We’re dumbfounded at the prospect of staying in a terrace apartment in Paris or a beachside bungalow in Tulum, Mexico, for under $100 a night. With Airbnb, budget-conscious newlyweds now have more options for affordable honeymoon accommodations.

In homage to honeymoons that won’t break the bank, Shane Co. explored the average cost of a week-long honeymoon booked on Airbnb in over 80 cities across every continent, based on The Knot’s and Travel & Leisure’s lists of top honeymoon destinations in 2023. In each destination, we tallied up the average costs of airfare, Airbnb stays, Airbnb experiences, food, drink, and more to find the most affordable cities and countries for your dream honeymoon on a budget!

Key Findings

• Based on our study data, the average Airbnb honeymoon cost is $5,255.
• With an average cost of $6,884, Australia is the most expensive continent for an Airbnb honeymoon — 31% more expensive than the average cost.
• Turks & Caicos, Greece, and St. Barts are the most expensive countries for honeymooners staying in an Airbnb — each averages more than $7,000.
• Grace Bay in Turks & Caicos is the most expensive Airbnb honeymoon destination, averaging $9,382 — over 75% more expensive than the average cost.

Bon Voyage: The Average Cost of an Airbnb Honeymoon by Continent

Although airfare can get pricey for those beautiful honeymoon destinations in Asia, Africa, and South America, once you get there, you will be pleased to find that you can save roughly a thousand dollars on average compared to honeymoon destinations in Europe and North America. For example, eating dinner out for six nights in Cartagena, Colombia, will cost a newlywed couple $122.34 on average, while doing the same in Ibiza, Spain, will set you back $509.34.

On the other hand, a honeymoon down under might force you to go a little over budget. An Aussie vacation is costly all around, making it the most expensive continent for a romantic getaway. On Hamilton Island, for instance, the average Airbnb nightly price is $522, while a couple of round-trip tickets for Byron Bay are $3,441. If you have your heart set on the outback, you might want to start planning ahead.

Mapping Out the Cost of an Airbnb Honeymoon by Country

On the interactive map below, hover over each country to see its average Airbnb honeymoon cost and its percentage above or below the average honeymoon cost. Zoom in to get a closer look at costs on each continent!

Turks & Caicos is the most expensive country to honeymoon in by far. The cost of an Airbnb honeymoon in Grace Bay is roughly $9,382, making it over $4,000 more than the average cost. For many travelers, Grace Bay is a bucket list destination for its crystal clear waters and expansive beaches with soft white sand that stretch for miles; however, you might just have to stretch your money if you plan on visiting.

If you were thinking of saving money by honeymooning domestically, think again if your plans include visiting Aspen, Colorado, or Nantucket, Massachusetts. While you might be able to save a few bucks by turning it into a road trip, you will surely make it up once you get there. The cost of an Airbnb honeymoon in either location will cost you just over $8,000, putting it nearly $3,000 over the average. 

With average honeymoon costs over $7,000, Maui (#8), Key West (#9), Big Sur in California (#12), and the Hamptons in New York (#14) are the other U.S. destinations that landed on the list of the top 20 most expensive places for an Airbnb honeymoon.

The Most & Least Expensive Destinations for an Airbnb Honeymoon

If you are looking for cost-efficient honeymoon destinations far from the beaten path, Southeast Asia is home to a hidden treasure trove of things to do and sights to see. Luang Prabang in Laos is the cheapest honeymoon destination on our list ($2,517) and remains relatively untouched by tourism.

Despite being off the radar for many, Luang Prabang has much to offer. The city is home to many beautiful temples, French-villas-turned-boutique-hotels, and gold-leaf Buddhas. Luang Prabang also has many nature trails that go deep into the hills and the mesmerizing Kuang Si waterfall.

Mykonos ($9,208) and Santorini ($8,969) in Greece are the second and third most expensive honeymoon destinations on our list, respectively. The pair of islands in the Aegean Sea are known for their rich histories, remarkable views, and first-class restaurants and wineries.

While Mykonos and Santorini are perfect for honeymooning, they are also busy tourist spots, meaning there aren’t a lot of cost-effective accommodations available if you’re keeping a close eye on your spending.

If you and your fiancé have your hearts set on a European honeymoon but aren’t trying to spend an arm and a leg to make it happen, consider visiting cities like Prague and Budapest, where the average Airbnb honeymoon cost hovers around $3,200. Both locations offer budget-friendly options for lovebirds looking to experience the best of what European cities have to offer.

Prague in the Czech Republic is home to over a thousand years of history and is widely known for its Old Town Square, Gothic churches, and vibrant Baroque architecture. Similarly, Hungary’s capital city is known for its lively culture, underground caves, and local eats. Did we mention Budapest is also the mineral spa capital of the world?

Full Data

Interested in diving deeper into the numbers of the most and least expensive destinations for an Airbnb honeymoon? We’ve compiled our full data study for all 85 honeymoon destinations analyzed into the interactive data table below. Search for the destination you’re most intrigued by or click on the heading of each column to sort by that category!

Closing Thoughts

We were amazed to find that Airbnb has opened up new possibilities for newlyweds looking for an affordable honeymoon. Through our analysis of cities across every continent, based on the top honeymoon destinations for 2022, we discovered a range of options for a cost-effective romantic getaway. We hope our findings help you plan the honeymoon of your dreams and the journey of a lifetime!

If you’re not engaged yet but dreaming of that special moment, let Shane Co. help make your vision a reality. Our collection of engagement rings and wedding bands is full of stunning pieces that will take you from dating to forever. With so much to plan for your future, why not make the transition to engagement just as memorable as your dream honeymoon? Start your journey toward happily ever after with Shane Co.

Methodology

In our quest to uncover the most and least expensive locations for an Airbnb honeymoon across the globe, we analyzed 85 destinations based on the lists of best honeymoon destinations from The Knot and Travel & Leisure for 2022-2023.

To determine the cost of an Airbnb honeymoon, we considered nine cost factors, including airfare, Airbnb accommodations, Airbnb experiences, food, alcohol, and taxi fare for an average honeymoon length of seven days and six nights, as advised by Brides.com. The total cost for each destination was calculated by adding up all nine cost factors. 

In the context of this study, an “Airbnb honeymoon” refers to the cost of accommodations and experiences using Airbnb listings only and does not include the cost of other hotels or resorts not listed on Airbnb’s site. Airbnb experiences vary by destination and can range from snorkeling and horseback riding to cooking classes and wine tours.

Cost factors include:

Average Airbnb Nightly Price (Entire Home)

• Source: Airbnb

Average Airbnb Experience Price (For 2)

• Source: Airbnb Experiences

Average Flight Cost (Round-Trip For 2)

• Source: Champion Traveler & Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS)

Cost of a Three-Course Dinner at a Restaurant (For 2)

• Source: Numbeo

Cost of Breakfast/Lunch Meals (For 2)

• Source: Expatistan

Cost of Beer at a Bar (For 2)

• Source: Expatistan

Cost of Cocktails at a Bar (For 2)

• Source: Expatistan

Cost of Wine at a Market

• Source: Expatistan

Cost of Taxi Rides

• Source: Expatistan

The post The Average Cost of an Airbnb Honeymoon on Every Continent appeared first on The Loupe.

“Bridgerton” weddings, boho weddings, punk rock weddings — all of the most popular wedding themes come to life on Pinterest boards, where hordes of design lovers and soon-to-be brides scroll, seeking inspiration for their upcoming nuptials. At Shane Co., we love a good party theme; thus, we did a deep dive into the world of Pinterest to uncover which wedding themes are the most popular on the platform.

To find out, we scraped 15,000 Pinterest boards across 45 of the most popular wedding themes, according to the bridal experts at Zola. From farm weddings to Harry Potter-themed weddings, we found the number of pins associated with each style and then ranked the wedding themes from most to least pins. For a local spin, we analyzed Google Trends search volume of each theme over the past 12 months to find the most popular wedding theme in every state.

Read on to see which creative motifs will dominate the wedding season in 2023 and beyond!

Pinterest Weddings: The Most Pinned Themes Overall

Drumroll, please … the most popular wedding themes according to Pinterest data are:

1. Vintage Wedding – 315,235 pins
2. Rustic Wedding – 179,401 pins
3. Boho Wedding – 163,744 pins
4. Beach Wedding – 146,211 pins
5. Disney Wedding – 103,478 pins

With 315,235 total pins, the “vintage” wedding theme is currently blowing all other motifs out of the water! Vintage simply means the style of the wedding is inspired by a bygone era, from the roaring ’20s to the funky ’70s. Gold-horned record players, ’40s-inspired hairstyles, and old black-and-white photos of the bride and groom’s ancestors are calling cards of a vintage wedding.

Rustic weddings, complete with mason jars and wooden accents, land the number two spot with 179,401 pins on Pinterest, while the bronze goes to boho weddings, a pampas grass paradise, with 163,744 pins. Beach weddings and Disney-themed weddings follow with 146,211 and 103,478, respectively — never underestimate the party-planning skills of a Disney adult!

Disney Weddings “Take the Cake”

When we zoom in on themes related to sci-fi, fantasy, and popular films/shows, here are the front-runners:

1. Disney Wedding – 103,478 pins
2. Star Wars Wedding – 51,337 pins
3. Great Gatsby Wedding – 50,728 pins
4. Jane Austen Wedding – 49,291 pins
5. Alice in Wonderland Wedding – 49,001 pins

Cult followers of pop-culture franchises like Star Wars (51,337 pins), “Game of Thrones” (22,816 pins), and Marvel (15,864 pins) would never miss the chance to incorporate their fandom into their wedding theme. Don’t be surprised if you spy some “Iron Man” groomsman socks or a Hogwarts-themed cake at the next wedding you attend.

While some prefer Millennium-Falcon-themed centerpieces and Khaleesi-inspired wedding hair, others opt for a softer approach. Fans of the beloved author of “Emma” and “Pride & Prejudice” would make Jane Austen their ideal wedding theme (49,291 pins), complete with regency attire and decor reminiscent of the English countryside.

The Most Googled Wedding Theme in Every State

According to Google searches over the past year, “vintage” is the queen of wedding themes yet again, most searched in 10 states, including Louisiana, North Carolina, Oregon, and Washington. Star Wars-themed weddings won second place, most searched in seven states, including Colorado, Georgia, Minnesota, and Ohio. Autumnal weddings, “Great Gatsby” weddings, and rustic weddings followed, each most searched in five states. 

Closing Thoughts

Wedding theme trends certainly run the gamut, from Western affairs with the bride in cowboy boots to a ’70s shindig with disco balls galore. While we can’t decide your wedding theme for you, we can help you find the perfect wedding bands and bridesmaid gifts to match whichever motif your heart desires!  

The post The Most Popular Wedding Themes, According to Pinterest Data appeared first on The Loupe.

Rain or shine, the wedding must go on. One of the most charming settings to exchange vows is the great outdoors. A botanical garden, a mountain landscape, or a beach at sunset — this is what dreams are made of. But a forecast of rain or a heatwave can quickly turn that dream into a bridal headache. So which days are the least risky for an outdoor wedding? Shane Co. analyzed three decades of U.S. climate data to find out. 

Using the National Weather Service (NOAA), we collected daily normal climate data (1991-2020) to find the average daily precipitation (in inches) and the average daily temperature (°F) for every day of the calendar year in 50 of America’s largest cities. Based on which days historically had the least chance of precipitation and the most ideal temperature (closest to 72°F), we were able to determine the optimal day and month for an outdoor wedding in each city. 

The Ideal Day for an Outdoor Wedding in 50 Cities

The results are in, and the best month overall for an outdoor wedding is September, according to climate data. Out of the 50 cities analyzed, the largest number of cities (12) had optimal outdoor wedding dates in September, the majority of which are located in the South. Cities like Dallas, Texas; Memphis, Tennessee; and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, each have ideal wedding dates in late September (22nd-30th) when, historically, the chances of rain are lowest and wedding-goers can beat the heat (71-74°F). 

Alternatively, engaged couples may want to avoid the month of December for their outdoor nuptials. Across all 50 U.S. cities, the month of December averages 0.14 inches of precipitation, and the average temperature sits around 38°F. We can’t think of anything more unpleasant for wedding guests than a frigid (and rainy) outdoor event.

Where It’s Likely to Rain on Your Wedding Day

So where are you most likely to see rain showers on your wedding day? According to average daily precipitation data, Miami, Florida (0.18 inches) and New Orleans, Louisiana (0.17 inches) are the two most likely cities for a rainy wedding day, which makes sense given the average annual humidity in the two cities ranges between 73 and 76%. One other Florida city, Jacksonville, and two cities in Tennessee (Memphis and Nashville) also land on this list, with average daily precipitation between 0.14 and 0.15 inches. 

The Best & Worst Months for an Outdoor Wedding

We’ve compiled our full data study for all 50 U.S. cities analyzed into the interactive data table below. Search for the city you call home or click on the heading of each column to sort by that category!

Closing Thoughts

Legend has it that rain on your wedding day signifies good luck for your marriage, so even if you have some unexpected weather on your big day, it’s a comfort to know there’s a silver lining. Plus, a rainbow makes for a killer backdrop in your wedding photos! 
From wedding traditions to bridal jewelry, check out our wedding checklist to make sure you’re prepped and ready for your upcoming nuptials!

The post The Best Days for Outdoor Weddings, According to Climate Data appeared first on The Loupe.

There is nothing better than a line dance to get people out of their seats and onto the dance floor. A wedding staple, line dances hold a special place in peoples’ hearts and have been passed down as a tradition. As both young and old enjoy stomping their feet during the “The Cha Cha Slide” and crossing their arms to the poppy beats of “The Macarena,” we here at Shane Co. wanted to discover which line dances in each state had the wedding DJs playing them on repeat. Read on to find out!

Methodology

To compile a list of the most popular line dances in each state, we used sources from Brides and Yeah Weddings. With a list of 24 keywords to compare, we analyzed the search interest of each song across the U.S. from April 2021 to April 2022 to find out which line dances reigned supreme.

The Most Popular Line Dance in Every U.S. State

With wedding season back in full swing, Americans are ready to get down like never before. It comes as no surprise that Billy Ray Cyrus’s home state of Kentucky had the highest search volume for his hit single, “Achy Breaky Heart.”

Some states lean toward newer line dances. Alaska and Vermont, for example, both coveted Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” featuring Billy Ray Cyrus. At face value, the lyrics are about leaving town to go start a new life — a sentiment that may resonate with some runaway brides. 

Some states prefer oldies, as shown by states like Wisconsin and Massachusetts. Both had the highest search volume for “YMCA,” originally released in 1978 by the disco group Village People. Many brides are now renting out YMCA locations to host their weddings as a unique change of scenery from indoor ballrooms — so maybe it really is fun to stay at the YMCA?

