Two Ways to Purchase

You can purchase a diamond engagement ring that has already been made in the jewelry store as part of a set, or you can select a diamond and have it placed in a setting of your choice. It’s great to reference an area (by web or even better in person) such as the Los Angeles jewelry district or the Diamond District of New York City where you can be presented with a lot of competitive pricing.

Color

White diamonds are the most common stone placed in an engagement ring. However, even if they are considered white, they come in several shades and grades. Some of the lower grade diamonds almost have a greyish hue to them, while the most expensive diamonds are brilliant white. All diamonds are beautiful, and even the lower grade diamonds can be made to shine brilliantly if they are placed in the proper setting.
If you wish to be unique, you can opt for a colored diamond instead of the traditional white. Common colors of diamonds are yellow, blue, green, cognac (brownish-red), and black. Uncommon and very expensive colored diamonds include pink and orange. Purple and Red are the most expensive in the world and the hardest to find.

Setting

You can have your engagement ring made in yellow, white, or rose gold, or platinum. Platinum is a bright-white metal that almost looks like chrome. Placing the lower grade diamonds in a yellow gold setting will give them a brilliant white appearance. Brilliant white diamonds will shine even more in a white gold or platinum.

Shape

Round is the most common shape for diamonds. However, there are several options available including a princess or emerald cut (square), marquis (diamond), or trillion (triangle).

Presence of Flaws

Although it rarely obvious, almost every diamond has a flaw. In fact, most have several and these flaws are something that jewelers use to determine value. Too bad they are not something that can easily be seen with the human eye. It is very rare to have a flawless diamond, and if it is, it is very expensive. If you purchase a diamond that has flaws, it is almost guaranteed that you will be the only one who knows but that doesn’t mean the knowledge cannot be helpful to the buyer when negotiating a price.

Size

It is very important to understand that diamonds are valued on their size, but not in a manner that you may think. For instance, if a half carat diamond cost $500, it would be easy to assume that a full carat will cost $1000. The truth is, if the half cost $500, a full carat would most likely cost $1500. This is because larger diamonds are harder to find. The larger the diamond, the more you are going to pay.

Purchasing an engagement ring should not be accomplished in a single afternoon. Bigger and more extravagant is not always better, depending on the lady. Take the time to look at different online resources to learn about diamonds and settings and research different stores in your area. This knowledge will give you the confidence you need to make the right purchase for the girl of your dreams.

Author’s Bio

Like many women, free-lance writer and artist Molly Pearce is an admirer of precious gemstones, particularly diamonds. When in the market for the right ring to accompany the big question, many California grooms-to-be visit a Los Angeles jewelry district showroom such as Icing on the Ring, which has the largest selection of diamond engagement rings in the area.

Printing Books for Guests

One of the main things that you will want to do during the wedding planning process is find a business that does wedding printing. Printing things for your wedding is very important, so it’s a good idea to work with someone who is a professional when it comes to printing announcements, guest books, etc. You want anything printed to be aesthetically pleasing because this is something that all attendees will be able to take home with them. This is part of the reason that wedding printing is so important. It is often used as a souvenir if the prints include such things as one’s wedding vows and any engagement pictures. Printing things for your wedding is also something that you can do yourself if you want to save money. Although doing it on your own could be time consuming. This is definitely something you will want to take into consideration when it comes time to plan your wedding printing.

Decorating

In addition to printing things for your wedding, another very important thing to consider when planning a wedding is the decorations. Like your wedding printing, decorations can be expensive. If you’re creative or know someone who enjoys doing arts and crafts, though, some decorations can be self-made for relatively cheap. These decorations will look nice and elegant if you put in the necessary effort to make them that way. Wedding decorations can include such items as centerpieces, place card holders, signs, banners, and candles. The centerpieces are to be used on tables at the reception and are often personalized. Personalized centerpieces always reflect something about the bride and groom or their relationship. Flowers are also something that you should spend a lot of time on. Many people hire a florist to do this, but sometimes it’s cheaper to just purchase the flowers and arrange them yourself. Whether your wedding decorations are handmade or store-bought, they should always be beautiful and classy.

Author Bio

Karlee Wiggins blogs about fashion and weddings. She is a supporter of booklets printing from weddings and other important events. She loves taking pictures to remember important events in her life.

