Wedding season is upon us and it seems like all of Hollywood is getting engaged or tying the knot. When it comes down to engagement rings, obviously celebrities can afford the best of the best, so what exactly are they choosing? Whether they opt for a vintage-inspired, white diamond ring like Nicole Richie or a more modern yellow diamond like Kristen Bell, there is in fact one overarching trend: a platinum setting.
The great news is that we can all have that same quality platinum setting on our everyday budget. Engagement rings set in platinum start at approximately $2,000 from designers like Hearts on Fire and Jean Dousset, so the main variable is the size of your center stone.
Here are some tips on how you can get your favorite celeb engagement ring style in your price range:
· First of all, remember that smaller diamonds are your friend, too. Whether it’s a halo around the center stone, or a pavé setting, these smaller, more economical stones give your ring a ‘big diamond’ look. Starlets like Katherine Heigl and Gwenyth Paltrow framed their center stone with pavé diamonds, complete with a pavé band
· When it comes to your center stone, think outside the box – more and more celebrities are choosing a colored stone rather than the more traditional diamond (just ask Penélope Cruz!) Not only will it show your individuality, but gemstones can be far less expensive than a diamond
· Go vintage! Vintage rings have a sweet and elegant style – they reflect utmost sophistication, but without pretention. Both Katie Holmes and Ali Landry chose a vintage-inspired setting for their engagement rings, but you can do one better – try incorporating heirloom pieces into your ring’s design to make that milestone purchase as smart as it is sentimental.
· Last but not least, possibly one of the most important things to remember is that it’s not all about the diamond. Obviously that’s generally the main focus when choosing a ring, but what’s holding it is just as valuable. Choosing a metal that’s going to stand up to the rigors of everyday life, while retaining its structure and beauty, is a very cost-effective, long-term option. Platinum won’t tarnish, is very durable, and doesn’t ever lose metal. Leading ladies Fergie and Beyoncé both opted for platinum to make sure their rings could withstand life on – and off – the stage.
Working with multiple vendors can be very overwhelming. The stress, combined with all the contracts and legal verbiage, can whip you into a whirlwind if you don’t know some key elements to look out for. You have to be sure that you understand the vendors you are working with, because slight oversights can lead to costly penalties and fees that could eat up a large percentage of your valuable wedding budget.
Not like other brides..
Because each vendor has their own contracts, it’s hard to know what to look for. If your fiancé is like most brides, she has visions of sugar plums dancing in her head, and may be overlooking important details that if left untouched could turn the best day of her life into the day from hell. With you at her side, you can work together to ensure your special day is everything that you dreamed of.
Never settle!
So many times couples settle for what the contract says without taking into consideration that most items within a contract are negotiable. There is an old adage that says, “You have not because you ask not.” This rings true within the wedding world as well. Knowing what to negotiate is what is important. Hotels often are able to waive room rental fees or reduce the guarantee if you can provide an exact guest count, or a count that is within 10-15 people. Booking your wedding during an off season often times gives you valuable leverage when negotiating with your vendor. It is important to understand your position even when on a limited budget. In these economic times, most vendors and venues are very willing to make adjustments to accommodate your requests if you are bringing them revenue.
Read the Fine Print
It is very important to understand each vendor’s requirements, eg. Do you need to provide vendor meals, what are the hourly charges above the contracted rate, when do the band/DJ breaks need to be taken, is there an extra charge for delivery outside of operating hours, etc.. Let’s say you have contracted for use of a reception hall for 4 hours, but you have rented tables and chairs and they won’t be picking up the chairs until the next morning. Is there a storage fee associated with holding them overnight, will they allow a pickup as long as it is during business hours, and when will the linens be picked up? All of these are important items to be covered in the contract to ensure your vendor’s expectations are met, and that you are not surprised with an extra bill that you were not anticipating. Paying attention to each of these details will save a lot of stress in the long run. Recently one of my clients hired a band, and the venue provided one size stage only, and the band required larger stage than the venue provided. We were able to adjust the sizes with both parties beforehand which alleviated changes that would have had to be made the day of. It is these details that can make a difference on your wedding day, and certainly isn’t what you want to be dealing with while getting ready and enjoying one of the best days of your life. You can read more insight into other challenges we faced with this client by clicking Here along with other challenges that some of my other clients faced also.
