Feather Elfwand
When choosing a ring, it is wise to consider what type of wedding band you will wear. Is it part of a matching set? Will you wear it alone? It is important to consider all these factors. Today some brides choose to wear only a wedding band. Most grooms all wear a wedding band. Whatever your choice make sure you’ve done your homework before making this big purchase. It is best to know when purchasing a ring the “Four C’s” Cut, Carat, Colour, and Clarity. In Ring Bling Part 1 Cut and Colour were defined. Here are the following two
Clarity:
- Is the most impressive quality of all.
- The more irregularities there are, the lower the value of the diamond.
- A flawless diamond must show no surface blemishes or interior inclusions when examined at a 10-power magnification.
Carat:
- The weight of a diamond is expressed in carats.
- The weight of a diamond is the most important factor when determining its value - however, a smaller carat diamond with better colour, clarity or cut can easily cost more than a larger carat diamond.
Most importantly, your ring’s cut, setting and stone should all be a reflection of your own tastes, opinions and backgrounds.
Sharpen your sparkler know how before making the big decision!
Feather Elfwand
Maximillion of Austria is said to have started a wonderful tradition over 500 years ago when he gave a diamond ring to Mary of Burgundy to seal their engagement. The Duke made a wise choice - the diamond - proven to be a fitting symbol for everlasting love because of its beauty, hardness and rarity, not to mention its enduring value.
Before purchasing a diamond every couple should understand the Four C’s (cut, colour, clarity and carat). The diamond industry uses the Four C’s to determine the value of a diamond.
The first two are:
Cut:
~ Determines the visual beauty of a diamond.
~ The cut transforms a rough, natural occurring crystal into the faceted, refined gemstone seen in the jewelry store.
Colour:
~ The common diamond is somewhat colourless, usually tinged yellow, brown or grey.
~ Very rare is the completely colourless diamond, thus making it very valuable.
~ Also rare and valuable are “fancy stones”, a diamond with a definite colour such as, red, yellow, green, blue or canary, rather than just a shade or tinge.
This ring is the symbol and token of that special ceremony that is a constant reminder of your love and vows. Traditionally, a man presents a ring when he proposes. Nothing makes a woman’s eyes sparkle more than a diamond engagement ring.
Thorn Yewtree
I’ve been a big fan of Gwyneth Paltrow’s newsletter, GOOP. Recently Gwyneth featured some awesome tips from the famous makeup artist Patti Dubroff. There are some great tips for any bride in search of Makeover ideas and some great bath, detox and body scrubs…Enjoy!
Click on the above GOOP logo to go directly to the newsletter.
Feather Elfwand
Every bride wants a wedding gown the makes heads turn and hearts pound. There are so many fabulous designers out there, each with their own personal stamp on the gowns they produce. Here are some great bridal trends from some top designers for 2008.
1. keyhole necklines and spaghetti straps – this is a great place to play with colour
2. flirty sheer fabrics and exquisite beading – these types of gowns fit in with the retro look: flapper-style dresses and geometric draping
3. divine details, prints and sheer overlays – elegant and lush gowns with off-centered bows and asymmetrical lines help these trends really shine
4. scalloped hems and two-tone sweetheart necklines – think girlish couture with a dash of sporty chic mixed in
5. chiffon, draping, ruffles and ruching – a definite focus on femininity with beautiful tulle creations
6. deep v-necks and modified sweethearts – slimming style with soft movement
7. off-the-shoulders, short bubble hems and delicate satin belts – these details can run the gamut: fresh silhouettes to billowy ball gowns
8. belted gowns, ruffled skirts and risqué bustiers – go for over-the-top looks here: bold accessories and striking silhouettes.
Look for the one element your bridal gown must have – whether it’s a deep v-neck or exquisite beading – and use that to help focus your search for the perfect wedding dress.
Yarrow Elfshimmer
Get the shots you want on your big day!
By a landslide, photography is the #1 option when it comes to capturing memories from the biggest day of your life. Before the wedding, it’s important to meet with your photographer so that you can give them direction as to what shots you definitely want. Maybe you want to ensure you have a candid shot of you and your grandma or one with your bridesmaids at your favourite hang out. Whatever your desires, it’s a good idea to communicate them with the photographer you’ve entrusted to shoot your wedding. Start by making a list of the shots you’d like. 3 categories to consider include places (at your favourite park), persons (a group shot of all of the kids) and moments (the first time the groom sees his bride). Make your list and then ask your photographer for any suggestions that they have. Also, check out the internet for websites that list photo opps that you may not have thought about. Finally, your photographer will likely have a list of shots that they recommend.
If you’re still looking for that perfect wedding photographer, don’t wait too much longer as the photographer you want could book up. It’s best to book your wedding photographer at least 6 to 8 months in advance. If you want a particular photographer for a specific date, book them 9 to 10 months in advance.
