How to Choose New York Jewelers When Buying a Diamond Engagement Ring

The famous Diamond District in NYC is home to over 4,000 jewelers as well as wholesalers. These New York jewelers congregate in a small area in Midtown Manhattan, where you’ll find a constellation of jewelry shops selling diamonds and fine jewelry—including engagement rings. This small district generates a whopping $24 billion in sales annually and over 90% of diamonds that are imported into the United States pass hands through this district before being distributed to retailers in other parts of the country.
  
Whether you’re serious about buying a diamond engagement ring or are simply looking around, you’ll likely find an overwhelming number of New York jewelers showcasing a dizzying array of diamond rings. Here are some tips on navigating this famed district and how to get the best value.

First of all, come at the right time. Sundays are no good as most shops are only open from Mondays to Saturdays, closing by 5.30pm. Some stores only accept visitors by appointment, so do call ahead.

Before you even consider handing over your credit card, check if the diamonds have grading reports from GIA or other reliable third-party labs such as AGS. Are you interested in colored gemstones and colored diamonds? Check if the color is natural or if the stone underwent any form of treatment.

To the uninitiated, NYC’s Diamond District can be a huge shark tank filled with aggressive salespeople trying to rip off unsuspecting buyers. Don’t get sucked into their scams.

Be wary of “record low prices” or “wholesale deals” because they are usually never true. Do some online research so that you know the average price of certain diamond sizes? Don’t expect New York jewelers to take time to educate you and honestly disclose the negative aspects of the diamond you are looking to buy. Come with a list of engagement rings styles plus pictures. This will make the process of finding that perfect ring much easier.

How to Choose a Wedding Venue in Atlanta That Is Right for You

There are so many wedding venues in Atlanta—from clubs to banquet halls, from gardens to hotel ballrooms. There are all sorts of places to choose from within the city or within a comfortable driving distance. Whether you want to throw low-key an outdoor wedding for 50 guests or a formal reception for 500, the key is to find an Atlanta wedding venue with the right vibe that matches the theme of your big day. Ask yourself: what is ideal for you? Here are some tips to help you figure that out.

1. Check if the architecture and overall look is your taste. You can always change the flowers and general color scheme, but you can’t do anything about the bones of the venue. Are you going for a laid-back country style vibe? Then you probably shouldn’t waste time look at gilded hotel ballrooms or Baroque-style restaurants.

2. Consider the season. Some venues look stunning in the summer but are blah in the winter, while others look gorgeous in the colder months.

3. Ask if they can provide a wedding planner if you don’t already have one. Having a professional by your side to help plan the details can ease your stress and make the day of your dreams a reality.

4. Do they offer in-house catering? If yes, be sure to schedule a tasting to see how you like their food. If your intention is to hire an outside caterer, make sure that the venue doesn’t have any restrictions (most of them do).

5. Take photos not only of the actual room or space but of the building and surrounding areas. These elements will be the backdrop of your wedding photos, so you better love them.

6. Make sure the Atlanta venue can fit your guests comfortably. Check if there are enough parking spaces, too.

Surprise the Groomsmen with Unique Gifts - Get Ideas

A groom must never forget to thank his groomsmen with small gifts. Just as brides always give their bridesmaids a little something, the groom should also show appreciation for his groomsmen. The gift does not have to be extravagant. The key is to choose a small but meaningful and useful token to say thank you for being all the help with the wedding and for the many years of friendship. Here are some ideas for groomsmen gifts:

•    Something for the wedding – You can give your groomsmen practical things that they can use for the wedding. If you are having a beach wedding, for example, why not give them sunglasses? You may also present them with matching bow ties or ties.

•    Something they like – Don’t forget to consider what your groomsmen are into. Maybe you have a groomsman who is into fishing. Why not gift him with a bait set?

•    Something party-ready – If your groomsmen are party boys, then they’ll definitely like a bottle of their favorite drinks, be it beer or whisky. For those with a smaller budget, a belt with a bottle opener can be a cool gift, too.

•    Something personalized – If you really have no idea what to give your groomsmen, you can always choose something generic and put their names on it. Luxurious embroidered towels with their initials will always be appreciated. They can even use these towels when preparing for your wedding.

When it comes to giving gifts to groomsmen, it’s the thought that counts. If you need more ideas, you can always use a wedding planner app. Wedding planner apps usually have a list of souvenir and party favor providers in your area. What’s more, an app can give you access to forums where you can ask other people what kind of groomsmen gifts they are giving away so you can get even more ideas.

Summer Wedding Flower Collection - Choose your Suppliers

Your flowers will tie up the look and vibe of your entire wedding. If you are getting married in the summer, then you have the opportunity to use cheery blooms in reds and oranges. Choose a supplier who is highly experienced in handling summer blooms and summer weddings for best results. Flowers need to be handled with special care during the hot months because they tend to wilt fast—often, even before the reception starts.

Create a list of prospective flower suppliers so you can compare prices and experience. Never choose the first florist you find. It’s always best to shop around. Use a wedding planner app where you can find a list of florists close to your wedding venue. You may also check out the forums and see which florists can be trusted according to other brides. Reviews from actual customers can say a lot about the supplier.

