Keeping on the topic of Engagement Rings and Proposals, we wanted to share this helpful engagement ring infographic! We have already talked about how much a ring costs, but how about how to know what ring is the right ring for your soon-to-be bride. Buying an engagement ring is a big decision and getting that girl of your dreams the perfect ring holds a lot of pressure. This is the one piece of jewelry that a girl plans on wearing for the rest of her life, so it is important to get it right.

Tip to women: Even if you don’t like your ring, know that he tried! You can of course be honest with him, but try to soften the blow.

Tip to the men: If she is not overly excited about the ring you chose, know that it is not the proposal and prospect of marrying you that she is exchanging! It may even be a good idea after the dust has settled after the big proposal, to see how she feels about the ring and offer to exchange it. Chances are she will say no, but remember, she plans on wearing this forever!!

To help avoid any disliking or exchanging of rings, the following infographic breaks down which styles tend to suit which kind of girl, as well as what all goes into picking out a ring. Yes, this is a simplification, but not overly so.

Infographic: Australian Diamond Company

How to Get What You Want for Your Wedding

Photo: Ruffledblog.com “Dallas Arboretum Wedding”

Saying “no” while planning your wedding may seem like a natural reflex to some brides, but may actually prove difficult to others who cannot seem to be comfortable with asserting what they want when it comes in conflict  with someone else’s wants. Which is really a more complicated way of saying they are people pleasers and can’t give up on their people pleasing way. Really, it can be a good thing to be so aware of other people, but sometimes that awareness can turn into substituting anything you need and want to providing the needs and wants to other people. One of the biggest times in a people pleaser’s life where they are going to not want to compromise what they want for other people is their wedding day.

Your wedding day is suppose to be all about you and to help you celebrate your love. So when it comes to planning this special day, you need to go with the mindset that yes, there is an “I” in “Team”.

How to Assert What You Want – No Matter What

1. Privately (or with your fiancé) make a list of things that you really want for your wedding.  If you need to, force yourself to “play pretend” a perfect scenario where there are not going to be any conflicts or compromises to be made. What do you want in its most raw version.
2. Pick a supportive right hand man to help you plan. When it comes to family, moms, and in-laws, you are going to want someone in your corner that is not going to let you compromise your wants to please someone else.  This can be a best friend, a sister, cousin, your mom, and even a wedding planner. You just need to figure out who is going to be your best advocate and who you will listen to when they tell you “no, you don’t need to move your wedding venue to make it easier on such-n-such”.
3. Say “No” early. The first time someone suggests or even pushes for something that you don’t want for your wedding, put your foot down. Don’t say maybe or that you will think about it. Just say no. This could be something as simple as the flavor of wedding cake or as big as having a friend be your wedding photographer.  Once you start saying no, it will be easier for you in the future because you will get use to saying and the people around you will be used to hearing it.

Cake toppers are highly regarded by couples and guests at a wedding. Some couples want cake toppers that resemble them, some others want classic ones or vintage, while some others look for funny and unique ones. The idea is to catch everybody’s eyes and give them more to talk about. A great and original idea is to use wedding toppers inspired on your favorite animated movies or TV cartoons. That’s why we have put together a list with the top ten cartoon and animation cake toppers. Take a look!

1)      Beauty and the Beast Cake Topper

Beauty and The Beast is such a romantic story about a couple who fall in love regardless of physical appearance and rise above all the incidents they face. It is a great topper if your love story is similar or if this is your favorite animated movie a wonderful story about love overcoming all obstacles.

2)      Cinderella and Prince Charming Wedding Cake Topper

Cinderella is one of the favorite fairy tales ever because it shows that when you are meant to be with someone, it will happen. It will be a lovely detail, especially if you have a fairy tale or Cinderella-inspired wedding.

3)      Feel The Love Lion King Simba and Nala Cake Topper

Simba and Nala, a couple of friends since birth who eventually realize they are in love and want to be together for the rest of their lives. Did this happen to you?  Then you might want to have them as your cake’s decoration.

4)      Lady and the Tramp Wedding Disney Wedding Cake Topper

The Lady and the Tramp movie depicts how love can be true no matter social boundaries or obstacles. Plus, they sharing a spaghetti string is such a sweet and romantic scene. Wouldn’t you love to have them in top of your cake?

5)      Mickey & Minnie Disney Wedding Cake Topper

Mickey and Minnie are the pure image of love! He is always courting her and even if they have their issues, at the end, they are always together. Perfect if you feel identified with them or if you are a Disney fan.

6)      Miss Piggy Kissing Kermit Wedding Cake Topper

Miss Piggy Kissing Kermit have such a funny relationship. He runs away from commitment while she demonstrates how to control a man. It is a great cake topper if you are a fan and you want a little humor at your wedding.

