Page 53 – Love & Lavender

Why Collecting Wedding RSVPs Online is the Best Option!

In this article, I’ll look at why many couples are opting to collect their wedding RSVPs online. I’ll also take an in-depth look at withjoy.com, a wedding planning website with one of the most robust online RSVP systems available — all for free I might add!

Getting your wedding invitations prepped? Whether you’re sending digital or paper invites, now is the time to consider how you want your guests to RSVP for the big day. This will have a big impact on your wedding planning down the road, so it’s important to know your options and choose wisely.

Let’s dive into why online wedding RSVPs are the way to go and take a closer look at Joy’s slick system.

Please note: This is a sponsored post from WithJoy.com

Suite of print and digital wedding stationery by withjoy.com

Why Choose Online Wedding RSVPs

Tradition has long held paper RSVP replies in high esteem, but the tides are turning.

Why? Because almost everyone has access to the Internet in 2020 and online wedding planning platforms are becoming much more sophisticated. As a result, engaged couples are willing to embrace new traditions, especially if it makes planning a bit easier! There are plenty of reasons to opt for online wedding RSVPs, here are some of the key ones.

1. No Need to Manually Track Numbers

Whether you’ve hired a wedding planner or are going it alone, an online wedding RSVP system makes planning that much easier. Importantly, you won’t have to manually keep track of each RSVP you recieve or take a count at the end (yay technology!). This is especially helpful if you’re trying to keep track of multiple wedding events, such as the rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, gift-opening, etc.

2. Ask All the Questions You Want

One of the big downsides of paper replies is that space is limited. You only have so much room to ask questions, and guests only have so much room for answers. As a result, most paper replies limit the questions to attendance and meal selection.

By comparison, Withjoy.com allows you to ask as many questions as you wish and customize the wording of both questions and answers. Notably, not all online RSVP systems have this feature, so make sure you know what you’re getting before you commit time and energy.

This is the perfect opportunity to get your guests involved in your wedding and inject your unique personality. Ask them to share their favorite dance songs, or suggest questions for the shoe game (tip: let one of your wedding party crew review these suggestions).

While you’re at it, make the wording as fancy, casual, or quirky as you wish and give your guests a hint of what to expect on your big day!

If you’re having a destination wedding, this feature becomes even more valuable, as Erica Cheung, Product Manager at Joy explains: “Couples that are having destination weddings tend to be the most detailed with their RSVP questions, as they need the most information from their guests for planning purposes. Frequent questions we see asked for destination weddings including arrival and departure dates and times, if guests want to be connected with other guests to book Airbnb houses, if guests need airport pickup and dropoff, and if guests have any requests or needs not covered by the wedding website.”

3. Unexpected Guests Be Gone

Gone are the days when family friend Gertrude could simply add the names of her univited adult kids to your carefully-considered guest list. With their smartly-designed online RSVP system, Joy lets you control exactly who can RSVP and for how many people. This will curb any assumptions guests might have about who is actually invited to your wedding and hopefully avoid awkward conversations down the road.

Screentshot of withjoy.com online guest list page

4. Save Money and Create Less Waste

Any time you choose digital stationery over a print option, you’ll save money and create less paper waste. Even if you choose to go with print invitations, an online RSVP will still cut down costs and waste.

Instead of enclosing a print reply card and stamped envelope with each invitation, simply direct guests to RSVP for your wedding online. Save the cost of postage and reply cards, as every dollar saved (or spent!) adds up when you’re planning a wedding.

5. RSVP for Multiple Events

One of my absolute favorite features of Joy’s online RSVP platform is the ability to create multiple wedding events and have your guests respond to each one they’re invited to. Trust me when I tell you that this will save you A LOT of time. As well, it becomes much easier to keep track of all your wedding events – the bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, wedding breakfast, the ceremony, reception, and more.

I dig into this feature in more detail below, so keep reading.

*Mobile preview of a wedding schedule from withjoy.com*

6. Can’t Get Lost

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been guilty of losing a wedding RSVP card before I could send it back!

With paper reply cards, there are so many points at which they can get lost – in the post, at home, or even after you’ve received them back. An online RSVP platform eliminates these worries altogether.

7. Less Forgetting

Let’s be honest, you’re still going to have to wrangle a few guests to respond whether you go with a digital or paper RSVP. An online wedding RSVP platform, however, allows you to easily send a nudge to any late responders with a non-intrusive email notifcation.

8. They’ll Visit Your Wedding Website

These days many engaged couples have their own wedding website. And why not? With free design platforms it’s super easy to create a central ‘wedsite’ where you can share your love story, introduce your wedding party, and provide all the pertinent details about your big day.

Floral print wedding invitation and laptop with RSVP by withjoy.com

Take the time to craft clever bios of your bridesmaids, select your favorite engagement photos, and create a masterpiece. The online wedding RSVP route means at least one guest from every household should land on your site. And, of course, they’ll be so impressed they’ll make sure everyone else in their party checks it out!

9. Convenient and Helpful

I’ve alluded to it above, but I can’t emphasize enough that an online wedding RSVP system is going to make guest management super easy and convenient.

Inviting out-of-country guests to your big day? No need to worry about sourcing international stamps for the reply envelopes.

Adding an extra event to your celebrations? Simply send out an update to your guests via email and ask them to RSVP to it online. Don’t have every guest’s postal address or email address? No problem – if you go with digital invites and RSVPs, you’ll only need the email address of one person per household.

Tip: Be sure to collect your guests’ mailing addressses when they RSVP, so you have the option of sending them a paper thank-you card after the big day!

Customized Online Wedding RSVPs – WITHJOY.com

Now that you’re wholly convinced that collecing wedding RSVPs online is the way to go, let’s dig a bit deeper into what makes Joy’s online RSVP system a unique and smart choice.

Organize Guests

The power of Joy’s online RSVP system all starts with its customizable guest list. Once you upload or input your guest list into the platform, you can have all sorts of fun organizing your guests.

First, Joy gives you the option to create labels for your guests. These labels could indicate their role in the wedding (e.g. bridesmaid, family member, etc.), which wedding events you want to invite them to, and so on. The labels will be important when it comes time to create a schedule of events for the wedding.

Example of guest labels on withjoy.com with photo of guest — *Use withjoy.com’s labels to organize your guest list and create your customized labels*

Within the guest list, you can also organize your guests into households. This is especially handy if you only have the email address for one person in the household. They can RSVP for everyone and add pertinent contact information so future notifications go to each guest. Importantly, even if you send a digital invite to all the guests within a household, you can ensure they don’t double book by limiting the number of RSVPs for that household.

Guest labels help you manage the big day. For example, you can organize your seating chart in the guest list by tagging guests with Table 1, Table 2, etc. In essence, your Joy guest list can act as the central database for all guest and event management.

Screenshot of selecting guest labels in withjoy.com's wedding guest list — *withjoy.com’s guest list features*

Tailor Event Schedules

You may not be thinking about the rehearsal dinner or bridal shower quite yet, but chances are your wedding is going to involve more than just the ceremony and reception. And this is where Joy’s RSVP system really shines.

First of all, you can add as many separate events to your wedding schedule as you wish. Don’t fret if you haven’t got everything sorted by the time wedding invitations go out, you can always add or amend RSVPs and update guests via email.

Gif demonstrating how to control which wedding guests see each wedding event

Furthermore, you can add as many questions for each event as you wish. This is an important feature that sets Joy apart from many other platforms, where the number of questions and/or separate events is limited. If you’re hosting a rehearsal dinner and need to confirm the menu beforehand, ask your guests which protein option they want.

And the feature that knocks it out of the park? Joy’s system is set up so each of guest will see a customized schedule of events depending on the events you’ve invited them to via the label feature in the guest list.

You know what this means!?

No one is confused about which events they’re invited to attend. No one feels left out of certain parts of your wedding. OK, that might still happen, but Joy’s customized event schedule should help. And, you can keep track of attendance numbers and other details for each and every wedding event.

Gif demonstrating customized guests view of wedding schedule — *Guests receive a customized schedule of wedding events on withjoy.com*

Fully-Integrated Wedding Planning Platform

Did you know there are stand-alone online RSVP platforms out there? While I can see a few scenarios where this option would make sense (e.g. you’re a website developer and want to create your own wedding website), for the vast majority of couples, an integrated, full-service wedding planning platform is the best option.

Fortunately, in addition to their mighty impressive online RSVP system, Joy offers everything you could possibly need to announce your wedding and communicate with your guests. They offer free, completely customisable websites, invitations (print or digital), and save the dates. You can also create a one-stop shop for all the registries you’ve signed up with and even help your out-of-town guests book accommodations.

Tie all these features together with online RSVPs and you’ll have some of the key wedding planning elements sorted out in no time.

print wedding invitation, STD and mobile wedding website

Help Guests Plan

Your wedding is probably the biggest event you’ll ever host. Make the most of it and treat guests like VIPs by using Joy’s integrated wedding planning system. When a guest RSVPs you can ask any questions that will help plan for this epic celebration, such as:

Do they have any dietary restrictions?
Do they need transportation to and from the wedding?
Do they need child care?

Another great feature is that guests don’t have to leave your wedding site to find hotel accommodations, thanks to an embedded booking assistant feature. Of course, you can add other important details and suggestions to your website like:

nearby airports;
car rental agencies;
restaurants you recommend; and
other attractions guests may want to partake

mobile view of travel page on withjoy.com wedding website — *Mobile view of travel page on withjoy.com wedding website*

In short, Joy can help make sure that guests’ every need is looked after through both the RSVP itself and your stellar wedding website.

