By Bridal Expert Alison Rowe

If you are contemplating buying your girlfriend or fiancée a platinum engagement ring or wedding band, then congratulations, you are right on the right track! Studies have shown that more than 80% of women prefer platinum, so you can breathe a little easier knowing that you’re giving her what she wants.

What about styles though? How do you know what’s fashionable versus timeless? There are four very clear categories that are becoming increasingly popular:

Vintage–These are styles that are inspired by pieces through the centuries, generally with a nod to more intricate details like scroll work, and more antique-looking diamond cuts.

Modern–While still retaining a sentimental feel, this bolder grouping has a definite architectural sensibility. The detail is definitely there, but the overall effect is very clean.

Classic–Simplicity and elegance sum up this style to perfection.

Romantic–These styles tend to be daintier with more charming, whimsical details.

(On left) Gabriel & Co. Engagement Ring - $3,420 without center diamond. (On right) Lazare Kaplan Engagement Ring - $4,900

Another big trend right now has to do with price, and designers are definitely being more mindful of cost. They know that couples are focusing more on quality, so they are creating more affordable, accessible designs in platinum. Wedding bands and engagement ring settings start at about $500 and $800 respectively, which is great news as you’re able to afford the best, rarest, precious metal, no matter what your budget.

When it comes to choosing your own wedding band, more masculine silhouettes and textural elements— such as matte finishes, woven design elements and beveled edges–seem to be at the top of the popularity list, and the durability of platinum makes it an excellent choice for your ring. Not only will you be creating ‘metal harmony’ with your wife–another big trend–but platinum easily endures even the most active of lifestyles while still retaining its style and value.

To view platinum engagement rings and his and her wedding bands, check out the design gallery on PreciousPlatinum.com.

2010 Wedding Trends Cheat Sheet

Guest Blogger Profile: OneWed.com

Last month over at OneWed.com we released our Top 10 Wedding Trends. We know that grooms generally don’t want all the detail, so here is your cheat sheet:

1.    Personalization is in
What you need to know: You have a good tool for fighting any “must haves” or “cant dos”

2.    Bright colors are in
What you need to know: The bridesmaids dresses may be very brightly colored

3.    Green is in
What you need to know: Practice saying words like “sustainable” and “eco-friendly.”

4.    Grooms are in
What you need to know: Yeah, this is the big one for you. You need to be involved in the planning process. The upside – your opinion matters!

5.    Vintage is in
What you need to know: You may be asked to dress like a character from Mad Men. Sweet, yes?

6.    Backyard rustic chic is in
What you need to know: Your wedding may take place outside, it may have a small guest list. The color “burnt orange” may be mentioned.

7.    Spending more time with your guests is in
What you need to know: Longer cocktail hours, Hooray!

8.    Return to romance is in
What you need to know: This is about lace and tulle, nothing you need to know, move along.

9.    Food you can eat is in
What you need to know: Donuts, sliders, pizzas, French-fry bars, they’re all on the table to be on the table!

10.    Being tech savvy is in
What you need to know: Get a website, or better yet, a Wedding Pre-Party.

Guest Blogger Profile: Jennifer Napier of OneWed.com

The groom's growing involvement in wedding planning is a 2010 wedding trend.

Over at OneWed we recently released our list of Top Ten Wedding Trends for 2010. We wanted to make sure that you, the men in our lives, knew about one of the biggest trends: It’s the rise of the groom. Fight it all you want, but today’s groom is expected to stand up and make his opinions known (editor’s note – just ask The Groom Says & Ben the Groom). Of course, that also goes along with standing up and pitching in with the work. The pay-off is totally worth it though, a wedding day that revolves around the two of you, not old-fashioned opinions about what is and isn’t appropriate. So enjoy, you are officially trendy!