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Vintage-inspired engagement rings for the classic bride

January 15, 2020 No Comments

The classic bride deserves a ring to match. Inspired by the past, vintage engagement rings are heirlooms in the making. Honour her love for the yesteryear with a memorable vintage-inspired engagement ring she is guaranteed to treasure forever.

Embellished with unique engravings, alternative cuts and colourful stones, these vintage rings are truly one-of-a-kind and a huge trend for 2020. In late 2019, Emma Stone debuted her antique-style ring with a centre pearl instead of a diamond. Follow in the Oscar-winning actresses footsteps with a vintage-inspired ring of your own. Here are some to guide your way.

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Feature image: Pexels

In Advice

I think my partner is getting cold feet, what now?

December 20, 2019 No Comments

The thing about a marriage is that it’s a big deal. You’re making a lifelong commitment to another person, and choosing to share everything you have forever. That is bound to intimidate even the most courageous of people and once the excitement of the new engagement is over, doubt might settle in. If you start to notice a change in your partner’s behaviour in the days leading up to the wedding, it’s easy to panic or think their feelings for you have changed. Guess what, feeling unsure before the big day is normal! But fret not, it doesn’t mean it’s all over. Here’s what to do when you see the signs:

Don’t make assumptions

Actually, this counts for all relationships in life. Never assume you know something if it hasn’t been explicitly communicated. You might read too much into insignificant situations, or you might just have caught the tail end of a story. Also remember that nerves are not the same as cold feet, so don’t confuse anticipation with your partner bailing on you. It’s a big day for you both.

Don’t confront them immediately

Sometimes, the first reaction to detecting behavioural change is to go to the person and ask what’s bothering them. This is usually not a good idea, as it could imply mistrust, or it could simply be something minor that will blow over. If, like we mentioned before, it’s just nerves or other stress, confrontation might feel like an attack when in fact they need support. First give them two or three weeks to process what they need to. However, don’t leave it too long, either! If, for some reason there is a change in feelings on either side, it would be better to work it out sooner rather than later.

Have a relaxed sit down

So, you’ve given them time and nothing has changed? If you’re still worried and your partner hasn’t confided in you yet, there might be something worth discussing before you tie the knot. Remember, the end goal is not to generate conflict, pass blame or accuse them of anything. The aim here is open communication and making the best decision for you both. Ask them to set some time aside for a coffee or beer, and calmly ask them what’s been on their mind lately. If you still don’t get a response, state the reasons you have for your concerns, and make it clear that you are open to listen, even if it might not be what you want to hear.

Give them time

After the conversation, both should know exactly how the other one feels. But no hasty decision has ever benefited anyone, so don’t run off and do something crazy. If they are just feeling insecure and need some time to make extra sure, be mature enough to give them that time. If they have firmly decided that, sadly, they have changed their mind for real, still allow some time to pass before calling off the wedding and making things public. Remember, this is a difficult topic and should be handled sensitively.

Make peace with the outcome

After you’ve been through the process, we hope that all remains well and your partner just needed to blow off some steam. Hopefully you’re both reassured of your desires to be together and are now even more excited than ever! If, however, things take a turn for the worse and either or both of you decide not to go ahead, you will have to slowly make your peace with it. If it was your partner’s decision, there’s really nothing you can do. Remember, it might hurt now, but a divorce later on will be devastating. Surround yourself with a support system and give yourself time to heal.

Image: Pixabay

In Advice

How to take care of your engagement ring

December 19, 2019 No Comments

Your engagement ring is probably one of your most prized possessions. For many, their engagement ring is also their most valuable piece of jewellery. Not to mention the sentimental value!

The ring is meant to last a lifetime. If you don’t take all the the necessary steps to care for it, it might get spoiled. However, jewellery care is not exactly common knowledge. So, you may be worried about your cluelessness on the subject and the condition of your ring… No need!

Here are some tips and tricks to help you ensure that your engagement ring stays in the best condition possible:

– Have it insured ASAP

This should be one of the first things you do when you come into possession of an engagement ring. It will allow you to wear your ring without being constantly worried about it. Most insurance will cover loss, theft and damage.