7)      Vive L’Amour PEPÉ LE PEW and Penelope Wedding Cake Topper

L’Amour… L’Amour… Did you fall in love at first sight? Then, this is the cake topper for your. Pepe le Pew is a clear example of how to be persistent.

8)      Arlene Kissing Garfield Wedding Cake Topper

Arlene is often the one helping Garfield  make the right decisions and she loves him in spite of his rudeness and gluttony. Does it ring any bell to you? Then you might want to have it as your wedding cake topper.

9)      Superman & Lois Lane Wedding Cake Topper

This cake topper portrays a very common situation in Superman’s life: rescuing Lois Lane. It is a great decoration if you love Superman or if you feel you groom is a superhero!

10)   Flintstones Wedding Cake Topper Figurines

The Flintstones was one of the most successful animated TV shows ever and if you want them as part of your wedding, you have the option to choose between Fred and Wilma, Betty and Barney or Bamm Bamm and Pebbles. Which relationship do you feel identified with?

You don’t know how to dance or you don’t are too into the wedding dance? Don’t worry! Even if most weddings have a wedding first dance, there are some grooms and brides who prefer to replace that with other activities. Here you have some ideas so you can use them as an alternative or as ideas to come up with your own one.

1) The first idea is that you choose love songs that you like a lot or that have a special meaning for you. Then, you can organize a karaoke. But not a regular one. It would be a sort of competition of the guests against the bride and groom. You can have little gifts as rewards.

2) Something else you can do is to show a video of how you two met, images of your childhood, your best moments together, etc. You can even tape a video thanking your guests for being there.

3) The third proposal is the shoe game. The couple will sit in a chair giving their back to the each other. Each will have a bride and a groom shoe in each hand. A volunteer will ask you questions and depending on the question, each of you will raise the shoe of the person who is best suited for the answer. This will show how much you agree in your answers and how much you happen to know each other.

Here are some questions that you can use:

• Who wears the pants in the relationship?
• Who cooks better?
• Who drives better?
• Who is more romantic?
• Who is the best kisser?
• Whose feet smell worse?
• Which of the two says “I love you” more often?
• Who spends more money?
• Who spends more time on Facebook?
• Who is the most conceited?

4) You can also do a monologue about marriage. Prepare yourself and you can choose the funniest friend you have to memorize and recite the monologue. Or, it if is possible, you can pay a professional that creates a special monologue for you.

5) A great game that will keep your guests wide awake throughout the wedding is “I spy.”  Put disposable cameras at each table for guests to capture moments in photos. Then, you will keep the photos as souvenirs for the couple.

6) You can also put a photo booth which is becoming very popular- To make it even better, you may give a small prize to the table that makes the funniest picture.

7) Another original idea and popular idea for the nightfall is to release balloons with LED lights or lanterns.

8) You can also play the musical chairs game. Choose one or two guests from each table and try to make it barefoot so no accidents happen.

Which idea do you like better? Did you come up with your own? Have fun at your wedding!!

Photography: Max Wanger
http://www.100layercake.com/blog/2013/04/15/southern-california-wedding-amanda-tim-part-1/

If you have already thought of decorating every single space in your wedding such as the banquets, tables, chairs, roof, and so on. One more pace you should take into account is the aisle… the way to the altar. Walk to the man of your dreams through a magical passage.

When people think about decorating, they usually forget about the floor, or, they use a red carpet for the aisle; however, more and more couples are now choosing to decorate the floor with cute, original and unique ideas perfect for any bride. Some ideas would suit especially well if the ceremony is outdoors, some others to decorate the church hall and others are versatile. Let’s check them out!

Carpets

The safest choice for the aisle is the traditional red carpet, but why not risking and getting away from the conventional by being bold and using other colors. What about white, green, pink, blue… the color you want to use will be just perfect. Analyze the decoration of your wedding and the theme so the color matches. If you want something even more innovative, you may print your names or initials in the carpet or you could build a road with using carpet for the path to the altar, choose to print the names or initials of the couple in it or you could even build a road with different kilim rugs if you are holding a boho wedding.

Petals and more Petals

Embellishing the aisle using petals is the trendiest option these years. There are so many different options in which you can decorate the way to the altar by using petals and create a magical atmosphere that you will be awed by the results. You can choose to scatter petals without a specific order. Try a monochromatic style or combine different colors as well as types of flowers.

Now, if you prefer a more organized style, fill the hall with petals of the same color or create a drawing if you want a slightly more orderly style, chooses to completely fill the hall with petals of a single color or create a degraded drawing with them. Petals are super flexible for decoration because they allow you to create beautiful figures and make your way to the altar a fairylike experience.

The Edges of the Hall

If you are not attracted to the idea of walking on petals, you can also use them for the roadside or play with different types of floral arrangements and place them on the floor. If what you want is to light the road, use beautiful lamps or candles inside cages and place them on the sides of the aisle.  This idea will be super cute if you are getting married at night.

