one for your someone special by understanding the process and the basics of diamonds. This will allow you to understand what you need to have accomplished in order to achieve the perfect diamond for your budget.

Global Diamonds is your source for the finest in jewellery. Whether you are looking for diamond rings, engagement rings, or a wedding ring, or a specially designed piece of jewellery that you helped create, Global Diamonds has exactly what you are looking for. With skilled jewellers on staff, Global Diamonds creates timeless designs for your special occasion, made to last a lifetime. Visit our website for more information on your next diamond or fine jewellery purchase.


Original article

Design Your Own Diamond Ring

If you are finally ready to pop the big question, you need to make sure the moment is absolutely perfect. This means planning everything down to the very last detail. A unique first step you may want to consider is designing your own diamond ring.

Can I Design a Diamond Ring?

Designing your own engagement ring is not as difficult of a process as it may seem. You can either start by choosing the setting and then selecting a complimentary centre stone and surrounding diamonds, or you can spark your creativity by looking through bridal magazines. You may find several looks you'd like to combine to create one perfectly unique diamond ring. Don't rule that thought out. Many of today's most beautiful engagement rings are created by master jewellers who used ideas or drawings to create a one-of-a-kind ring.

If you're thinking about designing a diamond ring from a setting, here are a few tips and jewellery terms so you'll know what to expect.

Setting - The setting you choose sets the stage for the diamonds and surrounding stones. Yellow gold, white gold, and platinum are the most common settings. Choose a design that will be eye-catching, but will compliment her finger with its size and shape. Sometimes with settings, simplicity is key.
Diamond Cut - Choosing a diamond involves selecting the cut you think she will love the most. A round diamond often has the most lustre and shine. This is simply because the cut is circular and reflects the light uniformly. The round diamond is the most common. Other cuts include marquis, square, oval, and heart shaped.
Diamond Side Stones - With some settings, you can also choose side stones. These are small diamonds that are placed in the band on either side of the main diamond. These stones may only appear once or twice or can circle the entire band, depending on the setting. Gemstones can also be used as side stones instead of diamonds.
Diamond Colour - While most diamonds are transparent and colourless, not all diamonds appear this way. You may be able to choose diamonds that are pink, blue, orange, red, or a variety of other colours. Some are artificially enhanced, while others are natural.
Diamond Carat Weight - The weight of the diamond you choose is important. Decide what's right for your budget as a starting point. Sometimes cost can be kept to a minimum by using an illusion head, which provides the appearance of one single centre stone, but is actually several (usually four) which are set closely together.

Once you have sorted out the small details of your diamond ring, you are set to design the perfect ring for the love of your life. If you are still confused and not sure where to turn, a consultation with a reputable jeweller will help finalize your decisions.

Above all else, remember, this is a gift of love. There are no mistakes. Choose the setting and stones you feel will look best on her and trust your judgment. When you see the appreciation on her face you'll know you made the right choice. Anyone can purchase a diamond ring, but not everyone chooses to design an original.

Global Diamonds is your source for the finest in jewellery. Whether you are looking for engagement rings, diamond rings, precious gems, or a specially designed piece of jewellery that you helped create, Global Diamonds has exactly what you are looking for. With skilled jewellers on staff, Global Diamonds creates timeless designs for your special occasion, made to last a lifetime. Visit our website for more information on your next diamond or fine jewellery purchase.


Original article

How to Arrive At the Best Engagement Proposal Ideas

You can get the best engagement proposal ideas in the simplest of things. Think about it- your proposal needs to be simple and sensitive. It does not need to be elaborate or over the top in order to be effective. After all, a few years down the line- your partner will not really remember how elaborate you made it. She WILL remember the sentiments though! Here are a few marriage proposal ideas that are high on sentiments but low on the details....

• Few women can resist a man who knows his way around the house. Why not base your engagement proposal ideas on something like this? For once- take the burden off her. Clean the house, prepare a lavish dinner (all without her knowing of course!)- and then lay out cute signs that lead her to you! You should be waiting with a ring in your hand of course. If she's like most women- she won't be able to resist you!

• Go for walks often? A beautiful evening through the Central Park can give you just the setting you want for a formal proposal. If simplicity's your forte- this can be just the thing you need. Grab a few Starbucks lattes and go for a walk together- you'll have all the time (and room) in the world for a leisurely proposal! You could even wait for her to get hungry and then give her a walnut to crack. Just make sure you hollow it out beforehand and store the ring inside! It's simple, sensitive- and doesn't require you to invest a fortune!

• A holiday may give you just the chance you need for an engagement proposal. Whether it's New Years Eve, the 4th of July or even Christmas, you enjoy a few advantages already! Your partner's already relaxed, in all probability, and the whole world is celebrating! Why not make a Christmas present out of your ring box? Go for increasingly smaller boxes till the last one reveals your ring!

• Even simple engagement proposal ideas can be fun! Is your partner an incredible gossip? Few women can resist gossip (okay- that's sexist!). But you could get an advantage here. Why not 'leak' your plans to the biggest gossip in her family or circle of friends? Let word get around- till your partner catches a whiff! It's your job to be prepared with a ring at that moment.

Just make sure you're not proposing on someone else's special day. For instance, a wedding or someone else's baby shower is not the right occasion for you to propose marriage to your partner. After all, it is someone else's special day- and the focus should be firmly on that person.

The simple proposal ideas can be the best. Just remember to keep your sweetheart's likes and dislikes in mind when you're thinking about the one that works for you. After all, the best engagement proposal ideas are the ones that say- 'you are special'!