Know When to Hold ‘em….
When negotiating contract terms, it’s important to consider several factors.
1. Time of year or day of week. (Is this peak season, or could your event be bringing revenue during a slow season)
2. Are other quotes you received including services that the vendor or venue you desire is not including? Use that as leverage to have them include additional services or extras that they would not have normally included.
3. Would they be willing to give discounts or extras in exchange for advertising on their website or using you as a reference?
4. Look for excessive charges or “Guarantees” that might be able to be reduced to a smaller amount if you can guarantee the guest count.
5. Ask for referral discounts if you send additional clients their way.
6. Make sure you are allowing sufficient time for set up and take down of all vendors involved.
7. Consider all vendors involved, and ensure that each will have sufficient time to set up if one is dependent on the other. Eg. Ensure that the fabric and lighting is set-up before centerpieces and place settings are set.
8. Ensure pick-up and delivery hours are within limits specified by your venue and ensure that all vendors involved have coordinated their times with the venues’.
Contract review can be a daunting task, and wedding planners, event designers and other professionals are used to the ins and outs of contracts and can help you along the way. Having an advocate that can foresee possible pitfalls is a valuable investment for such an important occasion that you hopefully only do once in your life. I am offering a free contract review for up to 2 vendors for all Groomsonline.com readers or subscribers of this blog. Please feel free to let me know if there is something in this blog that you would like me to go into more detail on, or if I missed a topic that you would like to see.
Kevin Sanchez-Principal Event Designer Artifex Events 303-465-0253 www.artifexevents.com
—Upholding tradition, research shows that a majority of well-mannered men proudly propose with an engagement ring in hand, on bended knee, and uttering the words “will you marry me,” even securing the parents’ blessings beforehand.
But whether he knows it or not, the bride does play a key role in the selection of the engagement ring. In fact, in a recent online poll nearly three quarters of brides reported to be present when their ring was purchased or had shopped around with the groom during the process. Even among brides who claimed to be somewhat or not at all involved in the ring selection, the majority dropped hints—from clipped magazine ads to hints from friends and family.
A broad brushstroke of the trends categorize brides with a classic sensibility are prone to the timeless six-prong solitaire style; casual, sporty brides are inclined toward modern sleek designs, often in matte finish with bezel-set diamonds; and romantic types fond of feminine things are partial to micro pave, while those with a penchant for nostalgia prefer vintage looks including engraving, fine filigree work and rose-cut diamonds.
For brides with something very specific in mind, there is always custom design, a route actress Katherine Heigl chose when creating her platinum and pear-shaped diamond ring by Ryan Ryan. She incorporated part of the shank of her mother’s engagement ring to make her own—nice touch!
Katherine Heigel engagement ring by Ryan Ryan
Lately, brides seem to be favoring styles with multiple stones like a prong-set diamond center with diamond baguettes, channel-set diamond accents or diamond pave on the ring. Choice center cuts for brides are round and princess, but Hollywood’s elite also prefers cushion, emerald, and Asscher cuts.
Asscher Cut Shared Prong Band by KWIAT
Although 95% of the engagement rings purchased are set with white diamonds, there are maverick brides who opt for color as either a center stone or accents, especially in gems like blue and pink sapphire, and other birthstones, as well as color diamonds.
Design trends also favor white metal in wedding rings. Studies reveal that a large percentage of brides prefer platinum but end up with white gold because they believe platinum is out of reach. But many of today’s most popular jewelry designers are creating beautiful platinum mountings for well under $1000. While platinum may be slightly more expensive than gold, it provides the best return on investment and best value for the couple.
Your wedding rings should be the highest priority. So, if you’re worried about your wedding budget, why not scale back by creatively cutting corners with DIY and green components, a more casual reception, or a home front honeymoon.