The edges could also be decorated in accordance to your wedding’s theme. Use straw or bales for a rustic theme; palms and exotic flowers for a beach team or incredible floral arrangements for an elegant and chic wedding.

There are so many options to decorate the aisle, choose the one you like the most so you feel in heaven when you give the expected “I do.”

Every day, our country becomes more diverse and full of new cultures. Therefore, more and more couples are looking to display their ethnicity through their wedding decoration. If you want your wedding to be traditional or ethnic, you must be careful to preserve the native and cultural style of your ethnicity All the wedding deco, even the colors, must be in harmony with the couple’s traditions. Ethnic wedding are commonly held in the place where the couple or one of them is from. However, if you are not lucky to be at your place of origin, ensure you make yourself and your invitees feel as if they were. A vital part of the decoration that you cannot miss, are the cake toppers. We have pulled together a list of our top seven ethnic cake toppers, check it out!!

African American Bride and Groom Wedding Cake Topper

This cake topper is perfect if both of you are African America. It is a very traditional but beautiful cake topper that you will want to have in your wedding. Check more African American cake topers here. 

Cute Asian Couple in Traditional Wedding Attire

This adorable cake topper shows an Asian couple wearing a traditional wedding attire! Imagine how cute it would look if you are also wearing a matching attire. Check more Asian toppers here.

  Latin Dancer & Mariachi Player Cake Topper Figurine

This is so cute!! If you have Mexican heritage, why not depicting it through your cake toppers? You may find other cake toppers here if you are Latin American.

Contemporary Indian Bride and Groom Mix & Match Cake Toppers

This is a must cake topper if you are looking forward mixing traditional and modern. A bride with henna and bindi details and wearing a sari plus a black suited groom. Check our complete Indian colection here. Groom in Kilt Figurine and Fashionable Bride Mix & Match Cake Toppers

If you want to embrace your Scottish heritage, you should consider this beautiful cake topper showing the groom wearing a Scottish attire while the bride wears an elegant dress. Find more Irish and Celtic toppers here.

  Dutch Cake Topper

This cute Dutch cake topper with the bride wearing a Volendam hat, black dress and blue jacket while the groom wears an black fisherman cap and a red jacket with black breeches is perfect to show your Dutch heritage. Find more scandinavian cake toppers here.

Chic Interracial Wedding Cake Topper – Caucasian Bride / African American Groom

What if both are from different ethnicities? Nothing to worry. You can always find interracial cake toppers to suit your needs. Here you have a caucasian bride with an african american groom. But you may find more combinations here.

Do you see how wide the cake topper world is now? Just make the arrangements and certainly you will find the perfect one to suit your needs.

Photographer: Vivian Chen
http://www.100layercake.com/blog/2014/03/12/diy-california-chinese-cultural-wedding/

We have been talking and learning about weddings celebrated in other countries, with cultures very different from ours and that you can bring you so you can immerse into their traditions. Today we will learn about Japanese weddings, which ceremonies are full of tradition even if they have been very influenced by the Western lately.

In Japan, you may see Christian, Buddhist, Shinto and non-religious weddings. In addition, the couple may choose a style of ceremony without being part of their religion.

When you receive the invitation for a Japanese wedding, the recipient must return it with an answer. Also, you have to take cash with you so you can give it to them as a gift in a special envelope called “Shugi-bukuro” with your name written on the front. The amount for the gift will depend on the relationship you have with the couple. Just take into account that the amount must always start with an odd number because when the Japanese marry, they are looking forward union and not dividing anything between two.

The bride and groom’s gowns are very traditional. The bride wears the “shiramuko” which is a white silk kimono. The most appealing detail is that they cover they head with a circular hat called “tsuno-kakushi” which purpose is to cover the horns (jealousy) to her mother-in-law and future mother. Really traditional brides will also paint their faces white to symbolize virginity and purity. Once they are married, the bride usually changes her costume to celebrate. They usually use red because it is a good luck color. The groom carries a “montsuki” which is black kimono. They also change for the celebration by wearing a gray kimono or a black Western suit.

The wedding are held in a temple called “Shinto”. Guests and family are to enter first, followed by the bride who enters taking her mother’s hand and leaves by taking her mother-in-law’s hand. After that, the groom enters taking his father’s hand. Finally, the Shinto priest enters lastly.  The ceremony take approximately 20 minutes. It begins with a prayer in classical Japanese, then the couple exchanges the “Juzu” which is a type of old rosary and then exchange the rings.

The most important part of the ceremony is when they drink the “San San Kudu,” which means Three-Three-Nine and represents heaven, earth and man. This act symbolizes union of the couple and the gods. They use three cups called “sakazuki” and drink in three sips. Number nine is three times number three, which is a sacred number meant to bring happiness to the couple.