Mark West invites you to find the perfect engagement ring at Wedding Ring Guru. The most affordable wedding ring dealer in the universe!


Original article

3 Myths About Caring for Diamond Engagement Rings

Caring for your engagement ring can be confusing, especially with some of the misinformation and silly myths surrounding this process. If you have a diamond engagement ring, here are a few things you should avoid if you want to keep it safe and as beautiful as the day you received it.

Common Myths About Diamond Engagement Rings

Many women are taught they can care for and clean their diamond engagement rings at home on their own. While these myths may seem as if they can save you both time and money, they can actually cost you more in the long run. Here are a few crazy things some people do to care for their diamond.

The Toothpaste Myth - One popular home cleaner is to use toothpaste to clean your engagement ring. This is supposedly done by using toothpaste and a soft bristled tooth brush to scrub the ring and diamond. However, this method can actually cause a lot of damage. Toothpaste is abrasive and may scratch the gold. Depending on what type of toothpaste is used, it can also leave a build up under and around prongs, leaving your beautiful diamond engagement ring looking dingy and lifeless.
The Myth About Household Cleaners - Some individuals recommend using regular household cleaners like bleach and ammonia to clean rings. While this too may seem harmless, it's not a good idea. Depending on the other metals in your gold, your ring could actually become pitted or damaged by harsh cleaners. Remember, cleaners contain toxic chemicals and chemicals react to metals.
The Boiling Water Myth - Another home remedy used sometimes is boiling water. Many believe if they place their jewellery in boiling water it will be cleaned easily and safely. This too is a myth and should be avoided.

Proper Care for Your Diamond Jewellery

Caring for your diamond rings is important. Any form of build up will cause your diamond to lose its natural sparkle. Don't worry though, it's just temporary. Cleaning and caring for your jewellery correctly will return the lustre to your diamond. Occasionally using jewellery cleaner or a polishing cloth can shine up your diamond between cleanings, but regular trips to your jeweller are advised. Your jeweller will not only clean your jewellery, but may polish the gold and check the prongs holding your diamond to make sure they are not worn or damaged. 

A Few More Mistakes to Avoid with Your Engagement Rings

When removing your rings, make sure you do not place them in harms way. Many women take off their rings while they are doing dishes, washing their hands in public places, or performing other tasks. While this may save them from soapy residue, they can easily be lost down a sink drain. If they are taken off in public, you may also lose them or they may be stolen.
Using ultrasonic cleaning devices is frowned upon by some jewellers. While their powerful vibrations work well for loosening tough dirt, they can also cause your stones to loosen, if they were not secure in the first place
Try not to wear your rings when you are performing exercises that involve weights, working with tools, or performing other tasks that could damage your ring.

Day to day wear can make your engagement rings worn down and dirty. Instead of relying on home remedies, which can often damage your rings, consider spending the time and money to have them cleaned and repaired at regular intervals.

Global Diamonds is your source for the finest in jewellery. Whether you are looking for diamond rings, engagement rings, or a wedding ring, or a specially designed piece of jewellery that you helped create, Global Diamonds has exactly what you are looking for. With skilled jewellers on staff, Global Diamonds creates timeless designs for your special occasion, made to last a lifetime. Visit our website for more information on your next diamond or fine jewellery purchase.


Original article

Marriage Proposal Ideas On The Beach - A Dream Come True?

From a very young age girls are aware of the fact that marriage is the most important thing in their lives; they think about the dress, the cake, the food, jewelry, make up and of course the prince charming itself and of utmost importance is the proposal. The proposal for a woman has a lot more sentimental value as compared to a man; the proposal is a judge of the man she is going to marry. Women make predictions of their lives on the basis of the way they are asked into the sacred bond of marriage.

So, now that we have established the importance of the proposal we can look into ways by which men can woo the women of their dreams into marrying them. I believe the proposal should be romantic, simple and sweet; there is absolutely no need to go overboard and make a public display of affection. A gem of an idea would be to ask the love of your life to get married to you on the beach, I can bet most of the girls fell in love with this idea and went into imaginary worlds thinking about their perfect beach marriage proposal.

So what should you do first if you have a desire to propose on the beach? First of all, plan a romantic getaway weekend; choose a beach resort with a beautiful, peaceful and soothing view. I would say a place with maximum privacy would be a much preferable option than a crowded one. The time for the proposal should definitely be the sunset; the beauty of the sunset is so overwhelming and right at this time when a girl is asked into the commitment of marriage, believe me, it's a dream to come true. However, this special moment can be made a lot more cherish able if you have in hand the perfect ring.

For those of you who can't plan a romantic getaway these is no need to feel disappointed because there are various other marriage proposal ideas on the beach, for example, you could take your soul mate for a late night walk on the beach and when your lady love is least expecting pop the question and take her off guard. Something traditional and conventional would also be an excellent idea to propose, you can take her to a beach side restaurant and after a delicious and luxurious cuisine order wine that would contain the engagement ring for the woman of your dreams.

If you are a sporty and adventurous couple then here is one crazy idea I am throwing towards you, propose under water; plan a scuba diving trip and when your girlfriend is busy admiring the fish and nature under the sea, flash the ring at her and make that day the best day her life.

Mark West invites you to find the perfect engagement ring at Wedding Ring Guru. The most affordable wedding ring dealer in the universe!


Original article

Going Beyond the Engagement Ring

It looks like this is the year of celebrity weddings, with Hollywood superstars getting hitched left and right. But has anyone noticed the headlines? It's all about how big the rock on the engagement ring was, how expensive the wedding gown was, how exclusive the invite was and who were on the guest list.

