Weddings Here & Now

Wedding Season is any month during the year. Today's Bride is a do-it-yourselfer on a budget, unless her Parents want to shell out the big bucks for an Elaborate Shindig. She is looking to spend her dollars on the honeymoon or a new home purchase and very careful with her money.  The days of taking out a loan for the wedding of the century are long gone, and couples are more eager for destination weddings because of cost. With all the cost cutting going on, the new Bride still wants something grand to dazzle her ring finger. Lately, Guys have been stepping up their game and designing a statement piece for their Beloved to show off to her friends. How much is too much to spend on a ring?  Before you say thousands, there are many great imposters available for less these days. . 

Synthetic VS. Real Diamonds
Invented in 1954 by General Electric for industrial purposes, synthetic diamonds, also known as lab-grown, are appearing in jewelry collections around the world, triggering concerns about authenticity and value among diamond dealers, jewelry designers and collectors. While differences between a diamond and a lab-grown one may elude the naked eye, experts readily identify real vs. synthetic diamonds by analyzing them with precision spectroscopic instruments. Synthetic diamonds are cheaper than mined diamonds by about 20% to 40% on average. Man-made gems share the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds.  Synthetic diamonds are not imitation, or simulated gems – they are real diamonds that last forever.  The number one question is “Are lab-created diamonds real diamonds?” (also called man-made diamonds or lab-grown diamonds)

According to what I read, these are Real diamonds - pure crystallized carbon. Lab-created diamonds will pass all tests used to confirm a pure carbon diamond.  The only thing that makes a lab-created diamond different from a natural diamond is its origin. A lab-created diamond is “grown” inside a lab using cutting-edge technology that replicates the natural diamond growing process. The result is a man-made diamond that is chemically, physically, and optically the same as those grown beneath the Earth’s surface. They are not cubic zirconias. While not technically inaccurate, the term “synthetic” may be the reason people believe lab-created diamonds are “fake.”

Only the Groom knows for sure!

The next big Bridal purchase has been the Wedding Dress/Bridal Gown. I cannot tell you how much money I have seen Brides spend on this item.  I mean thousands of dollars! Only, to wear it for six hours & store in the attic forever. Today's smart Brides are spending less on a dress because they are shopping online. Not the bad quality dresses from sweat shops overseas, but dresses made in America. One such shop featured on the Today show was AZAZIE -   They have a fool proof system in their Wedding Dress purchase. You can select up to three Sample dresses online, pay $10.00 -$15.00 per dress for shipping. Try on in the comfort of your home and Return them in a week. Once you like the materials and style, order your very own wedding Dress based on your measurements for prices un-heard of at the local bridal Shop. Because the Dresses are made to order, the Return Policy is strict. So, be sure to read the reviews and ask questions before you Buy.  This dress caught my eye and priced at $449.00. . .

 

Creating the wedding of your dreams on a Budget takes time and Yes. . . some money. You do have to be careful how you spend it and not all DIY projects work out well.  Handling some wedding tasks yourself can be a great way to personalize your event and save money. But don't take on more than you can handle. Pick and delegate projects to those family members who are dedicated to your plan and not those you select last minute. If your Sister never made a cake to feed 100 people before, do not ask her to bake one now.  But, she has so many other skills that you can put to good use:

• Wedding DIY Ideas.
• Design and make your Bridal Veil.
• Make the Flower Girl dresses.
• DIY Wedding Floral Ideas.

Because flowers are by nature a last-minute item, doing your own arrangements is a bad idea even if you're a talented decorator. It's much more hassle than you realize. The day of your wedding you need to chill and let those who you designate function. I did the wedding bouquets for a bridal party a few years ago. The day before the wedding I made the Bridal bouquet. On the day of the wedding, I had to run out at the last minute to purchase new stems to replace the ones that turned brown. All floral arrangements can take a lot of time with unpacking and arranging, and re-arranging and you the Bride a'int got time for that!

Although you aren't likely to take your own photos, you might have a friend you're thinking of asking, but don't. If you have to cut the budget, hire a new photographer just starting out and let him use copies of your photos for his resume.  Music and Food is super important if you want to have a PARTY.  And, even though your Uncle makes the best Ribs to accompany your Great Aunt's Mac & cheese. Is that what you want to eat?  Plan your menu accordingly and do not skimp on the TASTY Food that everyone likes. YES. . you can have reception music from an MP3 player, but you must have someone to monitor it. And, variety is the spice of a great dance party. When its all said and done. . . It's your wedding and You can't hit rewind.

Choose DIY to save Money not Time.

Because you have to spend a lot of time to create your vision.

And, you need 80lbs of Patience!

** Thanks for Visiting. This post is NOT sponsored. If you like it, please comment & Email it to others.  Do your own research before you buy online and be sure to read the reviews. Don’t forget to follow me on Bloglovin  for new post updates, and on Pinterest. **