5 Fun Ways to Propose

There's nothing more special and meaningful than to utter the words "I love you" to that special someone in your life. This set of highly important words can make for a rather nice introduction to that all important question that can introduce both you and your girlfriend to a lifetime of bliss together - "Will you marry me?" this is one of the purest moments in one's life that would truly be remembered for all time. Of course, since this is a marriage proposal, you would want things to be perfect and as romantic as possible. However, you don't always have to stick to the traditional ways. In fact, you can inject a bit of fun into your proposal to make it something truly worth remembering. Below are 5 fun ideas for proposing to your girlfriend:

Write a letter. Perhaps you've both planned to celebrate your two year anniversary of being boyfriend and girlfriend, and you'd like to surprise her. Write her a letter which tells the story of how you both met each other, in vivid detail. This would make her smile because of the wonderful memories you've made with each other. However, at the end of the letter, you can then write down, "Will you marry me?" She won't see it coming at all!

Get a private screening of a flick. A lot of people can actually rent a movie theater these days just for private screenings, and the both of you can actually watch any movie you like. In addition to that, it's also one of the best ways to be romantic and propose to her at the end of the film.

When you're both fighting. Take note - do not make her so angry. If she's the type of person who constantly brings up the future, you can simply put an end to it by talking to her about in instead. You can lead her on to feel a bit of disappointment, only to surprise her at the end. Granted, it's not effective for all couples, but when you know your girlfriend's temperament well enough, this just may be the most wonderful moment in her life.

Give her a decoy ring. You can do this and ask her if she would one day be ready to wear a real one on her finger. When she decides to be inquisitive about it, she may lean towards getting upset when you don't respond much, then BAM! The real ring shows up in your hands, waiting for it to be fitted on her finger, along with a genuine smile on her face.

Engage in fun activities she loves doing. She might actually like going for a walk in the park every now and then, or something along those lines. When she least expects out, surprise her with your marriage proposal. This will definitely leave her speechless and sincerely excited.

Bernard Y invites you to http://www.freedating411.com/, dedicated to sharing useful information on relationships and everything under the sun concerning one's dating and love life.

Original article

Bachelorette Party Fun Tips

Bachelorette parties are fun, and if you are planning one, you should get the bachelorette party supplies ready and make sure things go smoothly.

1. Wear the right outfit. This is not your regular cocktail party, so lose the flowing garment dress. Instead, go for a sassy dress. If you could get your friends to wear the same dress as you, the better. But whatever you will wear, make sure you are comfortable with it.

2. Plan your budget. Even bachelorette parties need funding. It is not like you are crashing a bar with friends and telling the girls to pay for their own drinks. If it's your party, you'll have to deal with the expenses. Who said you need to throw a lavish celebration, anyway?

3. Decorate the venue. Who does the decorations? If your friends have promised to do the decorating, then, make sure they do it at least a week before the event. Otherwise, hire people to do it. Bachelorette party decorations should give the venue the perfect ambiance.

4. Don't inform your friends just a week before the party. They may have other commitments that they cannot cancel. Inform your friends a few months before the actual date of the occasion and tell them to reserve that specific date for your party.

5. Say no to last-minute planning. Any party should be planned ahead of time. Getting details right is only possible with appropriate planning. It is impossible for a party to run smoothly if it was planned only a week before.

6. Send invites. Who are your guests? Plan the number of guests you want to invite. These should be your closest friends or family. You do not need to invite the whole community. Send the invitations a few months before the scheduled event. You may remind your guests a week before the party.

7. Don't bring the entire kitchen. This is not a buffet festival that will make you all go home bloated. This is much more like a social gathering with friends for fun. There is no need to bring too many bachelorette party supplies, which would only go straight to the trash bin.

8. Dab on your favorite perfume. You may be meeting some old friends and they will be expecting you to look nice and smell good. You may also need to re-apply the fragrance at the party venue, so transfer some of the perfume into a portable spray bottle and place it in your purse. Bring some mints along, too.

9. Wear light makeup. You are not going to a fashion show. Keep things down, especially the color on your face. Don't appear pale, either.

10. Turn off your phones. These are the major spoilers in any occasion. Phones ringing during the middle of a party are very distracting. Tell your family and your boyfriend that you will be away and will only return calls or reply to messages after the party. Also, tell your friends to keep their phones turned off during the event.

11. Watch how much you drink. Just because it's your night, doesn't mean you can drink all you want. It's crazy to appear wasted. If you happen to be drunk after the party, have someone drive your car for you.

12. Male stripper or no male stripper? Well, this one depends solely on you. Many girls would be excited to have a male stripper dancing in front of them. But, you have to think again if your mom is coming along to your special occasion.

For more information on bachelorette party supplies and bachelorette party decorations, visit our website bachelorettepartydepot.com.

Original article

The Advantages of Cheap Engagement Rings

Weddings have always been associated with lots of expenses: the preparations, the food, the music, and most important the engagement rings. When in a hard financial situation people turned to cheap engagement rings with shame in their hearts, forgetting that the engagement ring is the most powerful symbol of love, no matter how cheap it may be.

Due to social standards the word "cheap" has brought embarrassment where ever it was used, and it could carry a social stigma when used on something that is known to carry a high value such as the engagement ring. Of course the cheap engagement rings can be as beautiful as any other ring if it is chosen carefully for that special someone.

Today it is easy to find a good and cheap engagement ring as long as even the smallest bit of effort is put in searching for the right offer. There are many new jewelers who could do a great job and at small price, just to enter the market with a good image. Searching online could bring up millions of results from which to choose from, there are tons of on-line businesses that deliver good merchandise all around the world at seemingly low prices.

When looking for the ideal ring that could also fit a tight budget it`s extremely important to keep in mind the essential details on what makes a cheap engagement ring a good one. The metal from which the ring is made is going to greatly influence the price. Platinum may be too expensive, so gold could be the best choice for a limited budget. Also the weight of the metal can greatly influence the price, choosing a thinner ring may save a great amount of money.

Choosing the right gem for the ring is not necessarily hard. A cheap ring can always have a diamond on it, even if the budget is low, even a small karat diamond or even a synthetic or an imitation will always make the ring more beautiful, and when it`s on the finger of that special someone, it can be perfect.

If working with a jeweler keep in mind that the more difficult the ring design, the more expensive it will be. Some simple engravings may be possible when under a low budget, but never forget that a simple design can be the best design.

Of course it will never matter how cheap the engagement ring is as long as it is on the finger of the right person and as long as it reflects the beauty of that special person.

JewelOcean is a jewelry manufacturing and retailing company, where all the jewelry sold on our website is handcrafted with care and precision at our manufacturing facilities. Visit the website to shop for cheap engagement rings, cheap wedding rings and much more.

Original article

Awesome Ways To Propose To Your Girl

Marriage proposals: for most men this is the most nerve-wracking few seconds of their entire lives. The moment just before you blurt out your intentions, there are literally hundreds of thoughts simultaneously running through your mind; like "what if I stutter?" and "what if I blow it and she says no?"

Here are some suggestions on how and where to pop the question. These will at least help ease your mind if only for a little bit.

The Place You Two First Met

Proposing to your girl at the place where your eyes first met will almost always guarantee that you will get a yes. A deluge of happy memories will flood into your girl's mind when you pop the question where you two first met, making her sentimental and giddy all at the same time.

On Valentine's Day

This is every girl's fantasy. Nothing can make your date on St. Valentine's Day more romantic than a marriage proposal during or after your dinner date. You can hide the engagement ring inside a piece of chocolate, or ask the waiter to serve the ring to your date right after you both had your meal; doing so will make every Valentine's Day after a lot more special.

Set Her on a Treasure Hunt

Nothing builds excitement more than a treasure hunt for the engagement ring. While your girl is still sleeping, hide the ring inside the house and leave her a couple of clues to help her on her quest. Just be sure that you are near her when she finally lands on the "treasure."

Spell it out for her

Rather than say it out, why not present your marriage proposal in writing? It does not matter where you write it; you can hire a sky writer to place your message in the clouds, or you can write it on your snow-covered lawn so she can see it out the window when she wakes up. This will make her feel that you really did put in a lot of time and effort in your proposal.

The Surprise Attack

Sometimes all you need to do is grab the moment and propose to her right then and there. While you two are walking down the street suddenly drop down to one knee (don't mind even if there is a puddle water there, it will only add to the effect trust me), pull out the ring and propose then and there.

The Wake Up Call

If you are not much of a talker, then you can just simply slip the ring on her finger as she's sleeping and prepare yourself for the shrieks of joy that will wake you up the morning after.

So there you have it, these marriage proposal ideas should help get your creative mind working.

The key is to get brainstorming to create a list of great marriage proposal ideas. One trick is to ask yourself the question, how would you do it if money was no object? Don't worry about the how just then, you can get to the details when you have a list of marriage proposal ideas to work with. Have fun with it.

