Page 49 – Love & Lavender

24 Great Gift Ideas For The Best Man (2022)

Many probably don’t realize the best man’s job goes way beyond organizing the stag party. In fact, the maid of honor and best man are just about neck-in-neck when it comes to wedding day responsibilities.

That’s why we assembled this list of unique best man gifts for the best man in your life! He plays such a vital role in helping the groom get to the altar in one piece, so let’s make sure he feels appreciated for his efforts.

Gifts Your Best Man Will Love!

1. Personalized Leather Hip Flask

by SoGoodSoWood

The official gift for groomsmen and best men everywhere, a personalized flask is always appreciated. This stylish one comes in a surprisingly large selection of colors and personalization options and is a great way to say thanks to the guy that’s always got your back. And, let’s be honest, you know he’s going to get some serious mileage out this gift.

2. Customized Copper Beer Stein

by HomeWetBar

There’s something about glowing copper that makes any bar instantly classier. This copper beer stein/Moscow mule mug can be personalized with his engraved initials . It’s so beautiful, he’ll display it proudly and use it often.

3. Personalized Weekender Bag

by HeritageWedding

When he tells you to pack your bags for the stag party, hand him this stylin’ weekender and let him know how much you appreciate him.

It’s big enough for a long weekend (or even a whole week if he travels light), and is made from sturdy cotton canvas. Features an adjustable shoulder strap, leather carry straps, and plenty of zippered pockets inside and out to stash everything he’ll need to get you in trouble for the weekend.

4. Personalized Whiskey Glass Set with Whiskey Stones

by DSGiftStudio

If your best man is a whiskey aficionado, he’s gonna love this. The rustic wooden box will feature his initials on the outside and is lined on the inside to protect a beautifully etched whiskey glass and marble stones. Give it to him with a nice bottle of whiskey (or whatever his poison) and share a toast.

5. Personalized Sports Water Bottles

by ModParty

The contrast of the white vinyl monogram (his initials, or his full name – your choice) against the shiny black of this water bottle looks super sharp. It comes with a flip straw lid/handle for easy sipping and carrying, and is sturdy enough to stand up to plenty of abuse. It’s useful and good looking. Kinda like your best man.

6. Monogrammed Robe

by DoubleBMonograms

A monogrammed bathrobe is always a cool gif ideat, and this one is sure to impress him. It’s the same robe used in many five-star spas and hotels, and you can have it monogrammed on the front or the back of the robe.

This robe is waffle-woven, hand-embroidered, and full length in size with long sleeves. It’s also got a couple of pockets for his flask and cigars.

7. Leather Valet Tray

by theBugsoftheBags

This leather valet tray just oozes class and he’ll be seriously impressed when you give it to him. Made from full-grain, vegetable-tanned Italian leather, you can have it monogrammed with his initials to make it look even more expensive. This great best man gift elevates emptying your pockets at the end of the night into an official ritual.

8. Personalized Golf Balls

by Etsy: AmericanMoments

If your best man is a golfer, this is the gift for him! The rich wooden box is gorgeous and can be personalized with his initials or his full name. It contains 12 monogrammed balls, 12 plain tees, and 12 pencils so he can keep track of how many times he demolishes you on the course.

9. Monogrammed Tie

by The Tie Bar

The Tie Bar is bringing sexy back. Or at least, they’re bringing back the tradition of gifting a tie to the important men in your life. The days of the tie-giving cliche are gone! These gorgeous, creatively monogrammed linen ties are perfect for any occasion. It’ll soon become his “go-to” for interviews and special occasions.

10. Best Man Socks

by ModParty

Everyone’s happy to get socks, especially if they announce to the world that you’re the best man. They’re dressy yet quirky, perfect for photo ops. He’ll love wearing them on the big day!

11. Personalized BBQ Tool Set

by DesignstheLimit

This set of barbeque tools comes complete with a bamboo storage case, and they’re almost too beautiful to use. You can choose to monogram the box, or the box and tools. Regardless, they’ll draw plenty of compliments at your best man’s next backyard gathering.

12. Personalized Cartoon Travel Mug

by ToonedUpGifts

Now, THIS is a unique gift! He’s gonna freak out when he opens it and sees a caricature of himself on this Yeti-quality travel mug. All you have to do is send in a pic or two of your best man (or the whole groom’s party if you’re so inclined), they’ll draw a couple of caricatures for you to choose from, then bam! They’re on a mug. If these don’t get some compliments from the folks on the subway during his morning commute, nothing will.

13. Monogrammed Cigar Box + Cigars

by EngraveMyMemories

Pinewood cigar boxes are so old-school chic, we love them! Customize them with his initials, his full name, or with a special message from you. You can go fancy or rustic, whatever suits his aesthetic, and they’re felt-lined just like your grandpa’s used to be. Fill them with cigars, airplane bottles of booze, or both for a thoughtful gift he’ll love.

14. Rustic Leather Journal

by ForestNine

Made from tough, rustic leather with thick leather strap enclosures, the first thing we thought when we saw this journal was “manly.” It’s got the kind of gorgeous, beat-up look that conjures up images of rugged cowboys riding across the desert. Have it monogrammed with his initials and fill it with your paper choice for writing, sketching, or whatever. What will he write in it? Who cares! Whatever it is, it’ll look exceedingly cool.

15. Personalized 14K Gold Plated Cufflinks + Tie Clip Set

by PearlinaJewelry

ersonalized 14K Gold Plated Cufflinks and Tie Clip Set

Your best man will look extraordinary sporting these classy cufflinks and tie clip with his initials engraved right on them. You can choose between 1 and 3 initials, and have a personalized message engraved on the back of the clip for an extra fee if you’d like.

16. Personalized Beer Cooler Bag With Bottle Opener

by Etsy: HeritageWedding

This is such a useful gift! Beach trips, camping, tailgating, you name it. If he needs a cooler, he’ll want to bring this one. Select from black, olive green, or blue and a specific lettering style to make it uniquely his.

It’s insulated with PVC-free lining and can keep his beers cold or his food hot. Built with a sturdy adjustable shoulder strap and padded handle, it also features a built-in bottle opener for convenience. It accommodates up to 12 bottles or 18 cans, so he’ll be set for hours of hanging with his people.

17. Personalized Shot Glasses

engraved shot glass gift set — *by HomeWetBar*

Simple, personal, and practical this set of shot glasses is the perfect gift! We love the minimal yet detailed design featuring the wedding date and if your best man loves them, they’d make the perfect gift for your groomsmen, too!

18. Personalized Tactical Pocket Knife

by tiposcreations

This engraved tactical knife is a high quality peice of craftmanship that will look just as impressive on display in his den as it will when it’s being put to work. We just love how sleek the monochromatic gunmetal finish is and the personalization makes this item completely unique. It’s the perfect way to let even the manliest of men see just how much you care.

19. Personalized Beer Mug

personalized best man beer mug — *by MyPersonalMemories*

engraved best man beer mug — *by SLLEngraving*

A personalized beer glass is the perfect way to tell your best man just how much his friendship means to you. Whether you’re looking to make this a day he’ll never forget or remind him of the memories you’ll always remember (whether he likes it or not), these will certainly be treasured for years to come.

20. Thank You Gift Crate

by Gourmet Gift Baskets

If a way to a man’s heart really is through his stomach, than this gift box ensures he’ll be your best man for years to come. Including an array of beers, beef jerky, a block of Monterey Jack cheese, and other gourmet snack foods, you’re not only giving him a gift you know he’ll enjoy, you’re sowing the seeds for the next game night!

21. Personalized Growler

by HomeWetBar

Designed to keep his beer cold for hours, this personalized beer growler is the perfect personalized gift for the best man who you just know is planning the most epic bachelor party ever imagined. The matte black finish is pure class and the personalization, while sentimental, is still masculine and subtle, meaning he can use it again and again.

22. Personalized Wood Hanger

by WillowGraceBridal

Not only will your best man love these sleekly designed, personalized wedding hangers, this gift will also ensure that the creases on his suit will remain perfectly crisp on the big day!

23. Beard Grooming Gift Set

by Viking Revolution

If your best man has an impressively full beard, there is a good chance he puts a lot of time and energy into keeping it perfectly shaped and tamed. Why not help him out by getting him this awesome beard grooming kit by Viking Revolution. Not only does it come with all of the beard grooming essentials, it comes in a sturdy and resuable metal box so he won’t have to stuff another one of those flimsy toiletry bags in the back of his drawer!