Simple and Thin Bands

For couples who are interested in the simple approach, the ring given to Keira Knightley is a great design to emulate. A recent piece in Glamour Magazine explains that the ring given to Ms. Knightley is a diamond solitaire on a thin band. The beautiful princess cut diamond ring shows the elegance of simplicity.

Using a single diamond solitaire in a thin band is a classic style that has carried forward for generations. The beautiful ring style is simple, elegant and graceful. It is the perfect ring for a couple that favors elegance without the over-the-top styles favored by some stars.

A princess cut diamond ring is among the most beautiful cuts available. The diamond takes center stage on a thin, gold band that makes the engagement ring stand out in its simplicity.

Large and Dramatic

Engagement rings worn by the stars are not always the traditional approach. Star engagement rings are often non-traditional and contain an element of drama that suits the personality of the celebrity wearing the ring.

An example of large, dramatic ring designs is the starburst engagement ring worn by Fergie. The ring, which can be seen on In Style, features a 4-carat brilliant cut diamond. The ring is large and showcases an interesting starburst design that catches the eye.

Couples who are interested in the non-traditional ring design can opt to emulate the large, dramatic ring designs enjoyed by celebrities. These rings are sure to catch the eye and draw in the interest of others. It invites questions about the couple and the reason for selecting or ordering a custom ring design.

Fun Colours

Engagement rings worn by celebrities are not always the traditional white diamond and gold. Using colored diamonds or other gemstones is a great engagement ring idea.

An engagement ring that features colored diamonds or alternative gemstones like rubies, emeralds or sapphires can allow a couple to showcase a favorite colour or alternate gemstone that the future bride prefers over traditional diamonds.

Covered in Diamonds

Celebrity engagement rings are often full of diamonds with a large center stone that stands out from the smaller diamonds on the ring. This type of style is elegant, simple and dramatic within the same ring. It is the ideal ring for couples who want to enjoy the dramatic effect of an interesting colour or design without breaking from the traditional diamond ring.

A ring that features a large diamond in the middle with a small diamonds decorating the band provides a combination of drama, beauty, elegance and simplicity. It is a simple style that is favored by many celebrity couples, including Eva Longoria and Miley Cyrus.

Celebrity couples who opt for a ring that is covered in diamonds are using a traditional approach with a modern twist to the design. It provides modern cuts to the stone, such as a princess cut, along with traditional cuts to the smaller diamonds.

Celebrities set the standard for style, but the engagement ring designs are a combination of interesting, dramatic, elegant, simple and traditional styles. Each celebrity engagement ring is different and shows varied design elements that inspire couples around the world. From the interesting rings to the traditional styles, the engagement rings worn by celebrities are always beautiful.

Author’s Bio

Emma Chandler studied fashion merchandising in the South and now freelances as a writer and editor for various fashion publications.

When you get married, your hearts aren’t the only thing that comes together. If you decide to join your taxes in holy matrimony too, you could be sharing more of your money with Uncle Sam. If you and your spouse have similar incomes, you could be subject to the “marriage penalty,” a term for being pushed into a higher tax bracket when two incomes are joined together. Even if you are married on the last day of the year, your marital status is applied to the entire year for tax purposes. This means you need to seriously think about which box you check on your tax form. While marriage has its many joys, here are five reasons why the tax code seems to favour single filers.

It’s All About the Math

Prior to 1969, it actually paid to file jointly. Before the tax law was changed, a married couple’s income was tallied and cut and half with each spouse taxed as an individual. This meant that married couples paid less than their single counterparts. To even things out, tax tables were adjusted. As a result, couples filing jointly landed in a higher tax bracket. The Bush tax cuts helped ease the tax burden of the so-called marriage penalty, yet the math still works out in favour of the single filer if each person has a significant income.

Itemized Deductions

The marriage penalty may effect itemized deductions. Under current tax laws, certain deductions are allowed only if those deductions exceed a certain portion of your AGI, or adjusted gross income. If one spouse has such a deduction, filing jointly could reduce the deductible. The percentage requirements could make it harder to claim losses that don’t meet these requirements. The greater the joint income is, the fewer the deductions you may be allowed to claim. Employer deductions such as 401(k)s aren’t affected by marriage. However, beneficiary designations may have to be adjusted. Federal law requires that your spouse be one of your beneficiaries.