Like this article? There's lots more great stuff where this came from, just visit http://www.themankipedia.com/. Need advice on women, dating, relationships, health, your career, money or anything else that's critical to your living life as a successful man? Its your go to guide to help you Become a better man.

Original article

What If You Hate Your Engagement Ring?

The day has finally come and the love of your life asks you to marry him. Unexpectedly he gets down on one knee and pulls out that famous small box. You are filled with so many emotions and carefully open it up, look at the ring and say to yourself " I don't like it at all? This is man of your dreams but the ring isn't. What are you going to do now...thank him and say it's beautiful or tell him the truth.

This is a very tough decision to make. If the ring was passed down as a family heirloom then you should probably accept it graciously or be very tactful in your approach as it will be attacking his family. Sometimes these vintage rings are stunning and one of a kind! If the ring was a style or color that you don't like and it does not complement your hand you should you say something as you will be wearing this for the rest of your life!!

Grooms really do their best when purchasing the ring and many will take the suggestions from the salesperson. They have good intentions and you must be grateful that they did this on their own. If you really are unhappy with his choice you must be honest and tell him. Sure his feelings will be hurt but in the end he wants to make sure you have what you want. Honesty is important in a relationship so why not start now with your ring. You can simply tell him that the ring he picked out was very thoughtful and beautiful but does not suit you personally. Perhaps it's just changing the ring to gold or platinum or adding something to it. You can always take the ring back to the jeweller to see what they can do make it a bit more to your liking.

This does not happen all the time. Some brides fall in love instantly with their engagement ring. If marriage has been discussed between the two of you most likely there has been some discussions about rings. In fear of getting something you hate most brides will show their fiance pictures or drop little hints of the style and type of wedding ring they like.

Always remember your ring can be upgraded down the road in your marriage. It is very common to hear a wife say that her engagement ring was a very small diamond due to her fiance's financial situation but then 5 years later he surprised her with the same wedding ring but with a larger diamond.

When you get that ring give it a couple days before saying anything. Maybe you will grow to love it and just need a nice band to compliment it. Your engagement ring is symbol of love right?

Wedding and event planner for over 18 years of experience, sharing all my ideas and tips with brides to be.

Original article

Tension Set Rings: A Great Choice for a Diamond Engagement Ring

Tension rings are otherwise known as "suspended" or "floating diamonds." They are called this name because they appear magically suspended or floating in their design. These types of rings are the recent favorite of most women because of their stunning beauty and extraordinary appearance.

Historically, tension rings were introduced by a German jeweler Friedrich Becker by employing a lateral pressure between a spring-hardened shank to hold precious stones. In the following years, improvised methods were used to create sturdier compressions. Since a shank of a tension set ring does not meet, only hard gemstones like diamonds, rubies, sapphires, zirconium and cubic can be mounted and tensed.

You might wonder if this ring would last long. Yes it would. Using the aforementioned methods used to clip the stone in between the shank's end, you can expect the ring to last more than hundreds of years before loss of pressure may be experienced. In purchasing a tension ring, look or ask for those rings that use special metals and heat treatments to ensure the longevity of a ring.

At first glance, you might think that tension rings are in a precarious situation. But you don't have to worry about it. A real tension set rings is safely and securely placed by experts. Notice that the restrains in between the shank are as wide as the gemstone in order to protect the stone from being chipped or snagged. Thus, it is important to choose a real and authentic tension set ring. Real tension set rings cannot be pulled apart using your hand because of the proper metallurgical techniques used in the process of making it.

One great thing about this kind of ring is that it allows greater visibility of the diamond which is perfect for a diamond engagement ring. Because of the position of the mounting, which is pressed in between, it allows more light to penetrate the diamond compared to any traditional ring. And since the stone looks suspended while flashing a brilliant light, tension set rings are simply irresistible.

Just one important consideration in choosing a tension ring for your engagement ring is that it is difficult to resize, though not impossible. Since the shank of this ring is hard to cut, it is best if you choose the ring that fits to your future wife's finger right away. You can bring a sample of your fiancée's ring to ensure that the ring you'll purchase will surely fit in her fingers.

Ralph Iser is a marketing executive from Malaysia. He shows great interest in dealing with diamond engagement rings and wedding rings malaysia.

Original article

How To Plan A Bachelorette Party

Planning your bachelorette party ensures that things will run well. Fiascoes in events usually happen because of poor preparation. Usually, bachelorette parties happen a month before the wedding day. This is the time for girls to bond together and perhaps catch up on each other's lives. To make this night worthwhile, you should plan bachelorette party decorations, food, venue, and activities.

Choose the right date. As stated earlier, it is usually about a month before the scheduled wedding day. It should not be too close to the wedding day itself, because people will become busier as that date draws nearer. It should not be too early, as well, because its relevance related to the wedding will be lost.

Plan the venue. You have a few choices. It could be at home, a memorable place, a resort, or a club. If the venue is in a place other than your home, then, you have to contact the venue owner to make reservations. Do you think you can just crash into a certain venue with your friends and declare your party?

About five or four months before the scheduled party, plan a list of the girls you want to invite. You can send them invitations. Card invitations are the old-fashioned way. You can save money by sending them an email, inviting them over Facebook, or simply calling them over the phone. Bachelorette parties are not necessarily big ones. They usually include only the closest friends of the bride-to-be. Treat this like an intimate gathering. About a month before the party, confirm who will be attending so that you could make last-minute adjustments to the budget.

You may include your friends in the planning. For instance, you could ask suggestions about possible bachelorette party decorations. You probably should schedule a meeting with your friends so that you could talk about how the party should go and what bachelorette party supplies you should bring. You can also plan about what time the party should start and end. Will there be a formal program or will it be just like a girl bonding occasion, filled with talks, gossips and drinking? Several heads planning are better than one, and, if you will get their suggestions, you will definitely arrive at ideas that everyone can agree upon, therefore, the party will become more fun and exciting for everyone.

Regarding the food and drinks, see if the venue can take care of these. If you are going to have the party at your house, then you may hire a caterer, unless you are doing all the cooking. Again, this is something that needs proper thought and consideration. Hiring a caterer would be a more favorable option. If you do the cooking before the party, you may be tired when the actual event arrives which will not allow you to enjoy as much.

Bachelorette parties cannot go on with no entertainment at all. The entertainment can be in a form of lively music plus a male stripper. Male strippers make the party more interesting. Just make sure that all the girls approve of it. Entertainment will be not much of an issue if you are planning for the party to be in a club or a male strip bar.

A week before the party, make sure that everything is ready. Confirm the availability of the caterer and the venue. Purchase bachelorette party supplies. Then, phone your guests to make last-minute confirmations.

For more information on bachelorette party decorations and bachelorette party supplies, visit our website bachelorettepartydepot.com.

Original article

Choose a Vintage Ring for Your Engagement Ring

Everybody has different inclinations when it comes to jewelries. There are people who love modern and classy-looking rings while others prefer the old and antique. If you come to know that your future bride falls into the latter category, you can choose a vintage diamond engagement ring in winning her big "yes." There are many reasons why traditional rings are great options in finding the perfect engagement ring.

Primarily, you have to be aware that classic rings neither look new nor old. It means that you need to have knowledge in distinguishing whether a ring is really vintage or not. You might be paying a hundred dollars for a fake jewelry. Thus, it is best to look for rings in a trustworthy jewelry shop so that you wouldn't end up tricked by any unscrupulous seller.

What gives value to a classic ring is the history attached to the ring. Usually, a ring is a form of treasure or heir passed down from one generation to the next. A vintage ring as an heirloom carries a sentimental value no modern rings can offer. Every ring has its own unique story that is carved in a piece of this type of ring. If your bride loves this idea, a traditional ring is the best ring to give to her.

In the world of jewelries, there are three eras which can qualify a piece of jewelry if it's really antique or not.

· The first era is the Victorian era which existed between 1837 until 1901. Those were the times when diamonds gained popularity to be used as engagement rings. Most rings during this era were either made of silver or yellow gold and usually do not have diamonds at all. Mostly, stones such as sapphires and rubies were used. Because of this, vintage rings coming from this era are quite rare to find.

· The second era is the Edwardian era. This period in history started in year 1901 and lasted until early 1920's. During this time, platinum replaced gold as the metal of choice for rings. Moreover, diamonds began to be used as side-stones being sapphire as the primary stone used.

· The last era of vintage rings is the Art Deco era. This period ranged from 1920 to 1930. This was the time when rings were oddly shaped and covered with diamonds. You can easily know a vintage ring from this period because of its unique geometric and boxy look. Aside from diamonds, other precious stones are used to decorate the ring.

Ralph Iser is a marketing executive from Malaysia. He shows great interest in dealing with diamond engagement rings and engagement rings Malaysia.

Original article

A Valentine's Message

Valentine's Day is a day to show the people we love that we appreciate them and honor the love of the relationship. Valentine's Day is a day for us to show the people we care about that our words and actions of meaning; do mean something!