After the ceremony, all the guests and family members walk, in procession following the couple for the family photos. Now is when the bride takes off her hat. Japanese do not usually have physical contact or displays of affection in public, for you to take into consideration.

Photography: Mona Lisa T
www.stylemepretty.com

Vintage is still in vogue; however, the tendencies now are to focus on a specific period of time to have a more defined theme.  If your favorite decade are the 50’s and you want to have an awesome vintage wedding, you must definitely have your and your groom’s look match the decoration and everything else. So, if you are wondering, what dress, accessories, hairstyle and others you should wear, keep reading.

The Bride

Too look like a real 50’s bride, there are some aspects you should take into account, let’s overview them:

• The wedding dress should be short—knee height—and with a lot of volume. It is better if you choose a tight-fitting dress with sweetheart neckline.
• Choose 50’s accessories such as a very vintage handbag, gloves, pearls and you cannot forget a birdcage veil. Also, you could add a floral hood or a feathered headdress. You will look so 50’s!
• Since you are wearing a short dress, you must pay special attention to the shoes. Try to find shoes from that decade with high heels such as pumps and with rounded tip, for instance. If you are bold enough, buy shoes in bright colors such as blue, red or fuchsia.
• Your hairstyle must be simple but elegant. You can choose a half up with the rest of the hair in nice waves or you can wear it tied which will match perfectly with the birdcage veil.
• The bouquet has to be classic and/or decorated with roses, pearls and even vintage jewelry. You will awe your guests!

Photography: Joielala Photographie
http://www.100layercake.com/blog/2011/07/11/1950s-retro-southern-california-wedding-dominique-ron-part-1/

The Groom

What should a groom wear on his wedding to have a 50´s look?

It is actually not that complicated, with a few accessories and the right clothing, you will obtain the retro look you are looking for to match your beautiful 50’s inspired bride.

• Go for brown, gray and blue shades. Why? Because those are the colors that were most used in that decade and the most used in vintage costumes.  If you like, you can even combine colors such as wearing gray pants with a blue jacket. Also, you can choose a light brown suit; it will definitely give you that retro air.
• Something really representative of that decade are vests; therefore, if you have the opportunity to wear one, do not hesitate!
• Something else that will give you a unique look is a bow tie. It will not only make you look vintage but also handsome.
• Now, if you are into mastering the look, then wear a plaid shirt combined with a vest and a bow tie. You will look so elegant and retro.
• If you are more classic, then you could wear a tuxedo but instead of wearing a regular tie, use a bow tie that combines the suit.
• If you are not into bow ties, then choose a dark and tight suit with an also dark and narrow tie.
• And if you want to look really classic, then choose a frock coat with a crossed vest. This will make you look like a high class 50’s groom.
• If you want to add accessories, the most convenient ones are suspenders, a hat, laced shoes and of course, a boutonniere.

Continuing with our series about Weddings from the World, this week we have chosen to talk about Armenian marriages.  Armenian weddings are full of personality thanks to its wide variety of traditions, customs, dances and music which makes them exceptionally different to what we are accustomed to.

Before the wedding, the future husband’s family will house the future wife and ask her father for permission to let the relationship continue. Once they get permission, the future groom gives the future bride the engagement ring. To celebrate, they toast with Armenian cognac and they even hold an engagement party hosted by the girl’s parents.

Unlike other cultures, in Armenian, the family of the groom are the ones in charge of paying the wedding costs. The celebration will start will a lot of rituals the evening before the religious wedding, let’s go through them:

• Late at night, the groom, family and friends will go to the bride’s house to deliver the veil she will wear during the wedding. They will play music, dance and bring gifts. While they are celebrating, they steal the shoes that the bride will wear on the wedding ceremony which symbolizes how the girl will be taken away from her family. To recover the shoes, the best man and maid of honor must pay a ransom.
• The day of the wedding, the groom and his family will take the wedding dress to the bride and will ask the father permission for her to wear it.
• The brother or the closest male to the bride, will put her shoes on and place money inside to wish her luck and fortune.
• Before putting her veil on, the bride will pass it over the bridesmaids head to wish them luck in finding good husbands. Then, a happily married woman will put her the veil on to have good luck.
• Since the bridesmaids are single, the wedding day they will write their names on the right sole of the bride’s shoe. Once the party is over, the bride will check her sole and that name which can still be read, will be the next to get married.
• Green and red ribbons are placed by his mom on the groom’s jacket to symbolize happiness, promises, health and wellness.

The Religious Wedding

During the ceremony, the priest will bless the rings and then put the hands of the couple together to represent their union.  The couples make their vows and promise to support and commit to each other. The best man will lift a cross over their heads to legitimize their union. After that, the priest puts their forehands together to represent that even if they might have different opinions, they must agree based on trust, love and solidarity. Also, the couple gets crowned to symbolize their power and authority while taking the lead in their home. Finally, the priest will pray, they drink a glass of blessed wine and commit to live their lives as one.