I know it's a special day and almost, if not all brides, would want it to be the best event in their lives, but from the outside looking in - meaning what's written on magazines and splashed all over the news - it gives the impression that weddings need to break the bank to be considered special. It's important to remember, no matter how trite, that it's always the little things that make the most impression in our memories. I mean have you ever heard old couples talk about how big their wedding were? They'd always talk about how nervous they were or how they cried when they saw their brides walk down the aisle.

It may be very hard to think of different ways to make your engagement or wedding special without spending or overspending as the case may be, but here are some suggestions to get you started.

Plant a Tree. Planting a tree is the perfect metaphor for marriage, with enough love you'll be able to take a small seedling and turn it into a big, strong tree. If you're moving in to your new place and you have a backyard, you can do this together as a sign of a new beginning. You can also adopt a tree in your local community and name it after yourselves and participate in tree planting events together.

It's not just about the ring. Granted that engagement or wedding rings take the cake for being the number one choice of jewelry when expressing commitment, but there are also other types of jewelry that you can do this with. The Dennis bracelet is just a simple one band bracelet with a ball lock at the end and has become a popular choice for engagement gifts. Maybe it's the exclusive production of the Cape Cod bracelet that makes it special for couples.

Get a Ceremonial Tattoo. Although it's not for everyone, the art of getting a tattoo as a sign of the readiness for marriage is very common in some cultures. In Ifugao in the Philippines, women are given tattoos as a sign of their readiness for marriage or as a sign of their maturity to take their place in the society. Explore your lineage and you'll find some form of rites performed during marriage that you may want to incorporate in your life. If you don't have one but still want to get a tattoo, get something that holds a special meaning for the both of you.

Accessories-i-Like is a blog dedicated to fabulous accessories, apparel, footwear and cosmetics. You can also view my fashion mixtapes over at Squidoo. I try to write humorously about glamorous things. And I think the word glamourpuss is silly.


Original article

Why The Diamond Engagement Ring Is A Guaranteed Success

Men face several difficult tasks when proposing; the first is the nerves, and the second is the choice of ring. Unfortunately I cannot help you with the nerves, but I can advise you on the engagement ring.

There are some brides to be who want something specific, so do look out for clues as to what they want. However, if you are left to make the decision on your own then don't panic; there are beautiful rings out there which are guaranteed to be a success.

I am a big fan of the 2 carat diamond engagement ring. There are several reasons for this. The first is the size. I think it is a really practical size for most women. It is all well and good having a huge great stone on your finger, but when you have kids you don't want to have to remove your ring every time you prepare food, change a diaper or feed. I think that big stones are for special rings which get worn on special occasions.

Your next decision is the cut of the diamond. The princess cut has recently grown in popularity. This is a 'squarer' cut which in some cases will make the diamond look bigger than it actually is. This is a very striking cut, but be warned that it doesn't suit all hands. The more traditional cut is the round cut diamond. This is a very pretty diamond and will always sparkle wonderfully.

The final design decision you have is the set for your 2 carat diamond engagement ring. Even if you are going for a simple solitaire on a plain band, you still need to choose the way that the diamond is attached to the ring. One of the earliest ways of attaching a stone to a ring is with a collar. This is still a very popular choice and has both modern and antique associations. The other popular choice is to have a 'claw' setting.

Both the collar and claw setting work well with single diamonds, but they also both lend themselves to having a smaller diamond set either side of the main stone.

The most important thing when you choose your ring, is that you like it. It may sound obvious, but I strongly believe that you will know the perfect ring when you see it. If you really can't find the perfect ring then there is always to option of buying a loose diamond and then getting a jeweller to build a ring specifically for it. You can compromise of the size of the diamond or other details, but never compromise on the impression that the rings gives; this is potentially the most important gift you give, so make sure you are proud of it.

Discover more about the best way to find looses diamonds for sale and other ideas for the perfect 2 carat diamond engagement ring


Original article

4 Engagement Party Etiquette Tips

Engagement parties are great occasions, but people should keep certain etiquette considerations in mind. Here is a quick list of etiquette guidelines for attending an engagement party.

1. Pre-engagement party
The first thing you need to do before you even go to an engagement party is to make sure yourself and your party are dressed properly. Make sure your clothes are pressed, shoes are shined, and hair groomed properly. You should also bring a gift to the party. Appliances are usually great gifts. Things like waffle makers, rice cookers and punch bowl sets are always good. Gift cards are always good as well. If you do not have enough money for a gift make sure you bring a card congratulating the soon to be married couple.

2. Arrival at the party
When you arrive at the engagement party make sure you sign into the guest list if there is one. Make sure to do so in cursive. The next thing you want to do is give your gift and or card to whomever is getting married. They could be busy talking to other people so make sure you are polite and wait your turn. When you are able to talk to either of the hosts of the party, make sure your whole party says hello. After that, you should also say hello to the parents of the soon to be wed and congratulate them.

3. Eating at the party
When you go to eat and you can eat anywhere, sit with your family. If there is no room for you to sit, you can go to a table with other people at it already. Make sure to be polite and ask them if you can take the extra seats. When conversing with other people make sure to avoid talking about unsettling things, be polite despite the attitude of the people you may be talking to and do not use profanities!