We all know that valentine's Day has become a day for exchanging cards and giving flowers and gifts. It seems like much of the time in our intimate relationships we focus on the immediate gratification of the gifts, that we lose sight of what is really important. These external acts of appreciation and love are wonderful; but, does this really get to the heart of the matter.

If you are a new couple, a couple whose relationship has lost its way or worse, digressed into a war of the rose's conflict, I have a suggestion for you. Instead of focusing on the external gifts, why not give a gift to yourself, your partner and your relationship that encompasses your mind, heart and soul.

If you are expecting a gift today, if you are saying to yourself, "What will I receive?" I ask that you change the lens of the glasses you are viewing this day from. Look at valentine's Day as a day for giving meaning and not a day for getting something.

The following is my gift to you on Valentine's Day. The 5 Attitudes of Empowerment is a tool to re-focus your mind and re-frame the meaning of the day. Read and think of each of the attitudes and for the next 24 hours, apply them to your life and watch the real magic of valentine's happen.

Attitude of Now

The Attitude of Now is the awareness to live in the moment, knowing that you can control only what is happening now. It is a waste of time and energy to try and change the past or control the future. The ability to manage your thoughts, emotions and behaviors to embrace the present moment forms the foundation to remain conscious and appreciate the beauty each day has to offer.

If you are not present today, then where are you? Are you dwelling on thoughts of fear and pain from the past, or are you consumed and overwhelmed with fear and anxiety of the future. If you are not present, if you do not live in the now, how can you ever bring joy into your life? If you are not present, how can you genuinely love yourself and others?

To create a Valentine's Day of WOW, you must live in the NOW!

Attitude of Gratitude

The Attitude of Gratitude is about being appreciative for who you are, where you are, who you are with, what you are doing, and where you are heading. Are you grateful for everything you have in your life today? When was the last time you were present and stopped to appreciate the sunflowers? When was the last time you looked around and thought, I am a lucky person! I have so much to be thankful for.

Being grateful for what you have opens the door of the universe to bring you all that you truly want. Are you focused on what you do not have? Instead of feeling grateful, sadly, many of us choose to victimize ourselves by engaging in thoughts and feelings of fear, rigidity, chaos, scarcity, lack and envy.

On this Valentine's Day, allow yourself to be grateful and celebrate what is right in front of you instead of longing for what is behind you or what might lie ahead?
Attitude of Giving

The Attitude of Giving occurs when you are grateful for what you have and are free to give of yourself unconditionally. The attitude of giving is all about being inspired and passionate to give without any AEO's - agendas, expectations or obligations for anything in return, instead of being focused on what you can receive, deceive, get or take for yourself.

How often do you find yourself focusing more on what people have done for you rather than what you are inspired to do for them? How often do you find yourself wanting to give but something inside holds you back? Have you ever caught yourself resenting someone for what they have failed to give to you, rather than appreciate what they have already given to you? Do you deceive in order to receive or do you give in order to live?

Giving is my favorite attitude because it brings me the greatest joy. I love to say, "It is my mission in life to make you smile." The intentional attention we must have on others to actually walk our talk with this saying is the gift we give ourselves when we are present and grateful for all that we have.

Beyond material matters, giving here applies to the four essences of our lives-mental, emotional, spiritual and physical. Unconditional giving is the greatest gift you can offer yourself and anyone else in your relationships. The inspiration of living is the found in the joy of giving!

The Attitude of Forgiveness

Unconditional giving leads to forgiveness. The attitude of forgiveness is all about finding inner peace-a peaceful soul. It is the ability to offer and accept unconditional forgiveness.

There is a wise saying, "Un-forgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting someone else to die". Forgiveness is not about venting denial, blame, accusations, assumptions, defensiveness, resentment, contempt and anger toward ourselves, others or events-all of which become like self-administered poison.

How often do you find yourself projecting resentment, contempt, and anger onto the ones you love? How often are you filled with pain from the past, allowing it to negatively affect your thoughts, emotions and behaviors? Are you currently holding a grudge against someone close to you, and allowing the pollution of un-forgiveness to cloud your mind and poison your soul?

On this Valentine's Day, I implore you to release the toxicity of resentment and contempt and allow the peace, love and joy of forgiveness to reign.

Attitude of Faith

This simple yet elusive outlook arises from our ability to integrate the first four attitudes into our life.. The attitude of faith is about the presumption of a positive perspective.

The essence of faith is found in the act of surrendering to the safety, certainty and trust of a Higher Power. The definition of a Higher Power is the unique privilege of each individual. It is an attitude of absolute conviction that all of your hopes, dreams, and aspirations will come true. It is an unwavering belief; manifested each day with integrity and intentional focus on your words, actions and behaviors to accomplish your goals.

When we focus on the attitude of faith, we open the door for our chosen Higher Power to present us with opportunities that speak to our inner voice. In turn, we make decisions to stay on our path to fulfill our destiny.

************************************************************************************************************

Consider the following questions and challenge yourself to re-frame any negative beliefs in order to decrease resistance and allow peace into your soul, positive energy into your life and love into your heart.

1. What could I do differently to be fully present and live in the moment?
2. What am I grateful for?
3. How can I give of myself unconditionally?
4. Who or what do I need to forgive?
5. What attitude of faith can I choose to adopt?

2012 - All rights reserved - Glenn Cohen - I & WE Coaching

Glenn Cohen is an acclaimed coach, speaker and author. His practice encompasses Personal, Couples, Divorce and Business Coaching. Glenn also conducts workshops, speeches and seminars for companies, civic, religious organizations and other associations on how to help people live authentically, with a peaceful soul while enjoying emotionally intelligent relationships at home, at work, and within the self.

Glenn resides in Charleston, South Carolina, where he runs his private coaching practice. You may contact him at 843-852-9828 or his website, I & WE Coaching

Original article

Top 3 Signs That Your Boyfriend Is Thinking About Proposing to You

You and your boyfriend have been dating each other for quite some time and you want to take things to the next level. However, that's not that the deciding factor on whether both of you will be getting hitched or not. Are you dying to know if he is going to propose soon? If yes, here are the three common signs that a guy definitely wants to eventually tie the knot with you -- soon!

Talking about the future - Both of you have actually discussed your future plans with each other. This could range from the number of children both of you would like, to have or even where you'd like to settle down and how soon. These are the topics you should take note of to decipher whether or not he is ready to take that extra step with you.

Sparked interest in jewelry - He may randomly ask whether you like platinum, silver or gold. He also may have been glancing at windows of jewelry shops while both of you were going out on dates, even when both of you have passed by those areas frequently. When this happens, he just might actually be thinking about proposing to you.

A ring is missing - Maybe you're thinking that you've misplaced your ring somewhere, only to discover it was in an obvious spot in your room. Perhaps your boyfriend actually took the time to see your ring's size. There are several things that could've happened, and this is one of them. It may be possible to see a proposal somewhere down the road.

Apart from these three signs, some other clues may be:

Strange behavior towards you - He may be a little more anxious than usual. Of course, there are a lot of reasons for this, but if you've been together for a long time and he decided to take you out on a romantic dinner or date, he just might pop the question to you with just a hint of nervousness. He may be more contemplative than he usually is, which would result in him acting a little strange.

Closeness with your family - One of the best signs of a marriage proposal is the closeness your boyfriend has with your family members. There's a good chance both of you will end up together, seeing as your relatives have taken quite the fondness with him. He just may be a permanent presence in your life.

Bernard Y invites you to http://www.freedating411.com/, dedicated to sharing useful information on relationships and everything under the sun concerning one's dating and love life.

Original article

How to Choose Engagement Rings

If you think an engagement ring is a trivial accessory, think again. Many couples put a high value on their engagement rings for reasons that everyone should perfectly understand. A lot of people do not mind spending for designer engagement rings, which they consider as lifetime investments. However, it's easy to commit a mistake upon buying a ring for your partner. Here are some things to consider when making a purchase.

Price

Prices of engagement rings can escalate, depending on the type and amount of jewelry used. However, sellers would often lure you to buy items with a high price range, telling you that the price of the jewelry equates to the size of your love for your partner. Buyers should therefore consider their budget when making a purchase. A designer ring can be worth your one- or two-month salary. It is very expensive, but if you think it's worth the price, then by all means, go ahead and buy it.

Do not base your decision on price alone, though. You probably would not go for the cheapest, but there is no need to spend for something that costs an arm and a leg. When it comes to choosing a stone embellishment, for instance, you can go for one with more surface area or one that has a slightly lower carat. You may be too concerned about the appearance of the engagement ring, but people around you would not pay too much attention to it.

Style

Jewelry pieces do have themes. Some are classic, while others have a modern touch. The range of designs to choose from is immense, and that is why it is quite confusing to find the ideal engagement ring. Sterling silver, gold, and platinum rings are popular either in unadorned or embellished styles. The design and embellishments (gemstones or diamonds) affect the price of the ring. Some people say that you can save money by choosing the stones separately.