• When they leave the church, two doves are released to wish the, happiness and love. In the meantime, guests will throw flowers and petals to the couple.
• Before celebrating, the couple will break decorated plates at the entrance of the venue. This ward off evil spirits as well as negative energies. They also do it before they enter their new home.
• When they enter, the go under an arch made of flowers which symbolizes happiness and prosperity.
• To welcome the couple, the guests will have colored scarves (usually red and green as the groom’s ribbons) and they will wave them while dancing.
• Finally, we have the shabash which consist on throwing money and coins to the couple to wish them fortune, wealth and good luck.

Photographer: Meghan Elise Photography
http://www.100layercake.com/blog/2015/10/29/moody-halloween-wedding-inspiration/

Many couples love the idea of getting married on Halloween. It is the opportunity not only to have fun and let your inner child come out but also to show off your creativity and ability to scare all your guest through original and creepy decoration and details. From pumpkins, witches and ghosts to terrifying scenarios, there is a lot of material for a really scary and unique Halloween themed wedding.

If you are going to celebrate your wedding on Halloween, you will need a lot of great ideas to make it the spooky wedding of the year, we will gladly help you with that, so take note on the below ideas and plan a spectacular Halloween wedding.

• Castles have always been surrounded by mystery and horror; therefore, they become the perfect scenario for your Halloween wedding. Do your homework and search for the scariest. If you have the resources, you can even look for a castle abroad.
• Pumpkins are definitely the main characters when we talk about Halloween, so you cannot miss them on your wedding. There are many ways in which you can incorporate them: as centerpieces, as lamps to light the corridor where you will walk to the altar or in the floor, as decoration and of course as part of the menu!
• Your Halloween party must of course include terrifying elements. Thus, why not decorating every corner of the venue with them. Use skeletons, witches, zombies, insects, heads and much more to make the place as scary as possible. You can decorate the ceiling, the tables, chairs, walls and a lot more with them. You can even do a photo booth with the creepiest figures!
• Your dress may become the protagonist! Not by wearing a black dress or one that looks like a costume but, instead, you can prepare it to look awesome by adding any details you wish. It may be spider web, insects, wearing a creepy veil or even adding a vampire-like coat.
• People love disguises, so you should take advantage of the holiday and ask your guests to wear costumes to your party. To make sure it goes as planned, include instructions in the invitation to make sure everybody wears a cool disguise. If you want to make it even more interesting, you can offer a prize for the best costume.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but you could definitely come up with more and have the best Halloween-themed wedding ever!

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Include Your Pet on Your Wedding Day

If you consider yourself a “mama of fur babies”, then you’ve probably thought about incorporating your pets into your wedding day… more than once.  It’s okay!  We don’t judge.  In fact, we encourage it!  Pets add such a unique element to your wedding day, even if it’s just a pose for a quick photo.  It’s a memory you’ll get to cherish forever.  Below, we’ve included a few ways to make your pet a special part of your day.

Puppy Bow Tie

Your can include your pet on your wedding day in many ways – start by dressing them up for the occasion!  This blue plaid doggy bowtie collar will make your pet feel like part of your day.  Sizing options are available in small to extra large for every size pet and includes side release buckles for easy on and off.  Outside of the wedding day, it can be reused for family photos, birthdays, and other special occasions that you can’t imagine without your puppy love.

Dog Ring Pillow

The easiest way to include your pet on your wedding day is by having them be your ring bearer!  This satin pillow features ribbons that allow you to tie the pillow around your dogs back.  It can also attach to the leash if you’d like someone to accompany them down the aisle.  Also, it is adorned with fake wedding rings so you don’t have to fret about the dog losing the real ones – we’ve got you covered.

Dog Satin Bow

If your puppy is planning to be a ring bearer, this Best Pet Doggy Bow is another great way to include your pet on your wedding day.  Available in black or white, the bow tie attaches to the dogs normal collar for an easy addition.  It’s definitely a conversation piece, so be prepared for your guests to comment on that handsome puppy as he trots down the aisle.

Cat Tie Collar

When you include your pet on your wedding day, it isn’t just limited to dogs – we’ve got outfits for your cat as well!  This adorable cat wedding tie is available in multiple sizes and comes with an elastic band for ease.  While they may not be able to walk down the aisle or hang out at the reception like a dog might, they can still be included in photos and the tie will still be a fun accessory for upcoming special occasions post wedding.

Flower Dog Collar

Maybe the doggy bowtie above was too masculine for your fur baby princess?  We’ve included this adorable flower dog collar just for her!  The collar is pink crocheted and adorned with a white flower and rhinestones for the pretty lady.  Like the other products, it is adjustable for various neck sizes and can be used many more times after the wedding.

