Caring for Your Wedding Jewelry

Your wedding jewelry is the most special jewelry which you will ever own. The earrings, necklace, and bracelets which you wear on your wedding day will do so much in creating the perfect bridal look. And your engagement ring and wedding band will be the two pieces of jewelry that you wear every day for the rest of your life. Learn how to care for your precious wedding jewelry, both before and after the wedding, so that it will last you a lifetime.

Pearl bridal jewelry is the most classic type of wedding jewelry. The nacre (mother of pearl coating) on the outside of a pearl is what gives a pearl its signature luminosity, but it is also very fragile and must be babied. If the nacre is damaged, the pearl will end up with a dull appearance, and it can never be restored to its former beauty. This is why preventing damage is key. Never get pearls wet, and use only a soft dry cloth for cleaning. Store pearls separately from other jewelry, so that they cannot be scratched.

Brides who are wearing pearl necklaces and bracelets which have been worn before should take them to a jeweler several months before the wedding to be evaluated. It is not uncommon that a strand of pearls may need to be re-strung, either because the silk thread has become thin and weak or because the thread between the pearls has gotten dingy. Re-stringing is a very straightforward process, and not particularly expensive, but it can take some time, so be sure to plan ahead.

Brides have always loved sparkly wedding jewelry, and if you have chosen crystal or diamond pieces, you will want to be sure that they shine brilliantly for your special day. The best way to care for fine Swarovski crystal bridal jewelry is gently, so as not to scratch the reflective surfaces. Wipe them with a soft cloth, and do not immerse them in water. If deeper cleaning is needed, a diluted glass cleaner can be gently brushed on with a cotton swab (not a toothbrush, which can scratch the surface). Most diamond jewelry can stand up to fairly vigorous professional cleaning by a jeweler. A day or two before your wedding, have your engagement ring professionally cleaned so it shines like the sun.

Gorgeous Beach Wedding Dresses

The beach is one of the most wonderful places to hold a wedding ceremony. There is nothing quite like the sand under your feet, the ocean breezes, and the smell of the salt air. Such a special wedding calls for an equally special wedding gown. These are some tips on finding a gorgeous beach wedding dress to make you feel amazing on your big day.

Halter necklines are always fantastic by the water. They are not too formal, very flattering, and have a summery appeal which is great for any warm weather wedding ceremony. There are lots of different halter necklines available, from little wispy gowns which suit a fashion forward bride with very little cleavage, to more structured wedding dresses done in midweight fabrics such as silk gazar. Finish it off with beach theme wedding jewelry like crystal starfish dangle earrings.

Strapless gowns are always pretty for a bride, and they are lovely for a beach wedding. A lightweight organza wedding dress with an empire waistline and a slim A-line skirt would be comfortable and beachy. Choose a dress with special details, such as organza streamers in the back which will flutter in the ocean breeze. If the beach you have chosen for your ceremony site tends to be fairly windy, pull your hair back into a casual knot at the nape of your neck and accent it with a few pretty hairpins.

One shoulder bridal gowns are very popular this season, and would be a very stylish option for a beach wedding. Select one in a sheer fabric like organza or chiffon, which will gently float over a solid underlining. A cluster of organza flowers flowing over the shoulder or a large chiffon bow will give your one shoulder wedding dress the perfect amount of detail. When shipping for any style of beach wedding dress, it is a really good idea to try it on in bright sunlight to make sure that it will not be too see-through in the direct sun.

Should You Pick Your Own Engagement Ring?

Should you pick your own engagement ring or is it better to be surprised? This is a look at the pros and cons.

Pro: When the woman helps to pick her own engagement ring, she is absolutely sure to love it. And that is really important, because along with her wedding ring, this is the one piece of jewelry which she will wear every day for the rest of her life. It would be a shame if she secretly disliked the style of the ring for all those years (because of course she would never say so!).

Con: Obviously if the couple has been engagement ring shopping, the woman will have advance knowledge that her boyfriend intends to propose. Or he can go the route of a surprise proposal without a ring, and then the newly engaged couple can go wedding jewelry shopping together. In that case, though, you lose that iconic moment when he drops to one knee and pulls out a tiny box while popping the question.

Pro: It can be less stressful for the man if his fiance is involved with the ring selection. Many man just plain hate shopping, and the idea of shopping for something so expensive without any input from the woman who will be wearing it can be positively nerve-wracking. Will he wonder forever if she truly loves the ring or is just pretending so as not to hurt his feelings?

