Friday, June 14, 2013

Top Engagement Ring Trends!

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Engagement rings are something all us girls love to talk about (and you don't even need to have a boyfriend!). Here is a blog post from Martin Commins from 'The Perfect Ring'. You can have a look for yourselves and see what there is to offer on www.perfectring.ie.


When it comes to choosing the perfect engagement ring, many options exist for brides to be. The increased use of social media and the internet has made the choice almost endless.

A few years ago, people were confined to selecting a diamond ring from their local jewellers and being content with what was available. Today however, we receive updates with every celebrity engagement along with images of their ring. We are kept updated with trends and fashions from other countries and we have a huge range of engagement rings to choose from.  New jewellers have emerged during recent years who can create bespoke engagement rings – you can design your own diamond ring from metal, diamond shape and the shank design with thousands of options to choose from.
 
The view that a diamond ring is just a ring is truly gone. It is seen as the first purchase in the wedding planning process and is also seen as the most important piece of jewellery you will ever wear. While a designer pair of shoes or a hand bag will eventually wear away or go out of fashion, an engagement ring is the only thing you will wear every day of your life.  For this reason, people’s budget for the diamond ring has not reduced dramatically over the recent past. This is testament to the view that women hold that their ring is their most prized possession.

What designs are most popular
 

 1) With a huge selection of engagement rings to choose from, it is interesting to note that a plain solitaire round cut diamond is the most popular engagement ring.  It’s interesting to note that the simple solitaire, while being most popular has declined in popularity over the past two years due mainly to the increased popularity in alternative styles that now exist.
 
 
 
 
2) Increasing in popularity over the past few years is ‘fancy cut diamonds’. These are basically diamonds which are not round. Princess cut diamonds (square diamonds), oval cut diamonds, marquise cut and emerald cut diamonds have all increased in popularity as many brides to be are looking for something a little bit ‘different’.  These less common diamond shapes give a ring a more unique look while still staying true to the concept of a diamond ring.
 
 
 
 
3) Sapphires are increasing in popularity over the past few years, mainly due to Kate Middleton. Sapphires are a less expensive alternative to diamonds and can be a pretty alternative to diamonds also.




 


4) There is also a celebrity influence on our decisions regarding our engagement rings and in particular regarding many women’s decision to choose a coloured diamond. This is a much more expensive option as coloured diamonds are very rare and mainly reserved for the very wealthy and the famous.  Yellow diamonds and pink diamonds can exist at a reasonable budget and are a real statement of individuality. 

 
5) Other gem stones are also increasing in popularity, namely emeralds, rubies and topaz being the most popular alternatives available and are usually less expensive to traditional diamonds.
 




 
6) Antique diamonds have always been popular but have increased in popularity over the past few years due in part to the popularity of tv programmes set in Art Deco and Edwardian periods. These rare pieces of jewellery do come at a premium but are a genuine one of a kind and have a history behind them.
 
 
 
 

Whatever your style is, make sure you find your perfect engagement ring and find the style that you prefer and most of all that suits your tastes. Your ring should represent your personality and represent you – try on as many as you can and don’t settle for anything less than perfection within your budget.

You can see a range of engagement rings from many Irish jewellers at www.perfectring.ie. All of the rings above can be found on the website.


continue reading "Top Engagement Ring Trends!"

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Five Budgeting Tips For a New Couple

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This is a guest post from Madyson Grant. She is a small business owner and a professional writer. Her passion for helping others fuels her writing and her search for more helpful information.
 
 
 
 
New couples have many worries. No matter how long you have been together, a fresh marriage brings a host of changes. Foremost among these changes are matters of budget. Shortly after marriage is a time when finances become a joint effort, and creating a budget that works for both of you is essential. Here are five tips for new couples to make the transition easier!
 
 
1. Decide on Detail
 
 
 
The less discretionary income you have as a couple, the more you need to keep track of it. It's easy to keep track of the major income and expenses -- job income, groceries, insurance, rent or house payments and the like -- but it's much harder to keep track of every penny. Don't bog down your relationship with a detailed report of every penny spent, but don't forget about the minor purchases that add up to hundreds each month.
 
 
 
 
 
2. Mistakes Happen
 
At some point, your budget will be derailed. It might be a large, unplanned expense. It might be the slow attrition caused by a daily candy bar. When your budget is off, it is no one's fault. Don't blame each other and argue over lost money. Get a Sigue money transfer from parents or friends, adjust your budget and learn from the mistake.
 