Remember, you’ll be wearing your ring every day—long past the last the bite of wedding cake is devoured. Imagine if you had to wear one outfit everyday. You’d choose wisely, investing in the most durable, comfortable, beautiful fabric crafted in an enduring style that speaks to your personality. The same care should be given to selecting your engagement ring, as well as both wedding bands.
In fact, I advise couples to look for the bands while shopping for the engagement ring, or at least begin your search six months prior to the wedding. The most important symbols of your marriage should not be relegated as a second thought.
For more hints and tip on buying an engagement ring she’ll love visit www.PreciousPlatinum.com and click on the Hints & Tips section
Couples enter to win on Dexknowsweddings.com or on the DexKnows WeddingsFacebook fan page, by sharing what recessionista inspiring alternatives they plan to use at their wedding. A recessionista is stylish, yet frugal and ideas should be as creative as the recessionistas themselves. For example, gerbera daisies instead of roses.
DexKnows Weddings celebrity wedding planner, Yifat Oren will pick the most creative finalists and winners will be chosen based on online public voting. Four winners with the highest number of votes will win. Couples must be planning to get married after June 1, 2010 and before June 1, 2012.
Former Pro Football Quarterback Ron Jaworski has a great deal for the groom who decides to have his wedding at his awesome golf course venues. So after throwing the football around and in between being an ESPN Monday Night Football analyst, Ron Jaworski now owns a couple of golf course that will guests with a wedding experience they will not forget.
Ron Jaworski considers Running Deer the “Crown Jewel” of all his golf courses. I can understand why, it’s the total package and they offer many great affordable ways for you to have your wedding there. Having a wedding at Running Deer means you get :
a picturesque outdoor ceremony in the new wedding Pavilion.
a sunset cocktail hour.
scenic views of the golf course
an exquisite Grand Ballroom w/ Cathedral ceilings.
a one of a kind Chocolate Indulgence Room
Running Deer Golf Club Grand Ballroom w/ Cathedral Ceilings
Wedding Ceremony at Running Deer Golf Club
Running Deer Golf Club offer FOUR value driven wedding packages (Silver, Gold, Platinum, Crown Jewel) for all bride and groom tastes. Also- weddings are SO affordable- packages range from about $75-$95 pp. Here is what’s included.
5 hour reception
5 hour open bar
Sunset Cocktails on our new patio
Cocktail hour with unlimited butlered & stationary hors d’oeuvres
Astonishing scenic grounds for you to capture the moment
White floor length tablecloths with choice of white or ivory overlays
Chiavari chairs
Choice of Napkin color
Beautiful Centerpieces with candlelight & a mirror display for each table
Gazebo and access to golf carts for the perfect pictures
Maitre D’ to overlook all of bridal party needs
Private cocktail hour for the bridal party
Full course sit down or buffet options
Champagne toast for all of your guests
The Chocolate Indulgence Room Personally designed wedding cake Flawless white glove service Bridal suite with
full amenities
When you select the Crown Jewel option, you get a COMPLIMENTARY FOURSOME FOR THE GROOM AND THREE GUESTS (GOLF) AND A COMPLIMENTARY BREAKFAST FOR 20.
If you need anyone to fill in for the foursome email me.
We want to thank Our Guest Blogger Kevin Sanchez from Principal Event Designer Artifex Events for his expert advice and tips for the groom.
SHOULD I GET INVOLVED?
So you decided to pop the question and assuming she said “yes” are thinking…ok…now what. I have no idea where to go from here. I’m sure as most prospective brides your new fiancé has her mind full of, diamonds, glitz and glamour and has snatched up the latest and greatest bridal magazines available on planet earth. But you ask yourself, where do I fit into all this? After all, I just popped the question, and overcame the first obstacle, which was to convince her that she should marry me…and now there’s this wedding to plan. You could either sit back and watch from the sidelines, or get in the game and help with one of the most important days of your life. If you are more inclined to you are someone that although don’t want to feel like the bride in planning the wedding, you would like to have some input into some of the details that are important to you. Today’s groom is taking an active part in planning and injecting their personality. Planning a wedding should be a time where you and your bride can grow closer in planning your new life together.
