Engagement Rings - Guide to Ring Settings

When it comes to shopping for engagement rings, it's best to come equipped with a little savvy. Ring settings, the mountings that attach the diamond to the ring's band, are an integral component in achieving the right look for your ring, as some are more appropriate for certain diamond shapes. Here is a complete rundown of the most common engagement ring settings.

Prong

Prong settings usually have six or four prongs (or claws) that cradle the diamond. Prongs allow the maximum light to enter the diamond from all angles, making it appear larger and more brilliant. The prong setting with a solitaire round brilliant stone is the classic engagement ring look.

Bar

A variation on the prong setting, rather than individual claws, prongs on each side of the setting are fused into elongated bars to hold the stone in place. This option highlights more metal without obscuring the stone as much as bezel or channel settings might.

Bezel

The diamond is set with a metal rim around the perimeter of the diamond to hold it in place. A bezel setting can be a full bezel, or a part bezel. In a part bezel setting, the metal only partially surrounds the diamond, leaving the top and bottom of the stone exposed.

Tension

The diamond is held in place by the pressure of the band's metal, resulting in the startling appearance of the diamond being held in midair. The result is a highly contemporary, fashionable look.

Channel

Diamonds of similar size and shape are lined in a row between the band's two horizontal sides. A variation of the channel setting is the Channel End setting - which features thin vertical bars in between each of the stones.

Pave

This design coats the entire surface of the ring with gems, each set into either a minute depression or secured with thin, unobtrusive prongs. Because of their vintage antique look, pave settings are becoming increasingly popular.

Cluster

This setting surrounds a larger center stone with several smaller stones. It is designed to create a larger ring from many smaller stones.

Baguette

Setting Baguettes are rectangular shaped diamonds that can be added to the sides of a larger stone, adding dimension to a solitaire setting.

Three Stone Setting

This setting features a trio of stones (symbolizing yesterday, today and tomorrow). The stones can either be of equal size or the center stone slightly larger.

Visit this complete guide to engagement rings for even more tips and advice on selecting and purchasing the right ring.

Wedding Cakes Made of Jello

Cupcakes and doughnuts are trendy alternatives to traditional wedding cakes, but good ol’ Jell-O might be the most creative new option. When molded into cake form with a touch of class like this one with tropical fruit, champagne, and lychee nut from New York-based Elegant Affairs Catering, the family picnic favorite can be transformed into an elegant and refreshingly light treat perfect for a summer or outdoor wedding. Plus, it’s bound to be an instant conversation starter.

Learn more about these creative jello wedding cakes at the Unveiled Wedding Blog.

Get a Free Issue of Gala Weddings Magazine!

Calling all brides - Sign up for a free issue of Gala weddings magazine, and be the first to get a sneak peak at the top vendors and venues in New England even before magazines hit newsstands! More than 3000 brides have already signed up for the magazine that is chock full of the best resources available for planning a spectacular event. Simply sign up today and the magazine will arrive at your doorstep in May!

Top Wedding Dress Trends for 2009 and 2010

Want to ensure a fashion-forward look for your upcoming 2009 or 2010 wedding? From sleek silhouettes to mini-dresses and tiered gowns, these latest looks for wedding gowns will help you put your best fashion foot forward to get you down the aisle in style.

This article lists the top 7 wedding dresses trends for 2009 and 2010. My personal fave from the list? Tiered skirts - I just love the romantic and feminine look. As the article says,"Whether chiffon, tulle, organza, or even feathers – layers of fabric are the newest major detail designers are playing with to create soft, yet dramatic gowns. This flowing style is perfect for the bride who is a romantic at heart."

Once you've brushed up on the latest styles, this complete guide to wedding dresses will walk you the rest of the way towards finding the gown of your dreams.

Spring Weddings - 28 Ways to Tie in the Season

The tulips are blooming, the temperatures are rising - what a perfect time for a wedding! Get started planning your spring themed wedding now with these inspiring ideas for spring weddings...

Spring Theme Weddings - Things to Consider

Daylight saving time - In 2008, daylight saving time begins on Sunday March 9th, after which the sun will set an hour later. Keep this date in mind if you envision a sunset outdoor ceremony.

Prom factor - May and June are prime prom months, so be sure to book your transportation and locations early.

Variable weather - spring weather can be unpredictable. An unseasonably warm and sunny Friday can give way to a miserably cold and rainy Saturday. Be prepared for both extremes.