There are so many other ways you can include your pet on your wedding day – for more outfit ideas, visit our pet pages here for dogs and cats.  The best ideas are the ones that best fit you and your day, and we are happy to help any way we can!  Feel free to call us for more information or for help finding your perfect product.

The post How to Include Your Pet on Your Wedding Day appeared first on Wedding Collectibles | Wedding Cake Toppers.

When a new couple is looking to get engaged, buying that engagement ring can be pretty daunting. Unless the couple comes from a family of Jewelers or are somehow super up to date on how much a diamond is going for these days, it can be hard to know how much money will equal what size diamond. Looking online at Pinterest can be deceptive and even looking online at jeweler stores can be misleading because you are not really going to get a real feel for the ring to price ratio.

Your best bet is really going to be going into Jewelers and seeing what is out there, but again, that can be a little nerve racking and time consuming, while also leaving that question of is there something better somewhere else? Especially if you are not shopping together and the asker is trying to find that perfect ring on his/her own.

So, after a quick survey and a little bit of digging, here is some info on what real wedding rings costs for real people (ie. We can’t compare to celebrities or people with a disposable income because a Million dollar ring is not often realistic…not that celebrities and uber rich people are not real people too).

To start: In the article “How Much Should an Engament Ring Cost?” in Women’s Health Magazine published in February of this year, it states, “The average price tag for an engagement ring is $2,311, according to new data from American Express Spending & Savings Tracker. Of course, not everyone drops that amount on the rock. In this survey of over 1,500 adults, 25 percent of people said it was appropriate to spend between $2,000 and $4,999.” But, with nontraditional ring styles becoming increasingly popular, this number can be dropped significantly lower.

If your heart is set on a diamond ring, know that it is the diamond that is going to determine the price of your ring, and the bigger the diamond, the bigger the cost.  The only way to have a large diamond at a cheaper price is if you sacrifice cut, color, or clarity. In the article, “The New Rules to of the Engagement Ring” on Askmen.com it states “According to Philip York, one of GIA’s diamond experts, the importance of each C will depend on the person and their preferences. For instance, “Do they like a lot of brightness or some fire (the rainbow of colors caused by dispersion)?” he asks. If that’s the case, focus on the diamond’s cut more than, say, its size. And if size is what’s most important to you or your bride-to-be, then depending on your budget you may have to sacrifice on cut, color or clarity” So a HUGE factor in how much an engagement ring will cost is dependent on who the ring is being bought for and what her preferences are going to be.

If you are trying to surprise you soon to be fiance with the proposal and don’t want to involve her in the purchase, but also don’t know her preferences, then try asking her best friend. Chances are she has told her exactly what she wants for that special day when you come asking around.

Real Rings from Real Brides

This engagement ring is from Jared’s Galleria of Jewelry for $1500. With the wedding band and everything said and done, the total came out to $3000. Recommendation from the bride: “If you want a wedding band, try to buy them as a set because they can sometimes be cheaper together.”

This gorgeous ring is from Pasha Jewlers in Orange, Ca. Originally priced close to $5,000 they were able to get it for $2,000 because they were paying in cash. Tip: Don’t be afraid to try and negotiate and ask about upcoming sales. This is a big purchase!

For $2,500 this bride was able to get two wedding bands and a 1/4th carat center stone from Fred Meyer. From the bride: “It was more important for me to have my ring be super sparkly, so instead of a large center stone I went with the double halo and all diamonds on the side.”

This oval cut gold wedding ring is beautiful and the right amount of dainty. It’s center stone is .6 carats and cost $2000. Something to learn from the bride for those looking for a center stone that at least looks large in size: “The oval cut actually makes it look bigger than it is”, so be sure to keep in mind the cut of your diamond when figuring out your priorities.

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Keeping on the topic of Engagement Rings and Proposals, we wanted to share this helpful engagement ring infographic! We have already talked about how much a ring costs, but how about how to know what ring is the right ring for your soon-to-be bride. Buying an engagement ring is a big decision and getting that girl of your dreams the perfect ring holds a lot of pressure. This is the one piece of jewelry that a girl plans on wearing for the rest of her life, so it is important to get it right.

Tip to women: Even if you don’t like your ring, know that he tried! You can of course be honest with him, but try to soften the blow.

Tip to the men: If she is not overly excited about the ring you chose, know that it is not the proposal and prospect of marrying you that she is exchanging! It may even be a good idea after the dust has settled after the big proposal, to see how she feels about the ring and offer to exchange it. Chances are she will say no, but remember, she plans on wearing this forever!!

To help avoid any disliking or exchanging of rings, the following infographic breaks down which styles tend to suit which kind of girl, as well as what all goes into picking out a ring. Yes, this is a simplification, but not overly so.