Liability Issues

If one spouse had serious tax issues before the marriage, filing jointly could create tax issues for both spouses. When you file jointly, you can’t easily separate yourself from your spouse’s tax problems. If one spouse has liability issues, it may be best to file separately. By filing jointly, you could be creating one big tax mess. This is also true if one spouse refuses to file for one reason or another or if they are involved in a dispute with the IRS. It’s best to get these issues resolved before filing jointly.

Social Security Benefits

Up to 50% of Social Security benefits may be taxed, depending on AGI. This amount could reach up to 85% if joint income from other sources hits a certain level. You could end up paying more taxes on your Social Security benefits by filing jointly. This could be especially unbalanced if one spouse receives Social Security and the other isn’t old enough or eligible to receive these benefits. When you file jointly, it doesn’t matter if the Social Security income is from just one spouse.

Retroactive Pros and Cons

For tax purposes, it doesn’t matter when you get married in the year. If you file jointly, it’s as if you were married for the entire year. If both spouses have a significant income, this could result in a huge tax bill. The same could be true if one spouse has a significant income and the other doesn’t. In this case, it would make more sense to fill separately. If you file jointly, it doesn’t matter how much income each spouse contributes since all income is considered as belonging to both parties.

Taxes can be complicated. While there are certain benefits to filing jointly, it can also mean paying more taxes than you would otherwise pay if filing separately. Even with the Bush tax cuts, you could still fall into a new tax bracket if your combined income is a significant increase over what you make on your own. Add to this issues with deductions and taxes on Social Security benefits, and it’s easy to make a case for filing separately. While the marriage penalty isn’t as severe as it once was, it can still result in some unexpected surprises when you do your taxes. It’s best to evaluate your situation and weigh the pros and cons of filing jointly before you decide which box to check on your tax form.

Author’s Bio

Marnie Tory is a full-time freelance writer who specializes in financing topics. She recommends taxfix.co.uk for answers to questions such as: How much tax will I pay?

There are any number of ring styles to choose from. These choices include Solitaire, Pave, Channel Set, Side stone, Halo, Three Stone, Gemstone, Vintage, Contemporary and so on. However, the two most popular designs are the Solitaire and the Pave. The Solitaire and the Pave have won the title of “Most Likely to Win Her Heart” year after year.

The Solitaire

The tradition of this ring style has been around for over a century. For the woman who loves a classic look and elegant simplicity, the Solitaire style is an excellent choice. One perfect diamond set atop a ribbon of gold or platinum, the solitaire is the picture of loveliness and a time-honored tradition. So classic is this setting, it is almost impossible to imagine it ever going out of style.

The Pave

The Pave is a flashier and more stylized ring that features many smaller diamonds inlaid in the ring’s band and may surround the center diamond as well. Popular versions of the Pave setting include: The French Pave, Micropave, Petite Pave, Heirloom and Halo Pave styles. The woman who likes a lot of sparkle will love the Pave. Due to the Pave’s extra “bling”, the center stone can be made a bit smaller than the center diamond in a Solitaire. Therefore, even though the Pave ring may feature many more diamonds, there is often very little price difference between the Pave and the Solitaire.

Choosing the Diamond

Just as there are many different ring styles, you’ll find that diamonds come in many distinct shapes as well. Common shapes include the Round, Princess, Emerald, Marquise, Cushion, Asscher, Radiant, Pear, Oval and Heart. While there are many to choose from, by far the most popular are the Round and Princess Cut.

The Round diamond shape and the Princess cut diamond shape are what are known as “brilliant” cuts and are designed for maximum brilliance and sparkle. Both have a quality that defines beauty.

The Round shape looks just as it sounds. A diamond cutter is most challenged by this shape because of the precision that is necessary to achieve a perfect circular shape. For this reason, the Round shape is a bit more expensive. Most women agree that the price is worth it because of the stunning appearance of the Round diamond.

The Princess shape is every bit the piece of storybook legend after which it was named. The Princess is a square-shaped diamond designed to follow the natural shape of the raw stone. Its facets are cut to rival the Round brilliant in sparkle and brilliance.

