Category Archives: Wedding
Princess-worthy Accessories for Beautiful Flower Girls
What little girl doesn’t dream of being a princess at one time or another? Although the spotlight at any wedding should be on the bride, there’s a good chance that the youngest member of your bridal party will have a very special day as well. While a flower girl’s dress is certainly important in creating her look, accessories are often the finishing touches that make her ensemble one that she—and all who see her—will remember with a smile. Here are a number of accessory ideas, from functional accessories like purses and shrugs to jewelry such as silver cross pendants.
Shrug or shawl: If you’re planning a winter wedding (or one in an air-conditioned venue) an accessory that keeps your flower girl warm can be both a practical and a beautiful addition.
Purse: For many little girls, carrying a purse is a fun, grown-up thing to do. An elegant little bag can not only make your flower girl feel special; it can also serve to keep her occupied when she’s not playing an active role in your wedding, if you include a surprise inside such as a few small toys or crayons and an activity pad.
Floral Headpiece: Whether you pin a few blossoms behind your flower girl’s ear or adorn her head with a full crown of blooms, flowers in her hair serve as a timelessly pretty touch. Choose traditional fresh flowers or opt for dried ones or high-quality artificial varieties to provide your flower girl with a lasting memento of her part in your big day.
Tiara: A tiny crown is the ultimate princess-worthy accessory, and one that your flower girl will love to wear. Find a tiara that’s a tiny variation of the bride’s headpiece or choose one with a style all its own.
Pearls: Few types of jewelry are more ladylike or more timeless than pearls. Present your flower girl with a pearl pendant or earrings, or a full strand to adorn her neck or her wrist. In doing so, you’ll give her an accessory that she can wear for years to come.
Parasol: As an accessory you don’t see every day, a parasol is a signal that it’s a special occasion. Of course, if your wedding is outdoors, it’s a practical choice, too, as it protects the little princess at your wedding from the sun.
Cross Jewelry: Jewelry that celebrates your faith can add a meaningful touch to your wedding ceremony and provide your flower girl with a lasting accessory. Choose from pieces such as a simply-styled cross rings or pendants featuring a dove or the Star of David.
Ribbon: A simple ribbon can easily turn into a versatile accessory. Tie one in your flower girl’s hair, around her wrist or around her neck for an instantly pretty touch.
The brides will always be the true princess of a wedding, but it’s nice to let your flower girl feel like one on your special day. Any of these accessories will help her dress the part, adding the perfect finishing touch.
Take a Break with Your Bridesmaids
Spending a day chilling out with your bridesmaids rather immersed in wedding preparations is an excellent way to bond and to say thank you to the ladies that are giving their time and resources to be part of your big day. Whether you put your feet up or wear yourselves out in the great outdoors, setting aside time to do something fun (and not directly related to your wedding) is a meaningful way to show your bridal party that you appreciate them—and get some needed R & R!
As you consider how you’ll spend your day, be sure to keep in mind the kinds of activities that your bridesmaids consider fun and relaxing—just because you’re a fan of vintage engagement rings and could spend hours browsing antique shops doesn’t mean that your bridal party will necessarily enjoy tagging along. If you’re stumped as to what all of your bridesmaids might enjoy, try one of these ideas for a fun day in or out:
Host a spa party. Break out the face masks and foot baths! A day of pampering and relaxation is a fitting way to recognize your special ladies during the stressful days leading up to your wedding.
Hold a movie night. An evening of flicks and snacks is an easy (and very wallet-friendly) way to bond with your bridesmaids and share a few laughs (or tears). Consider focusing on a theme, such as classic romances, or ask each lady to bring a favorite film.
Get rubdowns. Just the word “massage” can solicit longing sighs. Just don’t forget to remove your engagement ring before your massage—oils and lotions can easily cause jewelry to lose its luster, particularly intricately detailed pieces such as antique style engagement rings.
Take a day at the beach. If you live within driving distance of the shore, spend a day enjoying the sand and surf (and maybe a few boardwalk fries) together. If the beach is too far away or you’re not a fan of sand in your shorts, try a trip to a nearby lake or other outdoor destination.
Act like tourists. Just about every city or town has attractions that its own residents rarely visit. Try picking a local hotspot or two and spend the day exploring.