“Cotton Eyed Joe,” the most popular line dance for those with good knees, is favored by residents in Montana. It actually has a bit of a complicated past, originally being sung by slaves before being recorded by the Swedish group Rednex in 1994.

The Most Popular Line Dance in Every U.S. Region

Five line dances swept the nation. When it came to the Northeast and West, “The Macarena” stole the show in states like California, Colorado, and Connecticut. Its Latin-pop influence is celebrated widely in those states. 

The Midwest had a three-legged tie with popular line dances like “Copperhead Road,” “The Macarena,” and “Stanky Legg”. The hip-hop group GS Boyz popularized the dance featured in their 2009 single, which involves planting one foot on the ground while the other leg swivels at the knee as you crouch down and sway to the beat.

“Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” was one of the most searched-for line dances in the South. Consider shocking your wedding guests during the father-daughter dance with a choreographed whip and nae nae surprise. 

The Most Popular Line Dance Overall

When it comes to the most popular crowd-pleaser, one came out on top. “The Macarena” was the top line dance in 13 states, followed by “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” reigning supreme in five states.

“Wobble,” similar to the electric slide, was the most popular line dance in states like Virginia and Oklahoma. The dance is great for weddings, as it involves shaking your hips and leaning your shoulders back while you wobble back and forth.

Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” would be perfect for a Halloween-themed wedding. Might we suggest a skull cake topper and an unconventional but stunning black wedding dress to complete your day?

Closing Thoughts

With some of the most important memories of your wedding day made out on the dance floor, Shane Co. wants to make sure you not only have the best playlist for your guests but also the best bling to make you stand out in the line dance. 
Shop our stunning collection of pearl bracelets or check out our wedding checklist to make sure you’re all set for your big day.

The post Each State’s Favorite Line Dance appeared first on The Loupe.

Being a bridesmaid can be stressful. Having to go dress shopping, planning the bachelorette party, going on trips, traveling for the wedding day, hair and makeup, you name it. If you have an easygoing bride who doesn’t sweat the small stuff, being in the bridal party can be a blast! But add a bridezilla into the mix, and it can quickly become overwhelming and raise the already high blood pressure from all of the extra stressors. In this survey, we sought to find out some pet peeves that brides do to help determine how not to be a bridezilla.

Methodology

We surveyed 1,500 participants to ask questions about being part of a bridal party — the good, the bad, and the ugly — to find out what brides can do to not be a bridezilla to their bridal party. 

Top 10 Characteristics of a Bridezilla

What do you think of when you hear the word bridezilla? How do they act that makes them come across as one? According to our survey respondents, the top characteristics of being a bridezilla are entitled, dramatic, difficult, spoiled, demanding, crazy, angry, annoying, selfish, and unreasonable. 

Bridezilla Reactions

Luckily, bridezillas are the exception, not the norm, so it doesn’t happen as often as you think, regardless of how all those reality shows make it seem. According to our survey respondents, when something went wrong at the wedding, 72.19% had positive experiences and said that the bride’s reaction was great or incredible through the challenges. Unfortunately, 2.37% had experienced a bride who reacted horribly, and you did not want to get in her way when things went wrong. 

While almost half of respondents said that the bride never argued with anyone, the other half were witnesses to some arguments. 21.95% said they witnessed the bride arguing with a family member, 10.82% with another member of the bridal party, 9.34% with the groom, and 5.45% with a service person!

Bridal Party Expenses

Cost is a huge factor when being a bridesmaid in a wedding, and if you are in multiple weddings that can add up quickly. We know, we did the research! While you can budget and plan out how much you think it will cost after all of the expenses, sometimes you get a curveball and end up spending more than you anticipated. Most often, according to our respondents, wedding attire is the thing bridesmaids often spend more money on than expected. But let’s be honest, it’s not just the dress you are paying for. You need to often take into account the shoes, jewelry, and any other accessories the bride asks of you to complete her vision.

Certain items like hair and makeup are sometimes covered by the bride, but not always. 1 in 3 respondents said they were required to pay to get their hair done for the wedding. However, when it comes to spending money or dealing with a bridezilla, 37.8% of respondents said they would rather spend $1,000 on a wedding than deal with a bridezilla.

Consequences of Being a Bridezilla

While you may know someone, stress is a powerful thing and can alter how someone behaves. Only 47% of survey respondents said that they would still agree to be in a wedding party if they knew the bride was going to be a bridezilla ahead of time, and 6% of respondents said their relationship with the bride was worse after being in the bridal party.

The attitude of the bride greatly affects the atmosphere of the day and the bridal party. Unfortunately, 12.5% of respondents said that the bride’s attitude affected their mental health negatively while participating in the bridal party.

Closing Thoughts

A wedding is stressful enough; you don’t need a bridezilla adding to the day. For future brides, let this be a guide on what to look out for so you don’t end up falling into that category. Let us here at Shane Co. take some of the pressure off and assist you with all of your engagement ring and jewelry needs!

The post How NOT to Be a Bridezilla appeared first on The Loupe.

From Steel Magnolias to The Wedding Singer to Bridesmaids, movies that focus on a wedding or have a wedding that plays a large role in the plot have been around for generations. But which wedding movies are the most popular today? And what’s each state’s favorite wedding movie? In this campaign, we used Google Trends data to see which wedding movies are the most searched-for in every U.S. state.

Methodology

We created a keyword list of 24 popular wedding movies and referenced Google Trends search data from the last five years to determine which one was looked up the most in each state and overall.

The Most Popular Wedding Movie in Every U.S. State

Early 2000s rom-com classics like Mamma Mia, 27 Dresses, and My Big Fat Greek Wedding are everywhere to be found here, but there are also some titles from different genres, like Utah’s most searched-for flick, The Princess Bride. 

This might not come as a surprise, but Sweet Home Alabama was the most searched-for wedding movie in Alabama, and Steel Magnolias was the most searched-for wedding movie in Louisiana (the state where the film is set). 

The Most Popular Wedding Movie in Every U.S. Region

Sweet Home Alabama was popular in the South, but not as popular as another southern classic, Steel Magnolias. Meanwhile, the Northeast couldn’t get enough of Greece, as Mamma Mia and My Big Fat Greek Wedding were each the most searched-for wedding movie in three northeastern states.

Not only did Corpse Bride win the West, it was only the most searched-for wedding movie in western states… if we count Texas as southwestern. And the Midwest loved their Kristen Wiig, as Bridesmaids was the most searched-for wedding movie in Illinois, Minnesota, and Ohio.

The Most Popular Wedding Movie Overall

With eight total states that looked it up more than any other film on our list, Mamma Mia is the most popular wedding movie across state lines. But it wasn’t a runaway victory. Both Steel Magnolias and My Big Fat Greek Wedding were a close second as they were each the most searched-for wedding movie in six states, and Corpse Bride was just behind them with five state wins.

While there were quite a few movies that only won the title of “most searched-for” in one state, there were also quite a few that didn’t even accomplish that. These include Wedding Crashers, Four Weddings and a Funeral, The Wedding Planner, The Wedding Date, Bride Wars, and License to Wed. There’s always next time, though, right?

Closing Thoughts

The best part of lots of wedding movies is the proposal, and it’s easy to have your own real-life wedding movie moment if you plan yours perfectly. But what are the keys to the perfect proposal? Get someone to hide and film the moment, check the weather, and bring your engagement ring A game with something from Shane Co.’s beautiful selection. With rings for every budget and so many ways to customize, deciding where to buy your ring is kind of a no-brainer.

The post Every U.S. State’s Favorite Movie About Weddings appeared first on The Loupe.

The bride walks down the aisle, beaming in a gown that looks like it was sewn specifically for her by fairy-tale seamstresses. She takes everyone’s breath away, drawing smiles, coos, and tears from the audience. By the time she reaches the altar, the groom is nearly in pieces. It’s the moment many women dream of experiencing, and one that won’t come to fruition without one of the most important pieces of wedding prep — bridal alterations.

Whether your own wedding is on the horizon or your curiosity spiked after coming off a “Say Yes to the Dress” binge, you probably know that the only way to achieve that magical aura is to have your dress customized to your unique body shape and personal style. This article walks you through everything you need to know about wedding dress alterations, so your gown can look as good as your wedding band on your big day!

Are Wedding Dress Alterations Always Necessary?

In short, yes! Because everyone’s body is different, dresses are available in general sizing and intended for fine-tuning after purchase. Maybe you have a large bust and narrow hips, or the other way around, and you need to order your dress in a larger size to remove material where it is in excess. Any dress bought off the rack (or made to order) needs to be altered to fit seamlessly with your unique figure.

A well-fitted gown should support and shape your bust and accentuate your curves with the hem just kissing the floor as you glide down the aisle. This gives off a magical effect on your big day — but magic can become a mishap if the gown is too long and causes you to trip. Most factory dresses come with a generous bust and additional length so that taller women can customize them to their liking. It is harder to add material to a gown than remove it.

How Much Will Bridal Alterations Cost?

There are too many variables to estimate a standard range that you can count on paying for wedding dress alterations. It depends on how involved your changes are, where you live, who you choose to perform the sewing, and other factors.

For example, some fabrics are more challenging to work with than others and are more expensive to alter. Expect to pay a premium for materials like georgette, charmeuse, and chiffon — and consider hiring a seamstress who is at the peak of her craft. On the other hand, go wild with linen, lace, and shantung changes, as these are easier fabrics to alter, even for less experienced seamstresses.

Choose what works best for your budget and your wedding gown. Some seamstresses charge a la carte for specific alterations, while others work on a flat fee. If we had to put a number on it, you might end up forking over $400 to $900 for alterations. It’s a good idea to factor this into the cost of your dress when trying them on in the bridal salon.

Pro Tip: You don’t have to go with the alteration services made available by the bridal shop. Going with a local professional is a great way to save money without skimping on quality.

How Many Wedding Dress Fittings Will I Need?

Typically, bridal alterations require three fittings to plan out the changes to the garment, review the changes, and make any final adjustments (did you decide last-minute that beauty is not pain and trade those stiletto heels for trendy sneakers?). Your timeline may vary depending on how quickly you’re planning a wedding and any other unique circumstances, but starting with a standard timeline is healthy for your stress levels and work-life balance while planning a wedding. Here’s what to expect and when from each visit to the seamstress.

First Fitting

During your initial visit, expect to spend about an hour with your seamstress planning all the changes you’d like to make to the dress. The seamstress will take measurements to alter the bodice (the portion of your dress that covers your torso from neck to waist) and then discuss custom alterations with you.

Using the plans you made together, the seamstress will make the changes to your garment before your second fitting. The first appointment typically takes place three months before your wedding.

Second Fitting

Now that the seamstress has had time to work her magic on your fairy-tale gown, it’s time to go and try it on. Exciting! This fitting is all about reviewing the work done from the first planning session and taking any measurements for adjustments. This appointment shouldn’t take as long since the dress is getting closer to its final form.

At the second fitting, make sure the dress is perfect in front of the mirror and in action. Feign walking up and down the aisle, dance around, and sit down to make sure everything feels right and stays where you want it to throughout your wedding night.

However, don’t stress if the gown still falls short of your perfect vision and you still want significant alterations. This is more common than you think, and that’s why we recommend scheduling this fitting for one month ahead of your big day. Don’t be shy; speak up about what needs to be changed, and the seamstress will take care of everything!

Third Fitting

This is it — the big reveal! Your dress should be complete by this point. You may not get to take the dress home with you yet if there are final tweaks or missed details to correct, but in most cases, your dress is ready to take everyone’s breath away!

In exceptional circumstances, like if you had additional major alterations to make at your second (or third) fitting, you should consider a fourth fitting. These situations aren’t always easy to predict, so it’s essential to give yourself as much leeway as possible when you plan out your timeline for bridal alterations.

How Should I Prepare for Wedding Dress Fittings?

You wouldn’t go sandal shopping in thick wool socks, and you shouldn’t attend your wedding dress fittings unprepared either! Try to emulate your final wedding look as closely as possible — right down to your undergarments! No, seriously, wear the shoes, shapewear, and undergarments you intend to wear on your big day.

Don’t sweat it if you don’t have your shoes picked out yet. Just figure out your ideal heel height early on and wear something similar to your final iteration. And while you don’t have to spend a lot on professional makeup for your fitting, it’s helpful to have your makeup done at a local salon and do your hair to help sell the illusion of walking down the aisle.

What Are the Most Common Wedding Dress Alterations?

So you can tell something is slightly off about your wedding gown but can’t quite place what it needs? Here are a few common wedding dress alterations to help give you the vocabulary to discuss things in detail with your seamstress.

Hemming. Hems are the edges of a dress or garment that are turned over and sewn to prevent fraying. A seamstress can adjust how much fabric is turned over to shorten or lengthen the hem, adjusting the length of the dress to suit your build and frame. Hem alterations typically involve shortening, as most designers build additional length into their dresses to fit taller customers.

Taking out and taking in. Taking out fabric refers to releasing hidden material at various seams of the dress, increasing its size in areas where the bride-to-be has more pronounced features. Taking in is the opposite, where seams are resewn for a smaller fit. You might expect to take in the fabric around the bust, as many dresses come off the rack ready to accommodate a curvier silhouette. Other common areas to take in or out are the hips and waist.

Altering the neckline. If you made a major alteration to the bust, chances are the neckline no longer lays properly. Even if the bust size was perfect right off the rack, neckline alterations allow you to control how revealing the neckline is — or isn’t. Neckline alterations are an easy way to make a big impact on the overall look of your dress.

Specialty alterations. While the above alterations generally cover the basic material adjustments to achieve the perfect fit, there is so much more you can do to your wedding dress if that’s what you want. A talented seamstress can add lace, sleeves, or even a train to your gown. They can make you a veil, sew cups into the bodice, add a waist stay, insert a bustle — and essentially redesign your dress.

Is There a Limit to Wedding Gown Alterations?

There isn’t a limit to the number or extent of alterations you can make to your dress, besides a few minor limitations depending on the fabric and whether you bought it off the rack or made to order. Overall, a talented seamstress can go wild without fear of ruining your dress — but don’t pick just anything off the shelf and expect your seamstress to essentially sew you a completely new design.

Ask questions about what alterations are possible when purchasing the dress, try to find something close to the right fit, and remember that it is easier for your seamstress to remove material than to add it. While it’s possible to order more fabric from the designer in times of need, this could add a significant amount of time to the alterations process.

What Should I Discuss With My Seamstress?

It’s important to find a well-reviewed seamstress with great communication skills. Consider looking for someone that other brides have had positive experiences with, taking into account online testimonials and ratings. Before the first stitch is sewn, you’ll want to get on the same page about a few things.