24. Personalized Football

by JCSDesigns2017

Bound to become his new favorite sports collectible, this personalized football is perfect for the best man that beats you in fantasy football every year and never let’s you forget it. Whether he’s challenging you to a game at the next barbeque or displaying it in his office, this gift will certainly be cherished.

A Token Of Your Appreciation

Chances are, he already knows you appreciate everything he’s done to help you get hitched.

He knows you’re eternally grateful for helping get the wedding party cleaned up and outfitted.

He knows you LOVED the stag party and that you meant it when you drunkenly slurred : “I LOVE you man!!”

He knows you’re so glad he’s there for support when the reality of this monumental decision gets a little heavy. (There’s no shame in admitting that it can, and often does, induce borderline manic episodes.)

But don’t underestimate the power of a well-thought-out gift for your best man. He’s sure to treasure the memories it stirs up of your big day and his role in the whole shebang.

You May Also Be Interested In

1. Groomsmen Gift Ideas to Say Thank You

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24 Affordable Engagement Rings Under $500, $1000 and $1500 to Wow (not Oww)

Shopping online for affordable engagement rings can tempt any soon-to-be fiance on a budget to throw up their hands and head to the nearest candy store for a ring pop.

While they’re unarguably more delicious, we say no to ring pops!

You do not have to sacrifice quality to find a fantastic, affordable engagement ring that she’ll adore. You just have to think outside of the box a little and do some research. Let’s get started, shall we?

Affordable Engagement Rings Under $500

First of all, no law says that you have to prove your love with a diamond. That’s nonsense.

Second, modern brides are really digging diamond alternatives for lots of reasons. They’re unique and they’re more likely to be ethically-sourced and environmentally-friendly. Plus, if the stone has special significance to her, like a birthstone, for example, it’s more personal.

In fact, even the royal family opted to pass a sapphire engagement ring down the lineage rather than a boring old diamond. Now, sapphires aren’t exactly inexpensive, especially not that one, but you get the point.

Here are a few gorgeous engagement rings with alternative gemstones that make a statement all of their own and won’t break the bank.

1. Deep Blue Sapphire Solitaire Ring

by Angara

The gorgeous deep blue of this sapphire against that unique shining silver setting will definitely take her breath away. Hard to believe this one is under $500, but it’s true!

2. Natural Green Emerald Ring With 14K Gold

by NCYJewelrydesign

If your true love is enamoured with emerald (the May birthstone, by the way), there’s this beauty of a ring. If she’s not impressed with this ring, we’re not sure what would impress her. We do know that when she goes to show it off, her friends will be green with envy!

3. Ruby Rose Gold Oval Engagement Ring

by MDNICE

Bit of trivia for you: did you know a ruby is actually a red sapphire, which is the rarest and most expensive sapphire you can find in nature? It’s so unique, they decided to call it a ruby instead of a red sapphire. Who “they” is, we’re not sure, but we suspect it was some gemologist somewhere who figured it out.

Anyway, we think this is a ring fit for a princess! The rich red of this oval lab-created ruby is so striking with it’s little crown of diamonds- we fell in love with it right away.

For more examples of diamond alternative engagement rings, check out this guide we put together. Hopefully, it’ll inspire some ideas.

The Diamond Look Without the Price Tag

If you’d like to keep that diamond look, many gorgeous gemstones look pretty darn close to the real thing, like the moissanite in this ring:

4. Cathedral Colorless Moissanite Ring

by PerfectLoverRing

She might need a welding mask to shield her from the glimmer of this beauty when she opens the box. Like in the Tom and Jerry cartoon! Remember? Right. Anyway…

Tip: White sapphire, white topaz, and m organite are also gems that look amazingly diamond-like without demanding a diamond price.

Diamond Shopping on a Budget – Hacks

If you’ve made up your mind that you’ve got a diamond girl, and that’s that, there are some things you should consider to help keep you on track.

Size matters. Of course.

Everyone knows that the higher the carat, the more expensive the rock, but have you ever wondered exactly what different-sized diamonds actually look like on an average person’s hands? Smaller carat diamonds often look larger than you think, particularly with the right cut. Here’s a visual comparison to give you some perspective:

Not all cuts are created expensive.

Three words: emerald, cushion, Asscher.

Cushion-cut diamonds can be up to 45% less than a round diamond (the most expensive cut) of the same carat. So can emerald-cut diamonds, and Asscher cuts. Keep your search focussed on these three cuts and you’ll be more likely to find something in your price range.

We’d also like to take a second to point out that simulated, or lab-created stones will always be much less expensive than naturally-mined stones.

But you know what? Lab-created stones are much more environmentally-friendly, and if you’ve got a socially-conscious lady, they’re often a more ethical choice as well.

Here are a couple of simulated diamond rings in economical-but-equally-gorgeous cuts:

5. Emerald-Cut Simulated Diamond Engagement Ring

by GemLoversJewelry

The emerald cut is so classic and sophisticated, it’s definitely one of our favorites. The funny thing about an emerald cut is it looks very expensive, and yet is one of the least expensive cuts you can get.

6. Marquise Zirconia Ring

by Etsy: ohannescorlu

If you’ve got a girl who loves art-deco or vintage styles, the Marquise is the way to go. It conjures up images of the roaring 20’s and the Great Gatsby, and we think it’s absolutely fabulous.

Setting and metals matter, too

Platinum is the most expensive setting available, followed by 24K, 18K, and 14 Karat gold. If you’re looking to cut some costs without sacrificing quality, 14K is an excellent choice.

We challenge you to put a platinum ring next to the same ring in 14K white gold and describe the difference.

Hint: Unless you’re a professional or some kind of metals savant, you won’t be able to see any difference.

You can also save some money by shopping for pave, prong, and halo settings over more expensive styles like a gypsy or channel setting.

7. Pave Petite Diamond Ring 14K White Gold

by Blue Nile

If your lady has never been the “big rock on her hand” type, this engagement ring is a great choice. Rings of this style are often associated with the promise of spending eternity together. The diamonds encircling her finger on this delicate ring will remind her every day that you’re in it to take care of her for the long haul.

8. 14K White Gold Halo Diamond Ring

by Etsy: BilaciFineJewelry

Whether you choose white gold, rose gold, or yellow gold, this ring is stunning. A halo setting looks so sweet and we love its innocence. You may want to be ready with tissues when you present it to her as there will definitely be some tears of joy involved!

Affordable Engagement Rings Under $1000

9. Vintage Alexandrite Engagement Ring

by RooRingCo

This vintage inspired alexandrite engagement ring is fit for a princess of the modern age, perfectly encapsulating the fierce traditions of weddings past while embracing the bold styles of the 21st century. This colored gemstone will change tones depending on how the light hits it, making it truly eye-catching. We also adore the paired moissanite wedding band, cut perfectly to add just an extra bit of sparkle to this already stunning piece.

10. Round Cut Moissanite Engagement Ring

by Etsy: Yeefvm

Sophisticated and absolutely timeless, this round cut moissanite is bound to be the ring your soon to be fiancée has been dreaming of! This is one of the engagement ring styles you are bound to see over and over again; but there is a reason for that – it’s a classic! This ring will never go out of style and will make whoever is wearing it feel totally glamorous. You really can’t do wrong with this choice!

11. Oval Cut Moissanite Engagement Ring

by NyFineJewelry

Wow. This ring will catch glances from across every room! The first and perhaps the most obvious feature in this piece is the giant center stone coming in at an impressive 7.5mm but that’s only the beginning. The stone is surrounded by two halos of cubic zirconia (or diamonds if you’re willing to splash out a little extra cash), the outermost halo aligned to resemble sunrays – and you best believe they are just as blinding!

12. Pear-Shaped Moissanite & Natural Diamond Ring

by NewadoJewel

Pear Shaped Moissanite & Natural Diamond Engagement Ring

A pear shaped stone is perfect for anyone who loves the look of traditional engagement rings but also appreciates a more modern twist. This moissanite ring by NewadoJewel strikes this balance perfectly, accenting this particular pear shaped beauty with stunning natural diamonds lining the whole of the band. This also comes with an equally stunning wedding band, making this expensive looking set an absolute bargain!

13. White Gold Art Deco Cushion Halo Ring

by rststudio

This art deco inspired piece by highly rated Etsy seller rststudio is a knock-out! Dripping with opulence and screaming elegance, this ring will have the woman you love gasping for air. We especially love the tiny bit of detailing on either side of the center stone, giving it a unique flair and just a touch of vintage vibes.