 
3. Joint Venture
 
Marriage brings couples together. It also brings together their finances. Chances are, one of you is a planner and one of you prefers to avoid such detail. No matter what, sit down and make your budget together. You are both adults. You both have financial responsibility. Participate in a joint budget, help keep track of it and work through any mistakes that come up. Otherwise, you'll end up with one partner holding the reigns and the other forced to argue for every cent.
 
 
 
4. Plan Ahead
 
Budgeting isn't all about watching your pennies drift through your fingers. It's a way to calculate how much money you can put aside, so you can plan for the future. Discuss your financial hopes, large purchases and dream vacations. Then work those dreams into the budget as savings goals.
 
 
 
 
 
5. Keep Going
 
Budgets are hard to put together. They're even harder to stick to on a daily basis. Make sure you put forth as much effort as possible to maintain your budget, even if it means hard choices. Maybe you shouldn't get that daily candy bar if it means another year before you can buy a car. In the end, your budget is a tool to help you work as a couple and a family. It helps you prepare for the future in a mechanical, visible way. It may be difficult, but when you make that dream purchase years down the line, it will all be worth it.
 
 
 
Images courtesy of Madyson Grant, Studio Wed Nashville, Cantor Records & Dynamite Weddings.
continue reading "Five Budgeting Tips For a New Couple"

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Ten Reasons why you should come along to The Carlton Shearwater Hotel's Wedding Fair this Sunday!

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1. I'll be there :)

2. The function room at the Carlton Shearwater Hotel is stunningly beautiful! Decorated in stunning purple & gold Art Deco Print Wallpaper their room is perfect if you are planning a Great Gatsby Themed Wedding or indeed some of the 1920s. { Or if you just want a luxurious setting for your big day!! }

3. Ill be chatting about all the top wedding trends for 2013 and 2014!

4. There will be loads of great wedding suppliers on hand during the afternoon for you to chat with/ sample and book for your big day!

5. You'll get the opportunity to see how you can make an Heirloom Bouquet from brooches yourself { because I will be showing brides and grooms how to do just that! }

6. The food at the Carlton Shearwater Hotel is to die for! If food is important to you on your wedding, get yourselves down to the wedding fair quick smart and choose from one of their fantastic wedding packages!

7. The Carlton Shearwater Hotel has a terrific little enclosed & private courtyard off their function room, ideal for photos, somewhere for the kiddies to play safely or maybe somewhere a little special for you to do something a little different for your entertainment, with your evening food or even your speeches?!

8. The staff at the Carlton Shearwater Hotel are like family... your family! They are all sooooooo nice and welcoming and they just make you want to stay forever!

9. Did I mention the beds.... yes they are the comfiest and snuggliest... you and all your guests will be very happy you stayed there!!

10. And if all that wasn't enough, the tenth reason you should definitely go to the Carlton Shearwater Hotel's Wedding Fair this Sunday is, their Experience, their Value and their excellent Wedding Packages!

I hope to see you all there, and do pop by and say hello!!

Marina Point, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway 
Sunday, June 16th
2pm - 6pm 




continue reading "Ten Reasons why you should come along to The Carlton Shearwater Hotel's Wedding Fair this Sunday! "

Friday, June 7, 2013

The DIY Wedding Event with IKEA Dublin: Part Two

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For those of you who missed Part One, do check it out for fabulous DIY ideas for your wedding ceremony and drinks reception; including a mosquito net wedding ceremony focal point, an heirloom bouquet made from curtain pole ends, fabric flowers, a wishing tree and a very easy photo booth idea!

Up in Part Two of The DIY Wedding Event with IKEA Dublin round up we have:

  • A Magnetic Table Plan 
  • An adorable way to present your cutlery
  • Sash Escort Cards 
  • A hanging centerpiece 
  • Net Curtain Overlays 
  • Rose Fold Napkins { that take 10 seconds } 
  • A Fairy Light Back Drop made from Net Curtains 
  • A stunning Photo Booth 
  • A ceiling rose { from net curtains that cost €6.00 for the pair! } 
  • Super Simple Wedding Favours 
  • And a little childhood fun for adults! 
{ Big Shout Out to my dear dear friend Susan Kennedy from Lensmen PR & Photographic Agency who came along and took these great photos of the event... Susan is an absolute doll, do check her out if you are yet to choose your wedding photographer! }









Would you believe that that table overlay is actually a net curtain?? 