– Keep the resizing to a minimum

Having your engagement ring readjusted too many times can cause the metal to become fragile. This will make the ring more susceptible to damage. If your hands swell because of things like pregnancy, it’s best to store the ring away until it fits again, rather than having it resized.

– Buy some ring dishes

A simple but useful tip! Keeping a few ring dishes around the house will ensure that you don’t carelessly misplace it. Whenever you remove it from your finger, pop it in the ring dish and you’ll know exactly where to find it.

– Clean your ring

The option to take your ring to the jeweller for a cleaning is available at most stores. However, cleaning your ring at home is quite easy. Fill a small bowl with lukewarm water and add a drop of dish detergent (ensure that it is not chlorine based). Leave the ring in the water for about 10 minutes, then remove it and scrub it with a soft bristled brush. Rinse the ring and dry it with a lint-free cloth or a hair-dryer.

– Remove your ring when necessary

Swimming, exercising and manual labour are all activities that you should remove your ring for. If you’re going to the beach, for example, it may be better to leave the ring at home.

– Refresh the metal setting

Professions suggest that having the metal setting refreshed every few years is a good habit to get into. Your ring comes into contact with oxygen and moisture every day and this could damage the metal. Keep in mind that different metals have different lengths of durability. Ask your jeweller how often yours should be refreshed.

– Beware of chemicals

Chemicals and abrasive solutions can erode the metal setting. If you’re coming into contact with these, its best to ensure that your ring is far away.

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Top 10 summer bridal shower ideas

December 18, 2019 No Comments

Bridal showers can be just one more thing on your already long to-do list. Oftentimes it can be a challenge to find something to do that is suitable for all ages and interests, as this is usually something for all the women invited to the wedding. Don’t be overwhelmed and certainly don’t take on any pressure about it.

If you know you’re being surprised, subtly hint at what kind of get together you would enjoy, or ask your partner to secretly let your maid of honour know what you think would work best.

Whether it’s a surprise set up by your maid of honour or you’re part of the organising, here are some fabulous ideas that will make them exciting and fun for everyone.
1. Moonlight picnic

If your bridal shower is in summertime, wait for a full moon and have a nighttime picnic. Add candle lights or lanterns for a cosy atmosphere.

2. Lawn games

Perfect for outdoor-lovers, have some fun in the sun with games like croquet, bowles, or even water gun fights.

3. Charity event

Sometimes, it’s more rewarding to give than to receive. Why not make a team effort to support a worthy cause? Volunteer at an animal shelter, community centre, make gift parcels for needy kids or visit an old-age home.

4. Dinner and a show

If you like entertainment, watch a show with your besties. Live music, theatre, and even ballet are good options. End it off with some drinks for a perfect night!

5. Bake day

If you’re more in the mood for staying in, why not get the ladies together and bake some sweet treats? Waffles, cupcakes, cookies or brownies are good things to do together.

6. Pajama party

A proper girls night is in order before you get married. Wear pajamas, do facials and share secrets with the women in your life.

7. Foraging

Foraging has become quite popular and is a ton of fun. Take the ladies to see what nature has to offer and appreciate the wonderful flora that abound.

8. Pool party

Poolside get-togethers are great because everyone can choose how to spend the day. Getting your tan on, splashing in the pool to cool down or making fresh drinks by on the side are all on the menu.

9. Perfume making

If you’re feeling experimental, why not got to a perfume making class? Surrounded by beautiful glassware and exotic scents, you will feel like you’re in heaven.

10. Champagne brunch

This might sound so done-before, but that’s because it’s so much fun! Set a table outside or inside, and gather your loved-ones for a festive brunch.

Feature image: Pixabay

In Advice

What to do as soon as you get engaged

December 13, 2019 No Comments

Getting engaged is a very exciting moment. You feel like you’re living a dream. At the same time, you’re probably feeling frantic because you’re unsure of all the things you need to do as a result. You suddenly feel flooded with responsibility.

Don’t let this exciting time slip through your fingers. Follow this list of things to do as soon as you get engaged, and you’ll feel much better about things running smoothly.

