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You’re Engaged!… Now What?

July 31, 2015 Admin Comments 0 Comment

Congratulations!! You’ve just made one of the most life-changing decisions that some people only dream of: You’re engaged to be married! Once the initial haze of bliss fades it might be overwhelming thinking about wedding planning and invites and flower arrangements, oh my! But fear not, with a little planning, a great attitude and a lot of gratitude, the next major steps you take after you become engaged can be a breeze. Here is a list of a few concrete steps to take first:

1. Celebrate!

Take as much time as you want to just bask in the joy of it all.

2. Insure Your Ring

Back to reality. Anything can happen. INSURE YOUR RING! We cannot stress that enough. Engagement rings are an investment. Get all your paperwork in order, get your ring appraised, your center Certified and get everything insured. Of course nothing means more than the powerful statement of love and devotion behind your engagement ring and that is even more of a reason to insure your beautiful, new engagement ring.

3. Think about the Particulars

Start daydreaming about when and where you want your wedding to be. Do you want a big wedding in the country in the middle of Summer? Maybe a small, elegant affair in the heart of your favorite city? Your thoughts might wander to the inconvenience of your guests but don’t let that deter you. This is YOUR wedding. You can have it any way you want it to be. And if you really don’t want to inconvenience anyone, elope!

4. Set A Budget

If you got it made like Heisenberg.. well you wouldn’t be reading this to begin with. But if you’re like the rest of us, you need to set a budget. Budgets aren’t sexy but saving money is. Do your best to put as little as you can on credit. You don’t want to spend the next decade paying for one day, even if it seems worth it at the time. It’s not. Be reasonable and have a little fun with it. DIY wedding projects are a blast if you do them with some fun bridesmaids and wine!

5. Pick a Dress

The best part!!! Once your budget is set and you have an idea of how and when you want your wedding to be, you can start thinking about your dress and even your bridesmaids dresses. Soooooooooo many choices! Great resources are The Knot’s Lookbook they have in every issue, and Brides Magazine.

We hope this tiny guide helps you in the scary initial phases of wedding planning. Congratulations on your engagement! Just remember, this is your day. You can have it anyway you like! Have some tips we missed? Share them in the comments!

Add Meaning & Sparkle with the Right Wedding Band

May 22, 2013 Jennifer

Your heart filled with joy when he went down on bended knee and your eyes lit up when he presented the engagement ring you’d always dreamt of. Now the day has come to make the ultimate commitment to the love of your life, your wedding day. NK13658-W is the perfect wedding band to complement your engagement ring. Its sleek design is ideal for a more modern engagement ring such as NK17236-18W. But its simplicity also gives it the versatility to pair well with more elaborate ring designs like NK25696-W.

A single row of pave-set diamonds wrap halfway around the band giving it a dazzling sparkle. The pave-setting offers the added advantage of a smooth surface making it the perfect choice for a wedding band to be worn daily. But when paired with your engagement ring it will add a brilliant flash of light.

Dare-to-Wear, Non-white Wedding Gowns

April 28, 2013 Admin

romana-keveza-spring2013-wd108745-033_vert — Source: firstVIEW

THE wedding dress is one of the most important elements of your special day. Clippings have been collected, sketches have been drawn and bed sheets have been draped delicately to try to envision what that extraordinary gown will look like the day of, and all before we’ve even been proposed to.

floral hem 2 — Source: Huff Post Weddings

With so many options it’s hard to decide exactly what will be the perfect look. Designers and ever-evolving trends make that even more difficult. Recently some very non-traditional gowns have been making statements strutting down the runway. Gowns with multicolored accents near the hem, like this Zac Posen gown on the left, offer the classic white gown look but with a pop. Other designers, like Oscar de la Renta, have taken that subtle floral theme, amplified it and spread it over the entire gown. It is spring after all.

And for the most daring of brides: the RED wedding dress. While a tender blush tone made an appearance it seems that red was the color of this spring season. Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta and Romona Keveza all sent stunningly, jaw dropping, gowns down the runway. This look is definitely for the defiant, off-beat bride with a kick who wants to own her aisle.

For more gowns and runways trends: Martha Stewart and HuffPost Weddings

How to Politely Point and Shoot that Registry Gun

April 27, 2013 Admin

wedding registry — Source: Life’s a Journal

We’ve certainly all fantasized about the day we’ll be pointing and shooting that all powerful registry gun, but we must keep some composure and a few simple rules of etiquette in mind.

While the power of a registry gun might be too enticing to resist, self restraint is key. It’s important not to go overboard. It may be tempting to run all across town and step foot in every store that catches your eye, but it is best to keep the list short. Choose only a few stores, it is best if they’re nationwide chains for the convenience of your guests, although one or two specialty shops can also be sprinkled in. And although your list of stores should be short don’t be afraid to make your list of gifts long. Having more items on your registry, than guests at your wedding may seem presumptuous but it is actually a convenience. Many options, in a wide range of price points, insure that your guests will be able to make a choice they’re comfortable with.

It’s also important to register ahead of time. Be sure to start early so that you can give yourself enough time to choose items that will suit your present life as well as the life you’re building. The extra time also gives your guests plenty of time to peruse your selection.

Most importantly, write thank you notes. The sooner, the better. Your guests have taken the time to select gifts you’ll love and have use for, be sure to show your gratitude. If you review your registry list often, you’ll be able to see the gifts your guests will have already purchased, start early so that you can enjoy your marital bliss.

For more Dos and Dont’s: Martha Stewart and Life‘s a Journal

Magical and Manageable

April 26, 2013 Admin

6284fe5b714a09b6cb65e1b48d670516 — Source: Keep Calm Shop

You’re gripped with panic, can’t find your cell phone and are running around in a frenzy, all while still in your underwear! That is definitely not the ideal state to be in the morning of your big day. If you haven’t planned ahead accordingly it can be the position you find yourself in the day of. With a short to-do list and a few moments of prep the night before the morning of can be made not only manageable but magical.

Layout an Outfit: Don’t forget you can’t run your errands in your gown and perhaps you should save your delicates for the honeymoon. Layout a hassle free outfit the night before to avoid rummaging through favors and programs to find a clean t-shirt.
Prep your Accessories: Don’t wait until the day of to gather all your accessories. Put them all in a box, bag, basket or what have you, neatly, so that there’s no risk of leaving behind a shoe. Add your survival kit too. There will be a few items you should have nearby, for those just-in-case moments. Deodorant, Clorox pen, safety pin; toss them in a glittery clutch and be both prepared and glamorous.
Hand Off the Cell: Give your cell phone to the Maid of Honor, let them screen your calls.
Write a Love Note: Take the time to scribble a few words for your future husband and have a trusted groomsman or the best man slip it to him before your entrance. Add just a little more suspense before the grand moment.

Source: Glamour