• Set realistic expectations for the work to be done. Bring photos or drawings to help convey your ideal vision and discuss whether it is feasible to accomplish under budget and time constraints.
• Agree on specific timelines for fittings and delivery of the dress, and give yourself plenty of runway in case it doesn’t turn out how you wanted.
• Understand your seamstress’ protocol in case the dress gets ruined in her care, isn’t delivered on time, or is altered in a way that you’re not happy with and can’t be undone.

Final Thoughts

We hope this guide prepares you to confidently navigate your wedding dress alterations and enjoy the special moment, whether all eyes will be on the bride or you decided to elope. For tips and advice on other matters of wedding preparation, visit our blog to learn more about what you’ll place on your fingers, from gold wedding bands to different kinds of rings for men.

The post Everything You Need to Know About Wedding Dress Alterations appeared first on The Loupe.

“Say Yes to the Dress” is one of the most iconic TLC series ever and has been on the air for over a decade now. The premise is pretty straightforward, but if you’re a big fan, you’ve probably had some questions over the years. For example, how often does the bride go over budget, and by how much? How often does the mother of the bride influence said bride’s decision? In this campaign, we analyzed seasons 9-19 of “Say Yes to the Dress” in an attempt to answer these questions and more.

The Consultants

Let’s start with the consultants. Lisa Fuhrman has appeared in the most episodes, followed closely by Debbie Asprea. Antonella rounds out the top three, all of whom are also the only SYTTD consultants to appear in 30 or more episodes! Fan favorite Randy Fenoli dominated the earlier seasons of the show, capturing the hearts of brides and viewers alike, but stopped appearing in as many episodes when he received his own show, “Randy to the Rescue,” in 2012. The show was canceled after two seasons, however, and Randy makes occasional return appearances on SYTTD to this day. 

The Brides

SYTTD definitely belongs to the new brides. There were never more than three returning brides in a season, and the show only hit that number twice. In the majority of seasons, just one bride was a returning guest. This kind of makes sense, though, as a lot of people usually go wedding dress shopping just once in their lifetime.

For a show called Say YES to the Dress, the brides sure say NO an awful lot! Proportionally, the season 12 brides were the worst about this, as just over 35% of them turned down every dress they were shown. Season 15, on the other hand, was the only season to have every bride go home with a brand-new wedding dress.

The Stats

It wouldn’t be a hit TLC show without some drama, and SYTTD almost always delivers on that front. We tallied a total of 19 bride-mom arguments throughout the 167 episodes that make up seasons 9-19. 

We already talked about the seasons where, proportionally, the bride said “yes” the most and “no” the most, but across all of the 11 seasons we watched, the bride said “no” to the dress an average of 22% of the time. Meanwhile, the bride said “yes” a total of 171 times!

While you might get the idea that the brides go big and spend more than they should on way-too-fancy dresses, you’d be surprised: The average spend of a SYTTD bride is $6,373, but the budget for the average SYTTD bride is $6,464. However, maybe this doesn’t prove that the dresses are cheaper than you might think, but that brides chosen to be on the show make sure they can afford your typical Pnina Tornai wedding dress!

Closing Thoughts

Lots of women find their perfect wedding dress at Kleinfeld Bridal. But if it’s the perfect engagement ring you seek instead, there’s no better place to start your search than Shane Co. With the option to design your own ring within any price range, Shane Co. is somewhere you can create the exact jewelry you’ve been dreaming of.

The post Say Yes to the Dress Analysis appeared first on The Loupe.

Spring will be here before we know it, welcoming a new year of brides and special days. If you’ve got a 2022 wedding approaching, you’re likely scouring the internet for the perfect dress. The last year has churned out some beautiful designs from both classic and up-and-coming wedding dress designers, so brides certainly have no shortage of gorgeous dresses to choose from. If you’re struggling to figure out which dress style is right for you, you may want to start with looking at designers to see what you like. 

Need some designer inspiration? Here are the most popular wedding dress designers from state to state. 

Methodology

To determine the most popular designer in each state, we first compiled a list of the top wedding dress designers of 2021 using references from sites like Bella Belle and Popsugar. We ended up with a total of 26 top designers. Using Google search data, we then looked at search volume by state for each designer to see which was most searched, which we took to mean most popular, for each state. The data we analyzed was from searches performed over the last 12 months, from October 2020 to October 2021. 

The Most Popular Wedding Dress Designer in Every U.S. State

The search data we analyzed included top searches for a variety of designers, including long-time industry favorites like Vera Wang, Pnina Tornai, and Hayley Paige. We also saw quite a few rising designers, like Markarian. You may be wondering which designer the style-centric state of New York searched most for. It’s the classic and always fashion-forward Stella McCartney, who surprisingly wasn’t the top search for any other state, despite being a well-known and loved designer. 

Mid- to high-range dress designer Justin Alexander was the most popular search in eight states, particularly southern states like Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina. Other than that trend, there didn’t seem to be a favorite among any other region. Californians searching for designer wedding dresses sought out Galia Lahav. Connecticut went for Maggie Sotero. Texas was most interested in Watters, and Virginians most searched for Madison James. 

The Most Popular Wedding Dress Designer Overall

It’s no surprise that the queen, designer Vera Wang, topped the list as the most popular wedding dress designer across all U.S. states. Wang’s collections were the most searched for in Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, and Wisconsin. From her timelessness and sophistication to her pops of personality and intrigue, it’s no wonder Vera Wang’s gowns sparked the most search interest. 

Closing Thoughts

While you’re looking for the perfect dress by the perfect designer, do you know what completes the wedding day look? The perfect wedding band. Shane Co. has a beautiful selection of both women’s and men’s wedding bands featuring stunning quality and a wide variety of styles. Whether you’re interested in vintage, infinity, diamond, or gemstone bands, we have a ring design ready to complete your wedding ensemble and make your big day sparkle!

The post The Most Popular Wedding Dress Designer by State appeared first on The Loupe.

Planning a wedding can be stressful enough, without having to worry about balancing a full-time job on top of that. While you may have been over the moon to say “Yes!” to marrying the love of your life, the details of everything that comes afterwards can be very overwhelming, even for the most organized of couples. But don’t worry — it is possible to maintain your work life while still planning the wedding of your dreams, and we have a few tips to help you out along the way.

Create a Calendar

It can be tempting to jump right into wedding planning the second you get engaged, but the truth is there are so many moving parts to planning your big day that the best thing you can do is break it out into smaller goals. The first step is figuring out how long you’d like your engagement to be, then creating a calendar to help you plan the rest. Set aside a few tasks for each month or week so that you can be sure you’re taking the time you need to make decisions you’ll be happy about in the future. You can also check things off along the way! Documenting your progress will remind you that you’re getting it done, even when it feels like there’s still a million things on your to-do list.

Hire a Planner

Don’t have time to work out all the details yourself? Hiring a wedding planner can be a huge help in making sure your dream wedding turns out exactly the way you want it. Not only can a wedding planner take care of the details for you, they also have connections within the industry that can help to ensure you’re getting the best deals and are seeing all the options available to you. If you’re not sure where to look, start by asking your newly married friends about their wedding planning experience, and see if they have any wedding planners they can recommend.

Fix Your Sleep Schedule

It may seem like sleep is the last thing you want to worry about, but not getting the rest you need can cause you to be more irritable, upset, and much more likely to make impulsive decisions that you’ll regret in the future. After all, it’s impossible to have a level head when juggling work and wedding planning when you aren’t giving your brain the time it needs to relax and reset. If you start to feel overwhelmed, make sure you set aside time for both you and your partner to completely set aside your other responsibilities. It may feel indulgent, but it will actually help you to be more productive moving forward.

Communicate with Your Employer

The best way to prevent future mishaps is to be clear and honest with your employer. If you know you’ll have to take some time off work in the future to explore wedding venues, decide on caterers, or just spend time with your fiancé to hash out the details, letting them know in advance will ensure that they aren’t taken by surprise. It will also help you to more accurately plan out your time, so that your work doesn’t suffer in light of planning your big day.

Simplify

Even though it feels good to have options, having too many of them can often lead to decision fatigue. Take your engagement and wedding rings for example — if you are still looking for the perfect ring, sometimes having too many choices can actually make the decision a lot harder. Go for something simple and timeless, or explore preset engagement rings to make sure you don’t get overwhelmed by all the options available to you. You can also narrow down your potential wedding venues to make the decision a lot easier — go for a small, medium, and larger choice, or a variety of price ranges rather than attempting to decide between the endless venues in your area.

Compartmentalize

It can be tempting to start daydreaming about your wedding while at work, but the best way to avoid suffering in either area is to compartmentalize. When you’re at work, put away all notions of wedding planning and focus on the task at hand. The same goes when you’re planning your wedding — don’t worry about Monday’s meeting when you’re designing your wedding cake. Separating the two responsibilities can help ensure that you’re giving your all to both.

Have a Specific Plan

Develop a plan of action to ensure you’re not missing any important details. Going all in without a plan can mean you end up scattered and overwhelmed on your big day. This plan can start simple, with something like:

• Booking a venue
• Finding a caterer
• Planning out invitations
• Designing your wedding favors
• Picking out gifts for the wedding party
• Going shopping for wedding attire
• Choosing a place to host your rehearsal dinner
• Recruiting help from friends and family
• Creating a seating chart
• Planning space to reset and review

Prioritize

Before you dive right in, first figure out which tasks and elements of the wedding are most important to you. Are you a foodie that wants to make sure your wedding dinner is the best of your life? Then make sure you set aside enough time to figure out what you’re going to serve at your wedding. Have you been dreaming of your wedding dress since you were a little girl? Then maybe a big weekend away shopping with your loved ones is at the top of the list. Don’t forget, you and your partner can make a day out of shopping for wedding rings! This is a great time to compare notes on what you’re thinking for the wedding, as well as spend some time remembering why you decided to get hitched in the first place.

The post A Guide for Managing Work-Life Balance While Planning a Wedding appeared first on The Loupe.

“Always a bridesmaid, never a bride,” said Katherine Heigl in 27 Dresses, and thousands of females across the country. Bridesmaid and groomsman costs can rack up to be a pretty penny, especially if you’re in multiple bridal parties over your lifetime. But, what’s the actual price tag of being in a bridal party? The Shane Co. team investigated. We tallied the cost of dresses, tuxes, hair/makeup, hotels, gifts, bachelor(ette) parties, flights, and more to uncover the true cost of being a bridesmaid or groomsman for one, five, and even 10 weddings.

Below is a full breakdown of bridal party costs for both local and out-of-town weddings. Buckle up — it’s enough money to fund a year’s worth of college tuition!

The True Cost of Being a Bridesmaid & Groomsman

Picture it: you’re in one of your best friend’s weddings. So you just have to cover the cost of a bridesmaid dress or tux rental and a wedding gift, right? Wrong. 

When we agree to be in our loved ones’ bridal parties, we often forget about the mountain of costs associated with celebrating their nuptials. A dress and a wedding gift are one thing. But let’s not forget about dress alterations, hair, makeup, bridal shower gifts, flights, and bachelor(ette) party costs — the list goes on and on. When we tally up the total cost of being in a local wedding, the price tag amounts to $1,264 for a bridesmaid and $1,055 for a groomsman. 

But that’s not all. What about being in multiple friends’ weddings during your lifetime (in some cases, multiple weddings in one year). For perspective, five weddings will add up to $6,320 if you’re a bridesmaid and $5,275 if you’re a groomsman. For 10 weddings, you’re looking at upwards of $10,000. 

For destination weddings or weddings out of state, we have to consider the cost of a flight to the wedding. In this instance, we also considered a destination bachelor(ette) party (think Nashville or Austin) where bridal parties are incurring flight, hotel, food, and alcohol costs for a three-day shindig. These cost factors have a hefty price tag and therefore, the cost to be in one wedding skyrockets to $2,595 for a bridesmaid and $2,271 for a groomsman. Meanwhile, the cost of being in 10 destination weddings doubles the cost of being in 10 local weddings. 

The cost of being a bridesmaid in 10 out-of-town weddings over the course of one’s life is significant. The average lifetime cost of being a bridesmaid is $25,953, costing nearly the same as a down payment on a home, the cost of your own wedding, an electric vehicle, a 2.5-carat diamond engagement ring, or a year’s worth of out-of-state college tuition. 

To round out our study, we averaged four cost factors for 25 of the most popular U.S. bachelor(ette) party destinations, according to The Knot, to find the most and least expensive cities for a three-day bachelor(ette) party. Cost factors include: 1) the average cost to fly into the destination, 2) the average hotel cost for a three-day trip, 3) the average cost of meals for three days, and 4) the average cost of cocktails and beer for three nights.

Las Vegas, Boston, Chicago, New York City, and San Francisco land the top five most expensive cities for a bachelor(ette) party, while Orlando, Phoenix, Charlotte, Savannah, and Park City are the most cost-efficient cities for a bachelor(ette) soirée. 

That wraps up our study of the true cost of being a bridesmaid or groomsman. Even though the price tag of participating in our loved ones’ weddings is substantial, the joy of seeing them tie the knot with their sweetheart is priceless. Whether you’re soon to be engaged or fantasizing about your dream diamond, shop Shane Co.’s selection of engagement rings to find the perfect ring for you or your loved one. 

Methodology

To determine the cost of being in a bridal party, we added up the following cost factors for bridesmaids and groomsmen for both local and out-of-town weddings. We then multiplied the total cost of being in one bridal party by five and 10, to find the cost of being in a bridal party over a lifetime. The cost factors are listed below with their respective sources:

• Average cost of a bridesmaid dress

Source: The Knot

• Average cost of dress alterations

Source: Thumbtack

• Average cost of a tux rental

Source: Weddingstats.org

• Average cost of hair and makeup

Source: The Knot

• Average cost of a male’s haircut

Source: You Probably Need a Haircut

• Average cost of accessories (shoes and jewelry)

Source: Weddings Cost Helper

• Average cost of a manicure and pedicure

Source: The Pricer

• Average cost of a wedding gift

Source: Wedding Forward

• Average cost of a bridal shower gift

Source: Bridal Shower 101

• Average cost of a three-day bachelor(ette) party

Cost factors: Average cost of meals, alcohol, hotel, and flight into the destination city 

Sources: Alcohol.org, Expatistan, Statista, and U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics

• Average cost of a hotel (two-night stay)

Source: Statista

• National average cost of a flight

Source: U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics  

The post The True Cost of Being a Bridesmaid or Groomsman over a Lifetime appeared first on The Loupe.

While wedding planning should be a happy time for you and your fiancé, we all know that sometimes it can be a stressful one as well. When making decisions on flowers, food, outfits, and everything in between, it can sometimes feel like the whole world has an opinion on your wedding choices. This pressure can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to remind you — it’s your day! Learn how to better deal with all the pressures that come along with planning a wedding through these tips.