Request for a portfolio from your prospective florists. Look at pictures of the wedding arrangements they have created before. Do you like their aesthetic? It can also be a good idea to meet up with your floral suppliers in person, in their shops. This way, you can get a better idea on what to expect for your wedding day. Check the flowers they sell. Do they look fresh? You should also ask about where the flowers come from.

When you order a summer wedding flower collection, the supplier will typically handle everything you will need—flowers for the aisle, your bouquet, the corsages, and even the centerpieces on the table. You can trust an experienced florist to choose the most suitable summer flowers for your wedding. Be sure to talk to them about your theme to ensure that the flowers will be in sync with your concept. You should also disclose any allergies you might have to certain flowers. You don’t want to sneeze your way through your wedding!

Do's and Don'ts When Selecting Hairstyles for Bridesmaids

Do's and Don'ts When Selecting Hairstyles for Bridesmaids

Your hair is your crowning glory and if you want your bridesmaids to look just as far as you, here are some dos and don’ts when selecting a hairstyle for them:
   
•    DO ask your bridesmaids about their opinions – Ask your bridesmaids if they have any suggestions on what hairstyle looks good on them. After all, they’ll be the one wearing the do on your special day.
•    DON’T be a bridezilla – Just because it’s your big day doesn’t mean you should take away the freedom of your bridesmaids in selecting their own hairstyle.
•    DO settle on a dress first – Before you select a hairstyle, you should know what kind of dress your bridesmaids will be wearing. Knowing the style of the dress can help you select an appropriate hairstyle. For example, an off-shoulder bridesmaid dress will look fantastic with a chignon.
•    DON’T be afraid to mix it up – Your bridesmaids don’t have to wear the same hairstyle. After all, everyone looks different and a single hairstyle may not fit all.
•    DO get advice – You can ask your own hairstylist on what hairstyle for your bridesmaids will be complement your own. It also pays to use wedding planner apps where you can find forums for other brides-to-be.
•    DON’T surprise your bridesmaids – Some brides forgo make-up and hair-do trials for their bridesmaids because they lack time or simply think it doesn’t matter. Well, it does. Your bridesmaids are usually your closest friends and family members, and they deserve to look their best, too.

If you and your bridesmaids would rather go for a DIY hairstyle on your wedding, make it fun. Set up a spa party where you and your bridesmaids can try out different hair-dos. It can be an excellent way to bond and may also even be the highlight of your bachelorette party!

The engagement ring is the first step to making things official between you and the person you want to marry. It shows that you are committed to loving your partner for the rest of your life. For this reason, it makes sense to buy the most attractive engagement ring that showcases your everlasting love. Finding the perfect ring in Chicago does not have to feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. With the right guidance and a good wedding planner app, you can explore the selection of jewelers and jewelry stores specializing in making the most beautiful and remarkable engagement rings you can afford.

The custom of giving an engagement ring to the person you want to marry is not universal, but it certainly symbolizes universal customs in courtship and betrothal. This ring is a representation of your unwavering commitment to fulfill your promise to marry. Different stones and metals can be combined according to your preferences and what message you want to convey. Some of the best jewelry shops in Chicago offer ready-made engagement rings that can simply be resized to fit your partner, but you can also order a custom ring that is unlike any other.

The engagement ring is not merely a symbol of the impending union between you and your betrothed—it can also become a fashion statement and a status symbol. Hence, you need to be careful when choosing an engagement ring. With a bit of research, you should be able to find out what your future spouse wants, including his or her size, the style he or she prefers, and the store where you can buy it for the right price. Use a wedding planner app that has a directory of wedding and engagement ring vendors in Chicago, so you can easily narrow down the choices.

Feel the Perfect Legacy at St. LuciaHoneymoon Destination

The honeymoon is easily the most exciting part of being newlyweds. You can let go of all the pressures and stress of throwing the wedding and go for an adventure out of town. One of the best honeymoon destinations in the world (according to World Travel Award) is the St. Lucia Island. This little island is known for its black and white sand beaches, luxuriant rainforest, and beautiful landscapes. Here, you can enjoy romantic getaways and experience all-in-one honeymoon packages that match your travel preferences.

Since St. Lucia is a remote island in the southern Caribbean region, the best way to spend your honeymoon there is to go for an all-inclusive package. They are easy to purchase if you use a wedding planning app that lets you easily compare prices. There are lots of hotels and resorts that offer all sorts of packages for honeymooners in St. Lucia. If you want an exclusive space on the island where you can enjoy some quiet and privacy, then be sure to book an adults-only type of resort.

Although it is a small island, St. Lucia is home to world class hotels that offer comfort and luxury, as well the best service. Here are some of the top-listed hotels and resorts in St. Lucia:

•    Jade Mountain

One of the top resorts in the island, Jade Mountain offers a luxurious getaway that you and your spouse will surely love to experience. Their all-in-one package includes a snorkeling adventure experience for two. The hotel rooms are also elegant and the service is always topnotch.

•    Sugar Beach

Tucked in 100 acres of beautiful landscape across a proud and green valley in St. Lucia Island, this resort gives you a private butler as part of your all-in-one honeymoon package. Snorkeling is also available here.

•    Coconut Beach

This resort is less costly than the first two but still offers VIP services. With your all-inclusive package in Coconut Beach, you get access to all the amenities of the hotel, including the spa, Jacuzzi, and pools.