This easy peasy Table Plan was made from a magnetic notice board, fabric, lace, card and some magnets! Simple & Sweet!! 


This stunning rose napkin fold only takes 10 seconds and can be prepared weeks before your wedding and boxed up for delivery to your venue, if its not something they can supply for! 







What do you think of my fun & funky photobooth? 



Milk & Cookies { from these adorable milk bottles, available at IKEA of course, would make a super midnight snack for your partying guests! }




The whole DIY Wedding Event at IKEA was a dream come true for me. It was a delight and an honour to be allowed into the store and create such {great} looks and DIY ideas to share with you all... as I mentioned before, there is a chance, due to the massive demand to attend both evenings, that it will be run again, so be sure you to keep you eyes peeled and sign up to our newsletter for future news!! 

Big thank you again to IKEA and all their amazing staff and of course to each and everyone of you who attended!! 



continue reading "The DIY Wedding Event with IKEA Dublin: Part Two "

The DIY Wedding Event with IKEA Dublin: Part One

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It's hard to believe after all the hard { but extremely fun } work we put in that the DIY Wedding Event with IKEA Dublin has been and gone :)

A massive thank you to all who came out on during possibly the warmest and sunniest weather Ireland has seen in some time! Both nights were filled to the brim with eager couples and some of their wedding party. I know some of you missed out on tickets due to them being snapped up so quickly... but a little birdie tells me you might just got another opportunity to come along and see the 4 terrific scenes we created and see the amazing { if I do say so myself } and very simple DIY Wedding Projects we created before peoples eyes { so stay tuned }!

So who would like to see some pictures?

{ Big Shout Out to my dear dear friend Susan Kennedy from Lensmen PR & Photographic Agency who came along and took these great photos of the event... Susan is an absolute doll, do check her out if you are yet to choose your wedding photographer! }








I was so excited to create, design and style four wedding scenes using IKEA products and as many DIY Wedding Ideas as I could! Each of the DIY Wedding projects I used were super simple, some requiring no skill or previous experience and one only takes about 10 seconds to complete! { And yes, someone did time me; I did it in less than 9 :) }


The wedding ceremony's main focal point was the Mosquito Net { only €8.00!! } decorated with artificial flowers { from 80c } with two matching floor lamps { yes, those are lights! } decorated with matching flowers and of course, from the ceiling we hung these fantastic paper cranes to tie in with the hugely popular bird trend that will be for weddings in 2013 & 2014!

We showed couples how to make those lovely fabric flowers which we've used to decorate the bride & grooms bench and how they could be incorporated into pew ends or indeed {made on a smaller scale } made into an Heirloom Bouquet.






I showed couples how easy it is to make an Heirloom Bouquet from .... Curtain Pole Ends!! Yes... not brooches or buttons but Curtain Pole Ends... :)

NEXT UP....

Was the Drinks Reception Scene and the main focus here was our Candy Station, created using IKEA's new Pic 'n' Mix Station... { only €1.50 for 100g !!! } .... the sweets are divine, {quality control is important to me so I had a little taste or two :) }

We also showed couples how quick & easy it is to create a wishing tree as a guest book alternative and we created a great photo {booth} op for couples & guests using a simple screen and some bright colourful chairs & cushions... traditionally at a Swedish wedding this is where the bride & groom would sit and open up all the gifts and envelopes in front of their guests! { A tradition not to many Irish couples who attended the event where keen to adopt for their own weddings :) }











So that completes Part One of the DIY Wedding Event at IKEA Dublin... do check back later for Part Two which features the Wedding Reception and 'Party' Scenes... you wont want to miss the stunning rose napkin folds I used { that take 10 seconds }, how I took net curtains and made a table overlay, fairy light back drop and a ceiling rose feature for a first dance, as well as an easy peasy magnetic table plan and a Photobooth from material and picture frames!



continue reading "The DIY Wedding Event with IKEA Dublin: Part One "

Friday, May 31, 2013

Wedding Photography Advice For Couples For Their Wedding Day

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This piece is written by a guest blogger photographer Liam Kidney!
 