See a show. An evening at the theater is a rare treat for many ladies—why not give your bridesmaids a night out they’ll remember by sharing a musical or play with them?
Take a hike. Hikes provide plenty of time to talk and breathtaking views. Plus, hitting the trail is a great stress buster!
Take a dance class. Dancing is a proven smile-inducer and a fun escape from the planning and preparations. Head to your local dance studio or hire an instructor to hold a private session in your home.
Whether you stay in or stay out, taking a day to have fun with your bridesmaids gives you a chance to relax and to create memories that you’ll smile about for years to come. Get your special ladies together and get ready to chill out!
Which Metal is Right for Your Wedding Band?
Today’s couples have a number of metals to choose from when shopping for wedding bands. Here’s the rundown on several popular metals to help you pick the one that’s right for you.
Platinum
Platinum wedding bands are the ultimate expression of a love that’s a rare treasure. At 30 times less common than gold, platinum is incredibly precious, and it possesses several unique properties. Platinum wedding rings have a bright, naturally white sheen that doesn’t cast any of its own color onto a diamond. They never fade or tarnish, and are quite strong, making them resistant to wear. Platinum is also naturally hypoallergenic, making it a perfect choice for anyone with sensitive skin. Although its rarity gives it a higher price tag than other metals used in wedding jewelry, it’s the perfect choice for a once-in-a-lifetime investment.
White, Yellow and Rose Gold
Gold is the most commonly used metal in wedding bands, and for good reason. Aside from its gleaming good looks, it’s also more affordable than platinum and stronger than sterling silver. All three colors of gold—yellow, white and rose—are actually alloys that combine gold with other metals to give them added strength. Each color has its own personality, allowing you to choose a look that perfectly suits your relationship: white gold has a cool, silvery sheen, giving it a look that’s both cotemporary and classic; yellow gold exhibits a sunny hue that has made it the most traditional of metals; and rose gold gives off a glow that communicates warmth and affection. Although white gold wedding bands are the most popular, a huge variety of styles are available in all three colors of this versatile metal.
Sterling Silver
Sterling silver wedding bands are a favorite for those on a budget who don’t want to sacrifice style. With the cool, versatile sheen that has made all types of silver jewelry popular, these rings are able to blend seamlessly with the personal styles of many of today’s brides and grooms. Like gold, sterling silver is an alloy which adds a number of other metals to silver to make it strong enough for jewelry. Although it’s susceptible to oxidation, the resulting tarnish isn’t hard to remove.
Titanium
Titanium isn’t a traditional medium for wedding bands, but it’s gaining fans for its winning combination of strength, sleek good looks and affordability. Stronger than steel, this metal is used in aircraft, making it a fitting symbol of love that’s unbreakable. However, despite its strength, it’s quite lightweight—it’s 50 percent lighter than steel, making it feel almost weightless on your finger. Titanium wedding rings are able to stand up to wear; in addition, they’re non-reactive, which means that they won’t tarnish or rust. Like platinum styles, they’re also hypoallergenic. However, they come with a significantly lower price tag than platinum or gold rings.
Ultimately, the wedding band you choose should be determined by your personal preference. Decide which factors are most important to you, and use this guide to help you narrow down your options.
Sterling Silver Wedding Bands for Women
Sterling silver wedding bands for women are ideal for anyone looking for a ring that’s easy on their bank account and just as easy on the eyes. These rings seamlessly combine affordability and style without missing a beat.
Often, the price of sterling silver rings will be just a fraction of that of a white gold ring. However, silver wedding bands for women aren’t only popular for their price tag—their style is what sells many women on these rings. Apples of Gold carries a range of sterling silver wedding rings, allowing you to find one that’s just right for you.
Sterling silver’s resemblance to white gold makes it a popular choice for women who like the look of white gold, but want to save money. Although not identical, these two metals closely resemble one another; because of this, sterling silver is an excellent stand-in for white gold.
Applesofgold.com’s collection of silver wedding bands for women are all crafted from .925 sterling silver, the highest quality silver that can be used in jewelry. This silver alloy adds other metals such as zinc to pure silver, which is too soft to be used on its own for jewelry. Pieces made from .925 sterling silver are both strong and last-lasting, making them ideal as rings that will be worn for a lifetime.