Organize Like Never Before

A savvy online RSVP system may morph you into a master planner, if you weren’t already one! At least that’s what the folks at Joy have observed from the innovative ways couples are using the platform to plan their big day. Erica Cheung notes:

“Since couples can set specific RSVP questions to only be visible to certain guests, we see couples get very detailed with the types of wedding events they include RSVP questions for, rather than only including the main wedding festivities.

“Couples are creating detailed wedding day timelines, including items like the wedding rehearsal, the meetup time to get ready on the wedding day, when each bridesmaid is getting hair and makeup done, when to be at the wedding venue, and when the wedding party photos are taking place, and creating custom RSVP questions for each event on the timeline, visible only to the wedding party. This way everyone that needs the details has them handy.”

*Example of withjoy.com mobile app notification for wedding guests*

Another neat feature of Joy is their mobile app, which has the ability to send push notifications to your guests’ mobile phones. Again, the notifications are tied to each guest’s customised events. So, you could set up a notification to remind those guests that indicated they need transport to/from the hotel that the shuttle is leaving in 15 minutes. Or you could set notifications to remind the groomsmen that it’s time to get the groom to the location of your first look.

All this is possible thanks to Joy’s unique capability to customize event schedules for each and every guest.

Online Wedding RSVP Tips

Ready to prep your online wedding RSVPs? Here are a few key tips to keep in mind.

Do a Trial Run

I’m a big fan of trial runs when it comes to wedding planning. This goes for everything from makeup and hair to an online RSVP. Once you have your guest list and RSVP questions set up, test things out by sending the RSVP to yourself, a couple of your bridesmaids, or a couple of close family members. That way you can check that they are seeing their customized event schedule on the website and that you haven’t missed any obvious questions for the RSVP.

Don’t agonize if you do miss a question or two, you can always add these at a later date and notify guests to update their RSVP.

Phone or Paper Option

If you have a handful of guests that simply aren’t familiar with the digital world, consider adding a phone number or paper reply option to their invitations. You’ll have to manually add these responses to the online system, but if you’re only providing the phone/paper reply to a small selection of guests, it shouldn’t be too time-consuming. And that’s the key – make sure you don’t give the phone/paper RSVP option to all your guests.

Don’t Go Overboard

As tempting as it may be, don’t go overboard with your RSVPs just because you can. Absolutely, I encourage you to use the customization features noted above to make your wedding planning and guest management a breeze! Just try not to bog down guests’ RSVP experience by asking complex or unnecessary questions.

Tip: Always ask RSVP questions in order of importance. Guests are more likely to skip questions the further along in filling out the RSVP.

Make the Most of Your Wedding Website

When guests go to your ‘wedsite’ to RSVP, they are probably going to poke around. Surprise them by infusing the website with your personalities via fun photos, a romantic how we met’ story, or quirky weddy party bios. Add a sneak peek at what they can expect from your wedding day.

Be sure to include information about the wedding as well. Personally, I love an FAQ-style page to address key items (eg. parking, dress attire, etc.) and those more sensitive topics such as whether it’s a no children event, whether outside alcohol is permitted, and so on.

selection of wedding website templated offered by withjoy.com — *Sample website templates available from withjoy.com*

Withjoy.com’s wedding planning platform makes is super easy to create a completely customized ‘wedsite’. Choose from a large selection of themes, layouts, and fonts.

This is a great time to explore if you want to brand your wedding. While that may sound uber-corporate, let me assure you it’s not. Branding your wedding is all about creating a cohesive vibe and experience that reflects you and your beau’s values and interests. For more insight, check out our Complete Guide to Branding Your Wedding in 9 Easy Steps.

Now that you have a greater understanding of how valuable an online RSVP platform can be for planning your wedding, I encourage you to check out withjoy.com. Their RSVP options go above and beyond what is currently offered by most of the popular wedding planning platforms available. And with a pricetag of $0 (aka FREE), you really can’t go wrong.

*Did you find this useful? Did you learn something from it? If you did, SAVE THIS PIN below to your Wedding Planning board and check this post out at a later time*

Pinterest Pin - Collecting Wedding RSVPs online

Guide to Selling an Engagement Ring for Top Dollar in 2025

You probably never expected to think about selling your engagement ring, but it happens more often than you think.

Tastes change, your ring finger changes size, relationships sometimes end – these things happen! And when they do, it’s good to know that there are options if you want to get some money for your engagement ring.

Continue reading for my top tips on selling an engagement ring.

Before Selling an Engagement Ring

Before thinking about how or where you might sell your ring, take a close look at what you’ve got and how tempting it might be for a potential buyer.

Be Realistic

The first thing I must emphasize is to be realistic! Engagement rings are a very personal purchase and that means that yours may not be to everyone’s taste.

That doesn’t mean you’re stuck. Instead, make plans knowing that the resale value for an engagement ring tends to be less than for a more generic item of jewelry. To guide your resale potential, ask yourself:

*Moissanite Engagement Ring in 14K Rose Gold by Camellia Jewelry*

Has it been customized?

If your ring is one-of-a-kind, that may have a negative impact on your chances of selling, because it will be very specific to your tastes.

That’s not to say that no one will want it, just that it’s a good idea to highlight its uniqueness from the outset.

Try to attract the right kind of shopper!

What condition is it in?

This will depend on how long you’ve been wearing your ring and whether it gets any rough treatment in day-to-day life! Precious metals wear down over time and even the hardest of stones can be scratched.

The first step is to have an objective look at your ring and decide how much wear and tear it has suffered.

Can it be repaired?

Some minor scrapes and bashes that befall engagement rings can be repaired by a good jeweler. If your ring isn’t in pristine condition get a quote on how much it would cost to return it to its former glory.

However, don’t dive right into repairing a ring until you’ve done a little research into similar second-hand ring sales prices. There’s no point if you have little chance of making your money back!

Tip: A good cleaning can go a long way towards making a ring more salable!

Make sure your ring is at its sparkling best before taking photos or showing it to customers. You can have your ring cleaned professionally or have a go at a few tried and tested home cleaning methods.

hear cut solitaire diamond ring — *Heart Cut Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring by Ritani*

Do Research

If your ring is in tip-top condition and you’re in a hurry to get it sold, it’s tempting to jump online and post it for sale. However, a little bit of research at the start can go a long way to potentially securing you a little more money. Alternatively, research can help you sell it faster by making sure you’re not overcharging.

Try the following to help determine your ring’s resale value:

Check firsthand listings – Have a look at all the new rings currently being sold that are similar to yours. Is the style particularly popular at the moment? Or, perhaps a style that is a little harder to find? These could be good points to mention to potential buyers later down the line.
Browse second hand prices – Spend some time browsing second hand rings in the same price bracket. This can provide a realistic idea of how much people are willing to spend.

four three-stone diamond engagement ring styles — *New 3-Stone Diamond Engagement Rings in Platinum by Blue Nile*

Gather Information

An engagement ring is a big dollar value purchase. That means that people interested in buying your ring will probably want reassurance on its authenticity. If you’re able to provide paperwork, it’ll go a long way to appeasing concerns.

Proof of Purchase – Do you still have your original proof of purchase on file? This can be especially handy if you bought your ring from a big-name jeweler.

Grading Certificate – A grading certificate from a certified jeweler lets potential buyers know how your precious stones and metals have been graded. This will put weight behind your words and make buyers more likely to trust you.

diamond certificate sample by EGL USA — *Sample EGL USA Diamond Grading Certificate from Ritani.com*

Where To Sell an Engagement Ring

If you ask someone where they think one could sell an engagement ring, the answer you’ll hear most often is “jewelry store”. What most people do not realize is that jewerly stores are not in a business of reselling used rings, and it’s a terrible option. You’ll get a terrible offer – if any at all.

Ok then, what are your options to sell a used diamond ring? Where can you sell your diamond ring for the most money?

1. Worthy

When it comes to selling your fine jewelry, such as an engagement ring, you’ll get the most money when you sell with Worthy.

They are a selling partner dedicated to helping people get the highest offers possible for the jewelry they no longer want or need—up to double what a local jeweler would offer.

I have recently sold two of my rings with them, and will be posting a detailed review with images once I get some time.

Worthy is my choice for selling unwanted jewerly because let’s be honest, the alternatives for selling unwanted used engagement rings are not great.

2. Jewelry Store

As I mentioned earlier, the truth is that most jewelers are not interested in buying your ring. It’s just not the business they’re in. Jewelry stores resell finished merchandise from manufacturers or sell something they create. It’s very unlikely they will want your ring so they’re going to make you a lowball offer.

3. Online Marketplaces

The great thing about eBay and other online auction sites is the fact that bidding may work in your favor. I would not get your hopes high though. When I talked to Worthy folks, I learned that over 90% of diamond jewelry listings on eBay never sell because there’s a high potential of getting scammed. There are buyers out there who commit fraud using the returns feature of eBay or making fraudulent claims etc. The experience is also pretty bad for the buyers because they don’t really know what they’re getting if they’re buying through eBay.

Other online marketplaces (think Etsy, Craigslist, Kijiji, etc.) can be great for connecting with buyers both locally and globally. Unlike auction sites, they will expect you to set a fixed price at the outset, so you’ll have to decide how much you’re willing to accept. But the issues with selling on those marketplaces are exactly same as with eBay.

4. Pawnshops

These can be a good choice if you’re looking to sell a ring quickly. As with jewelers, a pawn shop won’t give you the best possible price, but they will probably make the process quick and easy.

For more information on selling jewelry online, check out our article.

Tip. If selling direct to a customer be sure to protect yourself by getting the money first and always keep proof of postage. If you’re meeting in person, meet in a safe, public place.

Tips To Get Your Ring Sold

Have Your Ring Graded

Not all engagement rings are diamonds. If you have a diamond be sure to have it graded by a specialist. This will give you the opportunity to show off your diamond to its best advantage.