– Take it all in

You’ve just said yes and your mind is already in a hundred different places. Take a breath and live in the moment. This is something you’ll want to remember (with all the little details). Take a photo to capture the moment and spend some time just taking in the joy.

– Start speading the news

Most importantly, you need to let you parents know. Tell your parents first, before you post anything online. Then, make sure you call the other important people in your life. Last but not least, post a cheeky picture to social media, if that’s your style. It’s sure to be your most liked picture yet.

– Celebrate

Spend a night celebrating with your partner. Getting engaged is a huge deal and it’s also a very personal occasion for the two of you. Make sure you spend some time alone.

Thereafter, you may want to have some celebratory drinks or a dinner with your close family and friends.

– Size and insure the ring

In most cases, the ring won’t fit. This is simply because your partner can’t have it sized before the proposal. If it does fit, thats great! If it doesn’t, have it sized as soon as possible. The last thing you want is to lose it.

A similar precaution that is good to take is to have the ring insured. Ask an insurance broker or ask your jeweller for some recommendations.

– Compile an inspiration folder

Start scrolling! Search Pinterest, Instagram wedding accounts (like Wedding ETC’s Insta page), and make Google your new best friend. Look for ideas for your wedding decor, honeymoon, and wedding dress/suit. The sooner you start looking, the sooner you’ll plan your perfect wedding.

– Start thinking details

Set aside some time to speak to your partner about a rough budget for the wedding and honeymoon. Discuss possible dates too.

– Do some research

Wedding photographers, wedding planners and wedding venues get scooped up early. Do some research about which professionals you want involved in your wedding and where you would like it to be. You won’t regret it when you have everything you want.

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Bridal shower etiquette: Tips to remember

December 11, 2019 No Comments

Bridal showers are one of the most popular pre-wedding occassions. The event is a party in honour of the bride and a step towards preparing for married life. Brides look forward to spending quality time with their closest female friends and family, and having all the important people get to know each other before the big day.

This can be a heavy weight on the shoulders of those planning the bridal shower. There are quite a few things that need to be kept in mind. We’re quite certain that you want to make the day as amazing as possible.

Here are a few tips to help you ensure that things run smoothly and turn out perfectly:

– Who hosts and pays?

Usually, bridesmaids are the ones who take control of the bridal shower. In fact, tradition (which has changed with the times) says that the brides family should not throw the shower. These days, however, the bride or grooms mother may be involved in organising too. The bride should barely be involved in the planning!

– When and where should it be?

The bridal shower can be held from about 3 months before the wedding to a few weeks before.

The venue depends on the individual circumstances. If the host has a big enough space at home then it could be held there. It could also be at a family members home, or a restaurant.

– Who is invited?

Most importantly, only people who are invited to the wedding should be considered for the bridal shower. Included in the guest list should be the bridal party, the bride and grooms mothers, female family members, and female friends. It is not necessary to invite every single woman in the brides life, just the most important ones.

– When to send out invites?

You should aim to send out the invitations about a month before the time for the latest. This ensures that guests save the date well in advance. It also ensures that guests can plan gifts and travel (if they live far away).

Extra tip: on the invitation you should include the brides name, the hosts information, date, time, location, RSVP information and registry information. Your invite sets the tone for the event, so make sure it looks good too!

– What food do I serve?

Since this is a celebration, it would be appropriate to have some cake and desserts. Finger foods such as sliders, savouries, and sandwiches are also a good addition.

Alcoholic beverages are acceptable, but make sure you keep it classy. Go with some champagne or cocktails. You can also serve tea and coffee towards the end of the event.

– Are there any traditions to follow?

It is generally not necessary to follow tradition if you don’t want to. However, some traditions include having something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue handed over to the bride. Another one that is quite popular is creating a bouquet using the ribbons from gifts and using the bouquet at the rehearsal.

Tradition also says that the shower should include various games about the bride and grooms relationship and games that are a bit embarrassing for the bride. These have mostly faded away over time.

Gift specific tips:

– How do I ask guests to come with gifts?

Most guests will know that a gift is necessary for a bridal shower. However, simply adding the registry on the invitation is an indirect way of reminding guests about gifts. The bride can also request that nobody brings gifts if she so pleases.

