Wedding Blog

Our posts are usually on the informative side, bringing you the latest wedding trends and planning tips, but today we’re simply bringing up a topic for discussion with our brides out there. Since wedding planning usually starts with an engagement ring, we are curious to know how you received yours! We’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback about where your ring came from and why you chose to go that route (or why your fiance chose that route, if your ring was a total surprise). Which of the following categories do you fit into?

Photo Courtesy of Ginger Midgett Photography

Budget Conscious Bling: We have noticed that some national “big-box” stores, Wal-Mart among them, have started carrying a bigger and bigger engagement ring and wedding band selection these days. They offer designs ranging from classic to contemporary at affordable prices, but purchasing this way may lack the guidance of a knowledgeable jeweler. Did you consider a discount chain or department store for your ring? If so, was budget your main consideration or were there other factors?

Jewelry Store Gem: Perhaps the most popular option, shopping for engagement rings from a jewelry store chain’s selection affords you a greater variety of designs at a wide range of price points. You also have the benefit of experts to assist and explain the diamond-buying process, unlike the big-box stores. You may however, choose a design that many other brides also have, so if being unique is important to you, this may present a challenge. Did you choose your design from a jewelry store chain?

One of a Kind Find: We love the trend of creating a custom engagement and wedding ring set! Some couples are choosing to work with jewelry designers at independent jewelry stores in their area to purchase unique designs or create settings that are one-of-a-kind. Others are actually making their own wedding bands; we recently found out about a company (Wedding Ring Experience) that teaches you how to create your very own rings in less than a day. What do you think, would you take a chance and design –or even hand make– your own?

Can’t wait to find out how all our brides got their bling! If you have a ring story, an engagement story, or a real wedding story to share with our readers– we’d love to hear from you and feature your story!

If you have questions on this or any other wedding related topic, please post for me here on the wedding blog or send me an email to susan(dot)southerland(at)pwg.com. Also become a fan on Facebook (search: Susan Southerland Secret) or follow me on Twitter (@Susansoutherlan).

Your partner in perfect planning,
Susan