The Four C’s

The price of a diamond is determined by what is known as the “Four C’s” (Cut, Color, Clarity and Carats). Carat size is of course the ‘C’ that most people are familiar with. The key to selecting a great diamond is knowing where to compromise on the other C’s in order to get as large a carat size as you can for your budget. Remember you should never spend beyond what is safely manageable on an engagement ring.

As an example, consider that between .5 to 1.5 is the most popular carat size for the average ring. A round shaped .5 carat diamond with an excellent cut, H color and SI1 clarity will run around $1400, while a 1.5 carat of the same quality can cost over $12,000. Taking a little time to understand the Four C’s can help you to get the beautiful diamond that you are looking for and stay within your budget!

Author’s Bio

Doug Neubauer blogs at “Everything Princess Cut”. For more on Solitaire and Pave settings, visit their Engagement Ring Gallery and Diamond Engagement Rings pages.

1.Mason Jar Lights

Mason jar lights are a unique way to set the tables at your reception aglow. Take tissue paper in the colours of your choice, coat the outside of your jars in watered-down glue, and press torn squares of the paper onto your mason jars. When they are dry, you will have great votive holders! The romantic light shining through your jars will give your reception hall a soft, colourful hue.

2.Guestbook Scrapbook

Have your guestbook attendants snap a Polaroid of each guest, or group of guests, as they walk through the door. Ask your attendants to glue the Polaroid to a page in the scrapbook and have the guests in the picture add their signatures to the page. This is a fantastic alternative to a traditional wedding guestbook!

3.Bridesmaids’ Dresses

Instead of having your bridesmaids wear the same dress, let them pick out their own! Give your ladies some general guidelines, such as colour and length, and let them choose their own style of dress. No one enjoys spending hundreds of dollars on a dress that they will never wear again! This way, your friends will be able to purchase a dress that they can wear more than once, and you’ll eliminate the boring uniformity of a traditional wedding party.

4.Horse-drawn Carriage

Forego the traditional limousine and hire a horse-drawn carriage to take you from the ceremony venue to the reception hall. There are a variety of companies that offer this service. Not only will you feel like a princess on your wedding day, but you’ll have amazing memories to cherish forever.

5.Children’s Table

If you will be having young guests at your reception, make sure that they are entertained. Instead of seating them with their parents, seat them at the children’s table. Decorate each chair with a balloon and give each child a gift bag containing an assortment of puzzles, colouring books, and crayons. This small touch will please the parents and ensure that all of the children at the party have a great time.

6.Wedding Gifts

If you and your future spouse already have all that you need, ask your guests to make a donation to your favourite charity in lieu of gifts. Include the name of the charity and your donation request with your invitation, and let your guests know that there will be a box for their donations in the reception hall. When you send your thank you cards to your guests, let them know how much money was raised and how the charity may put it to use.

Your wedding doesn’t have to be like every other wedding. There are dozens of ways that you can let your unique style shine through. Use one or more of these six ideas as a starting point and see what else you can come up with. There’s no doubt that your wedding will be as original as you are!

Author’s Bio

Tina Duncomb is a freelance blogger who writes for wedding advice columns. Ever the romantic, Tina recommends hiring a horse drawn carriage for your wedding day.

Powerscourt House

Dating back to the 14^th century, this epic estate will take your breath away. Storybook gardens, a sweeping vista overlooking the Wicklow Mountains and a fully festooned ballroom will make you feel like a Disney princess. The service is white-glove and the catered meals are sourced from local farms and seasonal produce. Your Irish eyes will certainly be smiling, just twenty minutes south of Dublin.

Biltmore

Tucked in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll be swept back in time at Biltmore. The French chateau style home was built in 1895 and the grounds have been expanding ever since. You can say your vows overlooking the estate from the Diana sculpture in an enchanting hemlock forest, or channel your inner Appalachian at the rustic yet elegant Antler Hill Barn. The photo-ops will abound as you stroll the whimsical arbor and lush conservatory, and there is even a vineyard that produces palate pleasing Cabernets and Chardonnays.