Seller

There are a lot of companies selling designer engagement rings, but you have to be careful because some of them are bogus sellers. It is even riskier to make online purchases, as there can be payment or credit card issues along the way. However, finding the right seller guarantees a great shopping experience. The question is how to find a reputable jewelry seller. It's not really difficult, considering that there are a lot of top sellers online, and they have websites, as a matter of fact. You just have to get a good read of reviews or testimonials from customers. Sellers with too many bad reviews should be scratched from your list.

Some More Tips

1. Have someone with you when buying a ring. Decision-making is often easier if you have someone with you. That person could either be your close friend or your partner.

2. Ask the opinion of the jeweler. Sometimes, it's really tough to make a decision, and you probably hate staying at the jewelry store for an hour or so, walking back and forth, checking every piece again and again. The jeweler probably could make brilliant suggestions based on your budget, preference and the personality of your partner.

3. Don't buy right away. You have the right to look at other options before making a purchase.

For more information about designer engagement rings and Tacori engagement rings, visit our website shopedc.com.

Original article

Why Are Diamonds Used As Engagement Rings?

The Diamond Ring

We are all looking to be happy, infinitely happy, content with the person we are with, secure in the knowing that he/she will always be there for us come what may. You may be thinking of proposing this year. Maybe they are expecting it or maybe it is completely out of the blue, either way it has the impact that lasts a lifetime. Being in love instantly attracts us to all the beautiful things around us, sunsets, walks along the beach, holding hands in the cinema, romancing and doing those little things for each other that lets us know we are loved. We also begin to appreciate giving, giving time, giving compliments, giving little gifts and giving big gifts.

Giving diamond jewellery is a perfect big gift.

The healing properties of diamonds

Diamonds, it is believed, have a particular effect on the wearer, bringing clarity, unity and fidelity hence chosen as the primary stone in engagement rings. But before you even go down that road you may want to know more about the perfect engagement ring and why we use diamonds. Part of our new found love for each other is the tradition of proposing with a luxury engagement ring. Giving a precious jewel on the day you propose adds more sparkle and magic than you know.

Diamonds represent faithfulness, love, purity, innocence, and relationships filled with love. They are believed to remove certain types of disturbances in the aura. Diamond jewellery inspires creativity, ingenuity, faith, endurance, and helps in manifesting abundance in all areas of life. As the hardest known mineral, (Moissanite being the second hardest) it is especially esteemed owing to its beauty, purity, and ability to reflect light depending on the cut used. Wearing a diamond encourages clarity, and clear positive resolution of all problems that bother us. Diamonds work together with other crystals in accentuating their vibratory healing properties.

In Hinduism diamonds are associated with the planet Venus, while some other ancient cultures believed that they are connected to the planet Mars. The latter is probably due to the warriors' custom of wearing diamond stones in battle for protection and strength. It was thought that diamonds make the warriors invincible and that they fortify their muscles. The Greek word for diamond - adamas - which means invincible may support this belief. According to Hindu astrology diamonds are considered auspicious if worn on a Friday and should be at least.59 carats in weight but preferably 1.5 carats. The back of the diamond needs to touch the skin of the wearer, and there are very in-depth processes for blessing the ring prior to wearing it. These include washing the ring in various liquids and reciting mantras.

When wearing diamonds for astrological benefits you need to have had it prescribed for you and if the diamond does not touch the skin it will not have any effect. It would be prescribed by a Hindu Pundit, if you choose to wear one without the confirmation you can risk negative effects occurring, such as health, wealth and relationship issues.

The most famous diamond in the world the Koh-I-Noor has a significant history and is believed to be a 5000 year old gem from India. With a colourful history it is thought to have destroyed those dynasties whose leaders were male.

The gem was presented to Queen Victoria by Dileep Singh in 1851 and ever since has been passed down to the wife of the male heir to the British throne. The British Royal family may well be aware of the Curse of the Kohinoor - 'He who owns this diamond will own the world, but will also know all its misfortunes. Only God, or a woman, can wear it with impunity.' This may be the reason women are presented with a diamond ring when proposed to whereas men tend not to wear diamond rings but stick to gold wedding bands.

Choosing the Perfect Ring

For the most of us however the ring is not purchased for its healing properties and in the west the healing aspect is not even recognised so no need to worry about inauspicious occurrences.

There are many different styles of luxury engagement rings from your traditional solitaire to the more detailed split shank engagement ring with its vast design options. Celebrity style engagement rings, 3 stone, 5 stone or 7 stone/half eternity rings. The list goes on so if you are thinking of proposing this year find out exactly what she likes if you are not sure ask a few of her friends who may be able to give you an idea of what she likes.

Diamond jewellery or quality gemstone jewellery appeals to our senses during this heightened romantic engagement period. The sparkle of the gems, the beauty they exude and the happiness they bring when purchasing and presenting to your loved one, are second to none.

Also keep in mind your budget, suggested cost is about 1 month salary, remember this ring needs to last a lifetime.

The Diamond Jewellery Store

We are passionate about providing you with the best choice of luxury engagement rings, unique diamond jewellery, quality gemstone jewellery, branded watches and charms all in one place. No need to search multiple sites our unique comparison site does it all for you so all you need to do is choose. We have over 95,000 products online and growing, with the further option to customise your jewel size and cut giving you further unlimited choices in your unique diamond jewellery.

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Why go anywhere else.

Original article

Some Interesting Facts About Exchanging Engagement Rings

Engagement rings are a symbol of betrothal between two people. The pair are stating their intention to enter into a marriage together, in Christan ceremonies, till death do them part. A second ring is then placed on each of the couple during the wedding ceremony.

The metals cost - and if a stone is included, the entire cost - was in the past also a wealth symbol. Poorer people wore iron, where the elite sported gold or silver bands. Today couples are still most usually financially co-dependent. Though the feminist movement has given women the opportunities to work and make their own wages giving them a lot more independence in marriages.

Anthropologists point out the identity symbolism involved in present day marriage rites. Couples use the image of their rings to make a statement about or in concordance with their interaction with the rest of the social world, in addition to with one another. The ring's style can indicate their calm nature, their love of French culture, their extravagant life style or their simple love for one another. Either way, it is in contrast to other types of rings on other social beings fingers.

The circular nature of the ring is important. It symbolizes eternity because it has neither start nor end. It is also a symbol of renewal and wholeness.

The left ring finger is the traditional place for engagement rings to sit. The first to begin this were the Ancient Romans. Their rationale was that the vena amoris (the vein of love) goes directly from this finger to the heart. This romantic idea proves that the Romans were still romantic idealists despite their reputation for extra marital bi-sexual affairs.

To keep them feeling comfortable, some are specially designed to fit well with the wedding band. This can be a good idea. Especially so as the couple hope to wear them for a lifetime - and the age of mortality just keeps on rising.

Diamonds and other gems can be placed in or on the metal band. Diamonds are a recent tradition, and became so after a rigorous marketing campaign. Many couples nowadays forgo the diamond element, however, as two thirds of the diamonds in circulation are unethically sourced. They are mined, predominantly in Africa, and the profits fund weaponry and other resources used in conflict. This conflicts with the romantic symbolism of this gift, and so many choose other stones instead.

Many folk choose vintage as a cheaper more ethical option in the present day. Some see it as more romantic, because the rings have a story to them. Vintage items are greener, because they are a mode of recycling and thus mean that fuel is not burned in the production of new products.

Diamond rings are symbolic of love and life shared between two people. The above article has hopefully shared with you some of the interesting details about the symbolism of betrothal bands. Should you be embarking on this journey, the very best of luck to you.

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Original article

Does A Bachelorette Party Have To Be Expensive?

Organizing a budget for your bachelorette party can be tough, especially if a lot of your funds have already been saved for the wedding. However, there are cheap bachelorette party ideas, so you don't have to spend too much. If you are on a tight budget, then, you should plan a bachelorette party within that budget.

Do not invite too many friends. If your budget can only accommodate about 20 girls, then, just choose those very close to you. This is the first thing to do.

When choosing the venue, choose one close to home. But, you also have to consider where the other guests live. Some may have to travel from a different city. Ask invited friends if they could come even if you don't shoulder their fares. If one already lives in another country, you should ask them first if they could come. Your closest friends would want to attend.

Instead of choosing a hotel room, you can have the party at your house or at a friend's. You will not have to pay any rent, plus you will also have greater freedom, meaning you can do whatever you want. However, just make sure that the music will not be too loud so that the neighbors won't get annoyed. You and your girl friends can even have a free "sleepover" at the house.

Tell friends to have dinner first before going to the party. This way, you will not have to spend too much on food. Bachelorette parties are not banquet gatherings. A few snacks and drinks will do. If you want to serve dinner, then, you may cook at home. You can also ask a few of your friends to help with the cooking. Preparing the food by yourself is more economical compared to catering, as it will only add more to your expenses.

You can have fun with games that do not require expensive bachelorette party supplies. These parties usually feature blindfold games, naughty toys and prizes. If you have little budget for these, you can opt for simple games, like "truth or consequence", which does not require special equipment.