Family

Merging two families together is already a difficult process, but it’s made even trickier with the added expense of a wedding. Most likely, your loved ones will have ideas and expectations of their own when it comes to your wedding, from long-held traditions and religious views to ideals and personal taste. While of course it makes sense to consider how best to include both of your families on your big day, ultimately it’s your decision, not theirs. Control the pressure by letting your loved ones know when they’re making you feel overwhelmed, discussing your budget openly with both families (especially if they’re involved in some of the finances), and letting them know what you really want your wedding day to look like. While your mom may look forward to seeing you in that expensive wedding dress, all she really wants is to see a big smile on your face when you’re walking down the aisle.

Friends

There’s nothing like the bond between good friends. Even before you got engaged, you probably had an idea of who would be in your wedding party and all the fun events you wanted to plan together. But the pressure of providing the perfect wedding favors, having the best-ever bachelor and bachelorette parties, and showing off to your buddies doesn’t need to overshadow what your wedding day is really about. Let your friends know what you feel comfortable spending and doing related to your wedding, and make sure that if you’re handing off some of the work to your best man or maid of honor, you’re really letting them know what they’re in for. Everyone will have an opinion when it comes to your wedding day, but yours and your fiancé’s are the only ones that truly matter.

Culture

Nothing brings up culture and tradition like a marriage. From what kind of ring you get and where you’re getting married to old superstitions, the cultural expectations around getting married are endless. Luckily, it’s becoming more and more common to embrace the uniqueness of your own couple and go your own route when it comes to your wedding. Maybe you chose a gorgeous sapphire engagement ring instead of a traditional diamond ring, or maybe you want to keep your wedding small instead of throwing a huge party. Either way, don’t let cultural and societal beliefs dictate how you and your partner share your love.

Social Media

Social media is probably the biggest influence when it comes to wedding planning in the 21st century. With the pressure at full blast to have an Instagram-worthy wedding, it can be easy to get lost in a stream of pretty pictures and worry that your wedding day won’t live up to the hype. And while you’re following inspiration blogs and Pinterest pages to get ideas for your own big day, the truth is it’s going to be beautiful — no matter where and how you decide to get hitched. 

How to Combat Social Pressure

Here are a few suggestions to help relieve some of the pressure of wedding planning:

• Limit your time on social media. While it can be fun, getting too wrapped up in what everyone else’s wedding looks like can end up hurting more than it helps.
• Take control early on. Let your friends and family know up front that you and your partner will be the ones making decisions for the wedding, and give them an idea of what you have in mind so that they can get used to you being in charge.
• Remember: There’s no such thing as perfect. The hard truth is there will definitely be some mishaps throughout your wedding planning process. However, that doesn’t mean that your day won’t be one that you remember and look back on fondly for the rest of your life.
• Get some back-up. Assigning projects to members of your wedding team is two-fold: Not only will it help relieve some of the burden you’re carrying, but it will also give them something to focus on (instead of your relationship).
• Be honest with the people you love. Your feelings matter, and the sooner you let those around you know what you want and expect from your wedding day, the easier it will be to move forward with the planning.
• Focus on what’s important. Ultimately, your actual wedding party isn’t nearly as important as what it symbolizes: You’re starting a family with the person you love! Focus on your relationship and all the awesome things you have to look forward to, and wedding planning will seem a lot less stressful.

How to Reduce Costs

There are a number of ways to ensure you don’t go over-budget when planning your wedding. Here are just a few tips:

• Plan an “off-season” wedding, during a time when venues aren’t totally booked out and hiking up prices based on demand
• Go with a buffet instead of table service for dinner
• Choose a public venue or have an at-home wedding
• Create flower arrangements or wedding favors yourself instead of buying them
• Most importantly, create a wedding budget immediately — and stick to it!

The post The Influence of Social Pressure on Wedding Costs appeared first on The Loupe.

Whether your spouse passed away or you just went your separate ways, the idea of finding love for a second time is certainly a romantic one. But along with a second wedding comes a lot of decisions you’ll have to make. After all, how do you plan your second wedding so that it stands out from your first? These tips will help you get started.

Take Traditional Formalities with a Grain of Salt

Whether you stuck to wedding traditions for your first time or not, feel free to relax those notions for your second wedding. It’s all about you — if you feel tied to certain traditions, go for it! But if you’d rather go with a daytime wedding, book a smaller reception venue, or forgo some of the more well-known traditions, the choice is totally up to you. Choose a customizable engagement ring and wedding bands that you absolutely love, rather than focusing on what your friends or family will think of them.

Make Your Second Wedding Unique

The last thing you probably want to be reminded of on your second wedding day is what your first was like, so we recommend making your wedding as unique as possible. What would you have done differently with your first? How is your relationship different? Does your partner have ideas about the wedding day that you never thought of before? Keep your options open and go for something different.

Make the Event as Big or Small as You Want

If you’ve been looking for advice online, you may have heard that second weddings are “supposed” to be small and intimate. The truth is, there is no hard and fast rule for how big or small your second wedding has to be. If you want to go big, then by all means, go big! If you’d rather keep the guest list tiny, that works, too. Just remember that whatever advice you may receive, it’s your wedding…and you get the final say.

Rework Family Roles

One of the cool things about a second wedding is it gives you the opportunity to change things up. You may even have more family and friends you’d like to include this time around, which gives you plenty of options for incorporating your family into the wedding day. If you have kids, having them participate in the wedding is a great way to show them that you’re molding into an entirely new kind of family! Whether it’s a flower girl role, bridesmaids, groomsmen, or even the person walking you down the aisle, the options are plentiful.

If you or your partner have had some family members pass since your last wedding, you can still find ways to incorporate them into the ceremony. Try choosing a sentimental reading or blessing, or make a photo display that guests can check out after the ceremony to make sure no one gets left out from your big day.

Choose the Right Attire

Another piece of unsolicited advice you may receive will be that you’re not supposed to wear white to your second wedding. We say wear whatever you want! White, pink, purple, black — the choice is up to you. You can even pick out outfit changes if your heart desires. This is the start of a new period of your life, and you should enter it in whatever way you feel best.

Spend Time on Your Guest List

It might be tempting to invite former spouses, family members, and more to your wedding. If you feel strongly about having someone there, then you definitely should! Just make sure you and your partner both feel comfortable with the guest list before you move forward with inviting everyone. Since it’s a second wedding, there may be some trickier decisions to make when it comes to your guest list. Take your time to make sure you’re inviting only those whom you want to be there on your big day, and not just focusing on obligation.

Spend Time on Your Wedding Parties

Just like your guest list, spend some time deciding whom you’d like to include in your wedding party. Chances are, you’ve gained and lost some friends and family between your first and second wedding, so your wedding party may very well look different this time around. The most important thing is that you’re surrounded with those you love!

Decide Whether or Not You’re Going to Accept Gifts

You may have heard otherwise, but it’s still definitely acceptable to create a wedding gift registry if that’s what you and your partner want. Even if you decide you don’t need gifts, chances are there are friends and family that will want to give them anyway! What you want/need will probably be different from what you were asking for at your first wedding, but that’s totally okay. Talk with your partner to decide what works best for the two of you.

Consider Eloping

If all this wedding talk is already starting to stress you out, it may be time to consider eloping! Some of the hang-ups people have around eloping are that your family won’t get to see you on your “big day,” but considering they’ve already attended a big celebration for your first wedding, they probably won’t be as bothered by it this time around. Remember, your wedding is about you and your partner, and however you decide to go about it, the focus will still be on the love the two of you share.

The post How to Plan Your Second Wedding: Tips and Etiquette appeared first on The Loupe.

Surprisingly, one of the first questions you may hear after getting engaged is, “Are you planning to lose some weight?” The cultural pressure to fit a certain body ideal extends to weddings and beyond, and it can be incredibly damaging to those who try to live up to it. Well, let us share a secret with you: You do not need to look like anyone but yourself! Read on for a few tips on how to maintain body positivity while planning your wedding.

1. Think about what’s most important

Take a few moments and think about why you’re getting married. Is it because the love you and your partner share is important to you? Because you want to build a life together? Realizing that the reasons you’re planning a wedding have nothing to do with your weight can help to relieve some of the pressure to look a certain way on your wedding day. Your fiancé gave you an engagement ring because they love you, exactly as you are.

2. Focus on health

The most important thing about your body is that it gives you life! Your body is what allows you to dance on your wedding day, kiss your partner good night, and laugh with friends. Maybe you want to hit the gym before your wedding day, and that’s okay, too. As long as you focus on the right reasons to do so — because you want to be able to enjoy your big day with a body that loves you as much as your future spouse does.

3. Get rid of your scale

Believe it or not, the number you see on the scale is not a reflection of how good you look and feel, or how healthy you are. In fact, weighing yourself too often can cause anxiety, which you definitely don’t need in anticipation of your wedding day. If you are planning to improve your health before you tie the knot, focus on small gains instead of the number on the scale. Maybe you can lift more weight or run a little faster than the day before, or maybe your clothes are feeling more comfortable or you have more energy to spend time with your loved ones. All of these are way better markers of how your body is performing than your weight.

4. Seek the support of friends and family

There’s a reason we call our friends and family our “support system.” If you’re feeling the extra pressure of slimming down before your wedding, share some of those feelings with your favorite people. The ones you love can help you maintain perspective on the important things, offer words of encouragement and support, or just be there to listen to you vent.

5. Avoid toxic people

Societal pressure is the biggest reason why brides feel hounded to lose weight before their weddings. While it’s impossible to completely avoid, surrounding yourself only with positive influences can do a lot to improve your mental state. If someone you’re hanging out with makes you feel bad about yourself, you don’t need to be around them! Avoid anyone who makes you feel like the amazing person you are isn’t enough.

6. Prioritize fun and stress relief

Between the pressures to lose weight and the stress of planning a wedding, this is most likely going to be an overwhelming time. Make sure to prioritize anxiety-relieving activities, like cuddling with your pets, enjoying a spa day, meditating, and indulging in some of your favorite meals. Little things that bring a smile to your face can help take the edge off of this emotionally draining time.

7. Start journaling

Sometimes, just writing something down can make it a lot easier to deal with. Journaling your thoughts and feelings as you’re approaching your wedding day can help to get some of your negative emotions out, as well as give you the perspective of someone who’s not living inside your head 24/7. You can even download writing prompts to help you get started!

8. Confidently wear whatever you like

If there’s one thing we’re sure of, it’s that you’re going to look absolutely beautiful on your wedding day. Whether you’ve been dreaming of a tulle-filled ball gown or a sleek satin dress, choose something that makes you feel like the gorgeous bride you are for your wedding day. It can also help to write down your favorite features about yourself, and play these up on your wedding day. If you love your long legs, maybe go for a cocktail dress. If you’re crazy about your baby blues, highlight your eyes with dark lashes to feel extra glamorous on your big day.

9. Speak to a therapist

If talking to your friends and family just doesn’t seem to be enough, confiding in a therapist can often help get rid of some of those pre-wedding blues. You’ll have a totally non-judgmental, impartial space to let out whatever anxieties you have around wedding planning and body image before you marry your sweetheart.

The post How to Maintain Body Positivity While Planning a Wedding appeared first on The Loupe.

Congratulations, you’re engaged! Once you begin the wedding planning process, one of the first things you’ll decide on is a wedding budget. While social pressures can often conspire to inflate wedding costs, creating (and sticking) to a reasonable wedding budget can help ensure that your wedding will go smoothly — without breaking the bank.

1. Understanding Your Financing

In order to create a comprehensive wedding budget, you must first have an understanding of your finances. What are you and your partner planning to spend money on in the short term? What about long-term? Compare your combined income and savings, along with estimates of other gifts or additions that may be put toward your wedding, such as contributions from family members. Figuring out exactly how much money you have coming in and what you want to spend it on in the future can make it easier to decide on a wedding budget that makes sense to both of you.

2. Estimate the Guest Count

One of the biggest factors in creating a wedding budget is the amount of guests you’re planning to have at your wedding. There’s a big difference between the cost it takes to throw a wedding for 50 people than one for 150 people. Talk about how you picture your wedding and discuss non-negotiables for your guest list with your partner. That way, you can both be on the same page when you decide on a guest count. Psst — don’t forget to factor in plus-ones!

3. Plan Out the Wedding Costs

Now comes the fun part! You can start mapping out some of the bigger expenses in your wedding, such as catering, the venue, the wedding dress, and the wedding bands you’ll say “I do” with. You may want to make a list of which items you value the most, so that you can prioritize your budget according to your wish list. For example, if you and your partner are huge foodies, then spending a little extra on the caterer while cutting costs for the venue may be the way to go.

4. Create an Emergency Fund

Despite our best efforts in planning, sometimes, emergencies happen. Maybe you chose a venue that’s outdoors and suddenly you’re expecting tornadoes in June, or maybe your 6-year-old ring-bearer misplaced the rings. Maybe your forgot to include setup and breakdown fees in your original budget. No matter what the case is, it’s good to have a little bit of your budget tucked aside for unfortunate incidentals. We recommend putting five to 15 percent of your budget into your emergency fund. You’ll be glad you did!

5. Research Your Options

It’s well known that weddings can get expensive, which is why it’s so important to do your research before making any big decisions when it comes to your wedding plans. Take the details into consideration when factoring anything into your budget, and don’t forget to include “extras” that may be offered. While some venues include service and catering in the cost of renting, others may require you provide your own catering, or your own servers, or both. This means that those extra costs will have to be combined in your overall budget. Making sure you’ve gone through all your options means that you know exactly what your budget is going toward.

6. Track Your Spending

Little costs can add up, especially when it comes to weddings. You may not think adding that chocolate fountain for a few hundred dollars will make a big difference in your wedding budget, but every penny counts. Create an Excel spreadsheet, download a money tracking app, or go old-fashioned and keep a notebook around to make sure you’re tracking your spending. Make sure to include things like taxes and gratuity as well. This becomes especially important when you’re overwhelmed by wedding excitement!

7. Save Where You Can

Believe it or not, there are a lot of ways to save and still have the wedding of your dreams. Here are a few ways to cut costs when it comes to your wedding budget:

• Create your own flower arrangements
• Borrow equipment/décor from friends
• Choose a public venue, or have your wedding at home
• Invite your friends to help create your own wedding favors
• Choose an affordable engagement ring/wedding bands (you can always upgrade later!)
• Go with a track list instead of a DJ or live band
• Shop vintage for your wedding attire
• Choose to have an “off-season” wedding (such as winter)

The post 7 Tips for Creating a Wedding Budget appeared first on The Loupe.

The legality of LGBTQ+ marriage (and the legality of LGBTQ+ relationships in general) varies widely throughout the world, and in many places remains in near-constant flux. Additionally, even in places where LGBTQ+ marriages are legal, there are unfortunately often still cultural hurdles that need to be navigated for LGBTQ+ couples.

