• Emily Ratajkowski turned down her now-husband’s first proposal because he popped the question without a ring to offer. It is quite commonly accepted that, where there is a proposal there is a ring. However, people have argued that a ringless proposal works too; it may even be better.

    The argument below is one of the strongest for a ringless proposal. In response to a story about a woman complaining that she didn’t like her ring, she argued that the proposer surely would want the proposee to like the ring. It may be better to propose first, and then pick the ring together.

    Of course, the ring is nothing but a symbol. However, people are quite attached and unwilling to let go of this symbol.

    On an AskWomen Reddit thread, a user called osmeusamigos, said ” A ring is a symbol. Some people find that symbol very important. Some people don’t need the symbol to have what the symbol represents. Personally, I want a ring, but that’s just me. Whoever is proposing should hopefully know me well enough by that point to get one.”

    Another user, whose account has since been deleted, said “I’d really like to be one of those cool women that doesn’t care,” adding “I’d be kind of hurt if I didn’t have an engagement ring (size doesn’t matter, it’s the symbolism that counts). I’m Southern and was raised somewhat traditionally, and some of that cultural ‘training’ just doesn’t wash out easily.”

    Culture and tradition seem to be a very important part of what keeps the engagement and wedding ring alive.

    Just like many other wedding traditions, the engagement ring may start fading out. Especially since there are various ethical arguments against the traditional diamond ring.

    There is no correct answer when it comes to this decision, it the end its up to personal preference. So what is yours, present ring or ringless?

    Image: Unsplash

    While their marriage was not a fairytale, one of the most iconic weddings to date is that of Princess Diana and Prince Charles. From those puffy sleeves to that trailing train, Princess Diana made many memorable fashion moments with her bridal attire, influencing brides for decades to come.

    In 1981, Lady Diana Spencer said “I do” to Prince Charles, making her a princess, both officially and in people hearts. The shoes she wore to walk down the aisle had a surpringly sweet hidden meaning.

    For her big day, Princess Diana opted to wear flats. Celebrity accessories designer Clive Shilton explains that she did this so that she would not appear taller than her future husband, as they were the exact same height.

    ‘Her main concern was that she wouldn’t appear taller than Prince Charles, and because she was very tall – 5ft 10in – the shoes would have to have a low heel.’

    The shoes were adorned with 500 sequins, over 100 seed pearls, satin and lace. The suede arches featured a sweet, romantic detail painted on them: the letters ‘C’ for Charles and ‘D’ for Diana, with a heart between them.

    Credit: Pinterest

    Other royals must have taken inspiration from Princess Diana since then. Megan Markle had fabric from the dress she wore on her first date with Prince Harry sewn onto her wedding gown, and her veil was embroidered with 53 flour and fauna to represent the Commonwealth countries. Kate Middleton’s wedding dress sleeves featuring floral embroidery representing the national emblems of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

    Feature image: Pinterest

    Since you’ve been given the honour of speaking at a loved ones wedding, you probably don’t want to dissapoint them. However, as much as a wedding toast is privilage it can also be a daunting challenge.

    “There are so many things that could go wrong,” is likely along the lines of what you’re thinking. It seems that wedding toasts commonly take one of two paths. On the one hand they are either extremely memorable and everyone is in tears (of laughter or emotion), or on the other they are disastrous, inappropriate and downright cringe-worthy.

    Of course, you’ll be trying your hardest to be the former, rather than the latter. To ensure you’re giving the best toast possible, here are some tips:

    – Open with how you know the newly weds 

    It will give context to your speech for those who are not aware of who you are, and is generally considered to be more a police gesture.

    – Address both partners

    Just because only one of them have been through thick and thin with you, doesn’t mean you get to completely ignore the other! They are sharing this special day and you have been asked to share it with them. It would be rude to make it about only one of them.

    – Be sure to add personal touches 

    Weddings are very personal occasions. The couple and the audience will love hearing your anecdotes and emotions and they will repond better than if you used a generic speech that could have been taken staight of of the internet.

    – Things you shouldn’t include

    There are some serious no-go’s when it comes to wedding toasts. These are: crude language, inappropriate or explicit stories, and anything about the exes of those getting married. No matter what. Do not include these in your speech.

    – Be aware of time 

    We all know that nobody really wants to listen to a long, dragged out speech at a wedding. People will get bored. Be sure to stick to a reaonable time frame, maybe 3 to 6 minutes long. Don’t make it too short either though, it will seem as though you were uninterested and didn’t take the job seriously!

    – No inside jokes 

    Most of the audience wouldn’t understand the joke, and the reaction will not be what you want it to be… I can assure you. Don’t add it, it’s not worth it.

    Image: Unsplash

    If you’re a colourful person, why not have your engagement ring to reflect that? Instead of opting for the standard diamond, go for something unique and unexpected. Colourful stones have been trending in the wedding world for a few years now.

    While rubies, sapphire and tanzanite are popular alternative choices, how about something less popular but equally beautiful? Aquamarine is slowly growing in popularity as an engagement ring stone. Here’s why.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_tNcJmB_yV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Aquamarine is a light blue stone reminiscent of crystal clear ocean waters, making it a fitting option for your ‘something blue’. This stone falls in the beryl family, calling morganite and emerald sisters. It’s name comes from the latin aqua marinu, meaning “water of the sea”.

    Aquamarine scores 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, making it less durable than a diamond, but is more suited for everyday wear.

    The stone is typically a light greenish-blue, but can range in shades and colour saturation. The more vivid the colour, the more expensive the stone. Instead of size, the price of the stone is dependent on clarity, depth of colour, and to a lesser extent the purity of colour.

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    Speaking to Brides.com, jewelry expert Lauren McCawley explains the interesting legend of this dazzling stone.

    “Legend has it that the aquamarine gemstone originated in the treasure chests of mermaids,” said McCawley. “Mariners have long carried the stone for protection against the wrath of the sea.”

    As such, aquamarine makes for an amazing gift for anyone with a deep love for the ocean. It is also the birthstone for March, so anyone born in that month will appreciate this stone.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_hyAhNgSPP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Picture: Pexels