14. Rose Gold Art Deco Engagement Ring

by HelloRing

This ring set is the perfect blend of bold and feminine. The delicate diamond and moissanite accent stones gives resemblance to a princess tiara, while the crossed double-band and large center stone give it a prominence fit for a queen! You can also have your choice of morganite, alexandrite, or moonstone for the main stone, meaning you can make this ring perfect for her!

15. Rustic Raw Gray Diamond Engagement Ring

by eMerakiStudio

A raw diamond is a great choice for anyone who wants to give the gift of a real diamond without being weighed down by the hefty price tag. This particular gray diamond is especially stiking and is perfect for the woman who has seen enough frilly dresses and oversized diamonds to last her a lifetime! We especially love the unique style of prongs that really add to the naturally rustic feel of this ring.

16. Black Spinel Engagement Ring

by LifeWarmingAlphabet

Black spinal has always been and always will be a stone of elegance but this ring in particular gives an air of class that is nearly indescribable. The black center stone gives this a bold, upmarket, and rare feel that is perfect for any woman of no-nonsense confidence, while the halo of diamonds soften the look, giving it a more feminine touch. This piece is also very versatile, available with a yellow, rose, or white gold band.

Affordable Engagement Rings Under $1500

17. Celtic-Style Opal Bridal Set

by BlossomandSuch

This amazingly intricate set by BlossomandSuch looks like it was taken right out of a fairytale! Love and Lavender has featured this Etsy seller before (see 20 Opal Engagement Rings: The Queen of Gems) and loved them for their attention to detail and nature inspired design, however, this set brings it to whole other level!

18. Double Halo Engagement Ring

by LilyCreationShop

This brilliant engagment ring by highly rated Etsy seller LilyCreationShop is what dreams are made of! Bold, sparkling, and attention grabbing, it’s hard to believe it is being offered at such an affordable price! Present this ring to the woman you love and watch her get swept off of her feet!

19. Square Blue Topaz Engagement Ring

by Angara

The deep blue topaz stone in this ring from Angara is beyond beautiful. Traditionally symbolizing a deep emotional attachment, this is the perfect ring for the woman you can’t imagine life without. Simple, elegant, and timeless this piece will be forever beautiful – a perfect choice if you are looking to create a family heirloom.

20. Raw Salt And Pepper Diamond Engagement Ring

by BravermanOren

If the love of your life is the kind of woman who loves to stand out from the crowd, then this salt and pepper diamond ring by Etsy seller BravermanOren may just be the perfect pick! This two-toned diamond slightly resembles a star filled sky or spinning galaxy and will leave admires getting lost in the details. The rose gold band looks especially sweet when contrasted with this dark stone, but if you really want to add some character check out the black gold band option!

21. Princess Cut Morganite Engagement Ring

by Lomantic

The picture of romance and femininity, this princess cut morganite ring is perfect for your favorite girly-girl! We love that the design on either side of the center stone perfectly match the detailing in the paired wedding band and the soft pink stone adds a soft sweetness that really tones down the bold art deco shapes.

22. Yellow Cushion Diamond Engagement Ring

by USJewelryFactory

There is something about a yellow diamond that just screams “expensive”! That’s why this find by the USJewelryFactory is such an achievement. The brightness of the center stone paired with the decadent diamond accents makes is bound to bring a smile to her face and a skip to her step! Truly a stunning yet fun piece!

23. Oval Cut Garnet Engagement Ring

by HenryRocky

Aside from being the birthstone for the month of January, the garnet is traditionally associated with the heart, making it the perfect engagement ring if you want to show your partner just how deep your passion for them runs. This oval cut gemstone is especially beautiful and its deep tone sits in perfect contrast to the moissanite halo that frames it.

24. Mint Sapphire Engagement Ring

by aardvarkjewellery

For a fun pop of color, check out this mint green sapphire engagement ring by aardvarkjewellery. We just adore this vintage inspired piece! It is equal parts unique and understated and is perfect for the girl who wants something feminine without dealing with the fuss of an overly large ring.

Be mindful who you give your money to

Brick and mortar shops will always have a higher markup because they need it for their, erm, brick and mortar. Though you may feel more comfortable actually holding the ring in your hand before you buy, ordering online is relatively risk-free.

Reputable jewelers will absolutely let you return your ring for a full refund if it’s not what you were hoping for as long as it isn’t damaged.

There are some great up-and-coming independent jewelry makers out there who would love to help you pick (or design) a ring, and they’ll often do it for much less than big-name jewelers. Where can you find them? Etsy, for a start.

Other than that, go online to sites like Angara, Blue Nile, and James Allen. Often, you’ll be able to design your own using our tips above on the most affordable gems, settings, and designs and come out with a ring she’ll love.

Check out our Ultimate Guide to Buying an Engagement Ring Online for more tips to help you find the perfect ring online and make your purchase with confidence.

Go Get Her, Tiger!

We LOVE a good proposal story. If you’re lucky enough to be a witness to an impromptu proposal, there’s nothing better than watching the look of shock and joy on her (or his) face when he (or she) pops the question.

You were meant to be, so we know you’ll find the perfect ring for your fiance-to-be. We wish you all the luck and all the tearful hugs and kisses when she (or he) says yes!

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9 Enchanting Blue Diamond Rings for a Bling of “Something Blue”

Since the invention of the gemstone ring as a symbol of love, men have been looking for the most coveted and rare stones to adorn those bands of metal.

One of those gemstones is the blue diamond, and blue diamond rings are often the go-to choice for those who want to present her with a diamond that’s as rare and beautiful as she is.

In this article, we’ll have a look at some blue diamond rings that knocked our socks off, and talk a little bit about what makes a blue diamond ring such a big deal in the first place. Here’s a teaser: it’s a diamond AND it’s blue – how much more unique and enchanting can you get?!

Natural Blue Diamond Rings

1. Fancy Intense Blue Diamond Ring

by Etsy: AyalaDiamonds

This ring is number one for a reason. An intense round cut blue diamond surrounded by smaller blue diamonds. Wow. We’re pretty convinced this is the ring that Prince Charming gave Cinderella. It’s perfect.

2. Very Light Blue Diamond Ring

by Astteria

The diamonds and white gold setting that frame this gorgeous diamond bring out that subtle blue. This one’s great for the gal that loves being the belle of the ball.

3. Natural Earth Mined Royal Blue Diamond Ring

by Bihls

This is such a classic, delicate ring.The royal blue will remind her that she’s like a queen in your eyes. Perfect for popping the question.

4. Fancy Blue Diamond Ring

by Astteria

Here’s another ring featuring pink diamonds and gold in a star-shaped design, which makes the center blue diamond really pop.

5. Fancy Light Greenish-Blue Diamond Ring

by Astteria

In the market for a cocktail ring that’ll seriously turn some heads? Try this one on for size. Her whole hand will sparkle. Wowzas.

Enhanced Blue Diamonds – All The Beauty At Half The Price

Looking for a blue diamond ring, but on a budget? An enhance blue diamond is a natural diamond that’s undergone a colour enhancement – it retains all the beauty of a blue diamond at a fraction of the price.

6. 14K White Gold Victorian Blue Diamond Engagement Ring

by AyalaDiamonds

This ring is so pretty! The stone’s color is especially vivid and the setting is super elegant – it’s really a can’t-miss ring.

7. Princess-Cut Blue Diamond Crossover Engagement Ring

by Angara

We love the unique setting for this ring. Comes in 14K rose gold, yellow gold, white gold, and platinum.

8. Blue Diamond Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold

by ILANISdiamonds

Halo diamond rings remind us of classic 1920’s glamour. Think Gatsby and sequined, fringed flapper dresses. Can you see it? This ring would fit right in.

9. Classic Three Stone Blue Diamond Engagement Ring

by Angara

This princess-cut ring will wrap her finger in rich blue diamonds. What could be better than that?

What Sets Blue Diamond Rings Apart From Other Diamonds?

Blue Diamonds Are Naturally Formed

Many think that blue diamonds are exclusively enhanced, but that’s not true. While you can certainly buy enhanced blue diamonds, true blue diamonds are naturally-occurring from the earth. They get their varying shades of blue from boron within the diamond’s carbon structure.

Blue diamonds come straight from the earth in shades of light blue, violet-blue, gray-blue, dark blue, and even blue-green.

They’re Only Found In A Handful Of Places

India, South Africa, and Australia are the only countries where mines have yielded blue diamonds (so far) .

They’re Extremely Rare And Coveted

Blue diamonds belong to a group of diamonds called Fancy Color Diamonds. Not the most poetic name for such brilliant stones, but there you have it. Besides the red diamond (go ahead, you know you want to see it), they are the rarest of them all.