Infographic: Australian Diamond Company

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How to Get What You Want for Your Wedding

Photo: Ruffledblog.com “Dallas Arboretum Wedding”

Saying “no” while planning your wedding may seem like a natural reflex to some brides, but may actually prove difficult to others who cannot seem to be comfortable with asserting what they want when it comes in conflict  with someone else’s wants. Which is really a more complicated way of saying they are people pleasers and can’t give up on their people pleasing way. Really, it can be a good thing to be so aware of other people, but sometimes that awareness can turn into substituting anything you need and want to providing the needs and wants to other people. One of the biggest times in a people pleaser’s life where they are going to not want to compromise what they want for other people is their wedding day.

Your wedding day is suppose to be all about you and to help you celebrate your love. So when it comes to planning this special day, you need to go with the mindset that yes, there is an “I” in “Team”.

How to Assert What You Want – No Matter What

1. Privately (or with your fiancé) make a list of things that you really want for your wedding.  If you need to, force yourself to “play pretend” a perfect scenario where there are not going to be any conflicts or compromises to be made. What do you want in its most raw version.
2. Pick a supportive right hand man to help you plan. When it comes to family, moms, and in-laws, you are going to want someone in your corner that is not going to let you compromise your wants to please someone else.  This can be a best friend, a sister, cousin, your mom, and even a wedding planner. You just need to figure out who is going to be your best advocate and who you will listen to when they tell you “no, you don’t need to move your wedding venue to make it easier on such-n-such”.
3. Say “No” early. The first time someone suggests or even pushes for something that you don’t want for your wedding, put your foot down. Don’t say maybe or that you will think about it. Just say no. This could be something as simple as the flavor of wedding cake or as big as having a friend be your wedding photographer.  Once you start saying no, it will be easier for you in the future because you will get use to saying and the people around you will be used to hearing it.

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A wedding photo booth is perfect for your fun and flirty wedding! Photo booths are a great way to encourage your guests to document their memories for you on your special day. Many brides and grooms will even use a photo booth in lieu of a guestbook!

How it works:

A photographer with a Polaroid camera snaps a picture of your guests as they come in or throughout the night in front of your backdrop. Then, your guests sign their picture and slip it in a photo album or hang it on a clothes line display!

Why people love it:

It really is a great way to capture who was at your wedding; keeping the name to the face of that distant relative that you don’t know too well. Plus, guests have the opportunity to have some fun with it, making the picture silly or more personal than their name scribbled down in a book. Add in some props and your guests will not be able to help but have fun with it!

Top Three Photo Booths

This watercolor photo booth backdrop works with both summer and winter weddings. It’s simplicity will ensure that it won’t overshadow any fun your guests have in their photos! Plus it can be personalized!

This backdrop would work perfect for any nautical loving bride and groom, but even more so for servicemen in the Navy or Coastguard. Just like the watercolor photo booth, this backdrop can be personalized!

Finally, this photo backdrop has a little more spunk. The bride and groom’s names stretch across the sun and the palm trees make for a spot on beach vibe. This photo booth back drop is a must for any beach wedding!

Check out all our photo booth back drops here and tell us which are your favorites in the comment section! 

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Dueling Piano Blog: Unique Wedding Traditions Around The World

Whether you believe in these wedding superstitions or not, it really can’t hurt to put as much of the good in your corner as a new couple. Plus, playing along with some of this traditions from cultures across the world can be kind of fun!

Wedding Superstitions and Traditions

1. When it rains on your wedding day it is considered good luck for your marriage according to Hindu Traditions. So maybe scheduling that April showers wedding day isn’t such a bad idea?
2. Swedish brides put a silver coin from her father and a gold coin from her mother in each shoe to make sure she’ll never be without the necessities.
3. In Ancient Rome, people studied pig entrails to figure out the best time to get married. This one is a little gross and probably not okay to try at home. Maybe buy some bacon and study the bacon. Or just eat the bacon and enjoy a home filled with the smell of bacon why you pick your wedding date.
4. Found a spider in your wedding dress? Bad luck? Not according to the English! In England, you should squeal with joy if you find a spider in your dress because it is considered good luck! Maybe don’t tell the groom this or you might end up with him planting a spider in your dress!
5. Another interesting wedding tradition most people know of is the tradition to carry a bride across their threshold, but did you know that it is a superstitious act? In fact, it is done to protect her from the evil spirits lurking beneath.
6. Have you ever taken a milk bath? Apparently Moroccan women the a milk bath to purify themselves before their wedding day. I’d be curious to find out if the men do anything for the same purpose.
7. In Holland, a pine tree is planted outside the couple’s home to signify luck and fertility.

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Weddings are full of tradition, but where do these traditions come from? Are they the same everywhere you go? Really, weddings look as different on one side of the world than the other as they do from one time period than another. This is important to keep in mind when you are planning your wedding. Following tradition is great, but there are so many different traditions out there, that if you wanted to pull a bit from each you would end up with a non-traditional traditional wedding!