I decided to write this piece to help couples on their wedding day, with practical advice that I have built up from experience over the past few years.
Bi Ullamh (Be Prepared):  The old Scout “Motto” is very important on your wedding day! 
Photographer:  If possible try and meet your photographer before your big day to discuss your wedding plans in detail. It is important that you work out how much time you want to spend getting your photos taken.  Check out locations with him if he hasn’t covered your area before.  I store all the locations for a wedding in my Sat Nav and this reduces the chances significantly of getting lost on your big day.  Have a fine weather plan and a plan B if it is raining. If everybody is singing off the same hymn sheet it makes the day run smoothly and will be easier for all involved. 
I would also recommend an engagement shoot.  This gives couples an opportunity to get used to being photographed together before their big day.  These photos are often used for invites and signature pictures for the wedding.  You can read more about the advantages of doing an Engagement shoots on my blog here :  http://liamkidney.com/blog/index.php/wedding/the-advantages-of-doing-an-engagement-shoot-before-your-wedding-irish-wedding-photographer/
Family Shots:  Let your families know when you plan to do the family shots.  I normally take them in the church or on the church grounds because it is easier when everybody is in the one spot.  Trying to find your siblings in the hotel bar, toilets or rooms can be a bit of nightmare at times, believe me! 
Normally Family shots consist of the following:
Bride and Groom & Bride's Parents
Bride and Groom, Bride's Parents & Bride's Siblings
Bride and Groom, Bride's Parents, Bride's Siblings, partners and children.
Bride and Groom, Bride's Parents & Groom's Parents
Bride and Groom, Bride's Parents & Groom's Parents
Bride and Groom  & Groom's Parents
Bride and Groom , Groom's Parents and Groom's Siblings
Bride and Groom , Groom's Parents, Groom's Siblings, Partners and Children.
If there are Grandparents you would normally include them in the family photos.  You generally don't include the extended family (Aunts and Uncles, cousins etc.) due to time constraints.
Flowers: I would recommend ordering one or two extra flowers for the wedding party.  I have seen the flowers break when being put on the suits the morning of the wedding!   Also the pins for the flowers should not be more than a inch and half long.  I have seen some over two inches long and they cause a big problem if the groom is wearing a suit with a narrow lapel.  I would also recommend the magnetic flower Catch(instead of pins) for the mothers of the bride and groom.
General Advice: You should have some basic equipment on standby by for your big day.  I would suggest having some large plain coloured umbrellas (without sponsorship if possible!) in the wedding cars.  A couple of times this year the groom’s men have ferried guests to the car using umbrellas. 
A nice wooden hanger for the Bride's dress is good for photos.   Also, the bride should remember that she will be photographed before the wedding dress is on and should be dressed bearing that in mind!
A few white towels are good if the bride wants to sit down on the grass or a bench for a few photos. Also, a few baby wipes are great for emergencies  in case of a spillage on the dress! 
If you are going to a location like a beach for a shoot, sometimes runners, flat shoes or Ugg boots are a good idea.   These will be hidden under the dress.  I also recommend extra jackets if it’s cold for the bridesmaids and bride.  These can be taken off just before the photographs are being taken.
Make sure your bridesmaids know how to tie up the back of the bride's dress.  Practice it inside the shop before the day of your wedding!!  Some dresses can be complicated and time consuming to get right!  On average a zip dress will take 2mins to put on, a button dress will take 15mins and a corset dress will take 30mins.  There is nothing worse than a bride panicking because her sister can’t remember how to tie up the dress forty minutes later.  So practice makes perfect.   Also, make sure they know how to “tie the dress up” for the dancing later.  There has being many a first dance delayed by this!
 