It could be that while your ring has lost value overall, your diamond has increased in worth. If this is the case, it might be worth selling the diamond and metal band separately. A specialist will be able to give you an estimate of how much you’ll get for each component, letting you decide which is more worthwhile.

princess cut three stone diamond engagement ring — *Princess-Cut Three-Stone Diamond Engagement Ring by Blue Nile*

Protect Yourself When Selling Online

Selling your ring online can bring higher rewards, but can also pose a few challenges. Protect yourself from possible pitfalls with these hints.

Provide High-Quality Photos – One of the most common reasons for customer dissatisfaction is misaligned expectations. Try to mitigate this problem by taking lots of clear photos, including plenty of close-ups. Include how the ring looks on a finger and a variety if different angles.
Don’t Exaggerate – It can be tempting to exaggerate a ring’s advantages when trying to sell it. If you overpromise and underdeliver, you might have someone trying to return the ring after purchase. Honesty is definitely the best policy here.
Get Proof of Postage – No matter what the buyer says, don’t ever post a high-value item like an engagement ring without making sure you have proof of postage. This will protect you if the ring is lost in transit. It will also provide proof if the buyer is tempted to claim the ring never arrived.

You’ve gone to the effort of getting your ring ready for sale and no one is biting. I know you might feel disheartened, but before giving up, give these troubleshooting tips a go.

Sell Ring Diamond Separately

If your ring is an unusual size (hello petite fingers!), there will be a smaller group of buyers. Consider selling the stones separately.

*Vintage Pink Morganite Engagement Ring by Gispan Diamonds*

Highlight the Positives

If selling online, give your listing a second look. Are your photos low quality? Are you missing vital information – like the size? It can be easy to skip over some of the things that might encourage people to buy your ring. If you have grading certificates, valuations, or a uniquely designed ring, make sure that information is front and center.

Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes and ask yourself what key information you would want to know when looking at an engagement ring listing.

Always include as much information as possible about the ring and ensure it’s crystal clear. Bullet points or short paragraphs are helpful. Also ensure you provide clear information about how you will mail the ring to the buyer, any paperwork that will accompany it, etc.

Tip: Do you have insurance? Cancel or amend this as soon as you make a sale to save on premiums!

Selling an engagement ring might be easier than you expect, especially if you’re able to put in a little groundwork. Make sure you’re emotionally ready to pass it on and look forward to giving someone else their dream ring.

*PIN FOR LATER*

Engagement rings are beautiful symbols of love and commitment, but they can come with some drawbacks. The moment someone asks you to marry them and places a diamond on your finger, their intentions become clear—your excitement will soon be replaced by the responsibility of taking care of certain things in your life. To know more about selling engagement rings, visit the blog.

21 Custom & Unique Cufflinks for a Complete (Groom) Look

When it comes to men’s jewelry, cufflinks are in a league of their own. Choose wisely and they’re both a fashion statement and functional – a feature every man can appreciate. While cufflinks are a suitable accessory for any special occasion, your wedding day is the biggest occasion of your life. You’ll be in the spotlight, so take the opportunity to complete your groom look with a set of cufflinks that are as unique as you!

With that in mind, let’s take a look at why you should consider wearing cufflinks on the big day, along with some of our absolute favorites for the groom who wants to wear his personality on his sleeves – literally!

21 Custom & Unique Cufflinks

Tradition dictates that the bride is the centre of attention on the wedding day, particularly when it comes to her gorgeous ensemble. And while we definitely encourage swooning over a stunning bridal look, we also believe there’s more than enough adoration to go around on a couple’s big day! Cufflinks are a fabulous way to put the finishing touch on a groom’s smart tuxedo look or a semi-casual suit and tie ensemble.

New to the world of cufflinks?

Here’s the lowdown: Cufflinks are basically removable buttons for your shirt cuffs. Simple enough. They fasten the cuffs of any long-sleeved shirt together (so long as it has the necessary holes in the cuffs) and can be stored safely when not in use.

What makes them better than buttons for the groom’s big day? Well, since they’re removable, you can pair them with any/all of your shirts and wear a little reminder of your wedding day for years to come. Plus, you needn’t worry about losing a button at an inopportune moment, like the morning of your big day.

Ultimately, cufflinks are most revered for their stylish and unique designs. They are an opportunity to elevate your groom look and inject a bit of personality. With that in mind, check out some of our absolute favorite cufflink designs for a wedding day ensemble that everyone will adore!

1. Wood Scrabble Tile Cufflinks

by Bjeweled Vintage

There’s no greater win in life than marrying your true love. Winning a game of Scrabble, however, comes a close second in our book! If you’re a word man or simply love a friendly battle of vocabulary wits, these cufflinks say it all on your big day. Personalize them with your initials or two letters that have a special meaning to you and your partner.

Silk Cufflinks

These cufflinks are a standout thanks to Liberty of London’s bold Strawberry Thief print—detailed, dramatic, and instantly recognizable. Made with 100% silk and set in a sleek, rhodium-plated finish, they hit that perfect balance of elegance and personality. We especially love them as a gift for a silk anniversary or as a refined finishing touch for a wedding look. Comes boxed and ready to gift. And yes, there’s a matching bow tie and pocket square if you’re going for the full effect.

Get it from BelfastBowCompany

2. Circuit Board Cufflinks

by ReComputing

round cufflinks made of green circuit board

Obsessed with tech? We love how these unique cufflinks are a subtle and stylish way to pay homage to your inner nerd. Made with circuit boards from old computers, each set of cufflinks is completely unique in design. You can also choose from eight colors, including dark blue, yellow, green, orange, and black.

3. Hand Stamped Copper Cufflinks

by TesoroJewelry

Somehow this set of hand-hammered copper cufflinks manages to be equal parts rugged and sophisticated. Whether you’re planning a rustic affair or a modern, minimalist wedding, these one-of-a-kind accessories will fit the fashion bill perfectly.

Tip: Take care of these beauties and pull them out of storage to celebrate your copper anniversary (22 years later!) for an extra special trip down memory lane.

4. Lighthouse Cufflinks

by Thot Ra

If you’re planning a casual beach wedding or have a seafaring heart, let these fun lighthouse cufflinks lighten up an ensemble. Tell your betrothed that they represent a ‘beacon of your love’ and see if they roll their eyes or laugh!

5. Rare Vintage Cufflinks – Working Roulette Wheel

by Etsy: LittleLinkShop

A uniquely designed pair of vintage cufflinks from the 1960s. This pair of wonderfully-engineered cufflinks – along with a bonus tie tack – feature a tiny working roulette wheel! You can’t get any more unique than this.

6. Lego Cufflinks

by FramedCreation

Equal parts playful and modern, these Lego cufflinks are an understated nod to many a man’s (and woman’s) childhood obsession with building incredible worlds from little plastic blocks. Let your cufflinks be a reminder of the life you are about to begin building with your true love.

7. Rainbow Pride Cufflinks

by The Tie Bar

Everyone deserves rainbows in their life, especially on their wedding day. Whether you’re celebrating an LGTBQ+ wedding or simply want to fill your big day with as much color as possible, these cufflinks will bring your look together in the brightest way imaginable.

8. Silver and Blue Frog Cufflinks

by Etsy: PMSons

No doubt these funky cufflinks will conjure up a few lighthearted jokes about Prince Charming and frog kissing. Don’t let that deter you from adding these amphibious accessories to your wedding look!

Psssst – love the idea of wearing animal-inspired cufflinks? Check out this real wedding at the Perot Museum where the groom wore turtle cufflinks, and continue scrolling for more animal cufflinks in our list.

9. Customized Recycled Skateboard Cufflinks

by SESHNOTSTIGMA

Did you deal with teenage angst by grabbing a skateboard and hitting the streets? Or maybe you simply like upcycled and unique fashions. Either way, these cool cufflinks made from recycled skateboards will make for a hip, urban look on your wedding day. Best of all, you can have them engraved with meaningful letters or numbers.

10. Irish Whiskey Barrel Wooden Cufflinks

by Whiskey Wood Craft

square brown wooden cufflinks made from whiskey barrel

Calling all Irish whiskey lovers! Tip your hat to the spirit that’s carried you through the best of times and the worst of times with these simple, stylish cufflinks. Your wedding day will undoubtedly top your ‘best of times’ list, so it’s only fitting that you include a little whiskey in your wardrobe (and maybe in a flask for post-ceremony celebrations!).

By the way, did you know the word ‘whiskey’ is derived from the Gaelic term uisge beatha, which means water of life. Next time you’re sipping a glass of the fine stuff and someone asks you what you’re drinking, tell them it’s the water of life!

11. Viking Cufflinks

by Unique History Shop

silver square cufflinks with intricate viking desing

If Norse history intrigues you or you simply have an appreciation for intricate Viking designs, these 925 silver cufflinks were made for you. Add a little ruggedness to your wedding day look and get ready to party like it’s 800 A.D.!

12. Electric Guitar Cufflinks

by Etsy: TheCufflinkMan

If rock music is your ‘other’ true love, there are plenty of ways to integrate it into your big day, including your accessories. You will literally ‘rock’ your wedding day ensemble with these electrifying guitar cufflinks!

13. Shotgun Cufflinks and Bullet Tuxedo Studs

by Bullet Designs

cufflinks and tuxedo studs made from winchester bullets

You’ll definitely be setting yourself up for some friendly jibes about a shotgun wedding if you wear these cufflinks, but it’ll be worth it! These stylish nickel shotgun cufflinks and bullet tuxedo studs are crafted from real, fired bullets.