For the last minute bride who has not yet booked a photographer, check out Trident Photography! - An artistic, reliable and experienced professional wedding photographer.
Thorn Yewtree
What is one of the biggest problem between couples in any relationship? Money. In the current economy, it’s very easy to see why people are more tense and spend more time arguing about money. Kelly Keehn is a financial expert, speaker, elder planning counselor and author, along with being a contributing author to Bridal Fantasy Magazine. Recently she did an interview on CTV on couples and money - a great interview that every couple should see. Check out her website at www.kellykeehn.com - the video is right on the home page! There’s also tons of other great resources to help you with any questions you might have about money. Enjoy!
Feather Elfwand
Severed Shoe - a broken heel is basically impossible to fix on the spot so act like a boy scout and always be prepared. Bring an extra pair of shoes with you. They don’t have to be the exact same shoe - just have the same heel height. If you don’t have a spare pair, don’t do barefoot - at least not for the ceremony or the pictures. Borrow some shoes from a guest or one of your bridesmaids. Even if they don’t match, most people won’t notice. However, they will notice your ten little piggies poking out from under your dress. If you still have a lot of time before the wedding, ask a friend to run out and get a new pair of shoes for you.
Check one of our Bridal Fantasy exhibitors Mayfair Shoes.
Absent Officiant - surprisingly this does happen to a fair number of couples. See if there is another wedding going on in your ceremony venue and find out if that officiant can marry you. Check the phone book for a marriage commissioner or you can have one of your friends ordained online. You will have to check if that would be legitimate in your area. If none of those options work see if there are any lawyers in the crowd who can legally marry you. Finally, you can ask someone to conduct the ‘spiritual’ ceremony and go down to the courthouse the next day. Keep in mind - it’s not the piece of paper that makes you married, it’s what in your hearts.
Sweaty Groom - wedding day nerves combined with a hot day equals a perspiring groom. If you’re prepared for this, then your groom won’t have to worry about showing any wet spots. Bring an extra shirt for the groom - two if you know he’s going to have a problem. If you can’t get an extra, have your guy duck into the prep room at your ceremony site and blow-dry whatever spots you can see with the cool setting. Carry some antiperspirant for him in your emergency bag.
Feather Elfwand
Check out this great blog post we found - an amazing way to create your own inspiration boards for your wedding day (or anything else!). It has great tips on an easy way to make up a insipiration board tailored to your specific tastes without having to know a whole lot about computer programs!
http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/05/08/how-to-make-an-inspiration-board/
Have fun :)
Thorn Yewtree
Burned bride – looking for some more colour before your day and spent too much time the in the sun? Skin care experts all agree that tanning needs to be done in moderation and brides shouldn’t tan three days before the wedding – giving the change for any redness to reduce. However, if your skin is looking more like a tomato than the brown you were looking for, counteract that with a golden foundation that has warm undertones. By using a golden hue, you can turn the burn into more of a glowing effect. Don’t go any lighter than your skin and blend, blend, blend! Don’t forget your jaw line, neck and décolletage.
Dress drama – so you’ve spent all this time picking out this amazing gown and the day of the wedding arrives and it doesn’t fit. Either you skipped too many meals or started stress eating – don’t worry! There is always a solution. Fabric/body tape is a great answer for those too-big dresses and satin ribbon can be a great sash to help cinch in the waist. For a dress that’s too small, your best bet is to keep this from happening. Try on your dress the week of the wedding with all the undergarments you plan on wearing. Spanx shapewear is one of the best solutions to ‘tighten’ everything up. You can improvise with ribbon and lace your dress like a corset as well.
Collapsing cake – this is actually a lot more common than people think. It could be that the cake is too heavy for the stand it’s on or too close to the dance floor but it’s a fairly easy fix. Simply put the cake back together as much as you can, spread more frosting around to cover up the cracks and add some decorations for the final touch up. You can even take some flowers from your décor if you’re running short. This is another great reason to let your baker set up your cake.
Columbine Goblinfilter
This season the biggest wedding trends come together with an unexpected stroke of colour. For every bride you’ve truly found a means of self-expression.
In contrast to the softer more subtle shades of last year, the forthcoming trends for 2009 will be far more exotic, brightly coloured and - believe it or not - almost luminous!
Engaged couples are going for the big tropical colour schemes focusing on blue, yellow & orange shades.
So, whether you are having a tantalizingly tropical event, an ocean blue occasion or an outstanding orange event, anyone who’s anyone in 2009 will definitely be hosting a bright, bold, beautiful and full-of-colour wedding!
Check out the great colour options at Derks…where you’ll find your wedding style.