Paisley motifs are seen on a number of these bands, giving them a sense of movement and energy through their swirling patterns. Or, consider a ring with a perpetually beautiful Celtic knot design.
If wedding rings with an extra touch of glamour are just your style, consider a style accented by gemstones such as diamonds or blue topaz. This added sparkle gives a sophisticated quality to several of Apples of Gold’s silver wedding bands for women.
For a sterling silver ring that will never tarnish, be sure to look at argentium silver. This special type of sterling silver is highly resistant to tarnish, as well as brighter, more scratch-resistant and lower maintenance than tradition sterling silver.
Silver jewelry dominates the jewelry boxes of many women and wedding rings crafted from sterling silver coordinate perfectly with these jewelry collections. The cool, shiny look of silver always seems right, no matter what the occasion.
For their affordability and their beauty, silver wedding bands for women are a winning choice. Take a look at Apples of Gold’s collection to find a ring with a style and price that’s perfect for you.
Wedding Bands Online
Weddings offer a glimpse at the union of two people who are willing to devote their life to loving, cherishing, and honoring one another. This special bond is symbolized with the exchange of rings and is a moment that will live forever in the heart and mind of both the bride and groom. But getting to the altar with the perfect ring in hand is often harder than it seems. Couples frequently get frustrated with the seemingly endless stops to jewelry stores and the near-consuming search to get the ring right. After all, the wedding ring will be worn for life, so couples need to make their efforts count. Online jewelry retailer Applesofgold.com makes the search for the perfect wedding simple and fun. Their vast selection of wedding bands online offers the ideal solution to stressed-out couples in need of retail therapy.
Online shopping has blossomed in recent years due to the convenience of shopping from home, outstanding inventory available, and highly affordable prices. Apples of Gold makes the hunt for wedding bands online a truly enjoyable experience. Their selection includes everything a couple could want or need, from diamond-studded dazzlers to sophisticated, sleek wedding rings. It’s easy to find the right ring for your bride or groom with their clean website navigation and easy layout. Apples of Gold allows you to browse literally hundreds of wedding bands at once, all from the comfort and ease of your home. Taking advantage of their immense selection of high quality wedding bands is easy. Simply log on to www.applesofgold.com and begin browsing. A quick click on the wedding bands section instantly yields a plethora of options. Customers can browse wedding bands by style or by metal, making it easy to search out that just-for-you ring.
The unique collection of wedding bands online at Apples of Gold, such as their latest selection of white gold wedding bands, is expanding frequently, so customers will be sure to find a ring that suits their personal style and budget. As most brides and grooms quickly learn, the options are endless when shopping with Apples of Gold. They have wedding bands forged from traditional metals like yellow gold, white gold and platinum. They also offer a wealth of stylish wedding rings cast in silver for the budget-conscious. Apples of Gold also boasts wedding rings in rose gold, for an extra flair of color. For those couples looking for a completely unique experience, there are rings made of non-traditional metals including titanium and cobalt that still offer an abundance of designs.
Couples looking to exchange the perfect personalized ring should consider an engraved band from Apples of Gold. Their collection of personalized wedding bands online is extensive and full of gorgeous designs. An engraved wedding band from Apples of Gold can come in sterling silver, white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, or platinum, by request. Their wedding rings feature the best in engraving, with special phrases, wedding vows, verses, and even handwritten notes exquisitely carved into the ring. Engraved rings can feature the special writing on their outside of the band for all to see, or as a personal message just for the bride or groom. Rings with the writing on the inner band can have varied finishes or designs to adorn the outer band. 
The beauty of buying wedding bands online is that you can take all the time you need to search for that perfect ring without the rush of a salesperson or the pressure of a stifling storeroom. Apples of Gold makes shopping for your wedding ring affordable and enjoyable, all with their quality guarantee.
The Average Cost of A Wedding
Very few days have as big an impact on a person’s life as their wedding day. In many ways, it’s not at all surprising that this life-changing event often comes about through some serious spending as brides and grooms seek to make it full of memories that they’ll cherish forever.
