• There is more to an engagement ring that its stone. The type of metal you choose is just as crucial to your overall finish and durability.

    A classic choice, gold is one of the most popular ring metals. It offers several options, including white gold, rose gold, and yellow gold.

    Be careful when opting for gold though, as anything under 24-karat may be easily bent, and often, to make these stronger they are alloyed with other metals. This means your ring may be weak or not pure gold. Look into that before going for gold.

    Rose gold has been trendy in the wedding world for the last few years and shows no signs of disappearing. It is flattering for both warm and cool skin tones, and works well with a variety of gemstones in a way that does not clash.

    If you’re wanting to rock this rosy look, take some inspiration from these rings we are loving:

     

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    For decades the rose has held the privileged position as the most romantic flower. As such, it’s rare to come across a wedding venue that hasn’t been decorated with at least a few of these sweetly scented flowers.

    The rose has been a symbol of love since the beginning of time: the birth of Venus was marked with white roses and the text of the Medieval poem, ‘The Romance of the Rose’, lured the suitor to a rose garden.

    The flower represents the phases of romantic bonds, from the initial butterflies that you feel in your tummy to the twilight years of unwinding on the porch at sunset.

    It’s the perfect flower for a wedding day. Go for a mix of red, white and pink for a sweet yet romantic look, or go monochromatic for a bolder finish. Of course, you can stick strictly to roses but they also pair beautifully with other blooms like orchids and carnations.

    From your wedding arch to your reception table, here are some stunning setups that are coming up roses:

     

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    Fascinators aren’t just for British royalty. This eye-catching accessory is classic and regal, perfect for the vintage bride.

    This trend first began in 17th-century Europe, when women would wrap lacy scarves around their heads to give off a sense of mystery. It fell out of fashion for a period of time but came back to life in the 1960s thanks to a New York milliner named John P. John, who rebranded the headpiece into a half-hat. 

    Whether you go big or small, this look works well for a variety of looks. Complete with netting to cover your eyes and nose and you are ready for your big day.

    Here are some fancy fascinators we are loving:

     

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    Just like wedding trends come and go, proposal trends are also always changing. Proposals have become more premeditated over the years, with couples deciding beforehand that they want to get engaged. This allows them to plan and co-ordinate, while still keeping some of the surprise.

    You don’t have to go super big and elaborate to make a splash, however. Here are some unique and sentimental ideas that your partner will remember forever.

    Secret photographer

     

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    Plan a sweet photoshoot for your partner, but don’t let them know it’s actually an engagement shoot. This way, you can make sure you’re both looking camera-ready and your photographer can make up an excuse to have your partner looking away as you go down on one knee. We promise the candid photos will be priceless!

    Spell it out

     

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    Go big and have the phrase ‘Will you marry me’ lit up in marquee lights. Whether you place them on a beach or a backyard, they make the perfect backdrop for a ring selfie!

    A pizza my heart

     

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    Who doesn’t love pizza? Combine your favourite Italian meal with a sweet proposal by having the toppings spell out ‘Will you marry me’. Have the pizza made in a heart shape for an extra cheesy touch.

    A pawsome proposal

    Got a four-legged friend who is basically the third wheel of your relationship? Make sure to include your pet by having them pose with the ring and a sign that reads, ‘Will you marry me’.

    Picture: Unsplash