Château Frontenac

The only remaining fortified city in North America, Quebec City is a magical slice of medieval charm and architecture. The Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is the crown jewel of the whole region. Majestic on its perch overlooking the St. Lawrence River, this 17^th century fortress is the perfect setting for an elegant, regal wedding. Catch a horsedrawn carriage around the Old City and even Cinderella will be jealous.

Highclere Castle

If it was good enough for Matthew Crawley, it’s surely good enough for us! The Downton Abbey castle is a magnificent spot to say “I do.” Take timeless photos in the grand Saloon or meander amongst the quaint gardens and follies the 17^th century estate provides. Impeccably furnished in lavish fittings of the era, the castle is ideal for a period themed wedding day.

Larnach

New Zealand’s only “castle,” Larnach commands a view second to none in the world. Built in the late 19^th century, it is one of the only estates of this magnitude left from colonial times. Overlooking the stunning Otago Peninsula and the city of Dunedin, it boasts idyllic herb gardens, a 1930s cupola and a magnificent ballroom. The unique flora of the island contrasts with the elegant European vibe of the property, creating wedding photographer’s dream backdrop.

Author’s Bio

Noella Schink is a travel writer from Portland, Maine who wishes she could throw a new wedding every year for all the gorgeous dresses, locations and DIY flower arrangements she finds. When you do settle on your fantasy wedding day, book your car rental in Europe, Canada, the US and beyond, and have an epic honeymoon, too!

Titanium has a long history of being a metal that is indispensable to industry, primarily the aerospace industry. As the aerospace technology improves, fleets are designed to use aircraft grade titanium parts, and it is this same grade of titanium that is used in some top designer jewelry. To meet FAA standards, aircraft propellers need to be made of a metal known as Ti-64, a superior grade of titanium. It is a more potent version of Ti-662, which is also very hard and strong.

Aircraft grade titanium wedding bands are more scratch resistant and much stronger than Ti-999, or commercially pure titanium. Unlike many other metals, titanium is 100 percent compatible with the human body, which means it will not cause allergic reactions or skin irritations. This is true with any grade of titanium.

The trend towards titanium wedding rings for men is relatively recent. In fact, the use of titanium in any type of jewelry is a thoroughly modern concept. Not long ago, men were limited to a few basic styles of yellow gold and white gold traditional wedding bands. Now there are several contemporary metals available in men’s rings, including titanium, tungsten, cobalt and stainless steel. But it is the unique quality of titanium that has set the standard for contemporary men’s wedding rings.

Despite the fact that men’s titanium wedding bands can be difficult to find in your local jewelry store, there are myriad choices to be found online. As the public’s comfort level with online shopping improves, more and more couples are using the internet as their preferred shopping destination, even with something as important as modern wedding rings. Not only is the selection far better online, but an ecommerce store will often sell these rings at much more affordable prices.

Many men prefer titanium wedding bands because they are so strong and durable without being heavy on the hand. For men who work with their hands or in situations where rings can become dented and scratched, titanium is far superior to gold and softer metals. Other men simply prefer the look of titanium over other metals. It can be just as shiny as platinum, or brushed for a more modern look. Men who are allergic to gold or silver choose titanium because it is hypoallergenic and doesn’t react with the skin.

For those of you who wonder about the origins of men’s titanium wedding bands, the metal was named after the ancient god Titan when it was first discovered in 1795. With an atomic number of 22, this naturally occurring element is so prevalent in our universe it has even been found in space. Because it is such a lightweight, corrosion-resistant metal – and extremely strong – titanium was primarily used for making airplane propellers and other aerospace parts. Today, it is this same aircraft grade of the metal that is used to make men’s designer titanium wedding bands.

Author’s Bio

Marissa writes for Mens Wedding Rings, an online shop that offers a wide selection of unique men’s wedding bands, traditional rings and many alternative styles, like the men’s
designer titanium wedding band.

The diverse French geography offers a multitude options ideal for romantic weddings. For a beachside paradise, wedding venues on the Cote d’Azur are one of the best options, while the venues in Provence and Loire Valley allow you to turn your fairytale castle wedding into reality. Some of the best French wedding venues include -

Wedding by the Sea

If you have always dreamt of a seaside wedding, France offers a wide variety of coastal landscapes to choose from. You can celebrate your big day at one of the quaint and charming fishing towns in Normandy in the north of France. St Malo, Daeuville, Mont Saint Michel, Bayeux and Trouville are just a few of the options. The picturesque landscape in the northern part of the country is dotted by Tudor style properties. A Tudor castle can be a perfect setting for a memorable wedding.