The History of LGBTQ+ Marriage Rights

Before 1962, same-sex relationships were explicitly prohibited by law to varying degrees in all 50 U.S. states. As of 2015, same-sex relationships are now explicitly legal in all 50 U.S. states. However, the road to legalizing same-sex marriage was very contentious, and LGBTQ+ couples do still face varying forms of legalized discrimination in some areas. 

Same-Sex Marriage Laws

Landmark laws and court cases related to same-sex marriage in the U.S. include:

Decriminalization of Homosexuality in Illinois (1961): Illinois was the first state to repeal its sodomy laws, which had effectively made homosexual relationships illegal. 

Baker v. Nelson (1972): The Minnesota Supreme Court denied a request for a county to issue a marriage license to a gay couple. The United States Supreme Court then dismissed the appeal “for want of a substantial federal question.” This established a precedent against gay marriage. 

California and Proposition 8 (2008): Proposition 8 was a proposed state constitutional amendment that was meant to explicitly ban same-sex marriage in California. It initially passed as a ballot measure, but was then ruled unconstitutional per the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court for Hollingsworth v. Perry. 

United States v. Windsor (2013): The U.S. Supreme Court ruled section three of the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional, effectively determining that same-sex couples could not be denied federal benefits, and other protections relating to marriage. Obergefell v. Hodges (2015): This was the landmark case that ruled that same-sex marriage was a Constitutionally protected right in the United States.

Transgender Marriage

Landmark laws, court cases, and other legal precedents related to transgender individuals and marriage in the U.S. include:

M.T. v. J.T. (1976): The New Jersey Superior Court set an important precedent by acknowledging a trans woman’s gender in a case in which she sought spousal support following abandonment by her husband. 

Littleton v. Prange (1999): The Fourth Court of Appeals of Texas ruled that a marriage between a cisgender man and a transgender woman (Christie Lee Littleton) was invalid on the basis that the court did not recognize Littleton’s gender, and same-sex marriage was not recognized in Texas at the time. 

re Jose Mauricio LOVO-Lara (2005): An American transgender woman married a cisgender man from El Salvador and the couple sought to gain American citizenship for the latter based on their marriage. The immigration office initially rejected the request on the grounds that DOMA established that they were not guaranteed this right. Upon appeal, the Board of Immigration Appeals determined that DOMA did not invalidate federal marriage benefits of transgender individuals if their state of residence recognizes their gender (as was the case for the North Carolinian woman in question). Social Security Administration policy adjustment (2014): Following the public efforts of a 92-year-old transgender widow to gain survivor benefits following her husband’s death, the Social Security Administration adjusted their policy regarding transgender individuals seeking survivor benefits. While previously it was required that all claims of this nature would be referred to the Regional Chief Counsel for review, the policy adjustment now allows most such claims to be processed in the typical manner.

Other Laws and Precedents Related to Queer Marriage Rights

Other landmark laws and court cases related to LGBTQ+ relationships include:

Bowers v. Hardwick (1986): This U.S. Supreme Court decision upheld the constitutionality of a Georgia sodomy law, and effectively maintained a precedent for the validity of legal action against people who engage in same-sex relations. 

Romer v. Evans (1996): The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Amendment 2 of the Colorado State Constitution unconstitutional. The amendment had barred the implementation of any laws which would extend civil rights to individuals who identify as homosexual or which would establish anti-discrimination policies on the basis of sexual orientation.

Lawrence v. Texas (2003): This decision by the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the 1986 Bowers v. Hardwick ruling by affirming that a Kansas law prohibiting same-sex relations was unconstitutional on the basis of consideration for liberty and privacy.

Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission (2018): The Colorado Civil Rights Commission determined that a bakery that had refused to do business with a same-sex couple had violated a Colorado anti-discrimination law. The Colorado Court of Appeals upheld this decision, but the U.S. Supreme Court then reversed the decision due to considerations specific to the unique case. 

What Are the Differences Between Marriage, Civil Union, and Domestic Partnership?

Before same-sex marriage was legalized nationwide in the United States, same-sex couples in some states had the option to engage in a domestic partnership or opt into a civil union instead. 

• Marriage: Marriage is a legally recognized union between two individuals that consolidates assets and confers many benefits, such as tax benefits, social security benefits, retirement benefits, decision-making power (such as those relating to medical decisions), inheritance benefits, health insurance benefits, benefits relating to parent-child relationships (such as the right to file for custody in the event of divorce), work-leave benefits (such as family and bereavement leave), and considerations for immigration status. 
• Civil Union: A civil union is also a legally recognized union, but it is only recognized on a state level, not a federal level. As such, a couple in a civil union can only enjoy state-specific benefits. Therefore, the union may not continue to be valid if a couple moves, and they cannot enjoy federal benefits such as those relating to federal taxes. 
• Domestic Partnership: A registered domestic partnership is also a legally recognized union that is only recognized on a state level. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with a civil union. However, in some states, both the institutions of civil union and registered domestic partnership exist, with differing parameters. 

Challenges Faced by LGBTQ+ Couples Who Want to Get Married

LGBTQ+ couples who plan on getting married often face many unique obstacles stemming from the long (and ongoing) history of discrimination against them. 

Cultural Obstacles

Some people in American culture retain the (incorrect) opinion that people in the LGBTQ+ community are immoral. They have also been made scapegoats for many specific issues, such as the AIDS epidemic. In addition to these more specific and overtly aggressive avenues of cultural vilification, people in the LGBTQ+ community also often have to contend with the pervasiveness of heteronormative culture and the pressure to conform to it. As such, even apparently well-meaning friends and family may socially sanction LGBTQ+ couples for non-heteronormative behavior, even for something so innocuous as the style of the custom engagement ring (e.g. a man wearing a traditionally “feminine” style of ring). 

These expectations can cause discomfort and contention in a lot of areas, but especially one such as the institution of marriage that is so tied to tradition and was so aggressively denied to the LGBTQ+ community for a long time. 

Discrimination and Harassment

LGBTQ+ individuals still often face discrimination and harassment. According to one poll, 57% of LGBTQ+ respondents said that they have personally experienced slurs being directed toward themselves, while 51% said that they or a loved one had experienced violence related to their sexual orientation or gender identity. 

Discrimination and harassment toward these groups may be even more charged when LGBTQ+ individuals are witnessed engaging in public displays of affection, including wedding ceremonies. There have been several recent incidents of LGBTQ+ individuals being fired from their jobs directly following their wedding, including Jocelyn Morffi of Florida and Al Fischer of Missouri. 

Family Planning

While LGBTQ+ couples in the U.S. no longer have to struggle against family law obstacles that stem from an inability to get married, there are still unique hurdles that they commonly encounter. These largely relate to adoption and custody issues regarding biological children. Many adoption agencies refuse to work with same-sex couples, and court systems often favor the biological parent in custody cases wherein one parent is the blood relation of the child and the other is not (a common situation for gay couples). 

Considerations for LGBTQ+ Weddings Abroad

It is important that if you are part of the LGBTQ+ community and are planning on getting married abroad that you prepare appropriately, as laws and cultural views on LGBTQ+ relationships vary widely throughout the world. The following are a few good steps to take:

• Consider choosing a location based on how accepting it is of LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Once you have chosen a location, research the national and local laws and customs that may affect you or your wedding ceremony. 
• Hire a cultural mediator to help you navigate any cultural misunderstandings or barriers.
• Sign up for the STEP program.
• Be aware of any programs and agencies both in the U.S. and on location that can provide you with relevant information and assistance, and ensure that you have all of the information necessary to contact them easily.
• Get traveler’s insurance. 
• Keep copies of important documents such as your passport. 

Other Unique Wedding Planning Considerations for LGBTQ+ Couples

Many other considerations are common to LGBTQ+ wedding plans, including:

• Safety: LGBTQ+ people who are intending to get married may need to make additional safety considerations, such as research into local attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community, and door security. Whether this is necessary or desired depends on many factors such as personal preferences, the size of the event, and the location of the event. 
• Adjustment to traditions: Many LGBTQ+ couples decide to make adjustments to or completely alter the traditions surrounding marriage, from the engagement rings, to the clothing, to the ceremony itself. These potential alterations should be determined through an assessment of what parts of the lead-up and ceremony are most important to you and what you want from the experience. 
• People management: It is possible that for many reasons, heteronormative culture may impact how the people around you behave. This can be difficult to navigate, and again the need to deal with this will depend on various factors such as your location and the size of your event. Ways that you manage this situation can include having a limited guest list, making your expectations clear beforehand, and enlisting trusted individuals to help you deal with any interpersonal issues that arise. 

Resources for Wedding Inspiration and Support

25 Fabulous Same-Sex Wedding Ideas: This is a list of interesting ideas for same-sex wedding ceremonies.

Gay Wedding Institute: This organization helps put LGBTQ+ couples who are getting married in contact with sensitive, appropriate professionals to assist them with the process. 

How to Deal With Unsupportive Friends or Family: This guide explores considerations for unsupportive friends and family and how to deal with them during the marriage process.

Shane Co.: This company offers many customizable options for engagement and wedding rings.

Directories for LGBTQ+ Ally Marriage and Wedding Services

EnGAYged Weddings: This is a directory of gay-friendly wedding vendors throughout the United States.

LGBTWeddings.com: This search tool can help LGBTQ+ people find vendors for their weddings. 

Equally Wed: This directory can help LGBTQ+ people find a wide variety of vendors for their weddings.

Additional Resources

LGBTQ Family-Building Grants: This is a resource for grants relating to family-building options such as adoption and fertility treatments for LGBTQ+ people.

Rainbow Wedding Network: This website offers a vendor directory, informational resources, news, and registry-building tools related to LGBTQ+ weddings. 

Department of State Travel: This is a list of resources relevant to LGBTQ+ adoption that has been compiled by the U.S. Department of State. 

The post LGBTQ+ Marriage in the United States appeared first on The Loupe.

At first glance, weddings may not seem like the type of event that would make a negative ecological impact. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case — weddings can and do create a carbon footprint. This can be a result of choices in decorations, wedding attire, and even how the cake is made. 

Luckily, there are still ways to have the wedding of your dreams while being conscious of your impact on the environment. 

Sustainable Wedding Supplies

One of the most impactful ways to reduce the carbon footprint associated with your wedding is to be mindful of where your supplies are being purchased from and how they’re sourced. It often isn’t hard to find eco-friendly alternatives to traditional decoration ideas.

Wedding Stationery

Paper stationery is one of the bigger contributing factors to a wedding’s carbon footprint. Rather than going with traditional paper invites, couples could consider using digital invites, a wedding website, or other online alternatives.

If you decide that virtual stationery isn’t for you, you can still reduce your carbon footprint by skipping out on save-the-dates and other invitation additives (size cards and registry information). You may also select invites that are made of recycled paper.

Wedding Cakes

Shopping for cakes that are organic, locally made, and/or made with fair trade ingredients is ideal. Even incorporating in-season fruits helps make a positive difference.

Other benefits of buying foods that are organic and locally sourced are:

• It’s oftentimes free of preservatives and pesticides
• Organic foods are often fresher
• Consumption of a seasonally well-balanced diet

Eco-Friendly Flowers

Buying from local shops and sticking to varieties that are in season are two ways to be eco-friendly when shopping for flowers. Listed below are the seasons and the flowers that are best to buy during that time:

• Spring:
  • Amaryllis
  • Azaleas
  • Cherry blossoms
  • Daffodils
  • Dahlias
  • Daisies
  • Forsythias
  • Irises
  • Lilacs
  • Lilies
  • Orchids
  • Pansies
  • Peonies
  • Poppies
  • Pussy willows
  • Roses
  • Sweet peas
  • Tulips
  • Violets
  • Zinnias

• Summer:
  • Asters
  • Azaleas
  • Chrysanthemums
  • Cosmos
  • Daisies
  • Delphiniums
  • Freesias
  • Hydrangeas
  • Irises
  • Gardenias
  • Gingers
  • Gladiolas
  • Lilacs
  • Lilies
  • Peonies
  • Snapdragons
  • Sunflowers
  • Zinnias

• Fall:
  • Alstroemeria
  • Anthurium
  • Bouvardia
  • Carnations
  • Chrysanthemums
  • Cockscombs
  • Daisies
  • Goldenrod
  • Liatris
  • Lilies
  • Marigolds
  • Queen Anne’s lace
  • Roses

• Winter:
  • Amaryllis
  • Carnations
  • Chrysanthemums
  • Poinsettias
  • Roses
  • Star of Bethlehems

If you’re willing to forgo flowers entirely, potted herbs, greenery, or dried flowers make for excellent alternatives. However, if you do plan on using flowers, you can donate the arrangements to a hospital or retirement home once your wedding is over.

Virtual Photo Album

Virtual photo albums are a great way to remember your special day. Having a single, online place for your wedding photos ensures they stay safe (won’t get ruined from spills or turn yellow over time like some printed photos), and that you’re able to share it with everyone. Other advantages of an online photo album include:

• Little to no cost to upload and maintain
• Access your photos at any time, anywhere
• Allows you to order and reorder prints at any time

Sustainable Wedding Decor

Of course, every couple will have their own preferences when it comes to how they want to decorate their wedding. However, there are basic elements that most weddings will have such as decorative flowers, table decor, and more. There are ways to implement green practices and still decorate in your own style.

Sustainable Wedding Flowers

Not everyone will choose to decorate with floral arrangements for their wedding. Those who do may want to take the following decorating tips into consideration. For instance, using fake flowers and/or greenery is a great alternative to purchasing real ones. The faux flowers can be saved and reused for future events. 

Green Table Decor

Decorating the guest tables for the reception is a great way to tie in the theme of your wedding with your decor style. Couples often use centerpieces, placemats, and chair covers to spruce up the reception area. 

It can be difficult finding ways to stick to the theme of your wedding while still being conscious of your carbon footprint. Gathering branches, sticks, pinecones, leaves, and wood from a local park or forest is a great way to decorate for woodland or rustic themes. DIY wooden signs, thrifted picture frames, searching online marketplaces and resale shops, and reaching out to friends and family members for decorations are other ways to keep up with eco-friendly standards without hurting your wallet. 