14. Customised Map Cufflinks

by Bookity

round cufflinks with maps of Maui and Vancouver

Pay homage to places in the world that hold special meaning to you and your beau with these customised map cufflinks. Whether it’s your respective hometowns, where you first met and your honeymoon destination, or anywhere else, you’ll be reminded of great memories gone by and adventures to come as you get ready to say ‘I Do’.

Pssst – for an extra special nod to a destination you love, consider getting custom-made cufflinks created by a local artisan or jeweler. We absolutely love the ones featured in this San Miguel Allende Destination Wedding .

15. Blue Geode Cufflinks

by Gemologies

You don’t have to be a geologist to appreciate these unique cufflinks with blue geode. The magical raw blue and hexagonal crystals filling the centers make for a funky style that you will ensure you ‘rock’ your wedding day look!

16. Lucky Irish Threepence Cufflinks

by World Coin Cufflinks

silver Irish threepence coin cufflinks with rabbit and harp symbols

Is it obvious that we have a soft spot for all things Irish? As nomadic newlyweds, we moved to the land of lucky charms shortly after getting married and fell in love with the country. Whether you have Irish ancestry or simply appreciate all things Irish , you’ll have luck on your side come the big day with these classy cufflinks.

17. Lobster Cufflinks

by CufflinksGalore

If you were a fan of the TV show Friends, you’ll understand the (apparent) connection between lobsters and love. According to the character Phoebe Buffay, lobsters mate for life and Rachel was Ross’ lobster. Well, it turns out Phoebe was off the mark and lobsters don’t actually mate for life, but it’s your wedding day so keep the Friends myth alive if you love the idea of wearing these cute crustaceans.

18. Laser Cut Retro Gaming Cufflinks

by saffronandsaege

Let a love for video games shine through on your wedding day. Whether you and your beau bonded over gaming, or it’s how you chill out with your best buds, these retro controller cufflinks are a fun way to bring your ‘A game’ to the big day!

19. Personalised Winding Watch Cufflinks

by Charlie Boots

Winding watch cufflinks in silver, gold and gun metal

Time is a big deal when it comes to love and especially your pending marriage. After all, you’re going to be spending the rest of your time (eternity if you will) with your true love. These intricate winding watch cufflinks are a cute, quirky way to let your partner know you can’t wait to spend the rest of your lives together.

And if you happen to be having an Alice in Wonderland-themed wedding, there’s nothing more fitting than a nod to clocks!

20. Vinyl Record Cufflinks

by Etsy: TheBlueAgaveStudio

Audiophiles will no doubt be double-checking that every sound element at the wedding is top-notch. Why not amp up the volume with these slick vinyl accessories?

21. Woodland Animal Cufflinks

by Hello Stranger Goods

Planning a forest-inspired wedding? These majestic brass cufflinks are a cool way to incoporate your theme without going over-the-top. Of course, if you like the idea of going over the top with a woodland animal theme, you could always look into getting a ring bear (sorry, couldn’t help another pop culture reference, this time to How I Met Your Mother!).

Unique and cool cufflinks really help to set the fashion tone for a groom, in the boardroom, or other formal event!

*Save THIS PIN to your Cufflinks board on Pinterest so you can always find it when you need to!*

The Ultimate Guide to Buying an Engagement Ring Online

In this article, I guide you through the ins and outs of finding and purchasing an engagement ring online. Picking a perfect engagement ring is no small feat, but there are plenty of ways to make the process easier. It’s going to be an easy and fun experience, so let’s dive in!

Why Buy an Engagement Ring Online?

There are loads of good reasons to consider buying your engagement ring online. Let’s take a look at a few below.

*Oval Citrine Engagement Ring by Love Rings Design*

The Pros of Shopping Online for An Engagement Ring

Save Time – Rather than go to the ring, shopping online means the rings come to you. The time you save avoiding visiting jewelry stores can be better spent on things like picking out the perfect cut or practising your proposal.
Save Money – Shopping online is often cheaper than in-store. The jeweler doesn’t have to pay for a physical storefront and often the savings get passed on to you.
Access to More Options – By switching your search online, you’ll have the chance to browse many more rings than you’d be able to view in local shops.
A Chance to Stand Out – By the same token, shopping online is great if you’re looking to stand out from the crowd. Rather than be restricted to the same few stores all your neighbors shop at, you’ll have a global range of rings to choose from.
Exchanges Are Easy – As long as you choose a jeweler with a good returns policy (more on that below!), exchanging rings is easy. Also, when you have a ring delivered to your home, you don’t have to make a decision with anyone looking over your shoulder. Take the time you need to closely inspect the ring and make your decision, knowing you can send it back if it’s not quite right.

Blue Nile online selection of four engagement rings — *Blue Nile’s Online Jewelry Shop*

Online Shopping Worries Solved

If you’re old enough, you might remember the days when shopping online felt ike a bit of a gamble — sometime around pre 2010 or so. Nowadays, shopping online for just about anything is relatively easy and secure. Even for big ticket items like engagement rings.

Still got a few worries? Here’s a few ideas to protect yourself when buying a ring online.

What if the seller is dishonest? Just like with a physical shop, there’s a chance a seller might not be who they seem. Be sure you only buy from reputable sellers or vendor marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, or Blue Nile. I cover this topic in further detail below, so keep reading!
What if the size is wrong? There’s always the chance, no matter how careful you are, that the size just won’t be quite right when a ring is on the finger. Online jewelers understand this, and most reputable sellers are willing to exchange. This may not always be the case with auction sites, so make sure you read any purchase policy beforehand.
What if the ring is not what I expect? You can lessen the risk that this will happen by only considering online sellers that provide high-quality photos of their engagement rings. Even if you do your due diligence, there’s stil a possibility the ring that arrives in the mail won’t live up to your expectations. Check the return policy before you buy – many online sellers, such as Blue Nile, provide a worry-free return policy on engagement rings.

Still not sure you’re ready to start shopping for the ring online? Check out more tips to shop online with confidence at the end of this article.

celtic diamond trinity knot engagement ring — *Diamond Trinity Knot Engagement Ring by PrimeElement*

Shop for an Engagment Ring Online

Once you’re ready to give shopping for your engagement ring online a go, there are a few simple steps to make the process easier.

Decide Who Will Shop

First of all, you need to decide whether you will surprise your significant other with a ring at the proposal, or hunt for the perfect one together. If you’re searching solo, make sure you put your browser in incognito mode and keep your honey away from your emails to avoid spoiling the surprise!

Get The Sizing Right

Ring sizes are important, but they’re also pretty easy to work out. If you’re buying for your sweetie, the easiest thing to do is measure one of the rings they currently wear. Print out a ring size chart then lay the ring on it.

If you’re buying for yourself and want to double check your ring size, wrap a piece of string or floss around your finger, measure the circumference and compare the length with a comprehensive list of ring sizes.

Tip: If you’re thinking of buying a vintage ring, pay extra attention to the ring origin. The sizes aren’t the same in every country, so you’ll need to compare to find the right one for you.

Do Your Research

A great place to start is to find out roughly how much the type of rings you have in mind cost and who the biggest retailers are in your area. This will give you a benchmark that will come in handy once you start shopping around.

Set your budget – How much should you spend on your engagement ring? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Ultimately, you should spend whatever you can afford on a ring that will make you both happy! I recommend setting a strict budget before you start shopping. It’s easy for costs to creep up unnoticed during the thrill of the hunt.
Don’t do it all in one day – Just like with any important purchase, finding the right ring can take time. Even if you find ‘the one’ early on, it’s a good idea to take plenty of time to think over your decision. The last thing you want is to make a rash decision and have second thoughts after you’ve placed the order.

Create Your Dream List of Stones and Settings

Now it’s time to make a note of everything on your dream list for the kind of ring you’d love to receive. Think about whether you want a complex or simple cut, unusual stones or a classic diamond, a silver or gold band, something vintage or something sparkling new.

Write down everything that comes to mind! Or better yet, start a Pinterest board and drool over all the amazing rings.

*Oval Teal Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring* *by Masterjewelryshop*

Be Prepared to Toss the List!

Once you have your dream list, it’s time to cross reference your budget to see what’s possible. Even if you can afford every single element on your list, be prepared to ditch the list during your search. Just like the wedding dress, sometimes you just know when you’ve found the one, even if it’s not what you envisioned.

Learn How to Spot Signs of Quality

There are some tell tale signs of quality worth looking out for when you’re browsing for rings. Keep your eyes out for things like:

Diamond Grades. The quality of a diamond is determined by four key elements: color, clarity, cut and carat. The ideal diamond is colourless, has no inclusions or imperfections, has been cut to reflect light flawlessly and has been graded by weight to work out its carat. All four of these signs are important to consider. It’s also worth checking to ensure any diamond you’re considering has a certificate of authenticity from a third party.

Types of Gold. There are lots of different factors that change the value of gold, from whether a ring band is plated or solid to how “pure” the gold is. Gold purity is determined by the carat and it should be stamped on the gold itself. 24 carat is the purest gold you can buy, so the higher the carat, the purer. You’ll also want to think about what color of gold you prefer. Gold, rose, white and green all vary in price, but the biggest factor is how they will look! Then there’s the band itself, did you know that a ‘gold layered’ band could have a much, much smaller amount of gold in it than a ‘gold plated’ one? A gold overlay is thicker and vermeil (gold over sterling silver), even thicker still.

