Times have changed drastically. In the past, getting a wedding gift was so much more than honouring the wedding couple. It was providing them with the essentials to begin their new life.
Crockery, bedding, décor are some of the items that couples really needed. Of course, back then, couples only moved in together after they were married. Today more and more couples live together for years before getting married. All those essential items that appear on the gift registry become redundant because the couple already owns it.
That’s not to say, however, they do not need help building their new life. The nature of what they need has changed. Policies, investments, a college fund for any future children: in other words they need money.
As a guest, this leaves you with a big question. Should you buy a wedding gift or give cold hard cash? In most cases the choice is easy. Couples are very straightforward with what they want. They either have a gift registry or state that they’d prefer money.
If these are not stated, or you are confused about what to get or how much to give, hopefully, these tips will help you decide.
Buying a gift
The most important thing when deciding on a gift is to ensure that is something the couple would like. Take their tastes into account, rather than your own. If you have to get traditional wedding gifts in the bed, bath and beyond category, opt for something different and quirky. If you are especially close to the couple, something personal or handmade could be a great hit, particularly if the couple has all their household items sorted. This will ensure that your gift is unique and memorable.
Budgeting for a gift is important. You don’t want to get something too cheap, but you do not want to break the bank either. Grouping together with friends and family is a good way to get something exceptional and within your budget. If you are invited to various events for the wedding that require gifts, divide your budget for each event. Style Caster recommends using 20% of your budget for an engagement gift, 20% for the bridal shower and 60% for the wedding.
Giving Money
It’s always tricky when dealing with money. You may be uncertain on how much money you should give, or whether it would have been cheaper to simply get a gift. As a general rule, the closer you are to the wedding couple the more you should give. Always work with your budget and give as much as you can afford. The couple should be gracious enough to accept your contribution no matter how big or small it is.
Like with pricey wedding gifts, it’s okay to pool money together to give to the couple. Co-workers, family members, and friends can go in together to give a substantial amount. Consider the expenses of the wedding. If you have already given gifts for other events leading up to the wedding or spent money getting to a destination wedding, you can give a little less money.
Whether you are buying a gift or giving cash, the most important thing to remember is timing. Do not wait too long before giving your gift!
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On your wedding day, everything is a big deal – including the shoes hiding beneath your gorgeous gown. Don’t sigh with relief after the arduous dress-choosing task is complete, you still have your feet to think about. Ahead lies a world of options…
There are a number of factors to consider before choosing your shoe, here are our key things to keep in mind:
Comfort:
You’re gonna wear these shoes all day, so make sure they’re actually comfortable. And by this, we mean you’re able to walk in them and stand for hours at a time without feeling like your toes are screaming for help. If you’re not used to wearing stilettos, a block heel is perfect to complete the look without the pressure on your heel.
Location and weather:
Having a beach wedding? Stilletto heels may sink into the sand. On the other hand, sneakers maybe a touch too informal for a grand ballroom. It’s important to keep your wedding venue in mind when picking your shoes, as it will go hand in hand with making sure you’re comfortable. Don’t neglect to consider the weather, as you don’t want your toes to freeze off in open shoes during your winter wedding.
Your dress:
The length and cut of your dress will greatly determine the style of your shoe and how visible you want it to be. A tea-length or short gown means your feet will be on display, so you have the option of going for a fun heel. Alternatively, a floor-sweeping gown will cover your feet, so the style of shoe is not as important. Make sure to take your shoes with you when going for a dress fitting to avoid a hemline that is too short.
Price:
Arguably one of the most important factors is sticking to your budget. You don’t want to break the bank on a shoe you might not wear again, so remember to set some boundaries before you go shoe shopping.
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They say music can convey emotions we struggle to voice ourselves. If this is the case, your choice of song on your wedding day is crucial.
At some point in the evening, you’ll probably want to have a special slow dance with your new spouse. Hold them close and sway away to one of these romantic songs.
Can’t Help Falling In Love – Elvis Presley
Make You Feel My Love – Adele
Unforgettable – Nat King Cole
Come Away With Me – Norah Jones
Comfortable – H.E.R
At Last – Etta James
All My Life – K-Ci and JoJo
You Are So Beautiful – Joe Cocker
Perfect – Ed Sheeran
The Way You Look Tonight – Tony Bennet
Your Song – Elton John
Best Part – Daniel Caesar
Lucky – Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat
Butterflies – Casey Musgraves
A Thousand Years – Christina Perry
Speechless – Dan + Shay
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Platinum is one of the most popular metals for fine jewellery, and it’s easy to see why. It is sturdy and lustrous, and complements many skin tones. This precious silvery-white metal is becoming increasingly popular among modern couples for engagement rings and wedding bands.
We have jewellery designer Louis Cartier to thank for the rise in this metal for fine jewellery . Toward the end of the 19th century, Cartier innovated the use of platinum and it soon became popular among Frnech royalty before becoming widely available in the 20th century.
Deciding on the metal for your engagement ring comes down to more than just its appearance. You also need to consider maintenance, your lifestyle and its affordability. Here are some factors to consider before settling on platinum:
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It’s more expensive
Due to its beautiful appearance and durability, platinum is on the higher price end. In fact, it’s one of the most expensive precious metals on the market. It is slightly more expensive than white gold.
It’s low maintenance
In comparison to the other metals, platinum is very low-maintenance. Although it is more expensive, in the end, is a better investment than going with a white gold ring as white gold will need to be re-plated to maintain its colour since it has been alloyed with other materials to achieve its white appearance.
It’s hypoallergenic
Platinum is hypoallergenic, meaning those with a nickel allergy can comfortably wear it. It is also corrosion resistant and does not tarnish, making it much more long-lasting than other rings.
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