All in the Details - Spring Wedding Ideas

Invitations & Stationery

• Add a spring motif - such as a tulip or butterfly - to your stationery suite
• Consider color - use paper or inks in a spring color palette - pastels, greens, etc.
• Get whimsical - find a fun, flirty font to evoke a festive spring feeling
• An added touch - insert a sprinkling of silk flowers into each envelope

Location

• Garden settings abound - take advantage of budding leaves and flowers with botanical gardens, mansions with lush grounds, or another venue with a pristine garden or courtyard.
• Take it indoors - if an outdoor setting isn't possible - find an indoor venue with panoramic picture windows affording lots of sunlight and a bright airy ambiance.

Décor Elements

• Color palette - 1) green and white - an elegant accompaniment to a garden setting. 2) yellow and green -another fresh, natural color pairing. 3) preppy - combine hot pink with green or mango (think polka dots and gingham). 4) chocolate brown - this trendy hue works well for spring - pair with pale blue or pink.
• Go wild with patterns - create a playful effect - think gingham, polka dots, eyelet lace, swiss dots and stripes.
• Add some greens - grasses and greenery are a natural for outdoor garden settings. Drape over arbors and incorporate in arrangements

Flowers

• Seasonal blooms - classics include tulips, daffodils, lilies (especially calla lilies and easter lilies), magnolias, gardenias, hydrangeas, gerbera daisies, apple or cherry blossoms. View our complete list of spring wedding flowers
• Creative containers - put your arrangements in simple, homespun containers like wicker baskets, watering cans, teapots, or urns.
• Potted plants - potted arrangements create a natural, organic look. Best of all -you can plant them for a timeless reminder of your wedding

Menu

• In Season - serve a main dish featuring ham or lamb
• Fresh produce - round out the meal with a bounty of fresh fruits and young vegetables like baby carrots, baby asparagus and new potatoes
• Elegant sides - serve mini quiches or update traditional deviled eggs by adding salmon or crabmeat
• Bar favorites - a spring menu seems to call for champagne. Mix up a batch of mimosas for a morning wedding, or create a festive champagne cocktail.

Wedding Cake

• Coconut Confection - coconut frosting and fillings make a quintessential spring treat
• Crazy for carrot - carrot cake with cream cheese icing is another springtime fave.
• Light and fluffy - go with angel food cake and fresh strawberries or strawberry cream
• Whimsical adornments - decorate with bright, fanciful details like ribbon, swiss dots or swirl patterns.

Attire

• Loosen up - feel free to relax the dress code a bit, especially if the wedding will take place outside
• Lighten up - lighter fabrics like lace or cotton create a perfect springtime look
• Wedding gown - Add some color with a sash or detailed embroidery
• Bridesmaids dresses - Pastels are a springtime classic. Keep yours fresh by choosing a color and allowing each of your maids to select a different hue. Or go in another direction with a bolder turquoise, fuschia or mango.
• Avoid satin shoes - they don't hold up well under springtime showers
• The guys - They'll look seasonably appropriate in tan suits, colored shirts and ties. For a formal evening affair, a basic tux always works.

Favors

• Keep love blooming - with packs of flower seeds
• Plant it - give miniature potted plants or herbs

Getaway

• Horse-drawn carriage - this Cinderella-like getaway make a fitting finale to an ethereal springtime wedding

Get even more ideas for spring weddings in this complete guide to wedding themes.

Solar Powered Wedding Decorations

Add a bit of enchanted whimsy to your outdoor wedding decorations with these solar-powered glass balls. Inside each of these glass ornaments is a sprinkling of phosphorescent dust that glows from sundown into the evening. Hang the Fairydust Balls (no, we didn’t come up with the name) from tree branches for a little woodland magic; you can also hang them in a window or float them in a pond. They’ll begin to glow softly when the sun sets and will last for two to four hours. They require a full day of charging in direct sun, but they can be used again and again to enhance you new home’s patio or garden decor long after the wedding.

Learn more about these solar powered wedding decorations at the Unveiled Wedding Blog

Wedding Thank Yous - What to Say?

Writing your thank you notes may not be the most exciting task on your wedding to-do list, but it is a must-do. Yes, we all love to receive gifts, and weddings are a perfect occasion for gift-giving, as friends and loved ones customarily honor the commitment of the newly betrothed by showering them with wedding gifts. As the happy couple, just remember to always feel privileged - not entitled. Approach thank-yous with as much thought and organization as the rest of your wedding planning.