Con: Sticking to a tight budget might be more challenging with the bride-to-be in tow. Some women can’t help but gravitate to the biggest, most fabulous engagement ring in the store! Saying no to her favorite is a really awkward position for a man to find himself in, and not the least bit romantic. On the other hand, splurging on a ring which is way out of his comfortable price range will not leave the man feeling so great, either.

In the end, each couple is unique, and it is up to them to decide if these practical concerns are worth losing the element of surprise at the moment of engagement.

Romantic Marriage Proposal Ideas

With Valentine’s Day here, this is a very popular time of the year to become engaged. In fact, did you know that Valentine’s Day is the second most popular day of the year to pop the question, coming in just after Christmas? If you are thinking of making this Valentine’s Day (or any day, for that matter) one which she will never forget, take a look at these romantic marriage proposal ideas.

This time of year, many people are snowbound, which offers some wonderful possibilities for engagements. Hopefully you had a chance to go out and get that special piece of wedding jewelry before the snow hit, so you will be able to present the engagement ring when you pop the question! A really sweet winter proposal idea is to build a snowman in her front yard, complete with top hat, carrot nose, and branches for arms. Off the end of one of the snowman’s arms, hang the engagement ring box with a ribbon, then ask her to come out and see what you have made. You can bet that she will have a soft spot in her heart for snowmen for the rest of her life!

A very traditional marriage proposal idea is to make a romantic dinner for her to share in front of a crackling fire. Include all of the classic foods of love and luxury, like Champagne, lobster, caviar, the works. It may not be original, but that does not diminish how romantic it will be. Finish off the meal with a special dessert, such as chocolate souffle or chocolate dipped strawberries. By that point, your girlfriend is probably going to sense that this is no ordinary evening, so don’t leave her hanging in suspense. The traditional drop to one knee and pull out an engagement ring gesture may seem trite, but when it is happening in real life, believe me, she will be seeing fireworks.

Proposing in a location that is meaningful to the pair of you is always a way to make the moment even more romantic. Perhaps you have shared many wonderful hours wandering through an art museum; why not pop the question in front of her favorite painting one afternoon? Have dinner plans awaiting you at your favorite restaurant for celebrating afterward. If your girlfriend is a sports fanatic, the grand gesture of proposing on the Jumbotron at a game is guaranteed to be a huge hit. By taking into account the places that she really loves, you can make your proposal tailored just to her.

Heart Shaped Jewelry Gifts for Brides and Bridesmaids

There is no symbol more romantic than the heart shape, which is why it is a perfect symbol for a wedding. A lovely way to use a heart in a wedding is in the form of beautiful jewelry. Always romantic, and an enduring design which will be cherished for years, heart shaped wedding jewelry makes a wonderful gift for a bride or bridesmaids.

For a casual heart theme gift, sterling silver wedding jewelry is great. A heavy silver link necklace or bracelet with a Tiffany inspired heart tag charm is a wonderful way to thank your bridesmaids for being such a special part of your wedding. This is the kind of wedding jewelry which your attendants can enjoy wearing every day after the wedding, which makes it as versatile as it is thoughtful. Naturally, you will want to personalize each piece of silver jewelry with the recipient’s initials or monogram on the heart charm.

A lovely wedding jewelry design is a simple Swarovski crystal heart pendant on a silver chain. If you wish to keep the look elegant but understated, opt for a petite heart in clear or “ab” finish crystal. Or opt for an extra dash of femininity and romance by selecting a rose pink crystal heart. That makes a very sweet gift for everyone in the bridal party, including the bridesmaids, junior bridesmaids, and flower girl. Another fantastic option is to choose a bright Siam red crystal heart pendant, which is the perfect expression of passion. The red hearts are especially appropriate for the bridal party at a Valentine’s Day wedding. They also make a touching declaration of love from the groom to the bride at any time of the year.

Large crystal heart pendants are truly spectacular. Swarovski offers its signature crystal hearts as big as a silver dollar, which is a marvelous when you want your wedding jewelry to make a statement. The largest sizes of crystal hearts are particularly favored by brides, who need their jewelry to have a presence. They are generally created to have a clear finish, to maximize sparkle and brilliance. This is a stunning look with a strapless bridal gown or any other open neckline. There is no doubt about it, hearts and weddings are a perfect match.