Although the recession caused wedding spending to take a hit in recent years, it is slowly on the rise again and fewer couples are claiming that the economy has impacted their wedding budgets.
Average Cost of a Wedding
A 2010 survey of nearly 19,000 brides by the popular wedding website The Knot revealed that the average cost of a wedding in the United States is approximately $27,000. This number takes into account the one in five brides who spend over $30,000 on their wedding and the 12 percent who spend over $40,000. This figure also varies greatly depending on location; couples in Manhattan spend an average of over $70,000 on their nuptials, while brides and grooms in Utah shell out just over $13,000.
The Engagement Ring
The purchase that kicks off wedding spending is often one of the largest expenses involved: the average amount spent for an engagement ring is $5,392. This average takes into account both rings that are bought on a tight budget, such as sterling silver styles or those featuring white topaz or cubic zirconia, and those at the other end of the spending spectrum, such as platinum rings with numerous sizeable diamonds.
Unlike the cash that’s poured into a reception venue or wedding flowers, the money that’s used to purchase an engagement ring gives the bride a lasting symbol of love and an object of beauty. Few aspects of a wedding will last long after the big day, except in photographs, but the engagement ring endures, making it an investment rather than something to enjoy for just hours.
The Wedding Band
Wedding bands are also investments, although most couples spend considerably less on both of these rings than on an engagement ring. The average cost of a wedding band for the bride is $1,129, and for a band for the groom, it’s a little less: $907. Like the average cost of an engagement ring, these numbers take into account both budget purchases and splurges.
Interestingly, when spending on other aspects of a wedding dropped due to the recession, spending on wedding rings rose. As couples cut back on bigger-ticker items such as a reception venue and a band, they invested more money in lasting symbols of commitment—ones that will endure through richer or poorer.
Average spending on wedding jewelry totals over $7,400, but the true worth of these pieces can’t be given a price tag. They’re daily reminders of your love and your promise to keep on loving no matter what.
The Wedding Dress
While a wedding dress may be thought of by many to be a big expense, it rates well below many other wedding expenses. Brides spend an average of approximately $1,100 on gown, less than they do on flowers and décor, a ceremony site or a videographer.
Wedding Photographer
Hiring a photographer costs an average of over twice as much as a wedding dress, with the price of preserving memories in pictures cashing in at about $2,300. Spending on a videographer is considerably less, averaging under $1,500.
Wedding Ceremony & Decor
Most couples spend much less for their wedding ceremony than they do for the reception. They shell out an average of $500 for music for the ceremony, as well as $1,400 for the ceremony site, less than an eighth of what they spend on the site of the reception. The ceremony site is also less costly than flowers and other décor, on which couples spend an average of $2,000.
The Reception, Music, Transportation
The biggest wedding expense by far is the reception venue, which costs, on average, over $12,000. Hiring a band for the reception also requires some serious cash, with couples spending about $3,000 for live music. Those who choose to hire a DJ instead save over $2,000: a DJ costs an average of just $900. Although not all couples choose to hire a limousine or transportation service or rent a car to take them to their reception, their spending on wedding day transportation costs averages at $667.
The average couple spends $149 per guest on their wedding, and with an average of 141 guests this adds up. However, with nearly a quarter of couples choosing to have destination weddings, guests often spend at least this amount on overnight accommodations, not to mention the cost of travel.
Wedding Invitations
No matter where the wedding is held, asking guests to attend costs relatively little, with the average cost of wedding invitations adding up to just over $350.
Wedding Favors & Catering
Favors are an even smaller expense, with the average couple spending just $222 for guests’ take-home goodies. Catering makes up a large percentage of spending on guests; an average of $61 per head is paid for catering services. The wedding cake is a comparatively small expenditure, averaging $540, with the majority of couples opting for a traditional tiered cake.
Couples also spend a bit on feeding those involved in their wedding at the rehearsal dinner. On average, this meal sets them back $1,127.
Wedding Planner
So, how does a couple decide exactly how they’ll be spending their wedding budget? Often, it’s with the help of a wedding planner. One in three brides hires such an individual to help them coordinate their big day, a service which costs an average of $1,753.