Valuing Other Gemstones. When it comes to valuing other gorgeous gemstones, the 4Cs used to assess diamonds are equally applicable. The color, clarity, cut, and carat of an emerald or opal, for example, can vary significantly and impact the asking price. Again, don’t be shy about asking for a certificate from a third party if you want to know how valuable the stones in your dream ring are.

princess-cut three-stone diamond ring — *Princess-Cut Three-Stone Diamond Engagement Ring*

Standard and Customised Designs

Remain flexible when it comes to a standard or customised design. It could be that the style you’re looking for is quite rare and it’s easier to have someone design one for you. Alternatively, the custom ring you’re dreaming of may be very close to one that’s already out there. With a flexible approach, you may well find yourself saving money and time.

*Romantic Moon and Stars Wedding Ring by NangijalaJewelry*

Consider Buying Stones Separately

If you’re keen to either design your own ring or have very specific gemstone ideas, it could be a good idea to buy the stones separately. This means you can concentrate on finding the ideal color and cut rather than considering the whole package at once.

Looking for more hints? Hop over to our How to Choose Your Engagement Ring article for more tips on selecting the perfect ring.

Shop Online With Confidence

Just like shopping in person, there are some things you should look for when making a big purchase online. In addition to the suggestions provided earlier, here are the most important things to keep in mind when you’re on the hunt for an ideal engagement ring.

How to Recognise a Reputable Jeweler

Not everyone is who they claim to be. Judge online jewelers and shops using the following criteria:

Name recognition – Big brand that you’ve seen before are usually reputable. Do they have physical stores too, or a solid reputation online that stretches back for years?
Multiple other sites referencing – If they’re not a household name, are they at least well-bedded in the online world? Can you find well-reputed magazines, blogs and other retailers linking to them or mentioning them?
Payment methods – Can you buy using third party payment options like PayPal that have extra safety options for your benefit? Does the website have a padlock symbol in the address bar and a valid certificate when you click on it?
Check customer reviews – For example, an Etsy seller may have loads of positive reviews to give an indication of trust. How have they responded to any customer complaints/concerns?

silver art deco engagement ring — *Art Deco Vintage-Inspired Engagement Ring by Pescara Jewelry*

Always Check the Fine Print

Scan the store’s website for hidden and not-so-hidden red flags such as:

A very short return period
A declaration that they won’t be liable if the ring isn’t what you expected based on their description or photos
Check how the ring will be posted. Will you be given tracking information and posted through a trusted delivery service?

Purchase Insurance

Once you’ve found the perfect ring and the search is over, consider insuring the ring. This is a high-value item and we’ve all seen those heart-wrenching images where a proposal goes wrong and the ring bounces into a fast flowing stream! Should the unexpected happen, make sure you’re covered.

For more advice, have a peek at our How to Insure an Engagement Ring article.

Browsing for an engagement ring is incredibly exciting! Take some of the tips I’ve shared and go have fun shopping online. I’m sure you’ll find the one that makes your heart sing out with glee.

*PIN FOR LATER*

pinterest pin - buying engagement ring online

Guide to Engagement Ring Insurance 2022

An engagement ring is precious in more ways than one. It’s a symbol of love, which makes it priceless. Whatsmore, it’s also likely one of the most expensive pieces of jewelry you own. Ring insurance can at least help mitigate financial loss in case something goes awry!

I know it’s no fun thinking about things that might go wrong, but putting a safety net in place is a good idea – especially when it comes to your engagement ring. The thought of mine getting lost, stolen or damaged makes my stomach drop and insurance is a big comfort.

diamond engagement ring with diamond and gold band — *Riviera Pave Cathedral Diamond Engagement Ring by Blue Nile*

Guide to Engagement Ring Insurance

You may prize the sentimental value of your ring, but there are practical reasons for getting insurance too. Continue reading for a complete guide to insuring your ring including:

Why you should get insurance
When to purchase it
How to choose your policy
What happens if disaster strikes

Why You Should Get Your Ring Insured

It’s expensive – Even a modestly-priced engagement ring is a big investment, and it’s likely worth more than the majority of your other jewelry pieces. High-value items should always be added to an existing policy or covered by a stand-alone policy. I cover this in more detail further below, so read on!

It’s worn every day – Unlike a pair of favorite earrings or a treasured brooch that you might wear for a special occasion, engagement rings are generally worn every day. That means they’re at more risk for wear and tear or unfortunate accidents.

When Should You Purchase Ring Insurance?

The best time to get insurance is as soon as possible after you’ve bought the engagement ring. Accidents can and do happen, even to brand new items. You wouldn’t drive off the lot in your new car without insurance, so why would you delay insuring your engagement ring?

Start shopping around for insurance while you shop for your ring. Continue reading for tips on how to compare insurance providers.

You’ll want to be ready to take out a policy as soon as the ring is in your possession – even if it’s pre-proposal. Think how devastating it would be if your ring was lost or stolen before you even had time to pop the question! You can always switch the policy later if you’d like to put it in your partner’s name.

Determining How Much Coverage You Need

Working out how much insurance you need is about more than just looking at how much it cost. There are other important factors that come into play. Things to bear in mind such as:

Your ring’s value: It may not be the only factor, but it’s certainly an important one! How much your ring might cost to replace or repair will have a big effect on the amount of cover you need.
Where you live: The area you live in plays a part in an insurer’s calculations. If you’re in a low crime level area, you may be rewarded with lower premiums.
Whether you add deductibles: Adding deductibles could lower your monthly repayments. Although, you might have to pay out a little should the worst happen. Be sure to ask about deductibles and weigh up whether they are the right choice for you.

twig and leaf rose gold engagement ring with diamond — *Twig and Leaf Diamond Engagement Ring by doronmerav*

Check the Paperwork

When buying an engagement ring, check that it comes with a grading report or diamond certificate that details the value of the stones. Not only is this ideal for peace of mind, but it’s very handy should you ever have to make a claim.

Get an Appraisal

I recommend having your ring appraised by a third party. You can’t get accurate coverage if you’re not even sure how much your ring is worth. A paper trail will make it easier for an insurer to ascertain the true value of a ring, saving you from potential hold-ups or headaches.

vintage European cut diamond ring in box — Vintage European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring by Brockton Gems

Comparing Insurance Providers

I bet you did plenty of shopping around when picking out the perfect engagement ring! Now it’s time to put a little bit of energy into finding the right insurance provider. I know it’s not quite as exciting, but worth it to know your beloved ring is protected.

To find the best insurance provider and coverage, you’ll need to do a little research and ask a few questions.

calculator with pen and paper in background

Key Questions to Ask Before Buying Insurance

Ask a potential insurance provider a few key questions when comparing insurance policies:

What happens when disaster strikes? This is a good question to ask because the answer might not be quite as straightforward as you think. Do you have to tell your insurance company within a certain amount of time? Will you need a police report?

What’s covered? Not every insurance policy is the same. Before you sign up, be sure to double-check what’s covered. The last thing you want to do is assume you’ll be safe only to find out your policy doesn’t cover certain situations you want it to. Look out for loss, theft and accidental damage. You could even get cover for common problems like a stone falling out.

What exclusions are there? When determining what’s covered, you’ll want to double-check the policy’s exclusions. Some policies might have exclusions that mean they won’t pay out if something happens to your ring while traveling, if it’s damaged in your workplace (normally only if you have a physically-demanding job) or if your finger swells during pregnancy and the ring has to be cut off. Asking about exclusions can save a lot of heartache later on.

How much control will you have? When the worst happens and you need a replacement ring, you’ll want to have some control over what the new ring will look like, especially if your original engagement ring was one-of-a-kind. Some insurance companies would prefer to replace a ring like-for-like without your input. Additionally, check if you’re allowed to choose a repair shop for a damaged ring.

How quickly do they pay out? The insurance company might not be able to give you a precise answer. However, they should be able to offer a ballpark date. It’s a good thing to know because this can vary wildly between providers. While you may be happy to wait, you might be keen to have something back on your finger as quickly as possible.

Is there a deductible and how much? Does the policy have a deductible and if so, how much is it? A deductible is an amount of money you agree to pay if you have to make a claim. This will vary depending on the policy and also how much your ring is worth. Choosing a deductible can lower your monthly payments.

Add an Engagement Ring to an Existing Policy

If you already have a comprehensive home insurance policy, you may be able to simply add your ring to it. Many insurance providers offer an extension or ‘rider’ with coverage specifically for engagement rings. I recommend searching for separate policies too, so you can compare and contrast.

Tip: If you do purchase a rider on your existing home insurance, make sure you know the process to follow if and when you decide to move as this will impact your coverage.

yellow gold whale tale engagement ring — *Handmade 14k Yellow Gold Whale Engagement Ring by AlandIreneArt*

Revalue and Reappraise

Once you’ve got insurance all sewn up, do yourself a favor and put a note in your calendar (a few years down the line) to revalue the ring. It could be that a stone has gone up in value and your coverage isn’t going to cut it. A regular reappraisal keeps insurance in good order as time goes by.

Tip: Are you covered for inflation too? After all, you’re likely to have this ring and policy for a long time!

Protect your ring investment and enjoy your dazzling engagement ring worry-free. I promise, the time you invest in finding insurance won’t be wasted. Even if you never need to make a claim, peace of mind is invaluable.

Not picked out your perfect ring yet? Check out our guide to choosing an engagement ring!

*Did you find this [Topic] useful? Did you learn something from it? If you did, SAVE THIS PIN below to your Engagement Rings board and check this post out at a later time*

pinterest pin - guide to engagement ring insurance

Complete Guide to Choosing an Engagement Ring You’ll Love Forever

There are few shopping expeditions as thrilling as choosing an engagement ring. Perhaps you’ve been planning this moment for months or years and already have a vision of your ring. Or maybe you’re open to all the possibilities. Either way, I’ve put together a handy guide to help you navigate the process of finding the right ring.

emerald and white gold engagement ring — Natural Emerald and White Gold Engagement Ring by Szeki Studio

Before You Start Ring Shopping Online

Your engagement ring is a symbol of love and you’ll be wearing it every day for the rest of your life. No wonder you want to get it right! Before you start shopping, here are a few things you should consider to make the process easier and more fun.