– Does the bride open gifts at the shower?

Another bridal shower tradition is one that suggests the bride should open all the gifts at the shower. This is not necessary at all. It could be used as an ice-breaker, but if the bride prefers to open gifts in private thats fine too!

If gifts are being opened at the shower, ensure that somebody is keeping track of who has given what. The bride will need to send thank you cards a few weeks after the shower. If she can’t remember who gave her what, that would be a disaster!

– Hostess gifts?

This one is a bonus tip for the bride. Be sure to get the hostess a gift as a token of your gratitude. Throwing a bridal shower is no small task and we’re sure you want your hostess to know that you appreciate her efforts!

Image: Pexels

In Advice

Pros and cons of a public proposal

December 4, 2019 No Comments

A proposal should be well planned and deliberately thought out. We’re sure you’ve imagined yours before. Who hasn’t? Perhaps you saw the movie The Wedding Singer, which led you to crave a public display. Maybe you watched Leap Year, and the proposal on the ocean-side cliff led you to consider something more private.

It’s also possible that you’re not sure if you (or your partner) would prefer a public or private proposal. Consider the pros and cons of a public proposal to help you make the final decision.

Pros:

– It will be an event to remember

The public gesture will play like a movie in your partners head for years and years to come. It will likely be one of their fondest memories.

A public proposal also makes it easier for you to catch the moment on video or in a series of photographs. Arrange for a friend or family member to secretly record everything as it happens, and make it a moment that lasts forever.

– You can get other loved ones involved

Sharing this special moment with people who care dearly about you (and your partner) can make it feel extremely special. You’ll get to celebrate your engagement with your loved ones as it happens. On top of that, you can share the planning and preparations for the proposal with everyone you’re inviting to relieve some of the pressure.

– It will be easier to spread the news

If your proposal is public, everyone you care about will either be there when it happens or will find out very soon after. You won’t have to spend a day calling everyone with the good news.

Cons:

– Might not go as planned

If you’ve been together for a long time, and you’ve spoken about marriage, then this shouldn’t be too much of a worry. However, there is always the chance that your partner says no. In public, a “no” will feel so much worse.

On a similar note, you cannot control the environment around you. You could get caught in bad weather, your big question may be drowned out by noise, and other people may try to get involved unexpectedly.

– Unnecessary pressure

You could be putting unnecessary pressure on your partner to say yes, when they aren’t sure they’re ready to. They may feel more comfortable in a private setting to ask you to discuss the proposal and the way forward, but in public they can’t really do that.

You’ll also be putting a lot of pressure on yourself. A public proposal takes a lot of organizing and co-ordinating. If you’re not good under pressure, perhaps you should go for something more manageable.

– Expenses can pile up

If you’re really going big, like writing “will you marry me” in the sky, you may have to spend quite a bit of money. You’ll have to decide if it’s worth it, because that money may be better spent on the wedding itself.

The most important thing to consider about a public proposal is what will be most comfortable for you and your significant other. If you don’t mind the attention and pressure, and the big gesture and fanfare has always been something you wanted, then go for it!

Image: Pexels

In Advice

How to keep your (soon-to-be) family-in-law happy

November 29, 2019 No Comments

So you’re engaged, and although it’s an exciting and thrilling time for both you and your significant other, conflict is bound to arise, often in the form of your soon-to-be family-in-law. Some cases may be worse than others, but we’d like to help you lessen the load. Read on for some practical tips and thoughts on how to keep them happy, and, appropriately involved.

Acceptance

First of all, you need to make peace with the fact that your wedding planning journey will come with a fair share of stress, drama and mishaps, but all of this could be managed easily by not stressing about the things you cannot change. That goes for the family you’re marrying into as well. If you’ve known the person you’re marrying for a good amount of time, you probably know their family too – including their habits and preferences. Just because you’re getting married doesn’t mean those things will change, so make it easier for yourself by making peace with it – you’d want your S.O to do the same for you.

You marry the family, too.

