Wedding Favors Etiquette
January 21, 2010
Believe it or not there are actually certain rules of etiquette which apply to the act of giving wedding favors at your wedding reception. Although many of these rules are not as rigid as other types of etiquette it is important to realize there are some generally accepted principles which are associated with the distribution of wedding favors. MyWeddingFavors.com
These rules of etiquette include questions such as whether or not favors are necessary, whether or not favors should be given to children, how favors should be distributed and how much should be spent on wedding favors. This article will take a look at some of these rules of etiquette and will hopefully help the reader to understand a little more about the etiquette involved in giving wedding favors.
The question of whether or not wedding favors are necessary is certainly one question many couples have as they are planning their wedding day. The answer to this question is that wedding favors are not absolutely required but they are certainly expected. This means you do not have to give wedding favors but many of your guests will be expecting to receive one. Therefore not distributing favors is not recommended.
This is because wedding favors are a way of thanking your guests for coming to your wedding and offering them a memento of the occasion. While you can certainly visit with each guest individually to express your thanks for their attendance this may not be possible if you are having a very large wedding. You may make an effort to visit with each guest but may simply run out of time. However, if you provide wedding favors your guests will know their attendance at the wedding was appreciated.
If you are including children in your wedding ceremony and reception you should definitely give some thought to giving wedding favors to the children. Traditionally, children at a wedding would receive the same favor as the adults. However, some couples may opt to give the children a favor which is more age appropriate.
This can be difficult to do because in most cases favors are merely left on the table. If you only have one or two children in attendance you can simply place favors at each place setting and during the reception take some time to visit with the children and offer them the more age appropriate favor in addition to the one found at their place setting.
However, if you plan on having a large number of children in attendance this technique can create a significant additional expense because each of the children will be receiving two favors. In this case you can place the favors with the place cards. This will help to ensure the children are all receiving the appropriate wedding favor.
Another concern couples often have regarding wedding favor etiquette is how the favors should be distributed. The easiest and most common way to distribute wedding favors is to place the favors at each place setting before the reception begins. In most catering halls the staff will be happy to put the favors out while they are setting the tables.
However, if they are unable to do so, you can ask a friend or family member to visit the catering hall before the reception to take care of this detail. For guests who do not attend your wedding but send a gift in advance you might want to consider mailing a favor to them along with a thank you note to express your gratitude for their kindness.
Many couples are concerned with the cost of wedding favors. In fact one of the primary reasons many couples consider not giving wedding favors is they think it will be too costly. It is important to note that wedding favors do not have to be extravagant or expensive. MyWeddingFavors.com
A favor of a simple flower can be quite inexpensive and still shows your appreciation for your guests. Deciding how much to spend on wedding favors is mostly a matter of your personal budget. You should set a budget for wedding favors first and then begin shopping for favors which you think will be appropriate. This will allow you to seek out great deals and offer your guests the most appropriate wedding favor you can afford to give.
Wedding Rings: What To Look For
January 12, 2010
Wedding rings have long been a part of the tradition of marriage. The highlight of every wedding ceremony, wedding rings represent a couple’s promise of remaining faithful and loyal to each other all the time of their lives.
The use of wedding rings date as far back as the time of ancient Egypt, when Egyptians create rings from reeds (and other plants that grow on the Nile River) for couples to exchange, symbolizing their never-ending love for each other. Bridal Jewelry Sets
Today, conventional forms of wedding rings are those that consist of precious metals that are usually worn on the ring finger (the 4th finger) of the left hand. This practice stemmed out from the belief of the “hand-heart connection” – that a vein of blood from the 4th finger of the left hand goes directly to the heart. Medical science, however, has already refuted this claim with their discovery of how the circulatory system works, and although the tradition of wearing the ring on the 4th finger of the left hand still prevails, some people now prefers to wear their wedding rings on their right hand.
Because wedding rings are the ultimate symbol of lifelong love and commitment, it is important that you choose rings of a high quality – one that will last for a long time (perhaps as enduring as your marriage!)
Below are some factors to consider when buying wedding rings:
1. Establish your budget. Going into a jewelry store with the idea of how much you are willing to spend (and how much you can actually spend) for your wedding rings will save you a lot of time.
2. Choose the material. There are numerous wedding ring materials for you to choose from. Some of them are the following:
· Gold – considered as the most traditional wedding ring material, gold comes in a variety of color (yellow gold, pink gold, white gold, green gold) and quality (14k, 18k, and 24k).
· Platinum – considered as one of the finest, purest, and rarest precious metals. One of the strongest, heaviest, and the most enduring of all metals, wedding rings made of platinum is ideal to wear everyday because it is hypoallergenic, it resists tarnish, and it shows little wear. It is, however, more expensive than gold.
· Diamonds – the hardest substance known to man, diamonds are considered as one of the most luxurious and sought-after gem and wedding ring material, with its beauty, purity and durability symbolizing long-lasting love. Note that the value of a diamond is determined by the 4 Cs: Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat weight.
Other materials that are used for wedding rings include metals such as titanium, tungsten carbide, and nickel silver; and precious gems such as ruby, sapphire, emerald, and topaz.
3. Choose the style. Wedding rings also come in different styles and designs, such as the following:
· Celtic/Irish design wedding rings
· Antique and vintage rings
· Designer wedding rings
· Custom wedding bands
· Traditional plain bands
· Beaded edges
· Engraved rings
· Matching rings
· Tattoed wedding rings
Depending on your personal preference, your wedding ring should be in a design and style that is comfortable to wear and one that will reflect your personality.
4. Browse stores. Find the best deals by looking around the different jewelry stores to compare the different styles and prices that they offer.