When faced with the task of drafting a personal note to thank each guest, however, even the most thoughtful bride can draw a blank.

To help you get started, this guide to thank you notes offers many helpful thank you note examples and messages to write in cards. Consider this your cure for writer's cramp!

Browse hundreds of Designer Wedding Dresses!

Let's face it ladies - there’s something about whiling away the hours browsing images of gorgeous wedding dresses that becomes so addicting once a ring adorns your left finger. Well, it’s all here for your viewing pleasure - provided your boss doesn’t catch you surfing the web while on the clock. Search hundreds of Designer Wedding Dresses by price, silhouette, sleeve, fabric - you name it - to find the latest styles, trends - and most importantly, the perfect wedding gown for you!

How to Choose the Right Wedding Dress Fabric for Your Gown

Just what is charmuese, and what does it have to do with your wedding gown?

In addition to silhouette and neckline, fabric plays a key role in selecting the right gown, since the same style of dress looks and feels very different in a variety of fabrics. And while most of us can discern between satin and lace, what about shantung, crepe or organza?

Thankfully, this handy guide to wedding dress fabric will help you sort through the sea of Silk Mikado and Chantilly Lace to find the most appropriate fabric for your wedding day look.

Once you've got your dress fabrics down, this complete guide to wedding dresses offers style tips, budget advice, and trends to help you choose the right wedding gown.

How to Hire a Wedding Photographer

Many brides are comfortable with such priorities as reception site or catering selection, but may not be as familiar with the process of hiring the right wedding photographer. Wedding photography is one of the most important aspects of your day, so you'll need to choose wisely to get the wedding pictures you desire. This guide to hiring a professional wedding photographer walks you through it by breaking it down to 4 easy steps:

1) Consider Chemistry
Brides often underestimate the importance of the photographer´s personality, yet this person will end up being a very personal guest at your most important event. Evaluate carefully whether you feel comfortable with this person. Some of the most beautiful moments happen behind the scenes, while the bride is dressing, while the couple steals a kiss, and you should feel comfortable inviting the photographer to capture these moments. First find a wedding photographer you like as a person, then evaluate the artistic criteria.

2) Review the Portfolio
Seasoned wedding photographers have what is called a "book," which is a portfolio of their best work. Evaluating a photographer´s portfolio depends on your own stylistic and artistic preferences. His or her work should match your tastes and style. Make sure the images speak to you and reflect your personal visions for your wedding day. Look for crisp images, thoughtful composition and good lighting. Also ask to see the shots from a complete wedding; that way you can see it all - not just the highlights - and you will have a better feel for his or her ability to capture your day.


3) Ask the Right Questions
During the interview, make sure you have answered these important questions:

Who will be taking the pictures?
Make sure that the photographer whose portfolio you review will be the actual person who takes the pictures at your wedding.

What is the photographer´s primary style?
Many photographers claim to shoot both classic and photojournalistic photography, but in reality, most are better at one or the other. Make sure you know his or her strengths and background to ensure you get the wedding photos you want.

Do you shoot mostly in color, black and white, or both?
Your photographer should have experience with both and be able to customize to meet your needs.

How many rolls do you shoot?
Obviously more rolls of film means more wedding photos to choose from, but remember that more rolls usually cost more money.

Are you familiar with the location?
Your photographer should be familiar with the ceremony and reception site so that he or she can quickly and efficiently capture the best shots.

What are your references?
Call each reference and ask whether or not the person was satisfied with the overall experience and received the desired photos.

4) Get Everything in Writing
To avoid any confusion, all of the details that you have painstakingly discussed should be in writing. Read the contract carefully, especially the fine print.

Get even more photography advice and access to the best photographers near you in this complete wedding photography resource.

Some Great "Get up and Dance" Wedding Songs..

Get ‘em Dancing!
Want to ensure a packed dance floor? I found this list of recommended “get up and dance” wedding songs from all eras and was please to see that it lacked the typical cheesy standbys (YMCA, Play that Funky Music, Electric Slide...)

Here are some highlights from the list of good wedding songs to dance to:

* Beyonce - Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)
* Kanye West - American Boy
* Pink - Get the Party Started
* Billy Idol - Dancing with Myself
* Prince - Let’s Go Crazy
* Ramones - I Wanna Be Sedated
* Beatles - Twist and Shout

Have a great idea for an uber-danceable tune? Send it to us!