Let’s take a look at some different and somewhat strange wedding traditions across the world and throughout history:

1) In parts of Africa the parents of the bride and groom bring fire from each of their hearths to light the hearth of the newlyweds. What a neat way to show a blessing on a marriage and the continuation of their families!

2) The tradition to have tiered cakes came from a game where a bride and groom tried to kiss over their cake (some tried to make it really challenging!) without knocking it over. This seems like a tradition that needs to be brought back!

3) Speaking of wedding cakes, they started way back when in ancient Rome when Romans would break a loaf of bread over the brides head to ensure fertility!

4) The month of June is a popular month for weddings. Heck there are even movies about it! But do you know why?  It all stemmed from the goddess Juno because she is the ruler over marriage, home, and childbirth!

5) In Denmark it was tradition for the bride and groom to cross dress as a way of confusing evil spirits. Quite a different image than the little girl one day dreaming of her wedding dress!

6) Unlike many western brides who work to shed weight to look their “best” on their wedding days, Mauritania brides are actually sent to “fat farms” to ensure that they have stomach rolls, stretch marks, and touching thighs. It is supposed to represent that their new husband is wealthy enough to keep her luxuriously fed.

7) In India, women who are born as Mangliks (something to do with the location of Mars and Saturn) are thought to be cursed. The curse would cause an early death for her husband. So, to break the curse she must first be married to a tree that is then cut down.

Which strange wedding traditions would you try and which do you find the most strange?

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“9 Trends Wedding Planners Hate as Much as You Do” By Jessie Mooney 6/27/2017

Just like there are blogs -like ours- that share wedding ideas, hoping to inspire new brides to create and enjoy their dream wedding, there are also those that hate on every wedding trend that has every existed. Like every one. Sure, trends change. Some can be “overdone” and other’s end up not being functional and need to change.

What to do when your Dream Wedding Ends up on a Wedding Trend Don’t List

Who the EFF cares what “they” think?! Whether it is friends or a blogger on GQ, what matters most when it comes to planning your wedding is what you like and what you want your wedding to look like. For example, if you want to use mason jars as part of your centerpieces or have a photo booth with props for your guests to take pictures, then go for it! Don’t let your best friend tell you she thinks mason jars are sooooo over and definitely don’t let a blogger talk you out of it. (Though, Jessie Mooney does bring up a good point in her blog 9 Trends Wedding Planners Hate as Much as You Do that photo booths can create a bottle neck. Instead of nixing them completely, maybe make a plan on how to avoid the problem!).

Ask yourself these three questions:

1. What do you want your wedding to be like? Pin the pins, create your vision boards, read the bridal magazines and determine what your want.
2. Why do you want it to be that way? Then decide where your motivation comes from. Is it because you think it is beautiful or fun? Or is it because you are determined to be in style and on trend? If it is the latter, than having your wedding plans touted as being out dated matters. If it is because it is what you love, then others not liking it doesn’t really matter.
3. Will it work? Is it functional? If yes, roll with it. If not, then maybe rethink the idea!

Trends change and you are probably planning on only having one wedding, so you might as well do what it is that you like. So how do you avoid over done wedding trends? By not caring what people that aren’t you think!

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Breaking free from being a black and white wedding, focusing on the gemstone, onyx, your wedding will not only feel classy, but have so much more meaning behind it!

Meanings and Connections to the Onyx Gemstone for your Onyx Wedding

Onyx has a somewhat strange story behind it’s “mythical” creation: It is said that Cupid cut the fingernails from the goddess Venus while she slept, leaving the fingernail clippings in the sand. Then the fates turned them into stones. Now if your’re thinking of your grooms gross clippings left in the family room, don’t. This story shows how highly the stones were respected as coming from part of a goddess.  Another interesting little detail about Onyx is that if you dream about onyx, it is supposed to symbolize a happy life with your perfect match (aka happily ever after). It is also supposed to be a protection against dark forces and remove negativity out of your life.

The stories and meanings connected to Onyx may not be quickly seen as romantic, however starting a marriage without negativity and being each other’s perfect match in the presence of a goddess’s nail clippings (okay maybe not the nail clippings part) is pretty romantic!

Styling your Onyx Wedding

All of this aside, Onyx ( not just black! Use the stone!) creates a great texture for your decor. In order to stay away from it just being black, it is a good idea to have elements of the raw stone in your decor. Also, playing with geometric shapes can create a modern and earthy vibe. Ultimately, it is the perfect look for any contemporary couple.

An Onyx Opportunity

If you want to be truly unique, be daring at try a black wedding dress! Black wedding dresses are not just for the girl who only wears black. It is as classy and beautiful as white – maybe just don’t pair it with black eye shadow and black lipstick! Take it further and find a Grecian goddess styled gown to connect with Onyx’s Venus roots!

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