WHAT’S MY ROLE IN ALL THIS?
For the most part, your fiancé is going to drive this thing, but like most brides, she wants you to get involved in the planning. Now this doesn’t mean that you take over, but rather take a more active role in planning, and hopefully enjoy making decisions together with your future spouse. Groomsonline.com has some great information and blogs regarding many different aspects. Most of the grooms I work with have great ideas, but don’t know how to bring in their ideas to tie in together with the bride.
WAYS TO INJECT YOUR PERSONALITY
One of the newest trends in groomsmen’s flowers is Pocket Squares. Pocket squares are a modern take on the Boutonniere which sits in the kerchief pocket instead of a handkerchief or in place of a Boutonniere. See pictures below. My clients came to me and did not want a traditional boutonniere so I suggested Pocket squares. Each of these grooms took a very active role in the wedding planning process, and wanted their statement to be different, and this was a great way to change things up a bit.
Red Pocket Square by Kevin Sanchez photo by Merissa Pratt Photography
Pocket square by Kevin Sanchez photo by Merissa Pratt Photography
Pink Pocket Square by Kevin Sanchez photo by Merissa Pratt Photography
There are many variations of the pocket squares, and it’s a great way to add your personality without feeling like you are taking over the wedding! It’s these small statements of style that add a personal touch without losing your masculinity.
KEEPING THE GUESTS IN MIND
I’m sure by now at this stage in your life, you have been to one, maybe two, and if you’re lucky more than 2 weddings. I’m sure at each of these shindigs, you found yourself saying…man, at my wedding “my guests sure aren’t going to have to eat that,” or, “I don’t want my guests to have to wait that long.” Each couple wants to be unique, but too often make tacky choices that do not keep your guests in mind. The difference between the average wedding and one that is over the top has to do with how you connect with your guests. After all, your guests have chosen to be a part of your wedding, and sometimes spend a significant amount of money to be with you, or take important vacation days off work to celebrate with you, and you want to connect with them at every level possible. Since you are going to the expense of having a wedding why not have yours be the one that they always refer to as the “Best” wedding they’ve ever been to? In order to take it to another level, you have to connect with them where most others fall short. A lot of times you will connect if you take the necessary thought and time to inject your personality. You have invited your guests to share in your special day, and it is more enjoyable for them when they understand all the personal touches that have made your day uniquely yours.
BRIDEZILLA?
If you go with your bride-to-be on vendor meetings etc. you will have opportunities to inject your ideas without them getting shot down immediately. Now if you have a bridezilla on your hands, there should have been warning signs before you popped the question, and it will be up to your skillful maneuvering to inject your personality. Take some of the things that are important to you, and decide, could this be important to her too. If you have some off the wall idea, chances are unless you share that same passion for your idea….uh…it’s not gonna happen. You’ve got to think through her eyes for a sec. Leave the things that are important to her so that she will give you more room to speak your thoughts. It also helps to have an advocate working to introduce your ideas also.
WHO CAN HELP?
A good Wedding Planner/Event Designer will have both of your desires at heart, and will work to find a balance. Sometimes if you have a fiancée with a dominant personality that will not listen to any of your ideas, it will be important to have an advocate that can bring a balance with your ideas along with the bride. Most of the grooms I have worked with have some amazing ideas for décor that will tie in with the bride’s ideas, but they don’t know how to bring it together. My specialty is adding not only the wow factor, but also being able to bring a balance to the two, and finding someone that can skillfully bring a balance is definitely worth the any expense. Take the time to research a wedding planner or Event Designer in your area because you only get married once and having someone that can help to avoid costly mistakes is worth their weight in gold.
Kevin Sanchez-Principal Event Designer Artifex Events 303-465-0253 www.artifexevents.com
Well it’s that time of the year again when the boys of summer start playing and the keyboards are busy with fantasy drafts. GroomsOnline suggests that if you’re having a summer wedding and your groomsmen gifts might include a baseball theme. We have pick out some of our most popular groomsmen gifts for baseball fans in your wedding party.