Miscellaneous Wedding Decor

Other wedding decoration items to consider when planning an eco-friendly wedding include:

• Aisle decorations
• Archway/altar
• Cake toppers
• Card and gift station decorations
• Decor for the food and beverage tables
• Drinkware, flatware, and silverware
• Guest book
• Lighting
• Linens
• Signs

Wedding Party Gifts

Many couples choose to get their wedding party and immediate family members gifts for the wedding. Listed below are sustainable gift ideas your wedding party is sure to love:

• Bridesmaids:
  • Conflict-free jewelry
  • Journals with recycled paper
  • Customizable market totes
  • Soy candles
  • Bottle of wine, champagne, or their favorite beverage
  • Reusable straws and a mug
  • Ethically sourced robe
• Groomsmen:
  • Cufflinks and tie clips
  • Bamboo flask
  • Toiletry bag
  • Sustainably sourced wallet
  • Personalized beverage mugs
  • Bottle opener
  • Cigar cutter
  • Eco-friendly razor and shaving kit
• Family Members:
  • Personalized jewelry or keychains
  • A handkerchief with a personalized message
  • Framed photo

Wedding Guest Favors

Wedding favors can be used to show appreciation for taking the time to share your special day. However, not all couples will choose to purchase wedding favors for their guests. Those who do may want to take the following suggestions into consideration.

Charity Wedding Favors

In lieu of wedding favors, couples may consider donating to a charity of their choice on behalf of their guests. Charities to consider donating to include animal shelters, healthcare charities, schools, children’s homes, and food banks. 

Taking the money that would’ve been allotted toward wedding favors and instead putting it toward a charity is a win-win situation. Not only does the charity receive a donation, but you get the satisfaction of knowing you did something thoughtful. 

Seed Wedding Favors

Giving your guests seeds, herb garden kits, and/or succulents as gifts isn’t just eco-friendly — it’s also a way to help them remember your special day for a long time. Adding plant tags or pots can give a personal touch to an already memorable gift. 

Ideas for plant tags include:

• “Watch our love grow.”
• “Let love grow.”
• “It’s party thyme.”
• “Thistle be the best day ever. Thank you for joining us.”
• “Our guests are unbeLEAFable.”

Miscellaneous Wedding Favors

Finding DIY wedding favors that are affordable and take little time to make can provide you with a project to help relieve some stress in between wedding planning. If DIY projects aren’t your thing, then choosing one of the other eco-friendly favors listed below may be more your style:

• Blankets
• Edible gifts (honey, jam, etc.)
• Package-free products like soap or bath bombs

Eco-Friendly Confetti Toss

The history of the traditional confetti toss at weddings using rice is to “bestow prosperity and fertility” on the new couple. However, traditional items used for the confetti toss like rice and plastic confetti pieces aren’t always the most eco-friendly. If you want to implement this tradition at your wedding, choosing to use bubbles, dried flowers, or leaves is a better alternative to traditional confetti.  

Eco-Friendly and Ethically Sourced Wedding Attire

Finding sustainably sourced and ethically produced wedding attire can be tricky, especially if your shop options are limited. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s impossible. An ethically sourced wedding dress can be one that is vintage, second-hand, donated, recycled, or even homemade. 

If you’re able, try finding a company that ensures fair conditions for their garment workers, as well as one that sources their fabrics from suppliers who have the same standards. 

Those who wish to wear a tuxedo can rent one from a local tuxedo shop, borrow from a friend, or buy second-hand. Whatever it is you choose to wear, do your research and ask yourself where the dress/tuxedo is from, how it was made, what fabric was used to make it, and whether or not the store you purchased it from has ethical standards. 

Sustainable Wedding Jewelry

Sustainable jewelry is produced in a way that is ethical and made of materials that are sustainably sourced; for example, jewelry that has conflict-free stones, fair-mined metals, and/or vintage pieces. All Shane Co. jewelry is ethically sourced and built to last — we are always transparent about sourcing practices and what materials make up our pieces. 

When shopping for a wedding or engagement ring, be sure to find ones that are eco-friendly. You can even design your own engagement ring at Shane Co. to ensure that what you are getting meets your standards. 

Planning for a Sustainable Wedding

There is more to wedding planning than finding the right decor and attire. Listed below are eco-friendly tips and tricks to be mindful of when discussing the behind-the-scenes of wedding planning. 

Eco-Friendly Wedding Guest List

When generating the guest list, it can be beneficial to make it as small as possible for a more intimate wedding. Smaller, more intimate weddings are beneficial because:

• It saves you money
• You have access to more venues
• You can spend more quality time with your guests
• It’s easier to plan for fewer people

If you do have a large guest list, you can consider having a virtual wedding. This gives you the feel of an intimate wedding without being forced to leave people out. Virtual weddings also limit travel time for friends and family that aren’t local — which saves them the hassle of making travel arrangements, and cuts down on travel pollution. 

Eco-Friendly Wedding Locations

When discussing eco-friendly wedding locations, it’s important to keep in mind not only the venue itself but what it will take to get there. If the guests have to travel a long way, this will contribute to carbon emissions and pollution. 

When venue-shopping for an eco-friendly location, proximity is just one factor to be aware of. You should also ask questions like:

• “What kinds of cleaning products do you use?” 
• “Are you involved in any green or charity initiatives?” 
• “Do you offer recycling or composting bins on-site or recommend a local green trash service?” 
• “Do you offer rentals?” 
• “What seasons would lower the wedding’s carbon footprint?” 
• “Are there any local vendors or organizations you recommend connecting with?” 
• “Are renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and generators, available?” 
• “Do you utilize sustainable operations or methods?” 
• “Do you work with a local conservation organization (conservation easement, mentoring programs, etc.)?” 

Destination Wedding Tips

Even though traveling for destination weddings isn’t the most eco-friendly decision, there are other ways to make up for it. For example:

• Choose an eco-tourism destination
• Research all of your options and ask the questions listed above about the venue
• Plan ahead for eco-friendly transportation options
• Find a wedding planner who uses ethical planning standards
• Be sure to use sustainable decorations

Eco-Friendly Wedding Menus

Whether your venue is providing the wedding meal or you’re hiring a separate team, you should be able to find a catering company with a sustainable ethos, and that sources organic, local, fair trade, and ethically produced ingredients where possible. A vegan or vegetarian menu would also reduce the environmental impact of the wedding meal, but if that’s too drastic for you, aim for a menu that’s at least 50% vegetarian. 

Sourcing your alcohol from local wineries, distilleries, and breweries is another great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Questions to ask your caterers are:

• “How do you dispose of food waste?”
• “Where do you source your ingredients?”
• “What is your plastic policy?”

Eco-Friendly Registry

Creating the wedding registry is one of the more exciting parts of wedding planning. This is the time for you to assess what household items you could benefit from receiving. This is also the time to continue with your sustainable living practices and ask for eco-friendly gifts as an alternative to certain traditional options. 

When creating this registry, it’s important that you and your partner discuss your wants and needs beforehand. That way you can gain a better understanding of what to ask for. Tips to keep in mind when creating an eco-friendly registry are:

• Add reusable items (containers, washcloths, etc.)
• Have guests donate to a honeymoon fund
• Encourage guests to donate to a charity of your choice rather than purchasing gifts
• Support eco-friendly brands
• Request that your guests skip out on the packaging

Planning an Eco-Friendly Honeymoon

Couples who are willing to stay close to home for their honeymoon will make more of a positive ecological impact than those who travel far. However, this doesn’t mean that those who do choose to travel longer distances can’t be eco-friendly. 

Tips for planning an eco-friendly honeymoon are similar to planning an eco-friendly destination wedding. For example, when searching for a honeymoon destination you may want to select non-traditional alternatives such as:

• Camping
• Choose activities with a low-carbon footprint (kayaking, canoeing, cycling, etc.)
• Staying in an eco-friendly hotel/resort

Regardless of the theme of your wedding, how many people you invite, or what you choose to wear, you can still enjoy your day while being mindful of your ecological impact. 

The post Sustainable Wedding Guide: How to Plan an Eco-Friendly Wedding appeared first on The Loupe.

Without a wedding band, your engagement ring just doesn’t make the same impression. But choosing just one band can often be difficult – which is why we offer women’s wedding bands in the widest variety of styles, so you can mix and match to create a stylish stack that you can wear year-round. Here’s how to get in on this trend.

Step one:  Experiment with metals

Just because your engagement ring is white gold doesn’t mean your wedding band has to be too. In fact, mixing it up with different colored metals is a great way to create contrast and draw the eye to your sparkling ring finger. Choose from platinum, white, yellow and our signature shade of rose gold to add in an element of playfulness or match perfectly with your ring. Here’s some of our favorites:

It’s true:  simplicity really can’t be beat. This Platinum Comfort Fit Wedding Band is crafted from high-quality platinum for the perfect starter to your stack.

This Knife Edge Wedding Band shines bright in 14k Yellow Gold. It’s a classic style with the on-trend twist of the outward edge, and will look great stacked with other, more intricate designs.

This slim 14k Rose Gold Wedding Band is only 1mm wide, making it just right to add depth to a ring stack. The unique blush tone adds a hint of romanticism to an already gorgeous favorite.

Want something a little different? This Vintage Wedding Band with delicate beaded milgrain detail adds a touch of elegance to a stunning silhouette.

Step two: Add some sparkle

Of course, a ring stack wouldn’t be complete without a little sparkle – this is pretty much a rule at Shane Co. The trick is to find a variety of styles that will add some extra oomph to your look without out-shining your engagement ring.

This Classic Pavé-Set Diamond Wedding Band in 14k Rose Gold holds nineteen round diamonds, offering the best in elegance and radiance.

If you love yellow gold, this Diamond Cluster Wedding Band is just the thing. We love the contemporary style elements paired with graduated diamonds for a modern look.

Sometimes, bigger really is better. Especially when we’re talking about this Round Diamond Band in 14k White Gold. 11 diamonds totaling to 1.11 carats make a splash with this sparkly stunner.

Add a vintage flair with this Vintage Round Diamond Wedding Band in everlasting platinum. Gorgeous diamonds + milgrain details = the perfect ring, in our experienced, biased opinion.

Step three: Experiment with shape

Adding some curves and textural elements to your wedding band stack is a stylish way to draw the focus to each individual ring. We love the look of a contour mixed with straight bands and, of course, your lovely engagement ring.

This Tiara Round Diamond Contour Wedding Band plays double duty with a unique swirl and contour look, mimicking the image of a crown.

Looking for a band that perfectly cradles your engagement ring? We love the look of this Contoured Diamond Wedding Band in 14k Rose Gold!

With baguette diamonds currently trending, this Baguette and Round Diamond Contour Wedding Band in 14k Yellow Gold is a no-brainer. Sparkle, please?

This Vintage Diamond Contour Wedding Band in Platinum is perfect to finish off your ring stack in style. Along with 12 round diamonds, the contoured shape layers beautifully with other rings.

No matter what your style is, you’ll find beautiful wedding bands at Shane Co. Shop all our unique wedding band styles. Don’t forget to use the “drop a hint” feature to let your sweetie know that a new band is the gift you’re dreaming of.

The post Trending: The Wedding Band Stack appeared first on The Loupe.

Are bridesmaids’ gifts necessary?

It’s become a popular tradition to give your bridesmaids gifts. Small or big, offering a token of your appreciation is a beautiful way to let your closest friends know you not only love having them in your life, but you also appreciate their role in your wedding day.

When should you give out bridesmaids’ gifts?

You can give out your bridesmaids’ gifts at any time, but we suggest choosing from three options:

• When you ask them. You can include your bridesmaids’ gifts with a card asking them to be your bridesmaids. If you’re choosing to give jewelry, they’ll be able to wear their gifts all throughout the wedding planning, including the plethora of wedding-related events.
• At the bachelorette party. A bachelorette party is meant to be a bonding experience between you and your besties — so it’s the perfect place to say thanks for everything that they’ve done for you in your single life.
• Before the wedding. The ritual of getting ready before the wedding offers the perfect space to give a heartfelt thanks and hand out gifts to your bridesmaids. If you were hoping they’d wear their gifts for the wedding, this also ensures nothing will be misplaced or left behind beforehand.

How much should you spend on your bridesmaids?

How much you spend on bridesmaids’ gifts really depends on your own personal finances and plans for your wedding. Maybe you only have one or two bridesmaids, so you want to splurge a little more on your gifts — or maybe you’re paying for other aspects of their trip and want to save a little when it comes to gifts. It’s entirely up to you! At Shane Co., we have a wide selection of bridesmaids’ gifts in every price range, including gifts $150 and below.

Bridesmaids’ gift ideas

Fine jewelry makes the perfect bridesmaids’ gift! Not only is it meaningful and a wonderful surprise for your bridesmaids, but it can also be personalized to commemorate their involvement in your special day. Plus, it doubles as an accessory to wear to wedding-related events, or even the wedding itself. Our bridesmaids’ jewelry, like everything else we make, is built to last — so your loved ones will be getting a gift they can truly treasure for a lifetime. Read on for some of our favorite ideas for bridesmaids’ gifts.

Colorful stones

Synchronize your bridesmaids’ gifts with your wedding colors or dress themes for the perfect addition to your big day. With gemstones from deep purple amethyst to sparkling aquamarine, our selection of gemstone jewelry is the perfect way to show your bridesmaids you care.

Sterling silver

With a price point much lower than 14k gold, there’s no need to sacrifice quality with a gift of sterling silver jewelry. From this on-trend Ice Blue Sapphire Star Pendant to this vintage-inspired pair of White Sapphire Earrings, you’re sure to find the perfect bridesmaids’ gifts on ShaneCo.com.

Cultured pearls

Pearls are always a timeless choice for a wedding, and with a variety of kinds and colors to choose from, you can give a gift that she’ll love to wear with our selection of pearl jewelry. Go with a classic pearl strand or switch it up with stylish Tahitian pearls — either way, they’ll be a hit!

Personalized jewelry

Engrave their initials onto a simple 14k gold disk, or create a totally unique charm necklace with our gemstone and letter charms. Either way, it’s easy to create personalized jewelry that will mark the occasion at Shane Co.

Still looking for more ideas? See our entire collection of bridesmaids’ gifts on ShaneCo.com. You can also book a virtual or in-store appointment to speak with one of our expert jewelry consultants, who can help you pick out the perfect gifts.

The post What Do Bridesmaids Really Want for Gifts? appeared first on The Loupe.

The past few months have introduced to us a whole new way of living. From virtual happy hours to canceled wedding plans to at-home proposals and everything in between, the way we interact with our friends and family has changed dramatically. While many of these changes have been difficult to deal with, there are a few that we hope are here to stay. It’s given us the opportunity to spend time with our loved ones that we might not otherwise have spent with them, to connect (or reconnect) with friends around a common struggle, and to re-evaluate what things and people take up the most space and importance in our lives.

And while many of us have unfortunately had to reschedule plans for big parties or celebrations, such as weddings, others have done so while still realizing that the most important part of this celebration can still happen: marriage. Elopement-style weddings are apparently on the rise, and we don’t expect that rate to fall any time soon. If you’ve been thinking about eloping with your partner, here are a few of the pros and cons to help you make your decision.

Pro: It’s financially brilliant

To no one’s surprise, throwing a full-out wedding party can lead to one expensive bill. In fact, the average wedding costs around $34,000, according to a study done in 2019 by CNBC. Many couples are realizing that by eloping, they can put that money toward other expenses, such as the engagement ring, wedding rings, honeymoon, or even a down payment on a new home.

