Know Your Jeweler/Know Your Diamonds
You’ve dreamed about it all your life. Your engagement ring symbolizes love and commitment, so you want a ring you’ll treasure for years. That’s why it’s important to know your jeweler. When choosing a ring, find a jeweler you can trust by his reputation; one that has longevity in the jewelry business and can guide you in making that beautiful purchase. Next, know your diamonds. Not all diamonds are alike. Familiarize yourself with the 4C’s…cut, clarity, color and carat weight before you start shopping. Get your jeweler to show you the diamond under magnification and explain why it is the clarity, grade and color. When you leave the store know your diamond and be able to recognize it. A respected jeweler will help you make the right choice.
Chuck Cooper – Van Atkins Jewelers – New Albany, MS – www.vanatkins.com
Step One: Finding Your Bridal Style
Brides often start picking vendors as soon as they become engaged. The first step should be to find your wedding style. Clip magazine photos, look online and decide the overall wedding look you want. Once you establish your style, everything else comes easily! If you are a formal and elaborate bride…a ballroom, ornate gown, and candelabra centerpieces fit the theme. If you are a traditional outdoor casual bride…a garden setting and a glass vase with hydrangeas is the answer. Making decisions along the way that support your style will ensure the overall event reflects a cohesive look. If you have trouble deciding a style or trouble making decisions to support your style…get a professional. A wedding planner can ensure a cohesive wedding without the stress!
Deborah Simmons – Event Coordinator for Signature Occasions – Ridgeland, MS – www.signatureoccasions.com
Home Away from Home – Your Guests Accomodations
Among the countless wedding checklists that exist, too often an important consideration is missing, making hotel reservations for out-of-town guests. Part of the success of any wedding is the atmosphere in which your guests gather. Arranging for hotel accommodations should be on your wedding checklist four to six months prior to your wedding date. When choosing a hotel consider location, price range, number of guestrooms needed, special facilities and requirements: pool, suites or a hospitality suite, handicap accessible rooms, plus other amenities special to that property. Proper planning in arranging accommodations for your guests will save you unnecessary worries and allow you be a relaxed and happy bride and groom.
Lindsay Hamm – MMI Hotel Group – Mississippi – www.mmihospitality.com
Do Your Research & Get the Right Thing
Girls, here’s a tip to give to your guys: Most guys want to surprise you with a ring and do it romantically. They want to give you the right ring, the ring of your dreams. They don’t want to spend money on the wrong ring or a ring you won’t be happy with and enjoy. Here’s the suggestion: go to the jeweler with your intended and show him what you like. There might be several stones and settings that you like. Your engagement ring is your most important piece of jewelry! After all, you will have this ring for a lifetime and it is something you will wear every day. Let your jeweler find the ring and the setting. And let your intended figure out how to propose and present your gorgeous ring. He can come back later and do the final selection and you will still be surprised when he pops the question with the ring of your dreams.
Jay Lake – Carter Jewelers – Jackson & Vicksburg, MS – www.CarterDiamonds.com
Want more tips? Visit www.premierbridems.com and get your free copy of Premier Bride of Mississippi.