What Should You Pay For An Engagement Ring?

You may be wondering how much you should pay for an engagement ring. The simple answer is that you should only ever pay what you can afford!

While there used to be a convention for spending three times your monthly salary, it’s more important to find a ring that suits your tastes and bank balance. Check out this article we did that attempts to answer the question of how much to spend on a ring.

Setting a budget should be one of the very first things you do. It can be very easy to end up overspending if you don’t make a decision early on.

What Kind of Couple Are You?

The kind of couple you are is an excellent place to start thinking about your dream ring. If traditional values are important, a gorgeous diamond solitaire might be the perfect ring to pursue. If you like to put your own twist on things, be sure to explore alternative stones and settings. It’s your engagement ring, you want it to reflect your relationship and no one else’s.

wedding day couple portrait with red brick background

Are You Shopping Together?

You may be shopping for an engagement ring to surprise your fiance or fiancee, or you may have popped the question already! Each way is very exciting and there are a few challenges and things to remember:

Shopping for a Surprise. Buying a ring for a surprise proposal is especially exciting. You’ll want to buy something your sweetheart falls in love with immediately. If you’ve talked about the kind of engagement ring your partner likes, then you’re at an advantage.
Shopping Together. If you’re shopping together be absolutely clear about your budget and any hopes you have from the outset. There’s nothing worse than giving your sweetie the chance to get their heart set on something you just can’t afford.

What’s Your Dream List Include?

Before you start seriously shopping for rings, take the time to make a note of all of the things you want most from an engagement ring. Are you looking for a traditional diamond solitaire? A contemporary spin on the classic? A particular type of gold? Write down everything you want in your dream ring to help make the search easier. But remember (and it’s a big but) to stay open-minded too.

cushion cut champagne sapphire engagement ring — *Cushion Cut Champagne Sapphire Engagement Ring by Aardvark Jewelry*

Tip: If you’ve already discussed your upcoming marriage, you may have some idea what kind of wedding bands you’d like. And if you haven’t this is a good time to think about them. If your partner already knows the kind of band they’re dreaming of, it will make picking a complementary ring much easier.

Shopping For Your Engagement Ring

You’ve determined your budget, you’ve figured out who is going shopping, and you’ve created your dream list. Now it’s time to start shopping.

Some key things you’ll want to keep in mind as you shop for the one:

Where to Shop

Once you’ve got a solid idea of the kind of ring you’re looking for, it’s time to start shopping! But before you dive in, here are a few more things to keep in mind.

Choosing a Jeweller – While finding the perfect ring is your number one objective, you also need to pay attention to the place or person you’re buying it from. A reputable seller, or someone selling through a reputable third-party (think eBay or Etsy), is the best way to go.

Shopping in-store – If you’re shopping in-store, remember that the staff are there to try and make a sale – not always to help you find the perfect ring. They’ll expect you to want to take your time and look at a lot of rings, even if you’re not ready to buy. Be polite, say you’re just looking and don’t feel rushed into anything.

Shopping online – Searching for the perfect ring online means you can take all the time you need. Most stores and even auction sites have strong return policies, so you can see rings in person before making a final decision. Plus you’re likely to save money and time by searching at your leisure and without the pressure of sales staff upselling you! Looking for a few more tips? Check out our Guide to Buying Your Engagement Ring Online.

*Oval Sapphire and Diamond Ring* *by Blue Nile*

Assessing Diamonds

If you decide to go the diamond route, it’s important to understand what makes a perfect or near-perfect diamond. There are four basic qualities that are commonly used for assessing the quality of any given diamond.

Clarity. The perfect diamond is flawless.That means you’re looking for stones without inclusions, scrapes or any little imperfections.
Color. Ideally, you want your diamond to be as close to transparent as possible. A yellowish tinge or slight cloudiness is something to avoid, if possible.
Carat. Like precious metals, diamonds have carats. A jeweler or third party can use the weight of a diamond to work out its carat rating and this information should be available for you to check over. The highest carat diamond ever found was an astounding 3,106,75, but anything over 0.5 should be dazzling enough for the average engagement ring.
Cut. A good cut will allow a diamond to catch the light beautifully. Even a high carat diamond will struggle to shine if the cut is bad, making this the most important of the four essential qualities to look for.

*French Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring by Blue Nile*

Alternative Gemstones for An Engagement Ring

If diamonds aren’t quite doing it for you, there are tons of gorgeous gemstone alternatives, and switching out traditional stones and settings has never been cooler.

Sapphires – Not only do sapphires come in a great range of hues, including white, they are also the third hardest stone, making them an excellent diamond substitute. They’re generally a lot cheaper and offer almost as much sparkle. Check out my guide on choosing a sapphire engagement ring.

Emeralds – These gorgeous green stones are actually quite a classic choice when it comes to engagement rings, and they look as brilliant now as they always have. They’re luxe, eye-catching and also extremely durable. Need a little inspiration? Have a peek at these luxe emerald rings.

Morganite – The beautiful soft pink of this semi-precious stone has made it an incredibly popular engagement ring choice in recent years. It’s from the same family as emeralds and can be cut to create a dazzling design. Check out our guide to morganite rings to see just how pretty this gemstone can be.

morganite diamond engagement ring — *Shaped Morganite Diamond Ring by La Boutique by Julia*

Rubies – At a 9 on the Mohs’ Scale, rubies are almost as enduring as diamonds and they’ve certainly been a popular choice for engagement rings over the years. While a ruby is a stunning alternative, don’t assume it’s a cheaper one. A quality ruby may even be more expensive than a diamond.

Opals – They might be the symbolic gem for the 14th wedding anniversary, but opals are also a cool choice for engagement rings. One of the magical things about opals is how varied the surfaces are – meaning your ring will be as unique as you.

natural opal engagement ring — *Natural Opal Engagement Ring*

For more ideas, check out our Guide to Diamond Engagement Ring Alternatives.

Look After Your Engagement Ring

Once you’ve chosen your perfect engagement ring there are a few important things to keep in mind if you’d like it to stay safe dazzling for years to come.

Post-Purchase Protection

The ring purchase might feel like the big thing (and believe me, it is!), but you also have to get that ring where it needs to be, safe and sound. If you’re buying in person, check if there’s a short- term warranty or insurance that could cover it for the first little while after purchase. Yes, people do sometimes lose their rings before they even get home!

Buying online? Pay attention to the postal method and fine print – if the parcel gets lost in transit, the responsibility should always be with the seller and not you.

Insurance Coverage

Accidents happen. That’s just an annoying fact of life. Hands get slippery and rings slide off. Rings get dropped and stood on or mangled in other ways.

Get insurance in place after buying your ring, and make sure you’re covered for anything that might befall your beautiful new ring.

For more tips, have a look at our Guide to Insuring Engagement Rings.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Keeping a ring in great condition means giving it a little bit of extra love. Even incredibly durable stones aren’t completely invincible. Diamonds can chip or be damaged in extreme conditions, so if you’re doing any heavy duty work take the ring off!

A regular cleaning schedule is also a must. Every couple of weeks, drop your ring into a mug filled with warm water and a small amount of detergent, let it sit for a few minutes, then rub with a soft-bristled brush (baby toothbrushes are perfect!) before patting dry. That will bring your sparkle back in no time.

*Scalloped Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring by Blue Nile*

Choosing the right engagement ring is all about finding the one that’s right for you as a couple. Whether it’s traditional, modern or even a little off the wall, the important thing is it makes you both feel fuzzy inside. Go find the engagement ring that makes your heart sing!

*Save THIS PIN to your Engagement Rings board on Pinterest so you can always find it when you need to!*

Home Print vs Online: What’s Best for Printing Stationery?

This guide will help you decide whether to print your stationery at home or use an online printing company. Wedding stationery is used as the primary stationery type for this article, after all L&L was a wedding blog first!

That doesn’t mean you can’t substitute birthdays, retirement parties, or other types of events. Go ahead and use this guide for whatever type of event you need to print stationery.

Our PDF printable stationery has been used for all kinds of creative events – even a book launch!

What’s the Best Way to Print Wedding Stationery?

When it comes to printing your wedding stationery, you have three options:

Print at home
Utilize a local printer
Online printing services

Practically speaking, DIY wedding stationery is a big undertaking involving time and money. Using a printing service may seem like the better and more cost-efficient option.

Creative types will love the unique stationery that DIY printing affords. With home printing, you can control and manage every single detail of the process, from resources to cost, whenever you print. For the rest of the time strapped brides out there planning their wedding, using an online print company could be the right solution.

I am quite familiar with both the print at home and online printing options, so that is where I will provide a cost comparison and analysis in order to get you thinking about your stationery printing decision.

What’s your Wedding Stationery Budget?

In its annual Real Weddings Study that surveyed nearly 14,000 US brides and grooms married in 2018, TheKnot.com notes that the national average spent on wedding invitations alone was $386. With median wedding costs running about $18,000 USD in that same time period, that amounts to approximately 2.5% of the overall wedding budget.

The first thing you should do is set a stationery budget.

Some people really go all out and buy a lavish wedding stationery suite, while others are content with less costly invites and RSVP cards. Do you want a super elegant art deco design with gold foil? Or, are you content with a fun and whimsical design that you can get for free and then print at home or online.

If you are reading this article, chances are you stumbled across our wedding printables section and are opting for a lower budget wedding stationery set. Great!

You don’t have to know an exact amount, but definitely decide on a suitable budget range for your stationery and try to stick within it.