5. Consult an expert. Seek advice from a jeweler with a good reputation who can help you find the perfect wedding ring.
Wedding rings are not merely pieces of jewelry. They are significant symbols of a couple’s love and commitment for each other, so be sure to find a wedding ring that you can treasure forever.
Choosing A Perfect Wedding Ring
January 11, 2010
The big day has been set, and now you have tons of wedding preparations to attend to – preparing the guest list, looking for a caterer, shopping for the perfect wedding dress, and a lot more. All of these are essential in putting together a memorable wedding, so remember to have all these on your wedding checklist. Also do remember to include on the top of your checklist, “choosing a perfect wedding ring.”
Selecting a wedding ring is not as easy as it looks. It requires much thought, too. After all, it is the wedding band that binds the couple together and will be worn by the bride and groom for their entire married life, and therefore must be something that they would not get tired of wearing. Bridal Jewelry Sets
Most important when choosing a wedding ring set is to decide on a budget. The couple should consider how much they could afford to spend for the wedding rings. Based on this budget that the couple have in mind, decide on the material they want their wedding bands to be made of.
The materials from which wedding rings can be made of have evolved through the years. However, the most popular are still those made from classic 14K or 18K yellow gold. Gold rings remain to be very popular both for wedding and engagement.
Wedding rings made from white gold are also gaining popularity, it being very stylish-looking and exuding a very modern aura. Also, white gold goes well with other silver and platinum jewelry, as well as with most clothing fabric.
Platinum being one of the hardest metals is also a very suitable material for a wedding ring. For one, it is very durable and therefore will endure wear and tear for a very long time. Platinum wedding rings may also be a symbol for enduring love that is if couple wanted a romantic twist in picking a wedding ring. Platinum rings looking very similar with rings made of white gold looks very stylish and elegant. However, platinum wedding rings are the most expensive, but if the couple considers the fact that it is something that will last them a lifetime, then the cost probably would not really matter.
Titanium is a popular material especially for wedding rings for men. It is light, long lasting, and is not as expensive as platinum. Titanium wedding rings are similar to white gold rings in appearance. The only different is that titanium wedding rings are so light you can hardly feel it when worn on your finger.
As for the wedding ring style to choose, there are the traditional plain bands, the more elaborate ones with beaded edges. There are also the modern designs of two-tone wedding bands. The Celtic wedding rings engraved with ancient knot work are also hot these days. Solitaire rings with a precious stone are also classic designs for wedding bands.
Often times, the bride may want to match her wedding ring with the engagement ring. Of course, this is also something that has to be taken into consideration, especially is she wants to wear both rings on the same hand.
In choosing for a wedding ring, foremost consider your budget and then decide on the material. Also, having to wear your wedding bands for a really long time, it is also worth considering choosing something that would best work with your clothes and the other jewelry you usually wear. Above all, choose a wedding ring that you will be most comfortable in wearing.
Good luck on your wedding ring shopping! Bridal Jewelry Sets
Unique Wedding Rings
January 10, 2010
Wedding rings date back hundreds of years. They have long stood for fidelity and love between two people and are given on a day of joining. Before they used metal for rings wedding ring could be made from such things plants, grass and even hair.
Today’s wedding rings are made from stunning metals such as gold, titanium, platinum and white gold and most often contain a diamond, although sapphire are quickly becoming more popular.
There are many different styles of wedding ring, but the most popular, especially for men, is the plain gold band. For those who want something a bit less plain, the market is ripe with possibilities.
While there are exceptions, the only piece of jewelry some men wear is their wedding band. For that reason, having something a little bit different can really look stunning and stand out from the rest.
Most men’s wedding rings are made from platinum due to its strength and durability. Often gold is too soft of material to withstand years of use. With proper care, the platinum will look as good twenty years from now as it does today.
While it has been the tradition in most places to wear your wedding ring on your left hand, in countries such as Germany, Russia, Norway the traditional way to wear your wedding ring is often on the right hand..
Many couples choose other ways of making their wedding band unique. They will often have a matched set, have the date or their names engraved, or choose a diamond in pink or blue to make it stand out more. Buying the stone separate from the band and creating your own design is yet another way to make your wedding ring completely unique.
With a little thought and not a lot of extra cash, you can have a unique wedding ring that is as special as the day you receive it.
Don’t Choose your wedding ring recklessly
January 9, 2010
There is a large number of wedding rings available on today’s market and it is important that you take your time when picking one out. Bridal Jewelry Sets
Beauty isn’t the only thing you need to consider when choosing this special ring. Your wedding ring holds greater meaning. It is a symbol of your love for the person that you married, and you should select the ring that you feels best captures the essence of these feelings.
The diamond ring you choose for your wedding should be everything that you feel your love to be – unique, beautiful and durable. And while there are a huge variety of styles and ring settings available, the core features of a truly beautiful diamond remain the same regardless of the style of diamond ring you pick to celebrate your wedding. You will hopefully wear this ring the rest of your life, so choose a style that seems timeless to you.
Selecting a wedding ring isn’t as easy as it looks. You are going to wear your ring for the rest of your life, so it should be something you won’t get tired of in a couple years. You will have to look at and try on many different rings before you come to a final decision and, being an intelligent consumer, you should know what your options are.
First, you will have to decide how much you can afford to spend. Then, with your budget in mind, choose the material you want your ring made of.
And men, you need to take great care when shopping for that special diamond ring! Remember to ask the jeweler for the total carat weight of the largest diamond in the piece to truly understand what you are buying. Don’t pay more for what you are getting.Bridal Jewelry Sets