That said, your new spouse’s family is accepting a new member into theirs, as your family is too, so be mindful about including them in the planning process. Your wedding is a celebration of not only two people coming together, but two families uniting, so they need to feel that their opinions matter too. This doesn’t mean that you have to take every suggestion they make to heart, but they’ll feel much more included if you make an effort to hear them out and make some compromises.

Take a stand

Sometimes, keeping the peace means taking a stand. It’s extremely difficult to avoid hurting the feelings of someone who simply wants to help, but sometimes their need to help is greater than your need for it. Don’t allow yourself to get into a situation too deep before realising that you’re allowing things to happen that will ultimately make you unhappy. Say no when you need to, but explain your feelings and reasoning behind it so that a mutual understanding can be reached.

Same page

You and your S.O absolutely need to be on the same page when it comes to making the decisions in your planning process. This will allow you to adequately explain your reasoning to your families, without throwing anyone under the bus. However, if your parents are paying for some parts of the wedding, you need to be on the same page with them too. Be open about what you want, your visions and expectations to avoid unnecessary conflict, especially if you’re not the one paying for it.

Lessen the load

Just because it’s your wedding doesn’t mean you have to plan, take care of and do everything. Make your vision clear and allow your mother-in-law, father-in-law or whoever-in-law to help you out with making calls, DIY projects, collections or whatever it is you may need. This will allow them to feel involved, but not in an overwhelming way where they have the ability to make decisions for you. However, looking at the other side of the spectrum could be just as tricky. Maybe your father-in-law is great at building things with his hands, but up until now you haven’t been getting along that well. Take the plunge and ask him for help with your DIY projects – it might be the starting point for the relationship you’ve been looking for.

Image: Pexels

In Advice

What to know before you get engaged

November 28, 2019 No Comments

Getting married is a big step. When you enter into a union with someone, you promise to be with them, for better of for worse, for the rest of your lives. Unfortunately, almost of half of marriages today end in divorce.

Marriage is hard, and many walk into it not understanding that reality. While you cannot always be 100% ready, there are many things you can do to prepare yourself for this new life you plan to enter. If you’re thinking of getting engaged, make sure you know these things about your partner beforehand.

Financial situation and spending habits:

Money is a major stress in relationships. Ideally, you need to have a general idea of your significant others financial situation before getting engaged. If someone is in debt or has bad credit, that could impact their partner in the future. You should ideally also know your partners spending habits, so that you’re on the same page about budgeting. This will particularly come in handy when you start planning your wedding.

How you feel about kids:

This is the all-important question. As much as many people dream of one day being a parent, there are others who don’t. Wanting or not wanting kids is an important conversation to have with your partner and can cause big problems in your marriage if you’re not on the same page. If you do want kids, also make sure to discuss how many you want, how you would want them to be raised and the kind of parent you want to be.

Religion/faith/belief systems:

The topic of religion can sometimes be tricky. Whether you’re Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish, or Athiest, the important thing is that your partner knows about your belief system. Its not the particular faith system that is of importance, just how that will impact your relationship. For example, if you follow different faiths and want children, which faith will you raise them in? Will someone be expected to convert?

Their beliefs can also shape how they see things in the world and their stance on issues such as abortion, same-sex relationships, and gender roles. If these causes are important to you and your partner feels differently, that could cause big issues. While you don’t have to agree, you do have to be tolerant of each others beliefs.

Living habits:

If you don’t already live together, you might be in for a shock when you do join homes. It is important to know each others living habits beforehand to prevent future issues. What if your partner loves having people around all the time but you enjoy solitude? Or they’re neat and cannot leave the house in the morning if it’s in a mess while you’re more of a ‘I’ll clean it later’ type of person? Small issues like these can grow into massive arguments if you’re not aware of them beforehand and have established a middle ground.

Love languages:

Love is about more than just lust. It’s about making your partner feel seen. Your love language, or how you express love towards others, can cause issues if your partner cannot identify it. If your love is shown through physical affection but your partners is words of affirmation, they could feel overwhelmed by your constant PDA and long for you to use your words more than your body. When you understand each others love language, you understand the meaning behind each others actions, making your actions that much more impactful.