Gossips and movie treats are free! In case you run out of game ideas, you can always talk about what has been going on in each other's lives. This gathering is the perfect chance for you and your friends to catch up with one another, as most of you have probably become too busy to have time to meet up and talk. As for the movies, make sure you rent DVDs so that you have something to watch later.

Entertainment does not have to be expensive. You probably have a stereo system, which you could use. You can download disco music from the internet to use in your party. Then, you can just rent a disco ball to have that disco club feeling.

As for the male stripper part, there is no need to hire a group of men. Only one should do, especially if you are only inviting a few girls. If you are a conservative group of women, you may skip on this one.

Do not hesitate to ask friends to help you with the expenses. It's not necessarily embarrassing and it's not a terrible thing to do, especially if it can raise the budget to make things more fun for everyone.

For more information about bachelorette party supplies and bachelorette party ideas, visit our website bachelorettepartydepot.com.

Original article

Give Your Valentine the Everlasting Gift of Portrait Photography

With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, the pressure is on to find the perfect gift for your sweetheart. Sure, you could go the traditional route of flowers, cards, and candy, but those things have all been done time and time again. Why not give a gift that is truly reflective of your relationship, and will last a lifetime? If you're looking for a gift that is both unique and romantic, you can't go wrong with a visit to your local portrait studio. Whether you are fun and flirty, or serious and stoic, a custom portrait package from your neighborhood photographer is just what you need to win the affections of your loved one.

Why Portrait Photography?

* It's long-lasting. Flowers will eventually wilt, and chocolate only seems to linger where it isn't wanted (namely, on the hips). Portrait photography, on the other hand, will give you a number of keepsakes that will last as testaments to your love for years to come.

* It's personal. Even when taken by the same photographer, no two portraits are exactly the same. A well-trained portrait photographer knows how to best work with his or her subjects so that the portraits not only capture a special moment, but also reflect the emotions and personalities of the people in them.

* It's two gifts in one. In addition to the sentimental keepsake your finished portraits will provide, you are giving your Valentine the gift of your quality time and attention. Taking the time out of your busy schedule to spend the day at the photography studio is a great way to reconnect with your loved one and show them how much you care.

Engagement Photography

Have you recently made the decision to tie the knot? What better way to announce your impending nuptials than by sharing engagement photos with your friends and family? With the combination of your fondness for one another and excitement for your future, and the perceptive eye of a professional photographer, you can't lose! Whether you want your engagement pictures to be quirky and cool with a modern theme, traditional and sophisticated, or something in between, the consultants at your local photography studio can help you to develop engagement photo ideas that will capture the love between you and your betrothed, resulting in portraits you will cherish long after your wedding day has passed.

Whether you've recently found yourself in the throes of a new romance, or yours is a love story that has spanned decades, consider giving the gift of professional portrait photography this Valentine's Day.

Penny Jones is a hopeless romantic and an Internet marketer for Prospect Genius, providing affordable online advertising for local service companies.

Original article

White Gold Engagement Ring - Where and What to Buy

Shopping for a white gold engagement ring can be a daunting task. And that is why I wrote this article about getting a good deal on engagement rings. Just keep reading and I will tell you where to find them on sale.

White gold solitaire rings are an indication of engagement or marriage. Giving a bride-to-be a solitaire white gold engagement ring represents timeless love and simple beauty. These beautiful rings consist of just a single diamond which can be designed and shaped with your own influence and taste to create the ring you have been longing for: it can't get better than this!

Using the settings (a ring shell) of white gold, platinum, gold or silver engagement rings you have the freedom of expression. The cut, colour, clarity, size and price of the diamond all lie in the hands of yours truly.

Solitaire rings are a timeless classic which were originated in the 1830's and astonishingly still are one of the most worn engagement rings around the world; matched together with white gold, a perfect start to a new and glamorous married life.

Although, large iconic engagement rings can be a little out of reach for the everyday man - not to worry! White gold is a cheaper alternative to gold and looks just as good at a fraction of the price. White gold is an alloy of gold and silver and/or palladium which are white metals. These white metals are mixed with gold to bring down the purity, or in other words makes it cheaper for people to afford.

Wedding or engagement rings are measured using gold carats; 9ct, 14ct and 18ct are the most popular in most parts of the world. An 18ct white gold ring would be a little bit more in price because it contains 75% real gold compared to a 9ct white gold ring, which only contains 38% gold. So this gives you a little bit more of an option when it comes to pricing. But if it's the diamond you're worried about, that's a problem you'll surly forget about.

With diamonds ranging from as little as $160, you won't be burning your back pocket after leaving the store. Another alternative for the grooms-to-be is online shopping; it's less stressful and you don't have to leave the couch- often shopping online contributes to the price cut, so don't be afraid to take advantage of the wonderful world of web!

White gold shouldered solitaire engagement rings are another form of solitaire that is a little bit more complex in terms of design. These striking beauties use the original idea of a solitaire-the single large diamond in the centre-and flank that diamond either side with smaller sized diamonds in the band. This look obviously is more expensive but is a beautiful alternative to the original if you don't mind spending a little extra cash.

If the lady is a little more expressive when it comes to style, coloured diamonds or stones can complement your gold engagement ring to give it that little bit of oomph!

Because not every woman is the same, it wouldn't be fair to blend her in to the crowd. So giving her a plain old ring just wouldn't satisfy. Giving her a white gold solitaire ring that you have picked and designed on your own will blow her mind no matter what the occasion it may be for. This gives a whole new meaning to freedom of expression.

Do not spend hours going through all the online stores yourself. Just visit one website that finds these deals for you. Check out White Gold Engagement Ring. They always have great deals listed

Original article

What's The Deal With Wedding Bands?

For dozens of years now, a diamond ring is a symbol of engagement for a woman who is soon to be wed. After the man proposes with the ring, the woman wears it on her left ring finger. On her wedding day, she is then given a wedding band to signify that she is no longer engaged, but married, and will wear two rings on her left hand for the rest of her life.

Many women are choosing to go the traditional route, by having both an engagement ring and a wedding band, but some are not. The choice is really up to you. Simple solitaire engagement rings used to be paired with a simple, small gold band wedding ring, but in modern times there are a variety of options available. Some women even wear a double band, one on each side of the diamond ring, in order to have as much sparkle on their finger as possible.

There are three options for women when it comes to the wedding band question. Women must decide, along with their husband, which option is best for them. Both lifestyle and cost considerations should be added to the equation. Here, in my opinion are your best options:

A perfect match:

This is the simplest option if you want a wedding band. Diamond rings often come in sets, with a perfectly matched wedding band to add on your wedding day. The rings will fit together perfectly and will often cost you less than if you were to buy them separately.

A unique combination:

If the engagement ring of your choice is unique, you may not want or may not be able to find a perfectly matched set. Two coordinating rings can complement each other and even be worn apart giving your girl more options. Different can be really fun but our suggestion is to choose a band with the same metal and a complimentary shape and then have fun from there. It is probably better to pick something different enough to make it clear that the rings were not intended to match. In addition, putting off the purchase will give you time to save up for the band and will give her an opportunity to provide feedback.

A stand-alone ring:

Sometimes the diamond ring is enough. A wedding band may add too much bulk than some fine fingers can handle. Many brides are simply removing their engagement ring on the wedding day and having the groom place it on their finger again after 'I do'. This is a perfectly acceptable solution and also saves you from having to purchase an additional piece of jewelry.

Jordan helps couples save money when it comes time to buy an engagement ring, checkout the site for more tips on both wedding bands and engagement rings, including a report on where to buy an engagement ring.

Original article

Ever Evolving Engagement Traditions

Before the church bells ring, before you are pronounced "married," there is the minor affair of the proposal and engagement. Is it as simple as two people meet, fall in love, and one says "will you marry me?" Was it ever?

Depending on your culture there may have been some fairly massive hoops to jump through before you ever got to the aisle and in some cases before you even got the ring. As technology continues to shrink our world, most of today's youth are opting for what is considered "Western Engagements," a romantic location, a diamond ring and bended knee.

However, in the not so distant past things were much more complicated. Of course arranged marriages have been a part of the Chinese, Taiwanese, and Indian cultures for centuries. Let us not forget though, that whether it was labeled as "arranged" or not, certainly the European aristocracy and the elite of the Gilded Age in America made sure that the "right" families were joined by marriage.

For the most part arranged marriages in the Far East involved traditions that displayed reverence to parents and ancestors. An exchange of gifts in the Taiwanese engagement ceremony were meant to reflect the worth of the girl and her family. The Japanese engagement ceremony involved each family presenting each other with nine gifts of ancestral significance. The ceremony was completed when the intended groom presented the intended brides' family with one very large gift of significant value. While the ancient Chinese believed in a more practical dowry; which included strings of coins, fruit, poultry, sugar, wine, tobacco and a chamber pot. It may seem a bit unromantic until you consider that in Korean tradition an intended groom would present two large geese to his future in-laws. Although, all things considered, that is quite a bit easier on the groom than the Brazilian practice of a gentleman having to prove himself worthy by taming a wild donkey.