Fresh Wedding Tent Decor

Outdoor weddings are more popular than ever, and most receptions will involve some sort of a tent. In and of itself, the typcial wedding tent is nothing special to look at, but with the right decorations, you can create an absolutely breathtaking environment within a tent. These are some fresh new approaches to the most beautiful wedding tent décor.

If you are having an outdoor wedding, the chances are that you have chosen a spot with gorgeous natural scenery. Why not show it off to its full advantage by choosing a tent with a clear ceiling instead of an opaque white ceiling? Clear ceiling tents to see the green trees, blue skies, and even the birds in the area. This special type of tent is especially wonderful for evening weddings, as your wedding will take place under the stars and moon. Your guests will love spending the evening at a chic party in their best dresses and wedding jewelry under a starry sky.

As for the tent decorations, the biggest trend is to decorate a tent as if it were an elegant indoor location. Think swanky ballroom, not picnic. Elegant crystal chandeliers in several shapes and sizes can be suspended from the tent ceiling to add romance and style to your reception. Fine table linens made from sumptuous fabrics like silk dupioni are just at home in a tent as a ballroom. Choose luxurious china and crystal rentals to increase the style and grandeur of your wedding.

To really make your tented wedding something special, think about setting up a lounge area. This is a trend which shows absolutely no signs of fading.  Low slung sofas, graceful armchairs, and ottomans all make good choices for reception lounge furniture. Also be sure to have enough small tables so that guests have a place to set their drinks. Punch up the style of the lounge area even more by ordering custom throw pillows which coordinate with your table linens. With details so luxurious and unique, no one will even feel like they are in a tent – all they will notice is how stunning your wedding is.

How to Accessorize Trendy 2010 Wedding Gowns

Use this handy guide to accessorizing a trendy 2010 wedding gown to get you down the aisle in high style…

The one shoulder trend remains tops for 2010. This can be one of the trickier styles to adorn, as the asymmetry makes jewelry selection a bit more challenging.  If it is is a simple style, say a twisted piece of silk charmeuse, then you can pair it with a single strand choker necklace and medium drop earrings. On the other hand, if the one shoulder is adorned with an abundance of shredded organza flowers as many are, rather than layering in a necklace with such a busy neckline, go with bold earrings as your feature jewelry, such as custom Swarovski bridal earrings in a swingy chandelier design.

Because the one shoulder bridal gown has a chic modern elegance about it, a simple veil will tend to be best. A long single layer veil with a plain edge will not fight with the dramatic lines of the gown. A double headband in pearls and crystals is a stylish headpiece which will complement any wedding hairstyle. Strappy high heel silk sandals will ensure that your ensemble is stunning from head to toe.

Without a doubt, the best jewelry for a V-neck gown is a pendant necklace with drop earrings. They do a wonderful job of emphasizing the flattering shape created by the V-neck. You may wish to work with a jewelry store that can create custom bridal jewelry to make sure that your pendant is the perfect length. Elegant shoes like D’orsay pumps or slingbacks will suit the gown beautifully.

If one of the 1950s inspired bridal gowns is your fantasy, accessories will be a snap. Classic pumps with a pert bow on the front will be the ideal shoes. A fluffy waist length veil with a headband or feather flower in the hair (for a more contemporary accent) take care of the top. And in this case, your mother’s classic pearl bridal jewelry will be just right after all. Just add a pair of earrings with some crystals to freshen up the classic style of the necklace, and you will look perfect. Here comes the bride!

Formal Resort Weddings

If you are planning a destination wedding to a tropical resort, the chances are that almost all of the advice you come across will be geared towards casual beachy weddings. But tropical does not always have to mean barefoot on the sand, and it is possible to plan a wedding which is elegant in an island setting. At long last, here are some tips on how to plan a gorgeous formal resort wedding.

The ideal gown for a formal resort wedding will be one which is light enough to feel comfortable in a warm climate, but with the special details that will make it feel glamorous. Metallic gold accents will make any bridal gown look opulent and regal. Layers of a lightweight silk such as organza or tissue taffeta will be fresh and breezy, and gold metallic embroidery or a gold sash will increase the elegance factor. Strappy metallic gold sandals, a veil with a beaded edge, and elegant beach wedding jewelry will complete the effect. Especially lovely is beach wedding jewelry with Swarovski crystals which will twinkle in the sunlight.