On The Day Of Your Wedding: I know on the morning of the wedding bride and groom will be nervous but it’s important to eat a good breakfast.  It will set you up for the day!
Don’t fret over the weather.  You have no control over it so just “roll” with it.   It makes our job as photographers a little tougher because all the photographs are inside but any qualified photographer should be able to work in all weather conditions.  For the record the best light for photographs is when it is overcast and dry.  The light is very soft which is great for photos.  Sunshine causes as many problems as rain because of the harsh light and glare etc.... A lot of time you end up putting the couple in the shade!
Hair and Makeup: It is very important the Bride gets her Hair and Makeup done First rather than waiting for the Bridesmaids or sisters etc.  (Some hairdressers and Makeup artists prefer to leave the bride till the end)
The reasons for this are as follows:
The Bride will get more stressed while she is waiting for the other girls to get ready. This won’t help her nerves before the church.
Things always take longer on the day than it did in your trials.
It will give the bride more time in the  morning and means she will be more relaxed.  A relaxed bride photographs a lot better than a stressed one!
I have seen the scenario in the past where the bride has been left to last.  The stress build and the panic as she is trying to get in to the  dress is not a pleasant one.
If things do get delayed it’s not such a big deal if one of the bridesmaids have to be rushed afterwards.  You definitely don’t want to rush the Bride’s makeup.
Having it done early means you’ll spot potential hair/makeup problems and have time to fix them.
You can do photographs with the Bride when the Bridesmaid’s are getting ready but not the other way around!
Alcohol: Don't drink too much the night before the wedding.  The last thing you want on your wedding day is a hangover!! 
Try not to drink too much alcohol before the wedding.  Some champagne is fine and is great at soothing the nerves, but try and avoid shorts like Vodka in particular.
Keep the wedding party happy:  Keeping the wedding party content is key  to getting the best wedding group photos.  It is important that they are informed of your wedding day plans for photographs in advance.  It also helps to ensure that they have plenty of supplies.  I would recommend plenty of bottled water, sandwiches, chocolate and maybe some champagne for the wedding party.  It will help to  keep everybody’s spirits up for the photos!
Don’t fret over the small things:  I understand that the bride puts an awful lot of time and thought in to the fine detail but don’t get upset if there are a few mishaps.  If the wrong flowers are delivered your guests won’t even notice and there is no point stressing over it.  More than likely it will be too late to change it so don’t let it ruin your day.
The most important bit of advice I can give is to enjoy your day.  The more relaxed you are the better your wedding photographs are.  Sit back and enjoy your big day.  Enjoy the pre-wedding nerves, the hair dressers, the makeup and the “craic” when you’re getting ready.  When you’re walking up the aisle to marry the man you love it will be all worthwhile.
Enjoy the time you have in the wedding car.  It is probably the only quiet time you will have together.  Most couples always say that it is one of the best times of the day.  Time to reflect on the madness all around you!!!
After the ceremony, don’t worry about your friends or relatives.  They will look after themselves and they will understand if you don’t have too much time to talk to them all before the meal.   In the end it is your special day and they all appreciate that.  That is after all why they are there!!!
 
Please check out his blog under http://www.liamkidney.com/blog
Photographs by Liam Kidney.
 
continue reading "Wedding Photography Advice For Couples For Their Wedding Day"

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

The Ultimate List of Emergency supplies for the Big Day!

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Wedding days can be very long and anything can happen! It is necessary to be prepared for slight disasters or sicknesses and to provide products for freshening up. I'm not even talking about just for the bridal party, this is also for your....dare I be sexist.....female guests (men really don't pamper or need to fix themselves!). It is becoming very common for brides to prepare a 'kit' for the ladies toilets that has absolutely everything that someone may need on the day of the wedding. This is also a great survival kit for the bride and bridesmaids themselves, double up on what you purchase and everyone will be happy!



 



 
 Looking after the do's

- hairspray
- bobbi pins
- hair bobons
- soft hairbands
- dry hair shampoo
- hair brush
- comb

Smelling nice!

- deodorant
- body spray
- choices of perfume

For fresh breath!

- mouthwash
- toothpicks
- breathmints
- tic tacs

Nails

- nail file
- nail polish remover
- handcream
- selection of common nail colours (for chips)

Fresh Faced

- face wipes
- cleanser
- moisturiser
- water spray
- vaseline


Little fixes

- sewing kit
- clear nail polish for runs in tights
- safety pins
- scotch tape
- hem tape
- matches
- scissors
- plasters
- white chalk (masks stains)

Things you wouldn't think of

- cotton wool
- tampons/sanitary towels
- krazy glue (for fixing heels, fascinators, fasteners on shoes/bags!)
- suncream (depending on the time of year)
- extra earring backs
- eye drops
- tweezers
- babywipes
- cotton buds
- talcum powder
- contact lenses solution
- stain remover pen

Medication

- paracetamol
- ibuprofen
- cough lozengers
- motilium
- tylenol
- antacid
- blister protection


Cute touches

- flip flops in several sizes (for sore feet!)
- smelling salts (in case anyone feels faint - it does work!)
- spare sets of nude coloured tights
- bottles of water
- energy bars
- party feet
- makeup essentials (if budget or your own collection allows)
- universal phone charger
- batteries (for cameras)
 
This may solve any incidents like this one!!!
 
 
Images courtesy of Beautify Bride, Wilmington Bride, EA bride, Pinterest,  Premier Bridal Magazine
continue reading "The Ultimate List of Emergency supplies for the Big Day!"