If the style of eating is a buffet, make sure you are considerate and take small servings of food. That way, everybody is able to have some of everything. It is okay to come back for seconds after everybody has finished going through the line once. If the style of eating is where you are served a fixed plate, be sure to thank your server and eat everything on your plate. You can ask for seconds after you think everyone has been served. When eating makes sure you use the proper utensils and your napkin. Also, remember to always be polite and do not get drunk! You can enjoy your alcohol, but know your limit.

4. Dancing at the party
Make sure to always dance. If a man, make sure to ask women who are around the dance floor and are alone to dance. If a woman, make sure to always agree to dancing if asked to dance.

Now you know how to maintain proper etiquette when going to an engagement party. Make sure to have fun!

Ricky Dean writes about various topics. For more info on engagement party etiquette, visit Dinosauric.com content sharing site.


Original article

Preparing for Marriage - The Joining of Your Money

One of the hardest areas for most engaged couples to agree is in the area of money and finances. In fact, most divorces are the result of disagreements over money that date back to the beginning of their marriage. Failing to plan for your finances to be joined together during your engagement is a recipe for disaster. There are many financial courses available to you such as Financial Peace University and Crown Ministries both of which lay a solid financial base and should be considered within the first year of your marriage. Until then, here are a couple of potential differences in your financial perspective to discuss and compare notes. By spending time now understanding each other's perspective, some of the tension involving money can be minimized.

Different socioeconomic backgrounds. You may not have grown up in the same zip code or come from the same financial background. Some families tend to be savers and some tend to be spenders, your family's financial background has already influenced your finances. And while your family's perspective on money may be different from you, imagine the tension that can be created if your spouse to be has an entirely different background experience. The discussion topic to have is what is your family's experience with money and how has that experience affected your financial decisions.

Different financial goals. Having financial goals like how much money do you want saved, when and where would you like to retire, and what annual salary are you striving to achieve are just a small sample of goals that you should be discussing. After all, each of you already has a financial goal which should become a shared goal between the two of you. Some financial goals may be more defined and specific than others; one of you is likely to be a bit more detailed. But if your spouse to be says that they don't have a financial goal then their goal is really to allow others, including the financial markets, to dictate their life. This is not a healthy goal upon which two people should be joined.

Different spending habits. More than likely, one of you will be a spender and the other a saver. Determine now who is which and who is going to be in charge of managing your finances. The saver is the best choice for managing the money as they are better at long-term planning then the spender. Both of you should begin now to put together a budget that you can agree on that is consistent with your financial goals. Discuss and agree now on how money will be spent from each paycheck and how much money will be saved. There are many guidelines out there for budgeting but the best one is the one that works for you and is easy to stick with every month.

Different checking accounts. Right now you have different checking accounts and different monthly expenses. Soon you will need to decide how and if the accounts will be joined together into one account or several different accounts. Whether or not the accounts are jointly held, both of you needs to have access to the accounts including the balances at all times. If not, one person may believe that the other is hiding money from them. This breeds distrust and disunity. Discuss now what accounts you will keep at which banks and how to give both of you access to the balances on a monthly if not daily basis.

While there are many more issues to address with joining your finances together, this list is a good place to start as you begin the merging process. It is likely that the above topics will cause some disagreement already but that is precisely what it is designed to do because if you agree on these topics now, it will greatly reduce the tension later.

Chris Hammond is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern at LifeWorks Group w/ over 15 years of experience as a counselor, mentor & teacher for children, teenagers & adults.

Reprint Permission- If this article helps you, please share it with your own list at work or church, forward it to friends and family or post it on your own site or blog. Just leave it intact and do not alter it in any way. Any links must remain in the article. Please include the following paragraph in your reprint.

"Reprinted with permission from the LifeWorks Group weekly eNews, (Copyright, 2004-2011), To subscribe to this valuable counseling and coaching resource visit http://www.lifeworksgroup.org/ or call 407-647-7005"


Original article

Saying Congratulations To A Newly Engaged Couple

Expressing your happiness and your feelings to a newly engaged couple is very important! Words of happiness, love and congratulations for a wedding engagement are best when these words come from the heart. In some cases, people prefer to write a message about the newly engaged couple, however, this can be difficult especially if you are not good with words. Here you can try these simple tips on how to express your happiness for the newly engaged couple. There are simple methods to let them know how much you care for the both of them. However, saying these words can be tricky so if that's the case, you can send them out by using SMS, e-mail, letter, or card.

Couple who will be having an engagement will surely be so happy to hear words of happiness, support, love, and thoughtfulness. There are so many ways to send your engagement wishes for your beloved friends. You may send these messages and wishes through SMS, e-mail, letter, or card. You can even make a designed item for them. You can be creative in sending these wishes to the engaged couple. Here are few of the engagement wishes you could use!

• Friends, congratulations on your engagement! We hope you'll be happy together. Stay in love!

• We wish your life to be as happy as today, on the day of your engagement. Congratulations to you both!

• From this day of your engagement until the forever may your life be full of genuine love! We are happy for the both of you!

• How can you not be in high spirits for people so much in love? Happy engagement! I am happy for you! Congratulations!

• Hold close to life and love in this new stage in togetherness. Enjoy your day!

• Growing old with the love of your life has got to be the greatest and the supreme feeling in the world.

• You've started with the engagement and now it's time for the wedding preparation. I wish you both endurance to get to that special day, and love to last a lifetime! Wish you more love!

• The beauty of love is that you get to share it together. May that love be as strong and lovely in 50 years as it is today on your engagement. Have blissful years ahead!

• Engagement is the moment between two people that makes them truly understand how important they are to each other. This is the time to cherish. Happy engagement!