Con: Your family might feel let down

It’s not uncommon for many couples to feel as though their wedding is, in a way, a performance for their family and friends. The excited mother-of-the-bride is a common trope in movies for a reason: many parents dream of the day their child ties the knot. Depriving friends and family of this experience can often make a couple feel selfish, but remember — it’s your marriage, not theirs.

Pro: Less stress and pressure

Especially because of the big price tag, traditional weddings can introduce a lot of stress into a relationship. At a time when a couple should be celebrating their love, they are often found arguing, bickering, or feeling an enormous amount of pressure as they plan out their big day. Choosing to elope allows you to simply enjoy your engagement and nuptials, without the worries that can come along with wedding planning.

Con: There’s no one to share your joy with

Celebrating your marriage with the people you love is one of the biggest reasons why many couples decide to throw a wedding party. By eloping, you miss out on all the fun that comes along with getting to celebrate with the people who have been there to see your relationship progress, and the ones with whom you would love to share your excitement.

Pro: It’s truly about you

Skipping out on the pomp and circumstance, and especially not having to “share” your time on your wedding day with long-lost relatives whose names you can’t remember, does have one big pro: You get to actually spend time with your sweetheart. Putting the focus back on the two of you means you can take your time basking in the glow of being newlyweds, without worrying about when the cake is coming out or whether the DJ got your song list in time.

Con: It’s not as big of a deal

This could be seen as a pro or con, depending on how you feel about it. If you decide to elope, your wedding may not seem like a “big deal” to everyone around you. This means fewer wedding gifts, fewer congratulations, and, most importantly, fewer eyes on you and your honey. For some, this can be a blessing in disguise — but for others, you may feel a bit sad that you didn’t get to have your moment in the sun.

Choosing what’s right for you

Ultimately, the decision to elope really depends on how you and your partner feel about it. The good news is there are so many ways to celebrate! You can choose to do a private elopement with just the two of you and a big wedding later in the year, or a small ceremony with just your close friends and family. Maybe you love the idea of eloping but can’t handle skipping out on a wedding dress. No problem! What you wear, where you do it, and how you celebrate can be personalized to your heart’s content. The most important thing is you’re getting married to the love of your life, and what could be better than that?

The post Should I Elope? The Pros and Cons of Eloping appeared first on The Loupe.

Whether you’re planning your wedding a year from now or decided to keep it small and get hitched at home, chances are one of the first things you did was pick out a wedding dress. But with this all-important gown taking center stage, it can be easy to forget that accessories are vital to pull an outfit together! We have a few tips to help you pick out the perfect pieces to wear on the big day.

What’s your hue?

Did you know that certain metals and colors work especially well together? If your gown is a classic white, go for silver or platinum to keep in tune with the bright tones of your dress. If you’ve gone with ivory or off-white, yellow gold can bring out those subtle differences. And if you’re a big fan of pale pink, try our 14k rose gold jewelry on for size!

To veil or not to veil

There’s no bridal accessory quite like the veil. Full of symbolism, veils are timeless and can definitely offer that “I’m a bride!” feeling on your wedding day. However, opting to go without means you have so many more options for accessorizing! We recommend keeping it simple if you’re wearing an extravagant veil, or switching it up and matching your jewelry with a sweet tiara or hair accessories.

What jewelry goes with my neckline?

Depending on the dress you choose, particular styles may look better than others to create a cohesive look. Check out some of our suggestions for wedding dress necklines below.

Strapless

Bold statement earrings are perfect for a strapless gown. They’ll stand out beautifully with this simple neckline and draw the eye upward toward your gorgeous face. Long diamond earrings with matching tennis bracelets can also create a sophisticated silhouette. If earrings aren’t your thing, try a collar or choker necklace — if you’re rocking a vintage look, go with vintage-inspired jewelry, and if it’s classic, try a pearl strand. Keep in tune with the feel of your gown and you really can’t go wrong.

Off the shoulder

Because this neckline offers so much space between the dress and your face, a choker necklace paired with matching earrings will work wonderfully — or, classic pearls to emphasize this ageless neckline. If you’d rather emphasize the overall silhouette, dangle earrings with a good deal of movement will add a nice touch of sparkle.

High neck

A high-necked dress means you can’t really add a necklace, so make sure to make the most of your earring choices. A dangle or drop earring will add a sense of drama, while gorgeous studs in a unique shape offer unique simplicity.

Boat neck

A boat neck, also called a Sabrina neckline, is perfect for highlighting your face. A solitaire diamond pendant or another simple style will work beautifully for an understated look. A colorful pair of studs will also pair nicely with this sophisticated neckline.

Sweetheart

A pendant that ends a few inches above your neckline paired with drop earrings will create beautiful angles with a sweetheart style. If you’re looking for something a little more unique, a lariat necklace that drops down a little above the “V” of your dress is the way to go.

One shoulder

If you’re rocking a one-shoulder gown, it’s best to forgo a necklace and focus on earrings. If your dress is especially embellished, a simple pair of studs can add a little femininity without distracting from the focal point of your outfit. Pearl studs are always a good choice, or add new earring jackets for the big day to take your classic diamond studs up a notch.

Scoop neck

The timeless scoop neck is just right for a matching pendant and earrings! You can’t go wrong with a simple diamond, sapphire, or ruby paired with stud earrings. Statement or drop earrings also work wonderfully, if you feel like foregoing the necklace.

To find the right jewelry for your big day, head over to ShaneCo.com to see our entire selection of high-quality exclusive styles. You can even book a virtual appointment with one of our jewelry consultants to get help with picking the perfect piece!

The post What Jewelry Should I Wear with My Wedding Dress? appeared first on The Loupe.

Has COVID-19 changed your wedding plans? Can’t stand the idea of waiting months to marry your sweetheart? With social distancing guidelines predicted to be in effect throughout the summer, many couples are choosing to downsize their wedding party and instead move forward with an at-home wedding. Fortunately, it’s still possible to tie the knot with your partner, even if you can’t have the party you imagined. We hope these tips can help you on your big day!

Dress up

Just because you’re not saying “I do” in front of a crowd of people doesn’t mean you can’t don your wedding attire. If you already have a wedding dress and tuxedo, this step is easy — if you don’t, there are still plenty of online retailers available to help you pick out the perfect wedding-day clothing.

Find your wedding bands

Did you know you can book a virtual appointment with a Shane Co. jewelry consultant to help you and your significant other find the perfect wedding bands? They can even help you find a band to beautifully complement your engagement ring. Shop all wedding bands on ShaneCo.com, where everything ships for free within three days.

Decorate the venue

Having your ceremony at home doesn’t mean you can’t make it feel magical. Easily upgrade your venue by lighting candles, stringing up Christmas lights, filling the house with fresh flowers, or even designing your own arch and enjoying your nuptials outside.

Invite your guests

Even if they can’t physically be there, your friends and family can still witness your wedding through a virtual forum. Create an invitation and invite all your favorite people to hop on Zoom or another similar platform, then set up your laptop or computer to show off your at-home ceremony. You can also ask guests to drive by afterwards — hearing a parade of honks and “Congratulations!” can be a wonderful way to celebrate.

Make it official

Due to these unprecedented events, many states are offering online marriage licenses. You can choose to take advantage of this, or wait until you are allowed to safely sign your marriage documents at the courthouse. You can even recruit a friend or family member to officiate your wedding — it’s remarkably easy to get ordained online.

Plan for the future

If you can’t imagine getting married without a party to follow, you always have the option to perform the ceremony now and plan on celebrating with friends later on down the line. The good news is you’ll have more time to plan an amazing wedding party!

Remember what’s important

Many couples get wrapped up in the pomp and circumstance of weddings, but the truth is it’s about two people: you and your fiancé. Celebrate in a way that reminds you how much you love each other. Maybe that means having an after-party with your favorite food and drinks, creating a collage of all your favorite moments as a couple, or just spending a day in bed together as husband and wife. No matter what happens, you get to say that you married the person you loved, and what could be better than that?

The post How to Have Your Dream Wedding at Home appeared first on The Loupe.

1. Create a wedding timetable

Can’t wait to tie the knot or excited to enjoy your time as fiancés? Either way, the first step in planning your wedding is deciding whether you want a long or short engagement. There are advantages to both — it all depends on what feels right to you and your partner. Once you have an idea of a timeline, the rest of your planning will be a lot easier to manage.

2. Set a budget

Many of your decisions about your wedding will depend on how you allocate your budget. This is also the time to figure out if you’ll be paying for the entire wedding yourselves or if you have family members that would like to be involved, as this may end up shifting your ultimate wedding financial plan. Talking about money is never fun, but you can’t realistically figure out what kind of wedding you’re going to have if you don’t know how much you’re able to spend.

3. Document your vision

Whether you already have your dream wedding in mind or have no clue where to start, now’s the time to collect inspiration and put together some ideas for what you want your wedding to look like. This can involve where it’s set, the “style” of the wedding, whether you want something big or small, buffet or sit-down, and more. Use your Pinterest, Instagram, and other social media to collect images and notes you can refer back to as you get more involved in the planning of your nuptials.

4. Propose to your wedding party

A wedding is beautiful, but it can also be stressful — so it’s super helpful to enlist the aid of your closest friends and family. Choose a few sweet bridesmaids’ gifts and let your besties know you can’t wait for them to be next to you on your big day! The sooner you pop the question to your bridesmaids, the sooner they can help you with things like picking out your dress, planning the bachelorette party, and handing you a glass of champagne when it all gets to be a little overwhelming.

5. Decide who’s planning what

Looking to keep your budget (and wedding) small and want to do all the planning yourself? Or are you super busy and want to outsource the hard stuff to a professional? The next step in getting ready for your wedding is deciding whether you want a wedding planner or day-of coordinator to help you make your dream wedding a reality. The cool thing about this is you can pick from a full-time planner who manages every detail to a part-time consultant that will help you figure out the basics, or just stick with someone that will make sure everything runs smoothly on the big day. The choice is yours!

6. Find your venue

Picking your venue is sort of like setting the stage for your wedding — before you can do anything else, you’ll have to make a decision about where you want to have it. Most wedding venues book out far in advance, so once you’ve figured out where you’re headed, you’ll have a better idea of what you still need to do. Some places may offer in-house catering, wedding coordinators, and alcohol, while others provide a list of preferred partners to work with. Get your location set in stone before you get started on the other aspects of tying the knot.

7. Start your registry

Getting your wedding registry set up early can ensure that all your loved ones have an opportunity to get you a gift you and your partner will actually enjoy. If you feel like you don’t need any gifts, many couples are opting to instead ask for donations in their name to a charity they feel strongly about. Either way, getting this done will make it a little easier for your guests to budget accordingly.

8. Pick your vendors

While not all vendors will book out as far in advance as the venue, it’s a good idea to take care of the ones you’re most concerned about first. If you have your eyes set on a particular caterer or DJ, now’s the time to lock them down (just in case). Smaller details, like flowers, settings, and invitations can wait until later.

9. Try on wedding dresses

One of the most exciting parts of wedding planning is getting to find the perfect wedding dress. We suggest doing a little research beforehand to figure out what kind of style, material, and shape you’re interested in so you can make the process run a little bit smoother. Then, grab your favorite ladies and a glass of champagne and starting trying on dresses!

10. Buy your wedding rings

Just like you, your engagement ring simply isn’t complete without its partner — your wedding band! Shopping for wedding bands with your partner is a fun way to get even more excited about your upcoming nuptials. You can even offer to buy your partner’s band as a gift, especially if they’re the one who purchased your engagement ring. Whether you’re looking to match your engagement ring or get something totally unique, Shane Co. has the largest selection of high-quality designs in every style to get you started.

The post Newly Engaged? Here’s How to Start Planning Your Dream Wedding appeared first on The Loupe.

1. Denver Botanic Gardens

The Denver Botanic Gardens’ York St. location offers over a dozen rentable spaces to plan your dream wedding and can fit anywhere from 10 to 1,200 guests. Whether you choose the Water Garden Gazebo, the West Terrace, Gates Hall or one of the many other romantic locations, the views at the Botanic Gardens are simply unbelievable. They promise an unforgettable wedding surrounded by lush accommodations and dreamy botanical splendor – what more could you want?

2. Bella Sera Event Center

This all-inclusive venue aims to create personalized, meaningful wedding celebrations for all their clients. The Tuscany-inspired venue is full of old-world charm with high ceilings, ornate balconies and world-class food created by their head chef, John. Experience the difference of a one-of-a-kind wedding designed especially for you at the Bella Sera.

3. Church Ranch Event Center

Looking for a beautiful outdoor wedding venue close to Denver? The Church Ranch Event Center features a beautifully forested garden area, green lawns, and gorgeous settings of ponds and fountains. Along with their professional event coordinators, your wedding is sure to go off without a hitch (pun intended!). Enjoy the best of Colorado at the picturesque Church Ranch Event Center.

4. The Oxford Hotel

Located in Denver proper, the historic Oxford Hotel features a number of different venue options, depending on the size of your party and your vision for your wedding. With stylish décor and luxurious touches, the team at The Oxford Hotel will work tirelessly to make sure your big day is everything you dreamed it would be, from the curated menu to the eye-catching floral arrangements and beyond.

5. The Chateaux at Fox Meadow

The Chateaux was designed specifically to make the wedding you always imagined come to life. From the luxurious ballroom to the sparkling chandeliers, the staff at The Chateaux encourages you to take advantage of their dedicated customer service and delight in the beauty of this unique venue. You will have exclusive access to the entire grounds, guaranteeing a private and thoughtful celebration from start to finish.

The post Top 5 Wedding Venues near Denver, Colorado appeared first on The Loupe.

From the ornate ball gowns of the 1950s to the absurdly puffy sleeves of the 1980s, wedding gowns have always mirrored popular fashion trends, and brides often look to celebrity wedding gowns for inspiration. This got us wondering — what are the most popular wedding dress styles of today? Do they vary from state to state? And what celebrity wedding dresses remain at the forefront of the industry? 

To find out, we looked at Google Shopping data for various wedding dress styles in every state. We also looked at Google search volume for several iconic celebrity wedding dresses. The results show a complex, fascinating industry with particular regional styles. Read on to discover what we found! 

The Most Popular Wedding Dress Styles in Every State

Said to have been made popular by Jackie Kennedy’s gown from 1952, the ball gown wedding dress style has remained the most popular wedding dress style in the United States. This style is the most popular in 13 states, including Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Kansas and Arizona. As you can see on the map, this style is particularly popular with states in the central part of the U.S.

The second-most popular wedding dress style in the U.S. is the princess style, which flaunts an undefined waistline. This is popular in states such as Texas, Florida and Oregon. Other regional trends include long-sleeve wedding dresses in northern states like Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, and short-sleeve wedding dresses in western states like Colorado and Utah.