Today, the Brazilians have joined most Europeans in the tradition of presenting a ring, typically a golden band, which is worn on one hand during engagement and then transferred to the opposite hand on the day of the wedding. Which hand depends on which country - Brazilians are engaged with a band on their right hand and switch to the left on the wedding day, for most Europeans the opposite is true. Egyptians also exchange rings which are worn on the right hand during engagement and transferred to the left on the wedding day. However, during the engagement period, Egyptian tradition expects the gentleman to use his time to secure a home and purchase all his future brides' desired appliances for that home. I bet Maytag wished Americans had that tradition.

As the rest of the world decides to become more "Western," the Western world has decided it is not satisfied any longer with a romantic location, a diamond ring and bended knee - it has gone extreme. Yes, for better or worse, extreme proposals seem to be the new tradition. If you don't believe me check out YouTube. From being proposed to at zero gravity, to a gentleman literally setting himself on fire (with proper stunt-man gear) all the while explaining to his girlfriend how she makes him hot. Yes, there are some incredibly cheesy moments involved in some of these extreme proposals. But I guess you are not suppose to pay attention to the actual words when your boyfriend is on fire, or is holding you tight at 20,000 feet, as you pray the parachute actually opens. Techie's and computer geeks even find ways to program proposals into video games - World of Warcraft I am talking about you here. Creative, sure. Expensive, in most cases. Extreme - YES! Redbull sponsorship anyone? It's gotten to the point where skydiving proposals are passé. Originality and physical fitness points to the gentleman that proposed on Everest. Talk about climbing mountains to be with the one you love.

Extreme, traditional, modern, quirky, romantic, whatever the style I assure you that the person at the other end of the words "Will you marry me?" is thrilled no matter what the delivery.

Original article

Engaged to Be Married? Tips and Ideas to Help You Plan the Perfect Celebration!

Congratulations! You're Engaged...!

...and about to embark on the exciting journey and often overwhelming process of planning a wedding! Your wedding celebration will most likely be the biggest and most important 'party' you have ever put together. So, take a deep breath, and follow our list of what to do next!

Number One (and most importantly) - Enjoy being engaged! Say 'I Love You' to each other a million times and then shout from the rooftops "We're engaged!" Make sure you take plenty of pictures of yourselves with the engagement ring, they will make great shots for you to use when you start planning your engagement announcements, wedding stationary and invites later on.

Tell your parents and family - If they don't already know, make sure the first people you tell are your parents and those close to you so that they too can share in your excitement. It will be great for them to see how happy you are and to help you with the beginnings of your great adventure and planning your big day.

Announce Your Engagement - Tell everyone the good news! There are so many ways of doing this and the best way will be by announcing your engagement party! Put your heads together and practice for the big day by organising a gathering of your family and friends to celebrate!

You can design your own invitations with a picture of you both looking extremely happy! Or use images of you and the ring, colours for the theme of the party and much more - the possibilities are endless.

Set the Date - One of the most important decisions you will make as you plan your wedding is the date itself. This may be a year from the day of your engagement or another date that is special to you. Once you have decided on the date you can start the planning...

Send Save the Dates - Wedding Save the Dates are generally sent out six to twelve months before the wedding date, and are usually followed by a formal Wedding Invitation. You can create so many stylish designs and there are hundreds of themes to choose from including, floral, cartoon, woodland rustic, garden, beach, location and formal designs. Save the Dates are a modern keepsake that your guests can cherish and not throw away, there are some truly unique ways to announce your wedding or event to family and friends and make sure that they keep your big day free in their diary months ahead of receiving their official invite. If you were feeling clever and looking to save a little money on stamps you could always combine the invites to your engagement party and your save the date all in one hit!

Engagement Party Ideas!

Anyone invited to your engagement party should ultimately be invited to your wedding, so the size of your celebration may be dependent upon your wedding numbers. Whether you have only a select few that you would like to celebrate with or if you fancy a full-on party... here are a few ideas that may help you on your way to the perfect engagement celebration!

Up, up and away... Why not do something completely out of the ordinary and book yourself and your close family & friends onto a Balloon ride. Make sure you go for the champagne special for a real treat, take along a picnic and a few extra drinks too!

Top up anyone...? Gather your closest group of friends and book onto a wine tour! There are so many fantastic wineries in Australia that you will be spoilt for choice. I am sure that there will be a spot nearby for a day trip or you could even go interstate for a weekend away! Whichever you choose, make sure that you tag on a couple of breweries too!

Shake things up... With a wild cocktail party, this would work for both a small group with some homemade concoctions or if you fancied something bigger at a swanky bar in town. Either way, make sure that your party has a cocktail theme to suit your venue and some funky decorations!

Grab your ice box... For a Casual BBQ or Beach Party celebration call up your family and friends and get everyone to bring some meat and beer on ice! Let everyone know the time and place so that you can rendezvous at your favourite beach side barbeque. Be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen for the ultimate beach engagement.

Something Formal... Looking for something a little more formal, then why not book a swanky restaurant or your favourite eatery for your family and friends. If you have large numbers coming then you could consider a gift on the tables that is a combined place card so that everyone knows where they are sitting?

Once you have picked your theme for your party the only thing left to do is enjoy yourselves...! oh and prepare for the next steps to planning your wedding...

The After Party; Steps to planning your wedding...

Now that you have organised your engagement party, set a date and sent your 'save the dates' you can get stuck into the planning of your big day! Here are a few more pointers for what comes next!

Choose Your Bridesmaids - Bridesmaid choice will be different for everyone, some will have one special friend or sister and others will have a bunch of best mates, you could even choose a 'Man of Honor' if you had a close male friend or brother that you wanted to get involved! You are of course the best person to make the choice, you know who will be excited to get stuck into the wedding planning alongside you and who would have a better time as a guest.

Buying Your Dress - If you have enough time between your engagement and your wedding the recommendation is to buy your wedding dress six to eight months before the big day. That way you will have no drama close the wedding! The dress will be a personal choice and there are so many different styles, colours and tastes to choose from - consider your wedding theme when you select the dress, perhaps you have a black and white theme in mind and can tailor your outfit to match.

Choosing the Bridesmaid Dresses - It is more than likely that your theme or colours will be based around your bridesmaid dresses, so once you have decided on a final look and feel for your wedding you can start looking for the perfect dresses. Trends worn by celebrities on the red carpet is a great place to start for what's hot and what's not! Whether you go for bold and striking colours or subtle taupe or champagne, I am sure you will find the perfect dress for each of your girls!

Your Seating Chart - Depending on the number of guests you have coming, the venue, and how you have planned your big day will depend on whether you will need to organise a seating plan. If you do have a formal dinner arranged then you may like to consider how you will display your guest names, will they be dotted on the tables as a combined gift or bomboniere idea?!

Choosing Your Flowers - Book your florist early and check for the latest trends in flower types, bouquets and colours to help you decide on what will be best for your wedding, make sure that the flowers and colours you choose will be available at the time of year you plan to get married.

The First Dance - Choosing Your Song! - You may already know what song you will choose, perhaps it is the song that was playing when you got engaged or the first track that you danced to together?! Whatever song you choose will be special to you.. you can even consider subtly using the words somewhere in your wedding decorations or invitations as a running theme for the day!

Planning Your Honeymoon - It once was traditional to leave for your honeymoon straight after the reception or the day after your wedding, lots of couples are now waiting until a few weeks or even months after to give a little more time to save for their dream holiday! Your honeymoon should be a place that is magical and special to you both so that you can embark on a fabulous trip and a lifelong journey together!

About the Author, Gemma Barritt is Marketing Manager at Coolaz Stubby Holders.

Original article

Marriage Proposal and Engagement Party

This event can be considered part of the wedding ceremony or tradition and it takes place from some months up to two years before the scheduled date.

Formerly the betrothal was just an economic agreement between the families in which neither bride nor would be involved. Nowadays the economic aspect of it was disappeared while the romantic side remains.

Typically, the engagement happens when it is presumed to be accepted before hand, so it remains an act of sympathy and bond of both families. If there is dissatisfaction and conformity of any party, this act will always be violent and it is advisable not to do it, as seen on multiple occasions on TV.

Today's proposal of marriage is usually a cocktail party, a meeting with drinks, lunch or dinner, involving the closest relatives of both bride and groom. Although it is normal that everyone knows each other, it serves to strengthen the ties, and why not, friendship between "in-laws."

The groom should be received before the time of the engagement itself, bouquets for the bride and her should be arranged as well as floral arrangements as decoration that will give character and taste to an initial sight to make the bride look good in the eyes of his new political family.

How to organise it

The proposal of marriage has ceased to be done formally with the usual asking the bride's father for his daughter's hand to an exchange of gifts between the couple. Most certainly he will give her an engagement ring and she will give a smaller gift in return. But these are traditions that can be replaced by different ones. Parents can exchange with each other gifts of commitment.