Get more facts about engagement wishes so you can get more ideas on how to create funny engagement sayings


Original article

Enjoyable Games For Your Engagement Party

The engagement party is a time in the event the families of the couple will get to know one another. In some cases, this could be the first meeting involving the two families or groups of friends and any icebreaker function will be a pleasant event. During that light, whoever manages the engagement party (likely the bride's family, but it can be the engaged couple or others who wants to plan the party) should prepare a few games and activities made to help everyone become familiar with all the others.

Firstly is a trivia game. Come up with a "Trivial Pursuit" type game with questions about the bride and groom's lives. You might keep the questions to just truths and events relating to both the groom and bride (such as "How much time did it take her to say "yes" when he asked","Where did he pop the question", where did they meet, etc), or you can include questions pertaining to their lives outside of each other and before they met each other. Not only can this be fun, but also it's an entertaining way for people to become familiar with each other and the engaged couple better.

One popular icebreaker that's used at business gatherings and company parties can also perform really well at engagement parties. Tape a card to each person's back and motivate him or her to survey the room, associate with everyone and particularly attempt to get to know someone they have certainly not met before. Before getting to someone else, you'll want to make a remark about the person on the card on his or her back. Party-goers write an idea of that person, such as "she seems sweet" or "he knows a lot about the weather".

This icebreaker ends as soon as the interacting session is over. The cards are then read one by one and people not only become familiar with each other better, but have fun with reading all the remarks people put together about them. Aim to ensure that comments are complimentary or somehow presented in a favorable light. Hurtful opinions, obviously, are not applicable. If this is truly the first-time many of the guests have met, then another fun game involving the wearing of cards might be in order. In this game, each guest wears a card on their front that has their name on the front and a number on the back. They don't show to anyone what their number is. Guests entertain and chat and get acquainted with each other over the course of the evening.

Toward the finale of the evening, the cards are flipped over and the number side is shown. Everyone gets a small note and writes the numbers on the paper, then tries to designate the name of someone with their number. This fun game can be hard for people who are bad with names, but it's fun nonetheless. For a procedure that doesn't put people on the spot quite so much, consider letting the already marrieds help out the to-be marrieds. Place two pieces of poster board on the wall and mark them "advice from women" and "advice from men". This is the time to offer advice about wedding planning, not about being married. That advice can come later. Inspire guests to offer their own wedding planning advice where the recommendation from seniors at the party could be different from the younger couples in the group, making enlightening group of comments.

Make her say yes with Cartier engagement rings. With combined years of beauty, art and elegance, Cartier engagement rings will delight her until the wedding day.


Original article

Preparing for Marriage - Two Becoming One

There are many definitions of marriage today with different states and churches adding their own definitions to the mix. You, like I, are each free to follow our own definition of engagement and marriage within the laws of our state. But as for me, I choose to follow the Biblical model of marriage which is a man and a woman united together in a covenant from God (Genesis 2:24). This unity is the beginning of a family unit to which children may be added in the future but it is also a departure from your family of origin. It is in its' very nature a formation of a new relationship, a new bond, and a new unit. To better understand a Biblical marriage, some ground work needs to be laid.

In His Image. Ever wonder why God created man and woman in His image (Genesis 1:27)? Could it be that He created man and woman in His image because we are to model Him here on earth? Several times Jesus tells us that we are "a light" to the world (Matthew 5:14). Our light does not come from us, rather it comes from reflecting God's light which is never extinguished. We were created in His image to reflect His light. Why you ask? So that even in our relationships, in our most important relationship such as marriage, His image and His light can be seen.

Intentionally Created. Looking back over Genesis 2, we see that man was created out of dust and woman was created out of the rib of man. Men and woman are literally created differently. God could have created them the same way but He did not. This is not just a physical difference, but a difference in purpose and design as well. Why you ask? Each of us has a different role in life. When we look at the trinity of God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, each part of the trinity has a different role to play. One of the many roles is the Father as the Creator, the Son Jesus as the sacrifice, and the Holy Spirit as a guide. You do not see the Holy Spirit called the sacrifice because the Holy Spirit knows the role it plays in the trinity. A husband and a wife are intentionally created with different roles yet they are part of one unit.

Separation from family. In order for two to truly be united as one, they need to leave behind their family of origin. Just as there are no additional roles in the trinity, there are no additional roles in the new family unit. The new family unit consists of a husband and a wife (Genesis 2:24). Leaving parents can be a difficult task but it is an essential element for the formation of a new bond. Why you ask? As long as a parent is there to cling to in times of need, a spouse will never learn to cling to one another and the bond will not be properly formed.

Two into one. This is a great mystery which is difficult to understand until you experience it. Once we accept that our purpose in life is to reflect God's image, that we are intentionally created for a reason, that we are to leave our family of origin, then we can begin the process of becoming one with one another. Why you ask? The new bond properly reflects the relationship between God the Father, the Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit to one another. When the marriage unit adds children, it is a perfect reflection of the trinity.

The bond of two becoming one is tightly woven and is not easily broken if formed correctly. Many of the marriage problems are centered on an improper unity of a marriage and often going back to the basics of what a marriage is can elevate some of the most difficult challenges.

Chris Hammond is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern at LifeWorks Group w/ over 15 years of experience as a counselor, mentor & teacher for children, teenagers & adults.

Reprint Permission- If this article helps you, please share it with your own list at work or church, forward it to friends and family or post it on your own site or blog. Just leave it intact and do not alter it in any way. Any links must remain in the article. Please include the following paragraph in your reprint.