The Honeymoon
In addition to the money that’s spent on the wedding itself, couples shell out significant dough for a honeymoon: an average of over $4,450 for a trip that’s an average of eight days long, not including travel time. At over $500 per day, this trip isn’t cheap, and a contributing factor is the fact that more than seven in 10 couples travel outside of the continental United States. While most couples pay for a honeymoon on their own (as opposed to receiving funding from parents, as is often the case for many aspects of the wedding), 12 percent register for their honeymoon, allowing wedding guests to contribute toward travel costs.
Honeymoon spending seems to have been relatively unaffected by the lackluster economy. In fact, over one in five couples spend more than $6,000 on a post-wedding trip.
With couples spending more than the equivalent of a year’s worth of college, wedding expenses often top the amount that’s poured into a car or even the down payment on a house. However, not all of this cash goes toward once-and-done purchases. The money that’s spent on engagement and wedding rings can be considered an investment, with symbols of love and commitment that will last a lifetime as the payoff.
Source of Engagement Ring pictured above: applesofgold.com carries gold jewelry and diamond engagement rings.
Source of Average Cost of A Wedding: TheKnot
Non-Traditional Wedding Rings from applesofgold.com
Your love is anything but ordinary—why settle for a wedding band that’s run of the mill? Non-traditional wedding rings offer a wide array of ways to express the unique love you share through metals options beyond classic gold, silver and platinum, as well as designs that stand out from the crowd.
Several unique metals are often featured in non-traditional wedding rings. Titanium, a non-traditional metals that’s growing in popularity, is strong enough for aircraft but remarkably lightweight. Apples of Gold’s selection of titanium wedding bands includes:
- The Titanium Hammered Wedding Band Ring is available in your choice of three finishes. Its pounded surface gives the classic rounded band an appealing update.
- The Black Titanium Concave Wedding Band Ring features both a unique metal and an out-of-the-ordinary shape. This satin-finish band curves inward from high-polished edges, drawing eyes in with it. The cool, dark color of black titanium oozes class and will last for decades to come. The unique look of black titanium isn’t a finish or coating—it’s a part of the metal itself, which means it will never wear away.
Cobalt is another metal found in some non-traditional wedding rings. Like titanium, cobalt wedding bands are also very strong. In addition, it’s scratch-resistant, shatter-proof and can be polished to an extraordinarily high shine.
- The Cobalt Maltese Black Diamond Cross Ring features both a unique metal and unique stones: black diamonds. Six of these gems accent the center of six carved Maltese crosses. The antiqued finish of this band is both aged and up to date.
- The Plain High-Polished Cobalt Wedding Band showcases the supreme luster of cobalt. The mirror-like shine of this ring is a stunning addition to a traditional design.
Other non-traditional wedding rings combine classic metals with up-to-the-minute designs, giving new life to silver and gold. For example:
- The Two-Halves One Flesh Wedding Band Ring combines two traditional metals—white gold and yellow gold—to form a graceful symbol of the unity between a husband and wife. The two colors curve together in union, creating a modern look that’s full of meaning.
- The Silver Carved Paisley Wedding Band is a prime example of fine artistry and innovative design. Curving carved motifs curl gracefully around this ring, bordered by both beaded and high-polished edges.
From the sleek, modern look of black titanium to the stunning luster of cobalt to the designs that infuse traditional metals with new life, non-traditional wedding rings allow you to express your unique love. Their one-of-a-kind looks are a refreshing way to show that your relationship is like no other.
Wedding Favors and Essentials for Your Wedding
TheKnot Wedding Shop is one of the most inclusive websites offering wedding favors, gifts, wedding invitations, and accessories for all of your wedding needs.
For a big brand e-tailor like TheKnot, you would think that prices would be somewhat high, but they are surprisingly not. They accept competitor coupons and have an every day price match guarantee.
They also carry personalized holders & accessories like the colorful, creative wedding holders (shown left). As of 2012, the price for these is about $1.40 per box with personalization!
I was married before I learned of TheKnot.Com; if I had to do it over again, I would definitely go through them for as many of my wedding favors and accessories as possible. Shopping is easy, selection is vast, and prices are cheap!
You may not be able to order your wedding cake or find your wedding bands at TheKnot shop, but you can pretty much find just about everything else!