When we say rare, we mean most blue diamond types account for 0.1% of the world’s fancy color diamonds. So yeah. You don’t find too many straight from the ground.

Of course this rarity means they’re more expensive than the other Fancy Color Diamonds and are seriously coveted by collectors and gem dealers all over the world.

How Is The Value Of A Blue Diamond Assessed?

Like other precious stones, the value of a blue diamond is determined by the 4-C standard:

Color

All diamonds are graded on color, however, this feature sets blue diamonds apart from their clear counterparts. While clarity and lack of color increase a clear diamond’s value, the color intensity level of a blue diamond is what makes it more expensive. The more vivid the blue, the pricier the rock.

Another determining factor is the purity of a blue diamond’s color. While green-blue or gray-blue diamonds are still quite expensive, a pure blue diamond with no secondary modifying color is the most valuable because of its rarity.

Carat

Like all colors, blue diamonds with a higher carat weight are pricier than others. Unsurprisingly, a 2 or 3 carat stone is really hard to come by, so it’s gonna be really expensive.

For instance, this 0.40-Carat Fancy Blue Round Diamond with a clarity measure of VS2 will set you back $72,100 USD. This 0.30-Carat Round E rated diamond (second to the purest color you can get) with the same clarity measure will cost you $1,000 USD.

Now, we know this isn’t exactly apples to apples. It’s hard to find an exact match for comparison, but we think this illustrates our point. Regardless of the minor measurable differences, that’s a pretty big gap.

Clarity

Blue diamonds are measured on the same scale for clarity as other diamonds, with an FL rating meaning flawless, down to the range of I ratings (1, 2, and 3), which are the most flawed.

Cut

The cut of a blue diamond is quite important to its value. A perfectly cut diamond will showcase the clarity and, most importantly, the natural hue of the diamond. If you’ve got a blue diamond with a high color intensity, the right cut will highlight that intensity and ramp up the value of the stone.

Pricing A Natural Blue Diamond

It’s hard to figure out the worth of a blue diamond because of the variables included. Price ranges swing dramatically mostly because of its color.

Because they’re so rare, and each blue diamond is so distinctly unique, using the old standards of carat, clarity and cut aren’t as reliable when determining its value.

Needless to say, finding a reputable, GIA-certified gemologist is essential when attempting to assess the value of a natural blue diamond.

What About Enhanced Blue Diamonds?

Enhanced blue diamonds are still natural diamonds, folks.

What transforms them from clear to blue are the color-enhancement processes they undergo. Color-enhancement treatments don’t damage the diamond, but they do result in a permanent color change (ideally one that appeals to buyers!).

Here’s a scoop on a couple of the most common colour-enhancement processes:

Irradiation is the most common treatment to create an enhanced blue diamond. The process involves subjecting the stone to high-energy particles that result in the displacement of carbon within the stone’s natural composition.

This change in the gem’s physical properties causes the change in color as the altered carbon atoms rearrange themselves to develop its blue color. After that, it’s heated in a process called annealing.

High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) treatments are also commonly used to create an enhanced blue diamond. This process involves exposing the diamond to crazy amounts of heat and pressure, causing the color change. It’s the same process that creates a natural stone below the earth’s crust, only instead of taking millions of years, it takes a few hours in a lab.

While enhanced blue diamonds are less expensive than naturally blue diamonds, we still think they’re beautiful. Also, unless you’re a trained professional with a keen eye, it’s really really hard to tell them apart.

The Most Famous Blue Diamond Of All

Blue diamonds are among nature’s most amazing creations. Heck, diamonds are amazing, period. Still, there’s something extra mesmerizing about the mystique surrounding natural blue diamonds.

Case in point: the most notorious blue diamond of all, the Hope Diamond.

Apart from endless rumors of curses and lawsuits, the gem sparks the imagination and has been represented in all kinds of movies and literature. It now rests comfortably in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, weighing in at a whopping 45.52 carats, and its estimated value is a meager $200–$350 million USD.

When you think of it that way, the blue diamonds on our list don’t seem quite so extravagant now, right? Go for it.

Blue diamonds have been a favorite among jewelry enthusiasts for years, and now they’re also a big deal on the fashion scene. Learn more about blue diamond rings in this article, and find out if you can get your hands on one of these beauties for yourself!

Delivering An Amazing Mother-of-the-Bride Speech: Tips and Examples

Moms are impervious to all kinds of challenges. Birthing children, dealing with bodily functions, taming toddlers – the list is infinite really. But if public speaking is your kryptonite, giving a perfect mother of the bride speech may just be the one thing on Earth that could make you flinch.

Well, there’s no way we’re gonna let that happen. One of our mottos here (not going to lie, we have a few of them) is “no mom left behind.”

So, for all you fabulous mothers out there, we’ve put together this handy guide. It’s filled with fantastic mother-of-the-bride speech ideas and tips on delivering it like a pro. Give it a read and we’re pretty confident that you’ll start looking forward to your moment in the spotlight on your daughter’s wedding day!

Prepare Well and You’ll be Golden

Writing your speech will be easier if you keep in mind a few loose rules that can help anyone make a great wedding speech. Most of these are pretty common sense, so we won’t spend a lot of time on this part. Just keep the Girl Guides’ motto “Be Prepared’ in mind and you’ll be good to go!

Watch your time

Any good wedding speech should be six minutes or less. Seven minutes if you’re super confident, but no more than that or you’ll lose your audience.

Be as unique as possible

It probably won’t be too hard to find unique things to say about your daughter. After all, not too many people know her as well as you do. Think about the things that set her apart, particularly if she has talents or qualities that may not be commonly known.

Mother-of-the-bride speeches are an appropriate time to give a quick nod to her accomplishments, too. It doesn’t need to be a resume, just a couple of things you may be proud of her for. For instance, if she’s the third-generation doctor in the family or is well-traveled, etc.

Do your homework

If guests have been invited that you don’t know very well, find out who they are and how they know her. Ask siblings, the maid of honor, whoever is close with her as well. This will help you craft your introductions and certain portions of your speech to accommodate others if necessary.

Aim for funny

Funny is always best when giving speeches, no matter what the circumstances, but particularly at a wedding reception. Speeches can go one way or another: funny and engaging, or you can bomb. It doesn’t have to be a standup routine, but some humor or a funny story obviously helps.

Emotional is lovely, but don’t get too heavy

Most likely, it’ll be impossible for you to keep your emotions entirely in check, and that’s great. Allowing yourself that vulnerability when giving your speech is beneficial, but be careful not to go so far that you make the rest of the party uncomfortable.

Keep it clean

Well yeah, no one’s gonna tell dirty jokes during the toast at their daughter’s wedding, right? Sure, but when there’s alcohol involved…

Just keep it in mind. We’ve seen a thing or two.

bride laughing at mother of the bride speech

No politics, money, religion, or (especially) family drama

This is another tip that seems pretty straightforward and easy. Still, it’s amazing how many people get carried away without thinking.

Jokes about the cost of the wedding or related things can easily fall sideways with the crowd, and this is clearly not the place for politics.

Religion is obviously relevant if your daughter is marrying in a church in a religious wedding ceremony and/or you’re a spiritual family. But keep in mind, not everyone shares the same faith, so try to be sensitive about that.

And please, please, please don’t evoke any “Springer moments”. Every family has drama, and it could quite possibly find its way to the wedding in some form or another by the end of the night, but it’s up to you to kick it to the curb.

If you and her father are separated, and you hate his new girlfriend, now’s not the time to take jabs. If his sister’s kid acted a fool and hit on the groom’s mother during the last family wedding, now isn’t the time to make fun. No matter how satisfying it may be.

Make An Outline

With the above considerations top of mind, it’s time to move on to the fun stuff!

Start by making an outline of what you’d like to say. This will help you organize your thoughts and avoid getting sidetracked due to nerves, which is one of the biggest challenges when speaking publicly. Here’s a brief guide for what you should include in your speech. Use your judgment and switch around the order if needed.

Introduce yourself and welcome the wedding guests

Probably most of the guests are going to know who you are. Still, it doesn’t hurt to use a little introduction and a warm welcome to everyone for coming to celebrate such a special day with you and your family as an opener.

Thank everyone for coming, particularly bridesmaids and wedding party

It often falls to the mother-of-the-bride and the groom to do the official thanking of the wedding party, but if it seems a little droll, pare it down as you see fit. A quick thanks, and a roll call is just fine. If there’s someone you’d like to single out and thank in particular, now is a good time to do so.