In the case of a "surprise engagement" the groom would take the bride for dinner, alone or with other family members and propose surprising her with a ring. It is important to emphasise that the relationship should be ripe enough so that there is no risk of her saying no.

Other original proposals consist on a trip for both families to strengthen ties, but this option is recommended when there is already sufficient prior knowledge. Otherwise there may be bad impressions that lead to live together 24 hours a day with people who have not chosen to spend that time together.

Another idea is to organize a party in which, besides apart from the closest relatives, other members of the extended family are invited, as well as special common friends. In this way the event is more special because it engages the part of future guests.

Conclusion

The real purpose, apart from letting both families meet and know each other better, is to start preparing the wedding couple and advise on general aspects such as number of guests or place and banquet menu. It is a good time to discuss up to what degree of extended family will the guest list include.

It is advisable that the funding aspect of the wedding is discussed among groom and both sets of parents. It is advisable that they have the enough information about price per head for the wedding reception, as well as whether the wedding will take place far away.

Finally, the wedding proposal is a fantastic event to invite a wedding photographer to. Specially if it involves family from both sides meeting for the first time or getting to know each other better.

Maria De Faci is a Wedding Photographer London based in South East England and covering London, Surrey, Berkshire, etc. In addition to her photography full time job, Maria writes articles about wedding advice and business.

Original article

Going With Antique Engagement Rings

Antique engagement rings are a great choice if you have the opportunity to purchase or inherit one. It may be a family heirloom or an amazing find. With the tedious mass production and style everywhere in our society, it is a challenge to find not only unique items, but items that stand the test of time. An engagement ring symbolizes the commitment to enter into matrimony, a serious life-altering commitment. An antique engagement ring is a great way to express your love and promise in an exclusive and resilient design an antique is an item that was manufactured at least fifty years or more ago. Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco style rings are the most popular.

A Family Heirloom
It is common for jewelry to be passed through many generations and engagement rings are one example of a family heirloom. They can be passed from one generation to the next, or they can skip generations when the owners pass onto a younger generation. The wonderful thing about heirlooms is that they represent family history. The engagement ring your grandfather used to propose to your grandmother bestows a sense of romanticism and perceived good fortune on that ring when you offer it to your sweetheart. Heirloom rings can come down from either your paternal or maternal relatives and implicit with their passing is the love, respect and honor symbolized in that ring.

Purchasing Your Antique Ring
Not everyone is fortunate enough to receive an antique engagement ring from their family, and as the family spreads and grows, there are only so many heirloom pieces to go around. For those who are interested in purchasing an antique ring, there are a lot of options. Antique stores, pawn shops and estate sales are just one place to start. The internet will have a wealth of resources to search from. Some jewelers purchase old jewelry and they may have some selection for you. Individual sellers may also take out ads, so check places like the newspaper or sites like Craigslist. Make sure to carefully check the ring, as age might have taken its toll on it. Diamonds were not always the standard stone for engagement rings in the past, so you can find wonderful rings inset with emerald, opal and pearl.

If you appreciate the styles and quality of the past, then an antique engagement ring is for you. It will provide you with a unique and appreciable piece.

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Photo Wedding Announcements - How to Make Them

There are plenty of couples who would like to share the exciting news of their happy wedding, with their friends and family members a little differently, than the conventional way of sending wedding announcement cards, as per usual custom. This kind of announcement, will allow people to know about your wedding news and the celebrations. By making this kind of photo wedding announcements you can really save the additional expenses of sending wedding thank you cards.

There are many websites that you can find, if you search with the help of Google, who will provide you all the necessary tools in their website to publish your announcement in best possible manner, that too for very cheap rates. You can browse through all these websites and choose any suitable one, according to your taste and the price tag for the announcement.

In order to make a photo wedding announcements, you must get a nice photograph of yours along with your partner from a nice studio. Get few photographs in different poses and styles and finally choose the best one according to both the partners. You must wear the clothing in the photograph which your friends and family would like to see you in.

Now you have to scan the selected photograph in order to get your photograph digitized, so that it can be uploaded in the selected website. Create a postcard size of the photograph by using the Microsoft Paint or any other software that can help you to create a photograph with little additional space provided for little message.

Now fit in the selected digitized photograph in the proper slot in the announcement template provided by your chosen website. You can choose any of the scripted messages that are provided by the website. Every message will be unique in its own way. You can select according to your choice and fill up the necessary information that is asked by the website.

Usually the information's sought are the names, place, date and place of wedding and few details about your family. Every website has its own set of questions that are required to be filled by you. You can now preview your announcement by clicking this option. In case you find any part of the message needs to be edited or changed, you can do it now. After couple of iteration you can finalize your Photo wedding announcements. You must make sure that final announcement created by you is acceptable to both the partners.

Having reached to this step, you have almost accomplished in your task. You can now place your order for the required quantity as per your need. You can choose the suitable mode of payments as directed by the website.

The website you have selected will further refine your announcement, if that is needed and dispatch you the cards to your address. You can also have the option to send the digitized cards through email to your long distance friends and thus save your postal charges too. Online method of creating the announcement cards are most efficient and cost effective method as compared to any traditional methods that we have.

A unique and modern way to celebrate your nuptials is to send out wedding photo announcement. See PhotographWeddingInvitations.com for a wonderful range.

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Things to Consider on a Custom Engagement Ring

The decision to ask for someone's hand in marriage is extremely personal. Men search out for ways to be distinctive in their proposals and a custom engagement ring offers that option. It is a great opportunity to have a ring with special meaning to you and your partner. You may choose to surprise your sweetheart with a ring you have designed for them or you may want to include them in the design, both of you working in partnership. Designing a custom engagement ring is a great way for you and your partner to express your deep connection through art and it can be a very rewarding experience for your relationship. There are different degrees of customization available depending on what you want your ring to look like.

The Custom Designed Ring

Once you have decided on a custom ring, you will need to find a jeweler who offers customized services, either at their store or contracted out. There are also companies online with whom you will be able to design your ring through their website and have the completed product delivered to your door. The most difficult step will probably be deciding how the ring should look. This is when it is useful to seek the advice of the jeweler and research styles of engagement rings. You may also choose to contact an independent jewelry designer who, after speaking with you, can draw up your ring and then create it. With a designer you can guarantee that your piece will be one of a kind and you can sign a contract that stimulates that the design never be created again by that designer.

The Ring with Customized Options

Most jewelers can offer you rings with customized options. A custom ring also can be as simple as a personalized engraving on the inside of the ring. It doesn't need to be an entire ring created from scratch. You may also choose to customize it by selecting the setting, the prongs and the stone. You may choose to veer away from the traditional diamond and pick an emerald, ruby or sapphire to grace your ring. You are also able to choose the metal for the band and band style; the most popular being platinum and gold.

A journey into your relationship and a commemoration in jewelry of your love, a custom ring is a distinctive choice. A memorable token of your affection, a custom engagement ring is definitely one way to make your proposal exceptional!

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Suggestions on Choosing the Best Engagement Rings

Engagement rings are betrothal gifts given by a man to his future wife. In some cultures both the man and woman wear matching rings. In others, the engagement ring serves as the wedding ring. More than that, the ring is a representation of two people's commitment and love. Here are some key pointers you might want to consider if you are thinking of buying the perfect ring for your fiancée.

Style and composition

You can choose the style you want for your engagement ring. The most common metals used are gold and platinum. Gold from bullion are common with jewelry. It is easier to clean and polish, and easier to repair. Platinum is a more durable material, it is more resistant to minor damages and scratches. Platinum is also more difficult to find than gold, but both metals do not tarnish easily.

You must also consider your partner's personality when choosing the type of rings. Observe her carefully and try to determine her taste in accessories.

Size and value

The size of the diamond is a big factor in buying engagement rings. Consult with a gemologist or an expert jeweler about the quality of the diamond, and how much they actually cost. Most women would prefer 1-carat diamond rings. Keep in mind that a high quality diamond is more expensive regardless of the size. You can also search various guidelines on the Internet regarding high-grade diamond rings.

Stick to your budget

Don't buy anything you can't afford. Always stick to your budget. You can always get top rated quality rings without splurging all your money. All you need is patience and more research. The value of the ring does not equate the measure of your love for your fiancée. The ring is just a symbol of your commitment and love. If you want to surprise her with an engagement ring, make sure you get all the important details right. Make plans to get her ring size without getting too obvious about it. You can talk to her closest friends or family and get more information and tips about the type of accessories or jewelries that she'd like. You must be good in fishing for information.

Explore more diamond shapes

Choosing the right diamond or the shape of the gemstone is very essential. Comfort is more important that its appearance. You must also choose certain diamond shapes. This is one way to make a diamond look bigger than its true carat weight. Find out which shapes look bigger and learn more about size and quality enhancing tips.

You can also choose from certain cutting styles. There are many information about this on the internet, or you can directly consult a jeweler. Experts can best explain about a diamond's shape and cut to you.