A tropical wedding certainly calls for tropical flowers. As beautiful as the classic round bouquet of roses is, it in no way relates to the spirit of the tropics. A better option would be a more splashy bouquet featuring wildly glamorous exotic orchids in a bright color. Hot pink, sunshine yellow, or lime green are all gorgeous resort wedding flower colors. Make your bouquet more regal with an ornate bouquet wrap in a metallic ribbon. You can also think about scattering some sprays of Swarovski crystals in among the flowers to coordinate with your bridal jewelry and to catch the sun.

Any fine resort should have elegant menu options available to serve for your wedding reception. Fresh fish, simply prepared, is always a nice choice for the main course at dinner. It can be dressed with a fresh fruit salsa and elegantly displayed on the plate with several side dishes. Keep in mind that a grand presentation will make any type of food appear more elegant. Try to treat your guests to the local specialties of the tropical destination which you have selected for your wedding. Your guests will no doubt have the time of their lives.

Private Moments for the Bride and Groom

In the hustle and bustle of a wedding, it is all too common for the newlyweds to spend very little time together alone. The whole wedding day passes in such a whirlwind that you may well get to the end of the reception and realize that you have not shared a quiet moment with your new spouse once all day. Don’t let that happen to you! Use these suggestions to plan some private moments that the bride and groom can share on the day of the wedding.

Are you superstitious? If not, the time before the wedding ceremony might be a good opportunity for the bride and groom to grab a few minutes alone before everything gets underway. For couples who have no qualms about seeing one another before the ceremony, this is an ideal time to share a quiet moment together. Plan to get together about twenty or thirty minutes before you have to be in place for the ceremony to just take a deep breath together and reflect on the journey which you are about to undertake together. Religious couples could use this moment to say a prayer together requesting blessings for their marriage. This would also be a very nice time for the groom to present his bride with a special piece of wedding jewelry, and for her to give him a nice piece of wedding jewelry, such as a watch with an inscription.

In the Jewish tradition, it is customary for the newlyweds to spend several moments alone together in a yichud (seclusion) room. This is an absolutely marvelous custom, as it allows the new spouses some time together to celebrate their union and to absorb what has just taken place. Having a pause between the public ceremony and public reception gives the newlyweds a rare quiet moment alone, away from the spotlight. This Jewish tradition is one that brides and grooms of any faith would be wise to borrow for their own wedding.

Make a pledge to one another to grab a few moments alone during the rest of your wedding reception. Take a brief stroll together outside or hide up in a balcony for a few minutes to watch your guests. The idea is not to avoid your guests, but just to have a few moments of quiet together to soak it all up. The intimate moments that the bride and groom share can end up being among the most meaningful parts of the entire wedding day.

What Happens at a Rehearsal Dinner?

Lots of terms get thrown around during the wedding planning process, but if you are a young bride, you may not have any first hand experience with many of them. People often wonder what the purpose is behind a rehearsal dinner, how to plan one, and what really goes on there. This is an overview of the whole rehearsal dinner process.

First the reason behind the rehearsal dinner: it is a small dinner party that gives the bride’s and groom’s families a chance to get to know one another in an informal setting before the wedding itself. With that purpose in mind, you should definitely plan to invite parents, siblings, and grandparents from both sides. The wedding party is also always on the guest list, and some brides will choose that opportunity to present her attendants with their bridesmaid and flower girl gifts. Frequently, the more extended members of the couple’s families will also be included in the wedding eve party, such as aunts, uncles, and cousins. These days, it is not uncommon to also invite out-of-town guests, with the result that there are almost as many guests at the rehearsal dinner as the wedding reception.

One of the main events of a rehearsal dinner is the speeches. As the party is most often hosted by the groom’s family, it is traditional for the groom’s father to give some sort of toast. It does not need to be anything long, it is mostly a chance to welcome everyone, and to thank the out-of-town guests for making the trip. The groom’s father will conclude his toast by saying a few kind words about the bride and groom and toasting to their future happiness.

Beyond that, the wedding eve dinner is essentially a party like any other. Guests eat, drink, and mingle. They often end early so that everyone will be well rested for the wedding the next day. This has led to a custom where the younger guests often have an after-party at a nightclub, bar, or home after dinner. Just so long as everyone is rested and raring to go the next day, this can be a fun way for the younger guests to get to know one another, which is after all, one of the purposes of a rehearsal dinner.