Speak about her achievements

Often, it’s left up to the father-of-the-bride to tell the hilarious, embarrassing stories, but if you’ve got some, by all means feel free to share. If you’d rather leave the showmanship to him, it’s quite poignant to listen to the mother-of-the-bride talk about all of the things her daughter’s achieved. Make it relatively brief, but there’s nothing wrong with bragging on your baby.

Talk about the soon-to-be significant other

It’s always touching to hear the mother-of-the-bride address her new son-in-law with love and warmth. Toast the things you like about him, maybe tell a quick story about the first time you met him and what your thoughts were. It’ll definitely bring some tears.

Impart some motherly advice

Any words of wisdom for the happy couple are appropriate now. You’re the wise mama, so school ‘em on what to expect. (With optimism, of course.)

Raise a toast

Now’s your time to soak it all in. Invite everyone to raise a toast to the happy new husband and wife and the family unit you’re forming together, and enjoy the congratulations.

Mother-of-the-Bride Speech Examples

OK, so you’ve got a pretty solid idea of what you’re going to say during your time at the mic, but you still need a little inspiration to finish it off. No problem, we’ve got the goods — erm speech examples — to help you put the polish on your own masterpiece of a speech.

Get the Kleenex Out, You’re Gonna Need It

OK, this one’s a tearjerker. The mama giving this speech did such a good job keeping it together. Wish I could say the same for myself while watching it. Those hot things running down my checks couldn’t have been wedding water. No way.

Some Lighthearted Zingers Make This Speech Especially Memorable

This mother did such a good job punching up her speech with some teasing and comedy. She obviously knows the room well enough to deliver a couple of well-meaning zingers.

A Heartfelt Speech with Wonderful Words for the Groom

The love this mom shows to the groom is so heartfelt you can tell she’s really sincere about what she has to say about him.

Parting Advice

So much of motherhood is based on intuition, a wing, and a prayer. We know what we’re doing until we don’t, then we use the incredible superpowers we acquired when we gave birth to figure out the rest.

TIP: Save THIS PIN to your Wedding Planning board on Pinterest and get back to this post later.

Delivering An Amazing Mother-of-the-Bride Speech - Pinterest pin

13 Unique Gift Basket Ideas for the Person Who Has Everything

Everyone loves a good gift basket, and there are gift basket ideas for just about any interest. If you’ve been giving the classic fruit basket, or crackers, salami, and cheese baskets over and over , maybe it’s time to think outside of the box a little. Or, if you want to stick with the classics, find the king of ‘em all.

There’s rarely an occasion where a gift basket isn’t apropos. Whether it’s to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, say ‘thanks’ to a host, or wish someone a speedy recovery, a thoughtful gift basket will put a smile on the recipient’s face. After all, it’s basically an assortment of curated gifts all packaged up in a pretty basket, and who wouldn’t love that?!

Here are some unique gift baskets we truly got excited about. Some are pretty specific, and some have a little something for everyone, but all are sure to make someone on your list happy.

Unique Gift Basket Ideas

Gourmet Food Basket

Remember that friend who always puts together the most amazing charcuterie boards? This box has everything they need to create those “wow” moments at their next gathering. The Sicilian Jack cheese alone will have guests asking “Where did you get this?” Plus, the pepper and onion relish takes those typical meat and cheese bites to a whole new level. Perfect for the host who loves hearing their friends say “You always throw the best parties!” or as a thank-you gift for the neighbor who’s always ready with a glass of wine and good conversation. Just add a bottle of their favorite red and watch as their eyes light up unpacking all these goodies.

Get it from Harry & David

Heart Healthy Gift Basket

This carefully curated basket brings together treats that are both good for the heart and delicious – like pure wildflower honey, gluten-free cookies, and immunity-boosting tea. Perfect for showing you care during recovery time or supporting someone’s journey to better health. The best part? No guilt about sneaking a cookie (or three) since everything is mindfully selected. “Finally, healthy snacks that actually taste good!” is what you’ll hear when they dig in.

Get it from GourmetGiftBaskets

Ultimate Gourmet Gift Basket?

We thought it would be fun to show off what a splurge gift basket looks like. Who better than the iconic British based Fortnum & Mason to deliver the goods on an ultra luxury food gift basket pick!

“The Windsor Hamper” by Fortnum & Mason

In Britain, gift baskets are called hampers. This branded basket is fashioned as The Windsor Hamper for reasons I’m sure you can figure out.
An extra large wicker hamper holding 32 gourmet delicious treats.
No, the price of this hamper is NOT a misprint!

Sweet and Salty Snacks

Know someone who love, love, loooooves their sweet and salty snacks? This gift box (ok, not a basket, but come on we had to include it) has it all, including MooseMunch caramel popcorn. The only problem with this gift is your recipient will have to keep an eye out for snack thieves.

Get it from Harry & David

Spa Luxetique Gift Basket

Of course there’s a lavender-themed spa gift basket on here, what did you expect? We love this one because it comes in a cute tote, and it’s got literally everything you could need for a relaxing night spent pampering yourself.

Get it from Amazon

Italian Kitchen Basket

Dinner in a crate! This one’s got it all. Ingredients for bruschetta, antipasti, and pasta puttanesca are included along with a couple of pretty, ceramic bread-dipping bowls to provide a vessel for all that gorgeous spiced olive oil. Perfecto.

Get it from Harry & David

Deluxe Fruit (and Snack) Basket

This fruit basket is traditional… sort of. In addition to the usual fruits, this one has some snacks included. Perfect for a co-worker, boss, or anyone you don’t know that well. No meat, no cheese (in case vegetarian), no alcohol (in case no drinking), and no snarky funny novelties. Just a gorgeous, safe, and easy gift basket.

See details

Picnic Gift Basket

We promised the king of classic gift baskets, and here it is. If you live in the US or Canada and have ever been to a mall, you know the Hickory Farms kiosk. And if you’ve never received one for Christmas or during the holiday season, no one loves you.

Just kidding, that’s absolutely not true. It is a really, really iconic gift, though. Smoky cheeses, sweet mustards, salty cured sausage. It’s just so good.

Get it from Hickory Farms

Unique DIY Basket Ideas

Sometimes, if you want to give something really special, you gotta do it yourself. Gift baskets are the perfect place to show off your gift-giving chops because you can create something customized and unique.

Cheese Lover’s Basket

Ok, so start with a cheese-making kit, put it in a basket lined with a dishtowel, add this personalized cheese set, some gourmet cheeses, and some fancy crackers. Tie it all up with a pretty bow, et voilà. Cheese lovers basket, only cooler.

State Pride Gift Basket

This box packs local flavor into every corner! The handmade cutting board (engraved with the chosen state’s shape) becomes an instant conversation piece, while local treats give them a literal taste of home. The state-scented candle brings back memories of regional scents (imagine Maine pine or Florida citrus), and that Swedish dishcloth with state motifs adds a practical touch of hometown pride. Perfect for college kids missing home, wedding welcome gifts, or anyone who loves showing off their state spirit. Who knew state pride could be so delicious?

Get it from Flow Art Studios

Traveler’s Gift Basket

We all have someone in our life who’s got a bad case of wanderlust. You know them, they’ll be the first to the gate when things get back up and running (i.e. the planes are flying and the borders are open), so give them a traveler’s basket to send them off!

Include a handy bucket list notebook, a personalized passport cover, a travel pillow and some Poo-Pourri spray. Put it all in this pretty tote lined with tissue paper, and they’ll be all set for departure.

Practical New Homeowner Gift Basket

Oh sure, there are plenty of beautiful housewarming gift baskets out there already assembled, but wouldn’t you rather make it personal?

When I moved into my very first house, someone gave me a kitchen fire extinguisher. Now, I don’t know if they were trying to tell me something, but regardless, I thought it was a brilliant gift for a brand new homeowner.

So put one of those bad boys in a customizable laundry basket lined with something sturdy enough to hold up to some weighty gifts. You could even go eco-friendly and use carefully-cut brown paper shopping bags. Make them extra fancy by cutting the top edges with those neat crafting scissors if you’ve got them.

Throw in an inappropriate (but so true) doormat, housewarming candle, an always-appreciated gift card and anything else you think they’ll need, and your housewarming gift basket is complete. Oh, except for the pineapple! Don’t forget the pineapple – aka the international symbol for hospitality.

Busy Family Dinner Basket

If you know someone who’s supposed to stay off their feet (doctor’s orders), just had a new baby, or whose family is waaaay too busy for their own good, an easy-prep dinner basket is a wonderful gift.