Buying engagement rings should not necessary give too much trouble. The size and appearance of the ring shouldn't matter as long as you are being true to yourself and to your partner.

Joe Davis is a contributor to women's magazines, who features the best engagement rings and bullion.

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White Gold Engagement Ring - Always A Perfect Choice

There are a lot of options when it comes to finding the perfect engagement ring and one popular choice is the white gold engagement ring because of its simplicity and class. By choosing the white gold engagement ring you are already half way home. You know that she likes the white gold engagement ring. Now it's time to choose the stone or gem that will be put in the center of it.

The most popular stone is the diamond. There are other gemstones though but diamonds are favored by many when it comes to engagement rings. If opting for a diamond as the featured gemstone, there are few to things to consider in order to get the best possible result. Here are some few tips in coming up with the perfect gold diamond engagement ring choice.

Always Consider The 4 C's

If choosing the white gold diamond engagement ring, focus on the carat weight, cut, color, and clarity.

With these four factors, you can determine the value of the actual diamond. The higher the number of points in the carat weight, the higher the value of the stone. The same with the color, the more clearer the stone is from pigments, the higher the cost. Cut which differs from shape means the quality in which the stone was done, mainly by proportion in terms of depth, width, and facet uniformity. Shape is also important because it has an impact on the overall beauty of the diamond ring. The reason why the stone has higher value as it is clearer is that imperfections affect the ability of light to shine through the stone thus impacting how the diamonds sparkle.

These choices can also be made according to preference but normally they are based on price. They will be more effective in the value of your diamond.

Try To Focus On Clarity And Shape When Tight Of Budget

Deciding the carat weight and color are usually dependent upon the availability of money, it is a good idea to focus on clarity and shape of the ring in order to make the ring shine with brilliance. These will also be things that your fiancé will notice.

Take your time while choosing for a ring and try and take some clues from her about the shape of the ring. This would help more in her satisfaction of the choice of ring you'll present. Enjoy your experience while shopping for your white gold engagement ring!

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Before The Proposal: Do You Ask For Her Parents' Blessing?

So, you've finally found 'the one.' She is the love of your life, and you have the perfect engagement ring as well. Are you ready to propose? Not so fast. Purchasing the right ring is not the only step you'll need to take.

While the tradition of asking a woman's father for her hand in marriage has been slowly disappearing from our society, it is still an important tradition for many families. In today's culture, with its diverse family situations, it is appropriate to ask both parents to bless your plans to propose. This shows respect for your future bride's parents and creates a unique bond between you and them.

Tips For Asking Her Father For Her Hand In Marriage

While asking for her hand in marriage is a rite of passage you should not avoid, it is no easy task. Any man in your position might tend to be nervous. The following tips can reduce your stress and help you enjoy the experience.

Talk to Her- Before you decide to visit her parents, set your girlfriend down and talk to her about marriage. See if she even wants to be married. She may not be ready for such a big commitment yet.Meet Him Prior to Asking- If you can, meet her parents several times before you ask for her hand. If you get to know them and develop a relationship, it will be easier and less stressful when you discuss the possibility of marriage.Sit Down With Them Alone-There are a few options for the setting of this important conversation. You can take your future in-laws for coffee or dinner. Talking about this subject over a meal can make it much more comfortable. You can also speak to them at their home. If they live far away, consider asking them on a planned trip home, such as when you visit during Christmas. If there is no other option, you can speak to them on the phone as well.Begin By Expressing How You Feel- Start the conversation by expressing your feelings about their daughter. Let them know how much you love her and how much she means to you. Be specific about what qualities you love and how you wish to take care of her.Talk About the Commitment- Explain that you want to marry their daughter. Let them know you understand what kind of commitment it is, and let them know you are serious about it. If you have already purchased her engagement ring, this would be a good time to bring it out.Promise To Always Take Care Of Her-Her parents have always been there for her. Since she was a baby in their arms, they have wanted the best for her. Assure them you will always take care of her, honour her, respect her, and love her.Ask For Their Blessing-At the end of the conversation, respectfully ask for their permission and blessing.

Asking for her hand in marriage is an important tradition you should always consider before you present her with an engagement ring. With these tips, this special event will be less stressful and much easier to do.

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Choosing The Diamond Engagement Ring

Diamonds are the foremost gemstone in the world. The tradition of the ring symbolizes love, purity, and power. Diamonds are nearly indestructible and therefore will also provide a long term investment. The saying, "A Diamond is Forever" has the luxury of not only being good advertising but also true. The statement that you would make regarding your future with your girlfriend would be that of a strong and lasting relationship.

The Choices Involved When Looking To Purchase

When buying a diamond engagement ring, it can be a stressful task. Researching before is a great method of relieving that stress. Read reviews of available dealers, talk to friends and family. A friendly and reputable dealer will take a great amount of stress out of the situation.

When choosing a diamond, remember that it is something you will have for the rest of your life. Therefore aim choice toward something that you would have liked in the past and will like in the future. Something that both partners will appreciate.

Things To Know To Evaluate The Diamond Quality

Carat weight, Color, Cut, Clarity are four categories of diamond that determine the value of the actual stone. Carat weight refers to the number of points a diamond has, the larger number of points the larger the cost. Color refers to the amount of pigment in the gem; the more "clear" or pigment free a stone is the higher the value. Cut which differs from shape means the quality in which it was done, mainly proportion. Clarity refers to the number of imperfections in the stone; the imperfections affect the ability of light to shine through the stone. These choices can also be made according to preference but normally they are based on price. They will be more effective in the value of your diamond ring.

Choosing The Setting

The setting could be made out of many metals including platinum, rose gold, yellow, gold, silver or titanium. Along with the diamond make sure you have done research on the band, also taking into account the color that will reflect the stone best. This should also be a preference choice of both partners because just as marriage should be both people should be able to state their preferences.

The choice of a diamond engagement ring is one that should be made with great care but also says a lot about the commitment that the two people have towards each other!

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What You Should Know About White Gold Engagement Rings

Getting engaged is one of the most memorable moments in any person's life. Many couples nowadays are choosing white gold engagement rings as traditional and tangible symbols of their commitment in the initial stage of a lifetime journey. White gold is symbolic of purity and unity and projects a touch of class, splendor and elegance. This is why it has become very popular and the trend these days. There are many important facts you should know about these precious rings.

They come in a variety of settings, designs and gemstones. The beauty of gold rings is that they blend and match well with any attire be it formal or casual. There are varied price ranges based on its quality, carat, design, settings and the kind of precious stones set on the ring. To give you a brief overview about gold, it is measured in carats and typically available in 18 and 14k. White gold is made by mixing pure gold with other metals like rhodium, palladium, nickel, etc. It requires proper maintenance to retain its sparkling white gold quality.

Expensive rings are usually mounted in 18 karat gold and have a diamond center with precious stones at the side. They are available in pre-set or made to order settings in modern or traditional classic styles. To give you an idea, an 18k white gold engagement ring with a Trellis Solitaire setting, Princess Cut diamond engagement ring with round Sapphire can cost up to $1,400. This beautiful Art Nouveau style setting securely holds the diamond with four interlaced prongs.

Another type of style setting is the Bezel-set Solitaire setting. It is available in 18k gold with round brilliant cut diamonds. This engagement ring offers maximum protection because the diamond is fully secured. This style is ideal for day to day wear. If you want to celebrate your past, present and future, you can do it with a pre-set three stone ring. Diamonds can come in round, emerald, princess, oval, cushion cuts. There are countless options when your plan is to purchase a pricey white gold engagement ring. You can choose a diamond solitaire setting, a diamond accent and pave settings or gemstone accent settings.

For inexpensive gold rings, you can choose from a wide array of exclusive collection of pre-set white gold rings and settings. An example is for a budget of $225, you can buy a pre-set classic engagement ring made of 14k white gold princess cut diamond ring. These engagement rings that are not the expensive type can be a practical and smart choice. There are a wide variety of styles and settings that look glamorous, simple and inexpensive.

If your resources are limited and it is not feasible to purchase an expensive engagement ring, you may opt for a diamond with lower carat value. The ring can be 14k instead of 18k. Or you can choose the 18k white gold ring without any diamond. Another option is to combine your gold ring with pearl or other gemstones. However, if you really want a diamond ring, you may opt for a Moissanite diamond which is also getting to be popular nowadays. Unless you are a trained jeweler, it is hard to distinguish a Moissanite from the real diamond.

If you take time to do a comprehensive research and canvassing, it is possible to locate jewelry stores which offer acceptable quality and affordable white gold engagement rings. Making an intelligent decision requires a well organized plan. There are many essentials and variables to consider. What is important is the principle that your special lady deserves the best white gold engagement ring that you can give her. So, treat the purchase as a lifetime investment and not an expense!

My name is Fem Mascenon and I thoroughly research and write about expensive engagement rings. Please visit my site at http://www.pearl-engagement-rings.net/ to find the best engagement ring for your bride-to-be that fits your budget!

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