Wedding planning hints

Engagement & wedding rings

While your wedding will be a very special day that you'll remember forever, your rings are a symbol of your marriage that you'll wear forever. Selecting the perfect ring doesn't have to be terrifying--it can be thrilling and gratifying...Here are the basics:

• Buy with your heart. Buy the diamond that looks the best to you. Let salesmen educate but not influence you.
  
• Spend what you feel comfortable spending. Ignore the adage that you're "supposed" to spend two month's salary. Spend what feels right.
  
• Shop around. Look at lots of diamonds before deciding. Learn to spot the difference between an I grade and a K grade.

When evaluating a diamond, the experts refer to the "Four C's". The basics:

• Colour: Unless you are shopping for something unusual (like a Canary diamond), the "perfect" diamond will be completely colourless... The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) range of colour ratings begins at "D grade" and runs all the way through Z grade (which would be quite yellow)... Grades D, E, F are considered "colourless..." Grades G-J are "near colourless..." Grades K, L, M are "faint yellow..." Grades N-R are "very light yellow..." Grades S and lower are considered "light yellow." Note that some diamonds have a rich bright colour and are graded differently.
  
  
• Cut: The cut of the diamond determines how brilliantly the diamond sparkles, because the cut influences how light is reflected inside the diamond (this is different to the "shape" of the diamond, which is the overall appearance). The cut is determined by proportions, symmetry and polish... It can be very difficult for the untrained eye to evaluate the detail of the cut, so we recommend buying a diamond with a recognised certificate.
  
  
• Clarity: The clarity of the diamond refers to the purity of the stone. Myst diamonds will have some inclusions and irregularities in their crystal structure. You should look closely at the diamond with a 10x microscope to get a feel for the clarity of the diamond. Nearly all stones have imperfections--the fewer, the more expensive the diamond will be.
  
  
• Carat: This refers to the size of the diamond, by weight... One carat = 200 milligrams. The heavier, the more expensive. Diamonds are sold by weight, not size. Remember that this is only one of many factors that determine the quality and price of the diamond!

Jewelry During Ceremony

Where does your engagement ring go during the ceremony?... This question comes up time and time again, and the answer is — anywhere but on the finger that's about to receive your wedding band... Some brides put it on another finger or hand for the ceremony, or give it to their maid of honour or a family member to hold until after the ceremony. Regardless, it goes on top of (after) the wedding band, following the ceremony... Also, it is not proper for the bride to wear a watch on her wedding day—this is one day that should be timeless, so let someone else keep track of the time that day.

Wedding dresses

First, any bride can wear white. It doesn't matter if this is your first, or fourth wedding - it's up to you... In regards to wearing a long dress, short dress, pantsuit or ball gown, this really depends on the style of your wedding. A resort chapel may not warrant the same type of bridal attire as a ceremony with a full mass and the Archbishop presiding... Consider the location and ceremony time (from 6.00 P.M on is considered more formal), when selecting bridal (and groom) attire.

When shopping, make an appointment at the bridal store and leave yourself plenty of time. Don't try to go to multiple stores in one day or you'll be completely stressed out... and make sure you begin shopping at least six months in advance as custom wedding dresses need long lead times.

There are as many types of wedding dresses as there are brides and so picking a wedding dress is a very personal decision. There are several variables to consider when picking a dress. The variety of wedding dresses is enormous and is the subject of multiple books... Here we explain a few of the basic styles and variations:

Shapes/Silhouette

• A Line:
The A-Line, sometimes called Princess, consists of vertical panels running from the shoulders to the skirt... It's very flattering to the body and because of this, it is very popular with brides looking for a slimming shape. It's called the A-line because it resembles the letter A with a fitted body and waist and a flared-out skirt. A-lines generally are sleeveless or strapless.


• Ball Gown:
The ball-gown is a traditional wedding dress consisting of a floor-length skirt with a corset bodice. It's best for brides with a slim waistline, but it's also great for hiding larger hips... It's perfect for a bride looking for a classic look.


• Mermaid:
The mermaid is a curvaceous style that hugs the waist, hips, and thigh, perfect for brides who want to show off their curves. The bottom flares out like a mermaid's tail, hence the name.


• Sheath:
The sheath is the simplest of styles. It's a straight-line fitted style from shoulders to ankles. It's best for slim brides who want to show off their slender figures... Best for tall or slim brides.

Colour

Wedding dresses are usually white, but there are many shades of white ranging from pure white to ivory. The shade you pick should be the one that is most flattering to your complexion... Fair skinned brides will want darker shades of white while brides with darker complexions can get away with any shade.

Necklines

• Bateau: This is a wide-neck shape that follows the collar-bone to the edge of the shoulders.
  
• Halterneck: This consists of straps that join at the back of the neck. It generally consists of a low-cut back and so it's best for brides that don't need to wear a bra. It emphasizes the shoulders.
  
• Jewel: A high neck-line that de emphasizes the upper-chest. It forms a round cut at the
  bottom of the throat.
  
• Scoop: This is a U-shaped neckline that is rounded above the breasts and similarly on the back of the dress... It's very popular as it can be worn by any bride.
  
• Spaghetti Strap: A straight or slightly-curved line running across the chest that is connected to two thin straps.
  
• Queen Anne: This design consists of an open heart-shaped front and a high back. It's perfect for full-chested brides who don't mind showing off their cleavage in an elegant way.
  
• Off-the-shoulder: An off shoulder neckline that sweeps broadly across the chest.
  
• Square: Cuts straight across the chest level meeting perpendicular straps.
  
• Strapless: A straight or curved neckline running across the chest.
  
• Sweetheart: Another heart-shaped front but less open than the Queen Anne.
  
• V-neck: Forms a V at the chest level.