This one’s all about quick, low-maintenance meals you can make in a slow cooker, but there are other options. You could just as easily give a gift basket assembled around weekday one-pot meals complete with dry goods and pantry items needed for some of the recipes in this book, for instance. (We probably don’t have to mention it, but be sure to give them the book, too.)

Include an oil mister, an apron with a message, a cookbook”, some spice blends, and non-perishable ingredients for common slow cooker dishes.

They don’t have a slow cooker? Well, take all this stuff and put it in an extra-cool slow cooker . Bonus points for an awesome gift!

Christmas Baking Prep Basket

Christmas is coming, it’s practically here! OK, maybe we’ve got a few minutes until it comes. But if you’ve got a Christmas traditionalist, baking prep baskets are a great idea to get them into the spirit early.

Line a large mixing bowl or basket with a Christmas-themed dish towel, and fill it up with a personalised Christmas tee, cocoa (or coffee) mug, personalized Great British Baking Show wooden spoon, mini loaf pans, and ugly Christmas sweater sprinkles.

I know so many people who’ve got it together enough to give homemade baked goods at the holidays every year (fortunately for me…). If your baker is a gifter, include these Christmas baking labels in their basket.

I mean, not like we’re giving gifts with the expectation of getting chocolate and delicious baked Christmas goodies or anything…. We’re just being thoughtful.

Gift Basket Idea-Hacks 101

A good gift basket doesn’t have to break the bank!

You can pare down any of the themes in this list to make them more affordable, and there are plenty of basket-hacks to help save you some money and still put together a great DIY gift basket.

Buy multi-packs of things and separate them to put in different baskets.

For instance, if you’d like to give your female co-workers each a small gift basket, separate a big pack of individually-wrapped bath bombs and put some in each gift basket along with things like nail polishes, lip balms, pretty hair bangles. In other words, include anything you think would be appropriate and appreciated without cleaning out your wallet.

Don’t be afraid to get thrifty.

I, for one, love to peruse thrift stores. Maybe it’s the adventure of never knowing quite what you’ll find, the mystery of where some of that stuff comes from (?), or the thrill of finding something fabulous.

At any rate, it’s so easy to find super cheap, sometimes fancy gift baskets still in really good shape at a thrift store. If you don’t want to deal with thrifting, get to the dollar store, they’ve always got a ton of baskets for next to nothing.

Go smaller, but meaningful.

For example, if you’ve got multiple kids with multiple teachers (or just one kid with multiple teachers), it’s easy to assemble something simple to show them you appreciate all they do for your kids.

Grab a nice thermal tumbler and fill it with candy, ibuprofen, a $5 or $10 gift card for wherever they like to grab lunch, and a heartfelt, handwritten note of thanks. I’ve had teachers hug me with tears in their eyes over this one. It’s pretty awesome.

It’s Always Better To Give

So true. It never ceases to amaze me how satisfying it is to give a gift basket, particularly if it’s full of thoughtfully chosen stuff.

Go forth, get basketing, and have fun!

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How to Give A Groom Speech To Remember (While Keeping Your Cool)

The ceremony is over, and hopefully, by now, you’ve got a drink in your hand. Don’t get too comfortable, because you’re not done yet – you’ve got a groom speech to nail.

The groom’s speech is traditionally after the father-in-law speech and before the best man speech. You’ve got to serve as the segue between your new dad’s heartfelt sentimentality and the upcoming teasing from your best man. You get to bridge the gap.

It sounds like a lot, but honestly, as long as you keep yourself organized and do a little prepping, you’ll be golden.

Here’s some advice on how to give a great groom’s speech, including a handy outline and a few examples for inspiration.

Make An Outline

First things first, you need to sit down with pen and paper (or laptop) and work on your outline. Once you have the bones of your speech sorted, the rest will come together pretty effortlessly. Here’s what a typical groom’s speech usually includes:

Respond to your father-in-law’s speech

If nothing else, this is the one mandatory thing you must include. Respond to your new father in law’s speech (because yours will probably come right after) and thank him for all he’s done for the wedding and the support he’s given you and your new wife.

Use your response to lead into thanks for her family

Thank her mom and dad for raising your wife to be the caring, wonderful person you have the privilege of marrying.

Talk a little about what it was like meeting them, why they’re so great, and thank them for welcoming you into the family.

If she has siblings, say a word or two about how they’ve become like your own, etc.

Thank your family

Thank your parents for their support. Talk about what makes them great parents and how much you appreciate them. You don’t have to get sappy about it, but it would be nice to make your mother cry.

If you have siblings, give them recognition and thank them for the positive influence they’ve had in your life.

Thank anyone else notable

Make this part short and sweet. On behalf of you and your wife, thank anyone who traveled a long way to be there. Also, include anyone who went above and beyond to help with the wedding.

Thank your groomsmen/her bridesmaids

Mention how much you appreciate your groomsmen and the bridesmaids. After all, these are the people who will be bringing the party during your reception!

At this point, it is traditional to put a little more focus on the bridesmaids, comment on how lovely they are and invite everyone to raise a toast to them.

Thank your wife

Now is the time to put the focus on her. Give some serious thought to this portion of the speech and make sure it comes from the heart.

Avoid cliches. A good way to side-step them is by stating the obvious up-front.

Something like: “Everyone knows Ashley is caring, smart, and beautiful, you don’t need me to tell you that. What I would like to tell you about is…” Now commence talking specifically about all of the things you love about her.

Throw in a funny story about how you met, how you grew into soulmates, how you can’t wait to share your life with her and grow old together, etc.

Now invite the room to stand and raise a toast to her. “Let’s raise a glass to Ashley, the most wonderful woman a guy could have the privilege of marrying.” Or something like that. You get the idea.

Introduce your best man

He’s up next, so now is the time to quickly thank him and let everyone know you appreciate him. Remember, there are usually grandmas in the audience. Keep it PG.

When handing off the floor, a quick joke about how “he gets forgetful sometimes and gets his stories mixed up, so bear with him while he gives his speech…” Stuff like that.

Bringing him out with a joke is always a good transition. Then let him take over and hope for the best!

Practical Tips to Present Your Groom Speech

Feeling better now that you’ve got that outline started? Great! Here are some more tips to help you deliver an amazing speech.

Make cue cards

Try to avoid putting your notes on a regular-sized sheet of paper. It can be distracting if you’re nervous and a little shaky. Plus, if you drop it, it’s gonna float away!

Put them on cue cards and number them, then fasten them together. That way, if you drop them, they won’t end up scattered underneath the table.

Practice beforehand

You’re not preparing for a presidential acceptance speech, so don’t sweat it too much, but it never hurts to give your speech a few spins around the block. Remember to practice your toasts as well. It may seem simple, but it’s surprising how easy it is to fumble a good toast.

groom giving speech with bride standing next to him

Time yourself

Part of prepping is timing your speech. A groom’s speech shouldn’t last much longer than 6 minutes or so – much longer than that, and you’ll lose the room.

Stand at a lectern or behind the table if possible

Since you’ll be giving your speech either right before or right after dinner, this shouldn’t be too difficult. It’ll give you a place to set your champagne for the toasts, and your water if you need to clear your throat. It’ll also give you a place to put your cue cards.

What to Avoid During Your Groom Speech

Look, no matter what ends up happening when you get up to deliver your speech, at the end of the day you’re still the big winner. After all, you’re married to your best friend. That being said, we know you want to make a good impression during your speech. If you can avoid the following faux pas, you’ll nail it!

Over-thanking

It’s easy to go overboard thanking every single person in the room, but it’ll just bore everyone to death. You don’t have to thank the caterers and the photographer and the florist and the … blah blah blah.

Mumbling, talking to the floor, etc.

Remember, you’re speaking to the entire room, you’ve got to make sure they can hear you. If you can’t project well enough, use a mic. Still, most pros will advise against it because they’re a little unpredictable unless you’re used to speaking into a microphone.

Focusing too much on anyone but your bride

It’s funny. Some guys are more comfortable gushing over their best man or groomsmen during their speech than the bride. It’s great to appreciate and express how much your friendship means, but keep it to a minimum.

Teasing your wife (too much)

She’s looking for meaningful, romantic words from you right now. That’s not to say you can’t work in a little light humor, but don’t roast her. Just don’t.

Kind of in that same vein, don’t be afraid to get a little emotional. Sobbing and flowing snot isn’t fantastic, but if your voice cracks and you have to wipe away a few tears of joy so you can see your cue cards, all the better.