"Reprinted with permission from the LifeWorks Group weekly eNews, (Copyright, 2004-2011), To subscribe to this valuable counseling and coaching resource visit http://www.lifeworksgroup.org/ or call 407-647-7005"


Original article

How to Get the Best of Engagement Rings

If you're like most of us, buying engagement rings will be your first foray into the wonderful, albeit scary world of buying jewelry! You'll be seared with terms like inclusions, settings and eternity bands, before you start wondering 'what the...?' It needn't be this difficult of course. Just follow our simple guide here - and get your partner that perfect piece!

What's Your Budget?

Don't feel pressured into spending that 'traditional' amount - 2 months of your salary! Trust us - there is nothing remotely romantic about getting into debt paying for a ring! Having said that - don't be a cheap skate either! Try to establish a realistic budget when you're going about it. It's an important investment - one that stands for your commitment and love. So you're better off NOT basing your budget on something your thrice divorced friend said!

Which Way Would You Like To Go?

Do you want the ring to be a surprise? Or would you rather make it more convenient for BOTH of you by shopping for it together? If you go shopping together - she can pick out just what she wants. But think about it this way - if you choose your ring alone, you have a once in a lifetime chance to show her just how romantic you can get. Of course, a lot would depend on what your partner prefers!

Know Her Style

Engagements rings are not all about you! You'll have to consider what she prefers when you are thinking about a ring for your partner. Remember - it's your chance to prove just how much you know her - so don't mess this up! Not confident about her preferences? Invest in some homework. Start noticing the jewelry she prefers. Is it light and dainty or bright and eye-catching? Does she prefer gold or platinum? There isn't much to it - just a few days of observation should get you your answer.

Decide On A Metal

You have a variety of metals to choose from. Whether it is gold, silver, titanium or platinum, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. You'll have to go by what she likes and what suits her lifestyle. For instance, platinum is an extremely hardy metal - but the shine on it will fade faster than gold. Also, you won't be able to restore the old shine once it's gone. However, it's a tough metal and is less susceptible to dents and scratches.

Do You Need A Stone?

This is the final point you have to decide on - so relax! There are a number of options you may choose from. Of course, a diamond is very popular when it comes to engagement rings - but you do have a couple of other choices! It isn't necessary for you to go for stones of course. There are perfectly beautiful pieces that do not carry stones! Once again, your partner's preferences should help you decide!

Well, there you are - just make sure you get these points right when you're looking for your ring. You may not find the best ring in the market - but you WILL find the perfect one for you and your partner!

Mark West invites you to find the perfect engagement ring at Wedding Ring Guru. The most affordable wedding ring dealer in the universe!


Original article

Engagement Rings: 5 Styles She Will Love

So, you have found the love of your life. You want nothing more than to spend every moment of every day by her side. The obvious step is to ask her for her hand in marriage. Doing so requires more than a lavish proposal and a fancy restaurant, though. It requires finding one of the best engagement rings available.

After all, she will have this for the rest of her life. You need to make sure it is the right one.

Five Types of Engagement Rings

When you are ready to search through the thousands of rings on the market, here are just a few styles to help narrow down your search.

Unique and Colourful Gems -If you are in love with a unique woman, what could be better than providing her with a unique ring? Although a bit nontraditional, many women enjoy bright and colourful gems on their engagement ring s, instead of the traditional diamond. Some of the gems that may be used on these rings are sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and beryl. You may want to choose her birth stone or the stone that represents the month the two of you first met. If you want to stick to a diamond, you can choose from assortment of coloured diamonds for your perfect ring.
More Than One Diamond - For some men, choosing just one diamond for an engagement ring just doesn't express their love enough. If you are one of these men, you may want to choose a ring with several bands of diamonds or several cuts all on one ring. Typically, there are one or more large diamonds, surrounded completely by smaller diamonds. Not only does this provide your future bride with a lovely and unique ring, but the smaller diamonds give the illusion the main diamond is much larger than it actually is.
Raised Diamonds - If you really want to make sure the diamond on the engagement ring you choose stands out, you may want to select a raised solitaire diamond. The main or solitary diamond is held in a setting that resembles a crown.
"Green" Rings - Are you and your soon to be spouse passionate about the environment? You may be interested in purchasing an eco-friendly engagement ring. These types of rings are generally made from recycled gold and the diamonds are conflict free. This means the diamonds used are not what is known as "blood diamonds," often used to support violence, war, and abuse in countries like Africa.
Going Vintage - For the traditional woman, there is no better ring than a vintage diamond engagement ring. While new styles and cuts come out often, vintage engagement rings are still popular and truly represent a long history of love and devotion. These are generally heirloom rings, passed down through generations, but many jewellery stores have these types of settings available to create just the right look.

There are many different types of engagement rings. Show the love of your life just how much you care by presenting her with the style that best suits her.

Global Diamonds is your source for the finest in jewellery. Whether you are looking for diamond rings, engagement rings, or a wedding ring, or a specially designed piece of jewellery that you helped create, Global Diamonds has exactly what you are looking for. With skilled jewellers on staff, Global Diamonds creates timeless designs for your special occasion, made to last a lifetime. Visit our website for more information on your next diamond or fine jewellery purchase.


Original article

Marriage Proposal Ideas That Work For Everyone

Wracking your brains for the best marriage proposal ideas? A marriage proposal is an event of a lifetime (assuming you don't go around throwing them at all and sundry!). Do it right, and your loved one will look upon the moment with a sigh of pleasure forever. Get it wrong- and the best you'll get away with is a lifetime of cruel jokes and guffaws at family dinners! Here are some of the best ideas that work for ALL couples....