Personalized MLB Baseball Stadium Scoreboard Printsa truly unique personalized groomsmen gift for the baseball fan of all ages. Capture the excitement of the Baseball Game with an added twist. You now can make it appear that you personalized their favorite team’s Stadium Scoreboard with a NAME and Personal MESSAGE.
Personalized MLB Baseball Stadium Scoreboard Prints
Personalized MLB Team Baseball Locker Room Prints Framed Picture This! Rub shoulders with your favorite players. Just give us your name (up to 12 characters) and we’ll customize this print surrounding your name with 3 top players of your favorite team .
Personalized MLB Team Baseball Locker Room Framed
MLB Boilermaker SetsThis is a classically designed 15oz Glass Mug and 2oz Shot Glass decorated with hand-crafted Official Team Logos. The perfect compliment to your Bar or Game Room décor.
MLB Boilermaker Sets
MLB Stadium Fan Framed PrintThe MLB Stadium Fan Framed Print makes a awesome gift for any fan. Ever see the Stadium stunt where they hand out cards to spell something in the stands. Now they can spell your name in you teams stadium.
MLB Stadium Fan Framed Print
MLB SPORTS PUB PRINTSThe personalized MLB pub print makes an outstanding gift! It’s the place where everybody knows YOUR NAME and where all the MLB fans hangout! This framed print looks so real; your buddies will ask where you opened your place!o there you go
MLB SPORTS PUB PRINTS
So there you go some of most popular gifts for any baseball fan in your wedding party. Visit our large selection of groomsmen gifts.
Well, it’s about time! The Guys at Franklin + Gower believe it is about time the groom got his sartorial due. And, while we know it is really all about the bride, we do know that the other side of the aisle needs to shine, too. Even if that means making dusty rose and champagne work for the guys!
Franklin + Gower Wedding Attire Collection
After reading a post on www.stylemepretty.com about the Franklin + Grower sweepstakes. I called the guys at Franklin + Grower and spoke to Paco one of the owners. I wanted to find out about the newest trends in wedding tuxedos. These tuxedos are truly cool, hip and can go with hottest bridesmaids dress colors from Thread, Dessy and Alix + Kelly.
Franklin + Gower is a purveyor of custom grooms wear – blazers, trousers and shorts, ties and accessories. Franklin + Gower provides design services to source unique prints and solids to complement your bridal party’s design.
Groom's Wedding Attire by Franklin + Gower
Now here’s the information on the sweepstakes. The guys at Franlin + Grower are giving away up to $15,000 worth of wedding attire to one lucky person. To enter the sweepstakes simply go to Franklin + Gower Facebook page and become a fan. Once you become a fan, then click the sweepstakes tab on the top and enter to win the great prizes.
Franlin + Gower Groomsmen Sweepstakes
The big winner will receive one (1) full set of wedding attire for the groom and each of the groomsmen in the bridal party for up to 16 participants. Each set of Groomsmen attire from the collection is valued at $965.00. Total of the giveaway could be worth up to $15,440.00 A Set of Groomsmen Attire consists of the following:
Men’s Blazer- Retail Value of $650.00
Men’s Pants- Retail Value of $225.00
Bowtie- Retail Value of $55.00
Pocket Square- Retail Value of $35.00
Sign up now so you don’t miss out on this exciting contest.
Way to go! Jonathan and Jennifer Honeycuttgot married over the weekend at the Bass Pro Shop in Sevier County, Tennessee. He was wearing a tuxedo with camo vest, tie and camo cap. The Bride had on a white and camo wedding dress that was costumed made. They both loved the outdoor theme including waterfall and live fish swimming that decorates Bass Pro Shop. This is not the first for Bass pro Shop and probably won’t be the last.
These make superb groomsmen gifts for the Irish in the wedding party or you may want to decorate your man cave or home bar to look like your own Irish Pub. We recommend the following Personalized Irish Pub Signs gifts to help you achieve the look you may want. We have a couple of excellent choices for Irish Pub Signs. click the photo and see more info.
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