Statistics aside, it really depends on how much you want to spend on wedding stationery as a couple. You can spend as little as the cost of a postage stamp – perhaps you both love cereal and you turn cereal box cutouts into postcard wedding invites. Or you could spend thousands of dollars on embossed and stamped wedding stationery. The amount you spend is entirely up to you/your partner and the tone that you want to set for your wedding.

Cost of Printing at Home

Creating wedding stationery involves an outlay of cash for must-have items like paper, ink cartridges, or glam accessories.

The overall cost of these items will depend on the look you hope to achieve for your wedding stationery and how many you will print.

1. Card Stock Paper

One variable expense to consider when starting a DIY wedding stationery project is what type of paper to purchase. I say paper, but in reality you will likely choose card stock to print your wedding invitations and other stationery for your big day. Regular paper is too flimsy, whereas card stock paper serves as a nice solid base to show off your design and impress your guests.

There are a variety of card stock types for you to choose from: canvas, cotton, linen, or even glitter. Each has a different weight and texture to make your stationery look and feel different.

My suggestion is to buy a few sample pieces of each type of card stock (at a low price) in order to print test pages on your home printer first. That way you will know exactly what type of card stock you want for your wedding stationery. In fact, Paper Papers sells different sample packs of paper types and weights at a very reasonable cost.

The color of card stock is another decision you will need to make. Ultimately the final choice will depend on the color scheme for your wedding along with the colors of any stationery graphics. An easy choice is a cream white or slightly colored paper so that it will not contrast too heavily with any graphics or text.

The following table outlines typical costs and what you can expect to pay based on prices I researched at Paper Papers (as of Jan, 2020).

(all example sheet sizes below 8.5 x 11)

Product	Quantity	Price
White Canvas Card Stock	100	$24.99
Natural White Cotton Card Stock	100	$51.99
Solid Bright White Card Stock (Heavy)	100	$18.99
Classic White Solid Card Stock (Premium Heavy)	100	$23.99
Solid Tiffany Blue Card Stock (Premium Heavy)	100	$22.99

As you can see from above, prices are reasonable and range from $18.99 per 100 sheets for solid bright white heavy card stock, up to $51.99 per 100 sheets for natural white cotton card stock. Of course, there are other sizes, colors, and types for you to choose. Again, a sample pack might be just what you need to help you make your final decision!

You can also add options like ‘corner cutting/rounding’ for $5 for the first pack and $2 for each additional pack.

Plan ahead and take the cheap/slow shipping option. That way your total cost including tax and shipping should be from $25 – $40.

2. Ink Cartridges

For the purposes of this article, let’s assume that most brides own a modern inkjet printer and not a laser printer. The shear number of inkjet printer brands and SKUs on the market would make it impossible to compare every single one. In addition, there seems to be a vast number of both online and brick & mortar stores that sell branded ink replacement cartridges as well as comparable ink cartridges.

I did a quick search on my particular brand of printer using some well known online ink cartridge companies. I have bought many ink cartridges over the years, and in general I find that it costs about $35 – $50 for a full package of color and black ink cartridges. Again, there are too many printers and brands to comment on every single one. My experience is that a reasonable amount to spend on ink is approximately that amount.

You will need to buy ink for your printer, especially if you are printing 100+ full color DIY invitations, thank you cards, RSVP cards, and possibly menu cards. You will waist time if you have to stop your stationery assembly line because you ran out of ink for your printer halfway through the print job.

Try Amazon for a reliable source of print cartridges for many different brands!

Total cost including tax and shipping from $35 – $60.

3. Paper Cutter

An indispensable tool in your DIY wedding stationery project arsenal is a paper cutter. If you already own one, great. If not then ask friends and relatives, chances are someone has one that you can borrow. If all else fails, you can always buy a quality paper cutter at a descent price, like this one called the SureCut. I have used a smaller version of the SureCut for my own wedding DIY projects. Watching the video at the bottom of the page on how to use the portable paper trimmer makes the craft-aholic in me salivate!

Total Cost: Free to $17.99

4. Glamorize & Accessorize Wedding Stationery

I assume that if you have read this far, you are highly considering a DIY stationery project. Of course, the most fun part is to get out your glitter, gold sparkles, and glue gun to glam up your stationery!!

You don’t have to spend much money to make your invites, RSVP or thank you cards special. The possibilities are endless.

Be careful how much you spend on sparkles, hot glue sticks, sequins, stickers, and all the other wonderful accessories that can make your wedding stationery truly unique. Set a budget for your accessories and (try to) stick with it! I know it can be tempting to go overboard and dazzle your wedding guest audience with your creative flair. Just make sure you realize that most people will likely NOT save these wonderful creations, and sadly 90% will end up in the recycling bin.

Total Cost: Free to $50+

As you can see from above, you can get away with making 100 DIY print at home wedding invitations alone for a cost of about $60 – $100 excluding postage ($50) & envelopes ($30+). When you include the cost of those two additional items in your final calculations you are looking at a total cost of about $130 – $170.

Cost of Online Printing Services

We have worked hard to optimize Love & Lavender’s PDF printables to play nicely with two leading online printing services: Vistaprint.com and Overnight Prints. Each printable on L&L has been tested to ensure the print quality is high when uploading to either Vistaprint or Overnight Prints.

Both online print companies are well established and have many happy past customers – myself included!

I have used Vistaprint in the past for business cards and printing stationery, and I highly recommend them if you want to print your stationery online. I am still doing some testing with Overnight Prints, and I will do a follow up article and provide a link here in the near future.

There are other printing companies out there, but these are the two that I recommend you take a further look.

1. Vistaprint Overview for L&L Printables

Website and Customer Service

I have to say that I find Vistaprint’s website very effective and easy to navigate. It is intuitive and not cluttered, with lots of white space.

Also, it’s nice to know that help is close by if I ever have a problem. A ‘help is here’ button with toll-free telephone number is displayed prominently at the top banner of their website. Clicking it gives you options for contacting Vistaprint by phone, email, or live chat during certain hours of operation.

You can even solve problems quickly yourself through their extensive online help center, which has answers to many common questions.

PDF File Upload

Uploading your PDF printable and navigating the checkout process in Vistaprint is straight forward. As an example, I used a design from our printable section to show you Vistaprint’s easy checkout process along with their pricing options. I uploaded my 5×7 wedding invitation design and then selected full color, one-sided, matte finish card stock paper.

Checkout Process

The three step checkout process is a breeze. Step one is where you complete your order by selecting the quantity, paper quality, and envelope options.

Pricing for 100 Full-color Wedding Invitations (5×7)

Paper Stock Options

There are several upgrade options along the way including premium paper type or double sided stationery where you can easily add your own text/images. Its up to you if you want the upgrades at an additional cost.

Your order includes a matching quantity of standard white envelopes for free! Otherwise you can choose personalized matching envelopes for an additional fee. Finally, you can choose matching envelope seals – a nice touch to add real panache to your stationery.

Step two is the “recommended for you” section where they try to upsell other items. Personally, I would click right on through to step three. After all, who needs a large car door magnet with a picture of their wedding invitation – that would look pretty silly! Who knows, maybe you want a wraparound mug so that every morning when you have your cup of coffee you can remember your big day.

Step three is the checkout screen where you can add a promo code (Vistaprint almost always has one for you to get a discount), and proceed to shipping and payment options.

Shipping

As you can see from the delivery options below, total cost for delivery depends on your order total.

2. Overnight Prints Overview for L&L Printables

Website and Customer Service

Overnight Prints website is equally as effective and easy to navigate. The approval and order process is contained to one screen with less options than Vistaprint, but sometimes less is more!

Overnight Prints also has a toll-free telephone number displayed at the top of their website along with a ‘help‘ page. Clicking the help page brings up a well thought out FAQ section. You can find answers to common questions around pricing, shipping, and ordering.

PDF File Upload

Uploading your PDF printable in Overnight Prints is fast and simple. I uploaded a sample 5×7 wedding invitation from our printable section and selected full color, one-sided, satin matte finish, 15pt card stock paper.

Checkout Process

After uploading the PDF printable file you are taken to an approval screen. The approval screen includes options to add envelopes, add rounded corners, choose your paper stock and coating options. I selected the quantity of 100 5 x 7 with white envelopes for $43.95. Simple and clean website design all on one page – excellent!

Pricing for 100 Full-color Wedding Invitations (5×7)

Overnight Prints Pricing Guide w envelopes

Finally, click to the shopping cart checkout process and proceed through a normal online payment transaction.

Shipping

I like the calender widget displayed on their shipping options that shows when I can expect my order and what price I will pay. Don’t wait until the last minute, plan ahead in order to save a bit of money on shipping.

Final Analysis

The overall cost for 100 wedding invitations (including white envelopes) delivered to my door are nearly identical:

Overnight Prints $50.70 and Vistaprint $52

Both Vistaprint and Overnight Prints offer good value for money. Each online printer has their nuances in terms of functionality, shipping, and additional options. Simply upload your PDF file and follow along through each step of the process.

The final product won’t be as customized and unique when compared to a DIY stationery project, but in the end you will save time and probably some money depending on the options you choose.

Plus, you can always add a few ribbons, bows, or sashes to your printed stationery when they arrive. Maybe that is the best of both worlds in balancing your time/money and getting wedding stationery you will enjoy.

Conclusion

We started out this article asking, “What’s the best way to print your wedding stationery?” As you can see from above, the costs of either printing at home or using an online printer depend on what you hope to achieve.

DIY enthusiasts and those who want a homespun craft feel for their wedding day should try and print their stationery at home. Printing at home does offer the ability to customize and DIY at your own pace. You will spend more time and possibly money than if you go the online printing route, but the end product will look, feel, and impress exactly how you envision.

