By Kara Horner

Thinking about popping the question, but aren’t quite sure where to start? Consider turning to a proposal planner for help. That’s right, proposal planners, such as Planning for Dudes — who are dedicated to helping you blow her away with your marriage proposal — can ensure that your special moment goes off without a hitch. Not sure if a proposal planner is right for you? Here are a few reasons to consider their services:

1. Creativity. Let’s face it; it can be difficult to come up with a unique proposal idea on your own. A proposal planner can tell you what they’ve seen, what’s been overdone, and help you come up with a creative and truly personal proposal that’s unique to you and your future fiancée.

2. Bling. Even if you have an idea of what type of ring she’d love, it can be a daunting job finding the perfect engagement ring. A proposal planner can help you find a ring that will wow her without wiping out your bank account.

3. Planning and coordination. Sounds simple enough, right? Instead of going it alone and forgetting an important detail that’s key to your proposal, a planner can map out every element and ensure that everything goes according to plan on the day of the proposal, including sourcing venues, transportation, vendors, custom elements, and even arranging how the two of you will celebrate afterward.

4. Logistics. Once you’ve determined your proposal plan, carrying it out (and keeping it a surprise) can be another logistical nightmare. A proposal planner can help you iron out all the details, such as pre-planning the timeline, getting her to your pre-arranged proposal location, keeping oblivious bystanders from interfering, and enlisting friends, family members, venue staff, etc. to keep up the ruse until you’re ready to pop the big question.

5. Capturing the moment. A proposal planner can help you capture this major life moment (as well as her amazing reaction) as it happens by arranging to have a professional photographer or videographer hidden in a nearby location to capture the action from afar.

Planning for Dudes was established after seeing a huge need for guys to have a little bit of help with the planning of their proposal. Kelly Simants, Owner of Sweet Pea Events, is the Founder and creative mind behind Planning for Dudes. She is located in Dallas and also has offices in Seattle and New York City.

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Which of the five proposal planner resources listed above would help you the most? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

By Sharon, Genesis Diamonds

Perhaps the title of this blog is a little misleading. Engagement rings are not pieces of clothing that are bought every season according to a new hotter color or trend. Engagement rings are for life and as a rule cost a heck of a lot more than your average piece of clothing. Consequently, engagement ring styles for spring/summer will be the same as those for autumn/winter.

When it comes to selecting an engagement ring it is a totally subjective matter. There should be one rule and one rule only – buy the engagement ring that your fiancé loves within the constraints of your budget. Thankfully there are a number of designers who specialize in the manufacture of engagement rings. They offer a comprehensive range of rings to suit every taste and budget and due to their ability to buy in bulk they can afford to pass on the savings from their economies of scale.

If you are looking for classically designed rings with a modern twist and incredible attention to detail than look no further than Tacori engagement rings. It is these attributes that make Tacori engagement rings among the most popular on the market. And with over 200 ring designs in their catalog, there is sure to be something your fiancé will love.

If by chance there is nothing that your fiancé loves than it may be styles like Ritani that take her fancy. Ritani engagement rings are renowned for their intricacy and beautifully adorned designs. And if there is an idea that your fiancé has for that dream ring, the designers at Ritani will work with her to create a custom ring to her exact specifications.

It may be rings such as Simon G. rings that take her fancy though. Wildly popular and highly sought after, Simon G. engagement rings mix classical design with modernity and refinement to create a ring that will look as fresh and appealing at your 50th wedding anniversary as it did when you first bought it. Simon G. also has a celebrated line of men’s engagement rings, so perhaps you can find something else that you have in common – a love for Simon G. engagement rings.

Whereas Ritani is the master of cutting a diamond to maximize its brilliance, Simon G. uses almost exclusively a diamond from Botswana – the patented Swana Diamond. These diamond have an 89 facet cut that displays an immaculate eight-pointed star in the heart of the diamond that amplifies the stone’s brilliance. Either way, you can’t go wrong.

Diamonds have been around for millennia and engagement rings for centuries. The styles of ring settings may have changed and evolved over the years but you will find similar styles today to what was manufactured over a century ago. Classical elegance is always in vogue – irrespective of the season.

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Planning on popping the question this summer? Which of the engagement ring styles pictured above fits your girl’s style the most? Tell us in the comment section below.

Let’s face it, guys. Shopping for jewelry probably isn’t too high on the list of wedding planning activities you’re most looking forward to. This is probably due to jewelry shopping horror stories you’ve heard from friends and families. It’s a fair point, but one that doesn’t have to hold true. One of the most intimate ways you can get involved in wedding planning is actually designing your own custom wedding jewelery.

Intrigued?

We recently had the opportunity to talk with Seattle’s Joseph Jewelry about just how simple it can be to design your own engagement ring or wedding bands. Joseph Jewelry specializes in creating custom jewelry that fits your style and budget. Instead of going to the obligatory chain store and browsing hundreds of rings that were designed with the mass consumer in mind, YOU get to work directly with Joseph’s professional designers to truly craft the ring(s) of your dreams. The process may sound complex but it’s anything but. Here’s the quick five-step guide on how it works:

Step 1: Design Your experience begins with an initial (free) consultation where you’ll meet with one of Joseph’s skilled jewelry artisans to discuss style ideas and view finished examples. If you’re a tech guy, you’ll enjoy viewing computer generated images that will show what your end product will look like. This consultation is all about forming a personal bond with the artisan who will be creating a piece of jewelry that you’ll wear for the rest of your life.