• Organize a treasure hunt-she'll love it. Start at her house and visit her favorite places. It may be the first place you went to for a date, her Favorite Park, restaurant etc. When she reaches the last obstacle- get down on your knees and propose!

• Does your beau spend a lot of time at the computer? Here's an idea- video your proposal and upload it on YouTube. The next time you're together, ask her to watch it with you- just don't tell her what it is about. Once it starts playing, get down on your knees and propose!

• Very few women can resist a furry friend! The next time you're thinking about a gift for her- get her a puppy or a kitten and tie the engagement ring to its collar! As soon as she sets eyes on the ring- pop the question!

• If you are both into dramatics- the sky's your limit so far as marriage proposal ideas are concerned! Take her out for an evening of fun and dancing and then request the DJ to let you sing her your favorite song. Afraid of scaring the guests away? Let the DJ sing your song instead. Once the song is over- give her a very public, emotional and sincere proposal! She'll be floored for good!

• You may even feature your proposal at your favorite theatre! Just make sure you are in time for the previews!

• Not the 'shout from the roof' kind of a person? Some of the best marriage proposal ideas can be organized at home! Run a romantic bath- and create a path to it with fragrant rose petals (just make sure the drains are clean-you don't want her cleaning up the mess afterward). Place the ring on a floating candle! The moment her eyes land on the candle (or the rubber duck), that's your cue! Get down on those knees and proceed with the proposal.

There's a reason why we end every idea with the 'getting down on your knees' bit! No woman can resist this old fashioned but strangely chivalrous act. There's something very powerful about a man getting down on his knees to ask for the hand of the woman he loves! It makes her feel feminine and desirable- and every woman deserves to feel that when she's being proposed to. So get down on those creaky knees, even if you have to practice a bit for it. Trust us- you won't regret it! Try these marriage proposal ideas- and see her eyes light up with love!

Mark West invites you to find the perfect engagement ring at Wedding Ring Guru. The most affordable wedding ring dealer in the universe!


Original article

Preparing for Marriage: Love Conquers All - Or Does It?

Newly engaged couples are so much fun to watch. They are very tender with each other, they smile when they speak to each other, they care about the other person's opinion, and they are optimistic about life in general. Best of all, they believe the other person is perfect and their love will last forever, that somehow they have the ideal type of love and their love will conquer all problems life tossed their way. This is what is meant by having rose-colored glasses when looking at your partner, seeing only the good and none of the bad.

However something happens after engagement when these couples walk down the aisle and say, "I do". The same rose-colored glasses seem to shatter resulting in the good becoming minimized while the bad becomes exaggerated. One of the many reasons premarital counseling is recommended is to help to highlight via an indifferent experienced third party, the potential areas of contention. While God's love is capable of conquering everyone and everything, man's love falls far short. Here are some of the major areas that man's love cannot conquer.

Addiction. There are many forms of addictions a person can have: alcohol, gambling, pornography, drugs (illegal and prescription), and sex just to name a few. These addictions consume time, money and energy from your relationship and in the long run, can even destroy it. Your finance may even say that their addiction tendencies are less because of your presence and while this may be true for the time being, it will not be true in the future. The reason the addiction is less during the engagement is because of the excitement of the upcoming marriage and the hope and promise it brings. As soon as difficulties surface, this hope will quickly turn into despair and the addiction will return sometimes with a vengeance.

Abuse. There are also many forms of abuse such as physical, emotional, sexual and verbal. Physical abuse involves any physical contact that is unwelcome or threatening. Emotional abuse is neglecting your partner's basic needs for security, love and attachment. Sexual abuse includes rape or any type of forced sexual encounter. Verbal abuse is the use of foul language, demeaning statements, biting sarcasm or hurtful remarks. Loving someone will not stop the abuse. Often the abuse is very subtle in the beginning and often in frequent during the engagement process with your fiance being very apologetic afterwards. These are warning signs that should not be ignored because the abuse is very likely to increase after the wedding.

Alarm. There are many ways your partner can alarm you, perhaps they engage in self-harming behavior (such as cutting), threaten to commit suicide, threaten to cause you physical harm, or have irrational fears (such as paranoia or extreme jealously). These behaviors need to be addressed with a professional who has experience in helping individuals to overcome their alarming behavior rather than a well-meaning fiance who is unsure of how to handle the situation. Getting married will not eliminate any of these behaviors no matter what your fiance says, in fact it will worsen.

Addiction, abuse and alarm are three good reasons to end an engagement. Yes, your fiance can get better with professional help, a willingness to overcome the challenges, and by the grace of God but even these ingredients separate from each other do not guarantee success. Just for a moment, take off your rose-colored glasses and look at your partner objectively to see if there is any trace of these behaviors. After all, your love does have limits.

Chris Hammond is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern at LifeWorks Group w/ over 15 years of experience as a counselor, mentor & teacher for children, teenagers & adults.

Reprint Permission- If this article helps you, please share it with your own list at work or church, forward it to friends and family or post it on your own site or blog. Just leave it intact and do not alter it in any way. Any links must remain in the article. Please include the following paragraph in your reprint.