How to effectively communicate:

Communication is the cornerstone of any successful relationship. If you cannot speak and listen to each other well, your relationship will be fraught with issues. Fore example, If your partner bottles their feelings, that could cause them to build up resentment towards you because they cannot effectively communicate their needs. You, in turn, could end up feeling guilty about something you didn’t even know was an issue. You need to know how to discuss and resolve conflicts in a healthy way that won’t exacerbate issues.

Family and friend dynamics:

Hopefully, if you’re at the point of getting engaged, you’ve met your significant others’ family and friends. These people have known your partner longer than you, and can thus give you greater insights that you might not have known.

While you might be used to your specific family dynamic, your partner might have a completely different one. For example, if you’re family is the overbearing type, your partner needs to be prepared for them most likely having lots of opinions on your marriage. Understanding family dynamics will allow you to place boundaries on what is acceptable behaviour and what isn’t, making family gatherings much easier.

Your goals for the future:

While we can’t predict the future, we can be honest about our desires. If you have specific goals that could make considerable changes to your life, your partner needs to be aware of them. Popular grounds for divorce is that couples want different things. What if you’ve got dreams of relocating to the city while your partner wants a quiet life in the suburbs? Or you want to be a career woman but your partner expects you to become a stay-at-home mom? These differences in life goals can breed resentment if not discussed beforehand in a healthy manner.

Image: Pexels

In Accessories

Alternative engagement ring stones

November 25, 2019 No Comments

An engagement ring holds a large amount of significance for a couple. For hundreds of years, the classic diamond has been a major trend for engagement rings, often honoured for their simple beauty, shine, and value.

But with more and more traditions evolving, the classic diamond engagement ring is slowly being replaced with other special stones, materials and designs that value originality, affordability and meaning.

Take a look at our top picks for alternative engagement rings:

1. TANZANITE

The next best thing to diamonds is the striking tanzanite. With its deep blue, this stone can complement a silver, rose gold or white gold band beautifully. As far as cut goes, tanzanite is popular in many shapes. This teardrop ring shows how tanzanite can pair with other jewels as well.

2. MORGANITE

With a light, dusty pink tint, morganite is an affordable and stunning stone which signifies unconditional love and compassion – two necessary traits in all marriages. This stone is equally as versatile due to its light shade and works well with all metals.

3. JEWEL BAND

If you want to have a more practical and simple engagement ring, then a plain band with a few jewels may be the one for you. Incorporate your favourite stone, or multiple to make a statement. If you opt for a brightly coloured stone such as the ruby or peridot, your band is bound to stand out.

4. OPAL

Opals are a rare and highly sought after stone that adds a touch of glamour to a ring. They can give off a vintage appearance, but if you pair it with a simple silver band surrounded by smaller diamonds, it becomes a modern but still unique ring.

5. VINTAGE

Whether it’s an heirloom, has been bought in an antique store, or specially made to appear old-fashioned, vintage rings will always be breathtaking options for engagement rings. The metal is darker and has intricate detail, which is often accompanied by a large and neatly cut stone.

6. ONYX

Dare to make a bold statement with a dark and shimmery onyx centrepiece on your engagement ring. This black stone complements yellow gold in a unique and modern way, which has slowly started to pick up attraction on the market.

7. PEARL

Having a pearl on your engagement ring definitely adds a touch of vintage elegance. If you are a lover of all things old-fashioned, opting for these lovely round jewels will bring your dream ring to life.

8. ROUGH CUT

The cut of the stone makes a big impact on the overall ring. Just simply using an uncut diamond instead of a neatly cut one can change the look and feel of your ring. A rough cut ring is more rustic and natural-looking, for a more organic finish. In this case, it’s better to seek a specialist for a hand-crafted option.

9. TURQUOISE

If you love to be different then this is the stone for you. Choosing a turquoise jewel for your engagement ring is a big step, as this particular stone has a very youthful appearance, especially when paired with a dainty band and smaller stones. But you will have a unique and special ring that you value, which is all that matters.

10. SMOKY QUARTZ

This earthy stone is a beautiful and affordable option for an exquisite natural-looking engagement ring and can be paired with silver or yellow gold for complementary tones. Marvel over its sparkle and changing colours when it catches the light.

Image: Unsplash