Being underprepared

Like we said, go over your cards a time or two and practice your speech. It’s super uncomfortable, not only for you but your audience too, if you’re awkward and unprepared.

Examples of Great Groom Speeches

Need some more inspiration to polish off your groom’s speech and delivery? You ask, we deliver:

This Groom Breaks All The Rules!

This guy. He obviously knows his room enough to break all the rules and toe the line, but he managed to do it with sentimentality.

Now would I recommend this style to everyone? No. No, I wouldn’t. But if you’re surrounded by people who love your snark and charisma (especially your wife), it’s a winner. Well done, dude.

The Art of Tasteful Teasing

Here’s an example of a groom who’s mastered the art of tasteful teasing.

When he pledged to his new in-laws that he’ll always love and protect their daughter, I may or may not have shed a tear and exclaimed out loud, “That is so SWEET!!”

Singing & a Slideshow?!

Ok, this may be a bit cheesy, but it’s cheese in the best way ever. It helps a lot that he’s a good singer, and the slideshow is awesome.

Definitely one of the most memorable speeches ever.

Some Parting Advice

Everyone in the room is gonna be pullin’ for you when you get up to make your speech, so don’t stress.

You care enough about your groom’s speech to do your homework, otherwise you wouldn’t be reading this. That shows you’re probably a pretty upstanding gent. (Of course, if you weren’t, she wouldn’t have said yes in the first place.) Congratulations, and enjoy your day!

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pinterest pin - how to give a groom speech

14 Best Silicone Rings For Men [2024 Buying Guide]

They’re so practical, a lot of guys (and women) are asking why the heck silicone rings weren’t on the scene sooner?

These durable rings are becoming especially popular among men who play sports or whose jobs are particularly unforgiving to wedding bands.

This is why we put together a short guide to the best silicone rings for the guy on the go. Because if you’re on the go, you don’t have a lot of time to search high and low for a cool ring amiright?

Not on the move much? Silicone rings are still great to keep around for those times when wearing a traditional ring (i.e., metal band) simply isn’t a good idea. Or perhaps you’ve lost your original piece of jewelry and need a surrogate until a replacement arrives.

In fact, we’ve heard from guys who swear their silicone wedding band has saved their finger at least once.

Best Silicone Rings For Men

1. Black Fire – Silicone Ring

by Halo

One of the great things about silicone wedding bands is they tend to come in a range of colors. This style comes in many different shades but we particularly like this stunning black and gold option. It’s nice to have options, however, because you never know if you’re gonna want a matching situation where black just won’t do.

2. Marbled Silicone Ring

by Halo

The detailing in this ring is UNREAL. The marble texture and perfectly blended colors create an illusion that at first glance makes it look like the colors are actively moving through the ring. This is a great pick if you are looking for a splash of color without becoming the center of attention. Understated yet totally impressive, colorful yet not garish, and eye-catching yet not attention seeking – what’s not to love?

3. Hammered Texture Silicone Ring

by Qalo

It’s not often you see a silicone band with some originality beyond its color. We like the look of this band with a hammered texture.

4. Grooved Black – Silicone Ring

by UniiDesign

Here’s another silicone ring with a different twist to it. It’s designed a lot like some of the popular metal bands we’ve seen, just safer.

5. Midnight Kiss Ring

by Halo

We love the starry galaxy pattern on this dark navy ring. Not only comfortable and flexible, but uber stylish too!

6. Floral Silicone Ring

by Halo

Fun, flirty, and perfect for summer, this is a great pick for anyone who is not afraid of a bold pattern and eye catching color. We think it is a really trendy choice for all of those fashion forward men out there! We can’t think of a better way to add a splash of color to a monochrome outfit and or top off an already head turning look!

7. Beveled Massaging Comfort Fit Silicone Ring

by BULZiRings

The nubbies on the inside give your ring finger a little massage (or that’s what we’ve heard from a few men who’ve worn it). Plus it’s also a great design to facilitate air-flow, which is a must when wearing silicone.

8. Wood Grain Silicone Ring

by DeepWoodsLeather

This silicone band was molded with a subtle wood grain pattern. Again, a pretty cool departure from your standard silicone band. Comes in three manly colors.

9. Piece Silicone Band Set

by CoolGoodsStudio

We like that these come in a set, and they’re each a little different. Freedom of choice is a good thing.

10. Black And Grey Lined His And Hers Set

by knotheory

More and more silicone bands are available in matching his and hers sets, and we have to say, they look pretty snappy. For those couples who do their sportsing stuff together, the thin grey band on these make for a cool-looking set of rings.

11. Personalized Men’s Silicone Ring

by StunningCustom

Back to basics, only you can have this one personalized with the message of your choice, either on the inside, outside, or both.

12. Birthstone Color Silicone Wedding Band

by Enso Rings

Last but not least in our men’s ring roundup is the ever popular Enso ring. It comes in 14 different colors, one for each birthstone month plus a couple bonus shades.

Go check it out and find your perfect fit.

13. Reversible Silicone Wedding Band

by Qalo

Business on one side, party on the other, this reversible ring Qalo will fit any occasion. Now he really won’t have an excuse to take it off!

14. Metallic Score Silicone Wedding Band

by Qalo

This is the perfect pick for the man who wants the comfort and durability of a silicone ring but the look of something more traditional. Available in gold, silver and even copper, this will give him the best of both worlds!

Why Choose A Silicone Wedding Ring?

If we haven’t made it clear yet, the reasons for choosing a silicone wedding ring are pretty compelling. Here are some we’ve heard straight from a few guys who swear by them:

Stylish

We have to agree on this front – some silicone bands are very stylin’. Plus, there’s something tough about a guy who wears a tiny tire around his finger to symbolize his love. Practical and masculine – nice.

Inexpensive

It’s nice to be able to easily replace your metal wedding band when sporting or, erm, ‘misplacing’ your original. And silicone is cheap enough that you can keep an entire lifetime’s worth of backups. If you are a doctor or nurse, you might choose a medical grade silicone for your ring, which can be a bit more expensive. Don’t worry, it still won’t break the bank!

A traditional metal wedding band is definitely special and very romantic, but there’s something about the persistence of a silicone ring in the face of destruction that’s kind of cool, and very committed.

It gets wrecked? That’s ok, ‘cause guess what? Here’s another one right in your dresser drawer. Boom. Still showin’ the world you’re completely taken without missing a beat.

A less expensive wedding band is also a great idea if you’re a traveler. No worries about it being lost or stolen. Although who wants to steal a rubber ring that has no meaning to anyone but you? Whatever. If you can imagine it happening, someone’s probably done it, so be assured you’ve got backups for any situation that comes your way.

Safe

Silicone wedding bands are recommended for wear in workplaces that your standard metal ring may not be: warehouses, manufacturing and industrial settings, mechanical jobs, welding, nursing, the medical field – the list goes on and on.

The ring is flexible enough to break under 40 pounds of pressure, so if it gets caught on something it’ll break well before it breaks your finger. This is why you’ll see a lot of firefighters and police officers wearing them too.

Silicone is non-conductive and hypoallergenic, but keep in mind, it needs to breathe. Take your ring off every day or two and wash it with soap and water, then let it dry before putting it back on.

Great For People With Active Lifestyles

We’ve mentioned sports and how silicone rings are much more comfortable at the gym or rock climbing, or whatever you like to do. In fact, lots of professional athletes wear silicone wedding bands for that very reason.

But there are other kinds of active lifestyles besides sports and manual labor that are best handled with a softer ring. This includes what is perhaps the most difficult job of all: parenting.

You’d be shocked at the amount of hassle your metal ring gets when dealing with a wiggling toddler throwing a tantrum in the middle of the grocery store. (Or if you’ve already had a toddler, you might not be surprised at all.)

Whether you’re having tickle fights, or just trying to keep things under control, a wedding band can get caught or damaged on all sorts of things in the process. Wear what you’ve got, but if what you’ve got is metal, keep a silicone back-up handy (ha! puns…) just in case.

Silicone Thoughts

What you put on your finger to represent your devotion to the one you love is deeply personal. But that doesn’t mean it has to be overthought.

We love a shiny traditional wedding band around here, really we do. Those precious metal bands are romantic, beautiful, and masculine. You know, all those things a girl envisions (with some noted exceptions) when she’s a little girl thinking about fairytale weddings, the perfect ring, and wifey things. No kidding.

But things change as we get older, and sometimes our idea of the perfect symbol of commitment does too. Sometimes shiny isn’t as important as reliable.