Online Printing allows you to forget the fuss of printing hundreds of stationery on your printer — and getting your hands full of printer ink! Leave the printing, cutting, and uniform quality to the experts.

Your Say: Let us know how you will print your stationery in the comments below

Do you REALLY need that expensive designer wedding dress?

How much is too much to spend on a wedding dress?

Groom’s answer: “Anything over $250 is expensive. I might as well go light a cigarette with this $100 bill.”

Bride’s answer: “You can’t put a price on weddings, or love for that matter, silly!”

A Gorgeous Dress for Under $250 – Yeah, right!

I know what you’re thinking. Two hundred and fifty lousy bucks isn’t a lot of money to spend on a wedding dress, right?

Wrong! In fact, you can get exactly the dress you desire for that affordable price. My wife did just that for our wedding day. I won’t get into the specific details in this post, suffice to say that it involved making a purchase on eBay and praying the dress arrived in one piece as advertised. It did arrive safe and sound, and with a few alterations to the dress she looked amazing.

Bonus: I can’t remember once discussing the issue nor having an awkward conversation along the lines of, “Honey, I think you shouldn’t spend that much on a dress.”

Her practical nature must have told her there are better ways to spend the money. For a lot of folks around the world today, turns out $1500 is a lot of money with real consequences.

The aim of today’s post is to get you thinking about one specific question: Do you really need to spend a wad of cash on a dress?

Maybe you’ve thought about this question in the past, or maybe you haven’t. I’m not here to judge your spending habits. If you’ve got the money and can afford it, do what you want. As they say over here in the UK, push the boat out!

Know Your Audience

I once learned the hard way the concept of know your audience. It was a high level meeting packed with stuffy old white guys that carry guns. Needless to say, my young aspirational governmnet self didn’t go down so well with their mindset and throught processes.

I suspect this article will appeal more to grooms than it will brides, and that’s fine. In my mind’s eye I picture a lot of guys reading this post (with virtual heads nodding in agreement), salivating over the fact that further down I spill the beans and proclaim:

“Any bride who spends more than ~~$500~~ $250 deserves the following punishment for her wedding crime:

If an outdoor wedding — to have her gown pooped on by a passing pigeon as she makes her glorious outdoor wedding aisle debut
If an indoor wedding — to have her gown pooped on by a mouse scurrying across the aisle floor

Either way, the morale of the story is that you should take a cat to a wedding to scare off both pigeons and mice.

Sadly, gentlemen, life is never black and white.

Still, I hear a faint whisper from grooms everywhere pleading, “Please, just write in your article that spending that much money on one dress is plain crazy. I need a trusted online wedding blog expert ally such as yourself. My fiancée doesn’t need to spend that much on a dress!”

Or does she?

Lets look at some numbers first, and then you can make up your own mind.

Averages Wedding Dress Spend

I must disclaim that I am not a statistician. Although I dated one once, does that count? I also pretended to work in a quasi-stats role for a good 5 years at a federal government job, and no one complained. (Side note: I left that gig voluntarily. My sanity thanked me later)

That being said, I’m nowhere near the level of stats mastery that many of those academic folk reach. I’ve got me an ‘average joe’ understanding and analytical ability. Now then, let’s dive in to a bit of wedding dress stats fun!!

Averages, as you may remember, are not always the best at explaining a concept.

The average cost of a wedding dress in the United States was typically reported to be between $1,000 and $2,000, but this could vary widely based on location, designer, and individual preferences. Locations with a higher cost of living, like New York or California, often saw higher average costs.

Glamor should be a four-letter word

It could be if you shorten it to GLAM. Everyone loves a bit of glam, so why the hate?

Let me tell you: Not too long ago I spoke with the author of this article for a good hour long chat. It was a job interview of sorts, but really I wanted to meet each other over video chat and see how we got on. I initially approached her to gauge her interest in writing for my ol’ wedding blog.

During our brief chat, Sarah and I connected on a whole host of wedding related issues. At one point she talked about a book called “The Power of Glamour”, which sits on her bookshelf at home, and gave me the cliff notes.

I checked out the book myself, along with a couple key reviews — like the NY Times review here. It seems that (for better or for worse) glamour intensifies longing, fosters hope and stokes ambition, which helps to explain a hellofa lot of things in this world! Perhaps that is the ultimate end goal of this article – to encourage brides to look differently at the role glamour has played in their own wedding journey.

Back to Wedding Dress Spending

I doubt I’ve convinced anyone, let alone a budding bride, that she should ditch her designer gown aspirations. Heck, if I was reading this far into this post I would probably say, “What is this guy on? Does he even own a wedding blog?”

I do, in fact. And this entire article runs 100% counter to how I make a good portion of my income. You see, this blog (like many others) operates on an affiliate commission basis. That means if you click on a link from this site, such as a dress from BHLDN, and end up making a purchase, then a small percentage fee is earned. It keeps the lights on and allows me to pontificate about wedding topics like this one!

I hear you scolding me, “That makes no sense, Andrew. Why would you work against yourself and your livelihood to try to change my mindset and convince me that I should spend less on a dress? Don’t you make more if I spend more money?”

Yes, we technically would.

If I can voice opinions, create healthy debates, and ultimately change things for the better, what better way to leave a lasting impact on the industry that I find myself inhabiting. Sometimes there are negative aspects to an industry. I’d rather try to change the wedding industrial complex, and the bride/groom couples that inhabit it, for the better. My personal story is varied, and I never set out to become a wedding blogger. Yet after 6 hard years of graft, I believe my time has come to use this platform that my wife and I built to open up conversations, no matter how controversial.

Dress Mindset

Here’s a short thought exercise, adapted from a best selling book (insert link to ??) that I read last week. Although the book is primarily about building an online business through automating the heck out of everything (something I’m attempting to do for this website), there is also a philosophical and even spiritual vein throughout the book.

If I ask you what’s important to you on your wedding day, what do you really want?

I bet I would get a wide variety of answers.

As it pertains to a dress you might say, “Andrew, my dream is to look amazing in a fabulous designer wedding gown.” Great. Absolutely nothing wrong with that. I couldn’t agree more, and I wish you the best of luck in looking amazing on your wedding day — as every bride should. But before you go, why do you want a designer wedding gown?

Why is a particular gown important to you?
Do you sincerely desire the particular collection of fabric, beading, and other embelishments?
Do you want the status that comes with owning and wearing a designer gown?
Or is it something else that my feable married man-brain cannot understand?

I’m not judging you here. It’s totally fine for the answer to be that you want to glamour of a designer gown on your wedding day. But if that’s why you want the dress, be honest with yourself, be conscious about your reasons. And then go down another level — why is that status/glamor important to you? And will the status that comes with owning an expensive dress actually fulfill that need within you, or will it require something more?

That’s a deeper process of questioning, which you’ll have to face at some point. Maybe you end up deciding that a designer gown is still important to you, and you buy that dress. You’re very happy with it, and you realize you were right. Wonderful, I’m happy for you!

I cannot emphasize enough that you want that process to be one that YOU have consciously thought about, so that you don’t end up buying a designer gown simply because your ego has told you that buying an expensive dress is what people do to show everyone else how cool they are. Or put another way, to live the delusion of grandeur that afflicts so many of the young entitled (instagram) crowd these days.

That’s it – my thoughts about the wedding dress spending question. Let me know your opinion in the comments section below. You may agree (or not) with what I write, and either way I would say thank you. Take this post for what’s its worth. After all, I’m only a married heterosexual male wedding blogger, so what do I know!

https://www.weddingwire.com/cost/wedding-dress

https://www.thesun.co.uk/living/2037295/british-brides-are-buying-made-to-order-wedding-dresses-from-china-for-as-little-as-32/

https://medium.com/@joannachao/how-to-order-a-custom-wedding-dress-from-china-f0616e0262e6

More Thoughts

Going against the prevailing “wedding industry complex” in all things: dress, venue, even (gasp!) paper stationery.

Okay, lets not get totally crazy here. I still love me some 100% cotton paper goodness. We want to talk about the parts of the wedding process that other (wedding blogs) online media won’t touch… for whatever reason. Self interest, owned by giant corporations, or just playing along in the multi billion dollar game.

Not us. We are a voice for the real, raw, engaging, and authentic wedding stuff.

Its not about throwing out traditions and wedding fun … its about hosted a party that doesn’t bankrupt you. Having a wedding that makes sense for YOU and not what a self interested corporation/business tells you what you MUST do or what you must BUY in order to satisfy antiquated wedding standards.

I say, “Screw what some monarch living in the 1800s did, which every living surf since has copied. The Queen doesn’t have to pay for my tuxedo, canapes, nor the bar tab at my wedding. That’s all on me.”

Stop trying to attain an elevated social and economic status beyond your current station in life. We all know that is what every bride (and groom) secretly desire for their wedding day.

A “luxurious and elegant affair attended by close family and acquaintances alike” who can partake in the grand charade called the wedding game.

Designer dresses that a billionaire can afford to splash some cash on, are not attainable for 99%. Nor should they be. The shear and utter useless utility of a wedding dress should be enough to rock you off your emotional designer wedding chair.

When you do finally get that cheque in the mail (or more likely that bitcoin in your coin wallet), then you can go ahead and hire your own pimped out ride, let it rain dolla bills, and act like you are on the set of a 90s rap music video. Until then, just be YOU. It took me the better part of 30 years to understand that I didn’t need to try to be anyone else besides Andrew Shackleford. I don’t want to be a version of Tony Robbins, Pat Flynn, or countless other influencial people that have occupied my podcast playlist and inspired me to up my game and Design My Life – the life I want to live here and now.