"Reprinted with permission from the LifeWorks Group weekly eNews, (Copyright, 2004-2011), To subscribe to this valuable counseling and coaching resource visit http://www.lifeworksgroup.org/ or call 407-647-7005"


Original article

Men's Guide: What You Need to Know About Engagement Rings

The only thing that can make a man more nervous than his wedding day is the thought of pouring over engagement rings in search of just the right one. A great deal of women have spent hours looking at engagement rings in jewellery stores and magazines. Women often dream of their wedding day, even as early as childhood, imagining what the proposal and the ring will be like.

No pressure, gentlemen. If you are just beginning your quest to find the right one, it's not as difficult as you may think. The following information will help calm your fears and educate you about the ring itself.

It is an Investment

Engagement rings are intended to be worn forever. You have to look at this as an investment and not a mere purchase. Do you have to take out a loan? Not necessarily. It is customary for potential grooms to spend between one and three months of their salary on an engagement ring. This may not be realistic for everyone. Looking at budget and payments are a necessity no matter how unromantic it may sound. She will be a lot more disturbed at the financial mess that can ensue if you reach way beyond your financial limits.

Understanding Her Personal Style

The amount of money you spend is completely pointless if you do not give her the type of ring she is expecting. Notice what she makes a fuss over when she sees other people's rings or when she passes a jewellery store in the mall. If you truly have no clue, then ask her what her preferences are. Information may need to be gathered over time, especially if you don't want the proposal to be a surprise. Here are some things to consider:

Colour of the setting:Diamond engagement rings are set in either white gold, yellow gold or platinum. Platinum has the look of white gold but is more valuable. You can generally find out the colour of gold she prefers just by noticing her current jewellery.
Engagement ring styles: Engagement rings are available in the traditional solitaire diamond setting, which is one diamond generally set on a thin band. There are also varieties to this style, which include wider bands, or bands that also include channel set diamonds on either side of the main stone. Is she more traditional and classic in her taste? If so, a single, elegant stone may be the perfect engagement ring for her. On the other hand, if she is more on the artsy side, she may be dreaming of a ring that has a bit more going on. A solitaire stone set among a row or two of complimentary diamonds may be just the engagement ring for her.
The cut of the centre stone: The centre stone in any engagement ring is the focal point. A few of the more common cuts include round, marquis cut, square, and oval. Depending on the setting, different cuts of the centre stone diamond can help create a particular look. A marquis cut diamond is often seen as elegant, while a square cut diamond is almost regal (think royalty) Keep in mind that a round stone, because it is cut uniformly all the way around, will always be the most brilliant cut.
The quality of the diamonds: Diamond quality is not as difficult to understand as you may think. Yes, there are different grades of diamonds and levels of clarity, but a good fact to keep in mind is this: If a diamond engagement ring looks clear, brilliant, and beautiful to the naked eye when you are viewing it for purchase, that's how it will continue to look through the years. First, find the cut of the centre diamond and the setting you like. After you have the engagement ring selected you can spend some time learning about grades of diamonds.

We hope this information has been helpful as you take that first step towards the 'big day' by selecting the engagement ring that is perfect for her.

Global Diamonds is your source for the finest in jewellery, diamond engagement rings, fashion jewellery, and more. With skilled jewellers on staff, Global Diamonds creates timeless designs for your special occasion, made to last a lifetime. Visit our website for more information on your next diamond or fine jewellery purchase.


Original article

The Best Marriage Proposal Ideas - At the Restaurant

Some of the best marriage proposal ideas can be created out of simple experiences. Are restaurants your favorite places to spend time as a couple? You can come up with some of the best marriage proposal ideas! Here are a few you can try...

1. It's a restaurant- but it need not be about the food! Call your favorite joint early and ask them whether they can create a special 'menu for the day'. One of the items could be your declaration of love for the rest of your life!

2. You could get your own custom printed 'will you marry me' plate and give it to the waiter right before you are seated. Have the waiter present this plate to her- and watch her eyes light up!

3. Next time you're at a restaurant- get creative! Conspire with the waiter and put the ring box together with the other dessert selections on the tray and have him present it to her! Once the waiter slips away- go on with your proposal!

4. Is she a chocolate lover? Dip your ring box in chocolate and present it with the other chocolates on a tray. The moment she picks it up (assuming she'll be intrigued by the size of that huge piece on the tray!)- declare your never-ending love for her!

5. You could even create a gift basket with her favorite knickknacks- a collection of candies, chocolate or what have you! Hide the ring box in the gift basket and present to her. She'll be pleasantly surprised!

6. You could even have the pastry chef write 'will you marry me' with the sauce of her choice on that pastry! Just remember to present it yourself!

7. Go simple- you could go for the all too popular but safe proposal after a hearty dinner! Just tell her that you have something important to say- and get on with it! It's simple but effective- and yes, there's very little chance of anything going wrong!

8. Go sneaky- You could even sneak in the proposal when the waiter presents the bill! Your cutely drafted proposal could replace the bill in an elegantly designed leather cover!

Things to remember with all marriage proposal ideas at the restaurant

• It's a public place. Unless you're booking into am extremely private place, there's a danger of your proposal being overheard by the other guests. There isn't going to be a lot of privacy there. So make absolutely sure your girlfriend is comfortable with a proposal at this public place.

• Prepare in advance. That's very important when your marriage proposal idea centers on a restaurant. There will be other people involved in the whole thing- and you have no way of knowing what will go wrong. Go for a trial run and think about things that could possibly go wrong. Have a backup ready for these eventualities!

There are many marriage proposal ideas you can execute at a restaurant- all the best for a memorable evening!

Mark West invites you to find the perfect engagement ring at Wedding Ring Guru. The most affordable wedding ring dealer in the universe!


Original article