If you’re on a solo custom engagement ring shopping trip, don’t forget to go have a solid idea of what her preferences are BEFORE heading to the consultation.

Custom Filigree Diamond Engagement Ring

Step 2: Quote Joseph Jewelry prides themselves on crafting beautiful, custom jewelry that stays within your budget. Once your design and choice of gemstone and metal quality are decided on, an estimate will be provided.

Step 3: 3D Modeling Now the fun can begin. Using your custom design, a 3D model of your ring will be created. Changes can still be made to the piece throughout this process — without a price change, in most cases. Once the 3D model is completed, it’s sent to you for edits and approval.

Custom Men’s Mokume Wedding Band

Step 4: Wax Molds The next step is using  stereo lithography technology to create a wax version of your custom design. This version is to scale, so you’ll be able to get the look and feel of the real thing (only in wax). For your convenience, this model can be viewed at Joseph Jewelry or mailed worldwide.

Step 5: Production Your creation comes to life! Production times vary, but plan on the processing taking 3-4 weeks. After you receive your jewelry, your relationship with Joseph Jewelry doesn’t have to end. They offer an array of additional services including appraisals, certifications, repair work, engraving and more.

Learn more and being the ring building experience by connecting with Joseph Jewelry on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter & Google Plus.

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Have you considered going with custom rings?  How would your perfect engagement ring or wedding band look? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

By Sandy Moore, PennsylvaniaEnergy.org

Your wedding day will be the best day of your entire life. It’ll also be one of the most lavish days of your life. From food and travel to décor and drinks, your wedding is sure to be a massively consumptive affair.

You deserve it though! It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you shouldn’t have to sweat over the reception facility’s decision to use two-ply toilet paper instead of one-ply. But if you’re looking to make a few personal eco-friendly adjustments to your day on the altar, here’s what you can do to be an earth friendly groom:

1. Dress smart. Your wedding day will be the most memorable of your life, so you probably want everything to be just about perfect. But you don’t necessarily need everything to be completely new. Try looking around for used tuxedos that are still in good condition. They’re available in most men’s stores, and they won’t cost you a fortune like a brand new tux.

2. Dress organically. They may not be the easiest items to find, but there are a few viable options for eco-friendly haberdashery. Maybe you avoid the head-to-toe hemp suit, but instead elect to go with a vest or tie made of organic cotton. You can also be sure to research different types of dress shoes and pick a pair that’s made from products which haven’t been manufactured at the expense of animal life.

3. Think about the future. When you’re purchasing clothing, decoration and other wedding accompaniment, remember that you’re about to enter a lifelong bond. Buy things you could envision yourself making use of in the future. The easiest way for anyone to go green is through reuse.

4. Monitor yourself. Your marriage is something worth celebrating – have fun and enjoy yourself to the fullest. That said, you can always be sure to moderate how much you consume, personally. If you’re not going to eat an extra piece of cake at the reception, don’t take it from the tray. You’d be astounded at how much food and drink goes to waste after the big celebration – there’s no need to contribute to it any more than you should.

5. Be specific about the gifts. If you’ve still got some time before the date, make a point to avoid registering for items you’ll have no need for. Doubling up on toasters or TVs can be wasteful; you’re better off requesting a donation in the name of you and your bride-to-be.

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What steps are you taking to ensure an eco-friendly wedding? Tell us in the comment section below.

Special from Anjolee.com

Ladies always think that they do all the heavy lifting when it comes to their wedding, but the men have a lot to worry about too.  They just bear it in silence.  After all, there’s no room for two drama queens!  The men have a lot on their minds as well.  There are all the financial responsibilities, making sure their bride is being catered to, knowing just when to speak up, and when to shut-up; and that’s just the beginning.  On top of all this, you must bear gifts for your bride.  I am talking about one of the most valuable gifts you will ever buy her–the engagement ring, and with an overwhelming amount of options things can get messy.  Here are some pointers that will have you checking these items off your list faster than you can say “I do.”

First things first.  In order to get the show on the road there needs to be an engagement ring.  A diamond engagement ring is one option you can never go wrong with.  Elegant and timeless, a diamond ring makes a powerful statement.  If your sweetheart dreams of a “red carpet” ring, then an elaborate princess cut is the one.  Or, if she prefers a vintage charm, then look for a decadent, millgrain detailed ring.  Remember, this is the ring that she will be looking at for the rest of her life, so make sure it is one she will want to look at!

If you’re looking for a gift that will last her for years down the road, a diamond tennis bracelet is a sophisticated piece that any woman would be delighted to add to her wardrobe.  She can proudly wear this bracelet during the day when just running errands, or she can pair it with an elegant evening ensemble.  Whichever way she chooses, the row of exquisite diamonds will be sure to thrill!

Remember, happy wife, happy life.  Best of luck boys!

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Will you be surprising your bride-to-be with a wedding day surprise? Are you keeping it secret or picking it out together? Tell us in the comment section below.