If you prefer the wild and rugged Atlantic coast on the west, you can plan the wedding at one of the pretty villages across the coasts of Brittany like Roscoff, Vannes, Quimper or Brest. Further south you will find several other venues that offer striking ocean backdrops like Birritz (close to the Spanish coast), Arcachon (close to Bordeaux) and La Rochelle.

Any discussion on French seaside wedding venues is incomplete without the mention of the French Riviera. This region of the country offers some of the most breathtaking beach wedding venues. Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Monaco, St. Tropez and Monte Carlo are some of the best options to host your special day. For mesmerizing coastal views, you can also opt for wedding venues on the Cote d’Azur.

Mountain Setting Wedding

If you are more of a mountain than a beach person, France won’t disappoint you. French Alps are well-known for their beauty across the globe. Pyrenees in the south-west and Jura-mountains in the north-east are also great mountain wedding options. These magnificent mountains can offer a breathtaking backdrop to your wedding. Parisian theme wedding, wine region wedding, boat cruise wedding and castle wedding are some of the other popular French wedding options.

Author Bio

Andrew Butler writes for Burger Davis Sotheby’s International Realty, a leading luxury villa rental company who provide a wide variety of the finest and best luxury property, villas and apartments on the French Riviera, including several much sort after properties that make stunning French Riviera wedding venues.

Keep in mind that the more money you save, the more can be given to the things that are the most important to you: your dress, your honeymoon or even your caterer. Are you looking for something that can be done on a budget, and done well? Look to your centerpieces! Here are some great ideas:

1. Upcycle your Bouquets

Here’s a fantastic idea that’s becoming a new rage: use your bridesmaid’s bouquets as centerpieces. Chances are that you won’t have as many bridesmaids as you have tables but you can use them on the food table or even on every other table. If you have a large bridal party, consider alternating centerpieces: one table has a bouquet and one has a candle arrangement in coordinating colours. They can place them “in water” on the tables and then take them home after the party as keepsakes.

2. Keep It Small

If your heart is set on centerpieces of beautiful flowers put together by a professional, shop smart and get the best price available. Buying flowers that are in season and local may require you to be a bit flexible, but will net you a better price. In addition, keeping your centerpieces less than 12 inches in height will lower the price. Simple arrangements will be cheaper than those that are more extravagant so keep that in mind.

3. Stones or Shells

I love this look! A simple tall, glass candleholder, surrounded by smaller glass tea light holders are the centerpiece, and the grouping is surrounded by river stones or combined with sea shells. It’s a simple, natural look that lends a Zen feeling to the table. The centerpiece is perfect for a garden wedding and will have your friends copying your great idea for their own weddings.

4. Cupcakes

Order a smaller wedding cake and use a cupcake tree for the centerpiece; it is a cute, fun idea that can look as simple or exquisite as you desire. Not only does this make a fantastic centerpiece but will give your guest ready access to their dessert at the same time. Consider using this centerpiece idea in combination with a smaller cake; you’ll save twofold.

5. Oil Lamps

You can buy oil lamps or lanterns at Wal-Mart for around $5 apiece. A bottle of paraffin oil will easy fill 3-5 lamps and costs less than a fiver. An oil lamp lit on each table makes a stunning, elegant vision. You may think it too plain, but wait until the lights are turned down; trust me, it will look amazing! If you want to get a bit more fancy with the idea, surround the lamps with loose flowers, flower petals or even pretty leaves that you’ve collected. The idea lends itself to hundreds of unique looks!

Your wedding doesn’t have to be extravagant to be the talk of the season. Save your budget for the things that matter most, like your dress, and use your rewards card the large expenses. Using your travel points for your honeymoon will save you even more money. Just remember, there are creative ways to fund your wedding, and you don’t have to go broke in the process!

Author’s Bio

Angie Trace is a money consultant and content contributor for a financial comparison website offering detailed comparisons for the top providers, and featuring bad credit builder credit cards for those who’ve experienced an unfortunate hit to their credit score.