Whether you choose silicone, yellow gold, sterling silver, chromium, or anything else on the spectrum, rest assured it’ll represent the unique love you have for her.

And that’s perfect just as it is.

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pinterest pin - silicone men's wedding bands

24 Wedding Face Mask Ideas For Brides, Grooms & Guests

A year ago, if you’d have said we’d be shopping for wedding face masks in 2020, we would’ve looked at you like you were from another planet.

Yet here we are. Many couples have postponed their wedding plans to ride out the COVID storm before partying down. Still, this whole mess is dragging out longer than any of us anticipated. Some have decided that, with precautions and best practices, the show must go on.

Keeping your wedding guests safe is of paramount importance, and wearing a mask is a huge part of that strategy. Here are some excellent wedding face mask ideas for you and your guests to keep COVID away from your big day. Share the love, not the germs!

*** Note: Many of the face coverings below are NOT medical grade nor surgical masks. If that is important to you, please double-check before placing an order. ***

Wedding Face Masks – Save the Date Masks

A unique idea to use a disposable mask to announce your special day. They’re especially useful, doing double duty as save the date announcements and favors to be worn at the wedding. Just remind your guests to bring them on the big day!

Here are a few we liked:

1. Save The Date Disposable Face Mask

by PicturePerfectPapier

This cute disposable face mask comes in 11 different colors, with your choice of 12 different shiny or satin print colors. These masks are made with non-woven fabric, which has good bacteria filtration and air permeability.

2. Save our NEW date Wedding Mask

by CoordinationCo

These masks come in a set of two and are so clever for those couples who decided postponing is the way to go. If you’ve got to re-schedule, these masks get the message across! They feature bendable nose bridge wires and filter pockets.

3. Save the Date Personalized Face Mask

by Etsy: StudioDMD

These personalizable save the date masks are handmade from soft, breathable cotton and are machine washable. We loved the simple yet elegant black and white font!

Matching Bride and Groom Face Masks

While we looked through the matching bride and groom masks, we couldn’t help but envision couples twenty years from now looking through old wedding photos and explaining to their children what went down in 2020.

Luckily, there’s a beautiful selection of bride and groom masks you definitely won’t mind sporting on your wedding day.

4. Bride and Groom Embroidered and Fabric Face Masks

by TeriChooseDesigns

These masks are available in different sizes, which takes the anxiety out of figuring out whether they’ll fit before you get them! While they aren’t customizable, they come in a variety of colors to match whatever attire you choose to celebrate!

5. Bride and Groom Satin Masks

by Etsy: CraftyMouseNook

Custom Made Bride and Groom Breathable Face Mask

These satin masks look so posh, they’re perfect to wear with your wedding best. They’re customizable to the date of your wedding and come in a variety of sizes.

Face Masks for the Bride

The beautiful designs available for bridal masks right now are extensive, and we loved these particularly fancy designs.

6. French Lace Bridal Mask

by ColorThreadBoutique

This mask is so feminine with its French lace design! This shop also offers white embroidery lace, ivory Chantilly lace, and ivory sequin to match your dress seamlessly.

7. Embroidered Bridal Mask

by Plum Pretty Sugar

This lovely, nature-inspired embroidered mask is subdued and classic. If you’re wearing traditional white, this cotton mask is perfect.

8. Hand Embroidered Floral Face Mask

by Otomichic

These embroidered floral face masks are perfect for a spring wedding. Masks don’t have to be a dreary or obtrusive addition to your outfit. Have some fun and use your mask to add a real pop of color!

Face Masks for the Groom

One of our staff here at L&L recently overheard a mother tell her little boy, “Just pretend like you’re Batman!” as she secured his mask for him.

Well, we think these groom’s masks are dashing enough to keep up with even the most dapper of wedding day tuxedos and make the groom feel like Bruce Wayne. Not too shabby.

9. Silk Groom’s Face Mask

by Etsy: crystalAmour

Luxury face mask with nose wire washable

These are available for both the bride and groom, but we thought the groom’s mask was particularly masculine. Handcrafted from silk with linen lining, he’ll look sharp at the altar wearing this mask.

10. Matte Satin Groom Mask

by Azazie

This mask is perfect for a tux, down to the details of the adjustable straps. It looks so expensive, and yet it’s surprisingly affordable. Win-win!

Wedding Party Face Masks

Of course, the purpose of masks for your wedding party is to keep them safe and healthy. Since COVID has become the new norm, great designs for wedding party masks are popping up everywhere to suit everyone in your crew.

11. Bridal Party Personalized Masks

by BelledesignShop

These masks come in every color you could possibly need to match your bridesmaids’ attire. They’re soft cotton on the inside, shiny satin outside, and are customizable to your tastes.

12. Bridal Party Masks for Everyone

by SarahsKnitPicks

We love the fact that these masks come customizable for everyone in the wedding party. Groomsmen, flower girls, ring bearers – you name it, they’ll make it just for you. They come in a HUGE assortment of colors and are handmade from breathable cotton for comfort.

13. Bridesmaid Masks

by TaniriDesigns

These monogrammed, floral printed bridesmaid masks are beautiful for the wedding but are suitable for everyday wear after the party’s over. They’re breathable cotton, but it’s not medical grade material, so you’ll need to wear a medical filter with it.

14. Bridal Party/Mother-of-the-Bride Masks

by BestDayEverSpot

The pretty, feminine floral designs on these masks are great for everyone in the bridal party and are customizable with beautiful font choices.

15. Mother- and Father-of-the-Bride Masks

by Etsy: Lovextwoshop

These masks feature a filter pocket for extra protection, yet are breathable to wear all night. We love the choice of silver or gold foil. The mother- and father-of-the-bride will undoubtedly sparkle on her special night.

16. Mulberry Silk Face Masks

by shopkikijade

These double layered masks could easily be worn by any member of your wedding party. Available in four neutral colors, these silk, expensive looking masks will look like they were made for the best man’s tuxedo or the bride’s stunning white dress.

17. Sequin Face Masks

by FabricFaceCovers

The bridesmaids deserve to have a little shine on your big day! These sparkling sequin masks are perfect for the bridal party and will turn a medical accessory into a head turning accessory.

18. Colored Satin Face Masks

by Etsy: NothingButFaceMasks

Available in 28 colors, you are bound to find masks that perfectly compliment your bridesmaid’s dresses from Etsy seller NothingButFaceMasks. Whether you find one that matches your color scheme perfectly or mix and match for a bit of fun, these are a great pick for any bridal party.

Wedding Guest Favor Face Masks

Your guests will no doubt appreciate your thoughtfulness in providing a mask favor to wear at the festivities. Pair with little bottles of hand sanitizer, and everyone’s ready to dance safely all night long!

19. Personalized Face Masks “Quarantined For Life”

by ForYourParty

These are so cute and lighthearted, but what we love the most about them is they’re legit. They offer three layers of anti-droplet filtered protection for everyone! Customize them with your choice of color, name, and date of your wedding printed on each mask.

20. Spread Love, Not Germs Masks

by GiftsandSpice

These handmade cotton masks are beautiful keepsakes for your guests to wear throughout your wedding. They come personalized with your name, the date of your wedding, and the quirky message: “Spread Love, Not Germs.” Perfect!

21. Personalized Face Masks With Monogrammed Initials

by PicturePerfectPapier

These beautiful-yet-simple disposable masks are customizable with your choice of color, font, and message. They feature three layers of filtered anti-droplet protection to keep your loved ones safe and healthy.

22. “Smiling For” Personalized Guest Mask

by GiftsandSpice

These cute masks will make that wedding speech much easier to deliver when you look over the crowd and see all those friendly messages looking back at you! Just perfect for keeping everyone smiling all night long.

23. Custom Wedding Reusable Face Masks

by Bows2Sweet

These simple keepsake masks are made of breathable cotton and are designed to be one-size-fits-all. They’re customizable with different colored font choices to proudly display your names and the date of your matrimony. No fuss, just a cute mask for your guests to enjoy.

24. Pure Linen Face Masks

by FollowMeHandmade

We love these organic face masks from high rated Etsy seller FollowMeHandmade. These are perfect for the rustically themed wedding and they come in 17 solid neutral colors that won’t overshadow the real stars of the show!

Face Masks and Marital Bliss

Born from necessity, wedding masks are trending everywhere. Humans (most anyway) are pretty good at making lemonade from lemons, so they’re running with it.

The result? Beautiful designs popping up for every wedding and every taste. As long as we have to do it, let’s do it in style, right?

And who knows? In a few generations, they may end up as a treasured family heirloom.

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