The Most Searched Wedding Dress Style in Every Region

Speaking of regional trends, we broke down our results into major regions in the U.S. in order to determine if there are significant distinctions. As it turns out, the ball gown is the most popular in the Midwest and the South. The A-line-style dress, which is described as a “tamed-down version of the ball gown,” is particularly popular in the Northeast, which proves just how popular the ball gown style really is overall.

However, there is a significant variation in the most popular styles in the West. Five styles of dress — A-line, ball gown, asymmetrical, princess and short sleeve — are equally popular in terms of search volume.

Here you can see the breakdown of each wedding dress style in terms of popularity, based on the count of states with the most search volume for that specific style. It makes us wonder what new trends might be on the horizon in the new decade! 

Next, we broke down each state’s most searched celebrity wedding dress style. Which celebrity gowns are Americans searching for the most?

The Most Searched Celebrity Wedding Dress in Every State

Surprisingly, based on our above data, Jackie Kennedy didn’t make the cut. The most popular celebrity wedding dress in the United States was Marilyn Monroe’s. This makes sense to us, as the blonde bombshell was married three times, with three different dresses, and all of them are nothing short of iconic. Residents of states like North Carolina, Connecticut, Wisconsin, Missouri and more are calling up her dresses on Google, perhaps for inspiration for their own gowns.

Some runners-up for the most searched celebrity wedding dress in every state are Celine Dion (most popular in states like Utah, Minnesota and South Carolina) and Pippa Middleton (most popular in Hawaii, Kansas, South Dakota and Vermont). Royals made the list, including Princess Diana and Meghan Markle, and so did celebrity influencers, including Chrissy Teigen and Kim Kardashian. 

What about when we break it down by region?

The Most Searched Celebrity Wedding Dress in Every Region   

As you can see, Marilyn Monroe’s wedding attire dominates the list in every region except the Northeast, which is tied for a whopping nine most popular celebrity dresses. These include Angelina Jolie, Audrey Hepburn, Jennifer Lopez, Kate Moss, Lauren Conrad, Marilyn Monroe, Pippa Middleton, Priyanka Chopra and Victoria Beckham. Clearly, the Northeast likes to grab fashion inspiration from a wide variety of places!

Finally, here is a breakdown of the most popular celebrity wedding dresses in the U.S., based on the concentration of states searching for them the most. We were certainly interested to see that more Americans were searching for Pippa Middleton’s dress than Kate’s, though Pippa did get married much more recently than Kate!

That wraps up our analysis of the most popular wedding dress styles in every state. Are you surprised by any of the results? Does your wedding dress style fit into any of these categories, or do you have another celebrity wedding dress you love? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us a comment below or send us an e-mail at social@shaneco.com. You can also connect with us on social media (@shanecompany on Instagram and Facebook) to learn more.

The post The Most Popular Wedding Dress Styles in Every State appeared first on The Loupe.

1. The Grande at Kennesaw

This all-inclusive wedding venue offers romantic garden views, beautiful Victorian architecture and an overall sense of rustic elegance that’s perfect for any bride- and groom-to-be. The Grande will provide catering, flowers and even your wedding cake, making it easy for you to sit back and enjoy the celebration.

2. The Whitlock Inn

Winner of the “Best of Weddings” award from popular wedding site The Knot nine years in a row, this unique wedding venue boasts a large ballroom, a flower-filled garden, and luxurious greenery. With so many picture-perfect spots to pose in this 1900’s beauty, you’ll love saying “I do” to The Whitlock Inn.

3. The Conservatory

The Conservatory at Waterstone is a full-service wedding venue offering distinctive and well-planned weddings for Atlanta-area brides. The vibe is a combination of French country and modernity, with exposed brick walls and high ceilings that offer elegance and class. Choose from two different wedding packages to find your perfect fit.

4. The Marietta Garden Center

Located in historic Marietta, the Marietta Garden Center is perfect for large weddings or intimate ceremonies, with period antiques, landscaped gardens and a gorgeous gazebo. You’ll love its elegant southern charm whether you decide on a luxurious indoor party or an exclusive outdoor experience.

The post Top 4 Wedding Venues Near Atlanta, Georgia appeared first on The Loupe.

1. Who buys the wedding bands?

Traditionally speaking, the groom-to-be buys his honey their engagement ring and wedding band, while the bride takes care of her fiancé’s band. This goes along with the idea of “exchanging” rings at the ceremony, and gives the bride and groom a chance to give each other a wedding gift of sorts. Many couples even choose to have their rings engraved with a special message — this works well if you are keeping the rings as a surprise for each other on the wedding day.

2. Who pays for the wedding?

Throughout history, it’s been a common tradition for the wedding expenses to be taken care of by the bride’s family. There are a few reasons for this — one is that this is considered the “last party” the bride’s parents will fund for their daughter. Also, in times when it was quite common for the groom to support his future wife by providing a house and living expenses, it typically made sense for the bride/bride’s family to make the largest financial contribution to the wedding. Based on a survey done by The Knot in 2017, this tradition still rings pretty true — on average, the bride’s parents contribute 45% to the overall wedding budget, while the groom’s family contributes just 13%. At the same time, it’s become a lot less unusual to see a couple take care of the majority of their wedding expenses themselves.

3. Who pays for the bachelorette and bachelor parties?

It’s pretty common to see the bachelorette and bachelor party expenses paid for by the friends and family of the bride and groom — meaning the bridesmaids take care of the bachelorette party, while the groomsmen handle the bachelor party. Because these events are meant as a “sendoff” for the couple, it gives their friends a chance to celebrate and gift them a special experience.

4. Who pays for the honeymoon?

Typically, the groom and the groom’s family take care of the honeymoon expenses — especially if the bride’s family is paying for the majority of the wedding. This is a way for the groom’s family to contribute and gift the happy couple something, even if they aren’t funding the wedding party.

5. Who buys the bride’s wedding dress?

The bride and/or the bride’s family pays for her wedding dress, while the groom and/or groom’s family pays for his suit. This is probably because it’s traditional for the bride’s dress to remain a mystery to the groom until he sees her on their wedding day.

6. Who pays for the bridesmaids/groomsmen attire?

Unless the bride and groom are asking the members of their wedding party to wear something really extravagant, the cost of clothing for their bridesmaids and groomsmen is usually handled by the people wearing it themselves. However, it is traditional for the bride/groom to give the members of their wedding party gifts — often jewelry — as a way of saying thank you for their help in making their big day one to remember.

Still have questions? Learn more about wedding traditions on The Loupe, or explore these common engagement ring myths before you decide to pop the question.

The post How to Divide Up Your Wedding Expenses, Explained appeared first on The Loupe.

It’s October, and you know what that means — cozy sweaters, hot apple cider, Halloween and our personal favorite: fall wedding season. 

It’s no secret that we get excited about weddings no matter the time of year, but in honor of all of the couples that get to experience the joy (and the beautiful foliage) that comes with getting married in autumn, we decided to do something extra special to celebrate. 

We decided it would be fun to look into how much some of our favorite iconic movie weddings would cost in real life. We estimated the cost of the venue, dress, catering, floral arrangements and, of course, the engagement ring to determine the most and least expensive movie weddings. From Melanie’s southern Sweet Home Alabama wedding to Carrie’s New York Public Library wedding in Sex and the City the Movie, our findings are sure to pique your interest.

Consider yourself warned: They may also prompt you to binge-watch wedding movies all season long.

27 Dresses

If you’ve seen 27 Dresses, you know just how perfect Jane and Kevin’s wedding was. But how much does it cost to throw a New York beach wedding, you ask? Allow us to give you the breakdown. 

The priciest facet of Jane’s wedding was the venue. Assuming their wedding was followed by an off-screen catered reception, they likely shelled out around $12,000 on the location and food. And it’s no surprise — given that Jane has a closet dedicated solely to dresses — that one of the priciest items on her wedding bill was her sleeveless Amsale Aberra gown, which costs about $7,000. 

When you pair the venue and dress costs with the cost of the minimalist floral arrangements ($545) and engagement ring ($7,718), Jane and Kevin’s wedding comes to a total of $27,735, which, when compared to some of the other weddings on our roster, is pretty affordable. 

Bride Wars

It may not come as a shock that tying the knot at the Plaza Hotel isn’t the way to go if you’re looking to keep your wedding cost low, but Emma in Bride Wars didn’t seem to be too concerned with price. 

When you account for the location ($12,000), the custom-made Vera Wang gown ($11,200), the catering ($50,000) and the florals involved ($1,362), Emma and Fletcher’s wedding likely cost just shy of $75,000. When you add Emma’s 1.50-carat brilliant round diamond engagement ring to the mix, the total wedding cost is $85,000. 

But the question remains: Did Emma spend enough to out-do her best friend Liv’s wedding? 

Bridesmaids

In Bridesmaids, Lillian’s over-the-top couture wedding gown definitely stole the show. 

And while you can’t get the exact dress for yourself — it was custom-made for Maya Rudolph’s character — you may be able to get your hands on one of the Elie Saab gowns that inspired the outrageous dress. Back in 2011, Saab’s gowns went for around $30,000. 

When you pair Lillian’s dress cost with the $3,500 cost of renting out space in the Los Angeles County Botanical Garden, catering for 200+ guests ($30,000), florals ($1,720), and a 2.00-carat brilliant round engagement ring ($20,000), the grand total for Lillian and Doug’s wedding amounts to over $85,000. 

Love Actually

Peter and Juliet’s London wedding is the only international wedding on our roster. They were married in the Grosvenor Chapel, an Anglican church built back in the 1730s. At only $783, their venue didn’t break the bank. 

Juliet’s dress, worn by British actress Keira Knightley, was the most expensive wedding cost at $7,245. All in all, with the venue, lace wedding gown, modest florals ($737), catering ($5,029), and engagement ring ($1,850), Peter and Juliet’s special day is estimated to have cost $15,644. Now that’s what we call an affordable wedding!

Sex and the City

At nearly $160,000, Carrie and Big’s New York Public Library wedding amounted to be the most costly of all those we priced.

When you account for their $60,000 venue, Carrie’s $15,700 Vivienne Westwood gown, the $70,000 catering bill, the $9,000 they shelled out on florals, and the $5,000 round black diamond engagement ring*, it’s a shame Carrie didn’t even get to walk down the aisle. 

All we have to say is, we hope Mr. Big agreed to foot the bill … unless it’s permissible to pay in Manolo Blahniks. 

*We opted to include the ring from Carrie and Big’s second engagement as it is most memorable. 

Sweet Home Alabama

There’s nothing quite like a southern wedding, and when it comes to fictional southern weddings, Andrew and Melanie’s is difficult to beat. From the charming historic venue to the beautiful outdoor space to Melanie’s gorgeous sleeveless mermaid-style gown, everything about the Sweet Home Alabama wedding was perfect — aside from the mismatched couple. 

But what we discovered about this perfect Sweet Home Alabama wedding is that Andrew and Melanie paid for this perfection, especially the engagement ring. The venue, Oak Hill & The Martha Berry Museum, is estimated to have cost about $7,500, with the dress costing $1,233, catering at $5,250 and flowers coming in at $525. Melanie’s $125,000 cushion cut Tiffany engagement ring brings the total from $14,528 to a whopping $139,528. That’s one pricey diamond!

The Proposal

Andrew and Margaret’s barn wedding, albeit fake, was still one of the loveliest of the bunch. 

But did you know it technically wasn’t held in Sitka, Alaska? As it turns out, the “Paxton family home” belongs to a family in Massachusetts. Since homeowners are typically compensated about $2,500 per day to allow their home to be used as a filming location, this is how much Margaret and Andrew’s wedding venue cost. When added to the other associated costs — the vintage wedding dress (similar dresses go for $265 on Etsy), catering ($3,000), florals ($625), and the engagement ring ($7,718) — the total comes out to $14,108.

Wedding Crashers

Christina and Craig’s Maryland wedding reception was held at The Inn at Perry Cabin, which costs about $29,000, including catering. Though it’s unclear where Christina’s dress is from, tulle princess gowns similar to Christina’s go for around $450. As for the happy couple’s florals, they’re estimated to cost just over $1,100. 

When you account for the aforementioned costs and the $6,893 engagement ring, Christina and Craig’s wedding comes to a grand total of $37,345.

Grand totals

All in all, at nearly $160,000, Carrie and Big’s New York Public Library wedding turned out to be the most expensive, followed by Melanie and Andrew’s in Sweet Home Alabama ($139,528), and Lillian and Doug’s in Bridesmaids ($85,220). 

As for the most wallet-friendly wedding, Margaret and Andrew’s in The Proposal takes the cake. At just $14,108, they spent about $15,000 less than the national average. But, if you ask us, $15,000 is still a lot to shell out for a fake marriage. 

Now that you have the scoop on movie wedding costs, we’d love to hear from you. What is your favorite movie wedding? How much would you be willing to shell out to experience it in real life? Feel free to email social@shaneco.com or message us on social media (@shanecompany) to share your comments and send us pics of your own wedding inspo!

The post Iconic Movie Weddings and Their Cost Breakdowns appeared first on The Loupe.

1. Graystone Quarry

At Graystone Quarry, your ceremony and wedding party are completely taken care of. At the stunning Hillside Pavilion, where you’ll share your vows, three sides of glass doors display the beautiful views as the perfect backdrop for your nuptials. The Gathering Hall offers rustic scenery for your party, with state-of-the-art lighting, sound, video and central air and heat. Enjoy the timeless look of the gorgeous rock quarry without having to worry about the little details — their event team will thoughtfully design your special day from start to finish.

2. Mint Springs Farm

Looking for just the right amount of southern charm? Your wedding will be elegant, joyful and memorable at Mint Springs Farm. Surrounded by rolling Tennessee hillsides and gorgeous lake views, the team at Mint Springs Farm is dedicated to making their clients’ visions a reality. Besides the beautiful location, you’ll receive the staff and support you need to plan your wedding, as well as exclusive catering options, transportation, outdoor fire pits and more.

3. Belle Meade Plantation

The historic Belle Meade Plantation has a rich history that’s gracefully complemented by its sophisticated Victorian architecture. With a convenient location just seven miles from downtown Nashville, this wedding venue offers an indoor Carriage House space, outdoor garden with fun cocktail lawn games, tented events and more. The gorgeous landscaping will create a backdrop for your wedding that’s definitely not short on appeal.

4. Cannery Ballroom

Located in Nashville’s historic Cannery building, this unique venue has a rich history that includes being the home of a country music theater that has housed such stars as Iggy Pop, Lenny Kravitz, Jimmy Cliff and more. With beautiful brick walls, exposed beam ceilings, polished hardwood floors and a gorgeous view of the skyline, this character-filled ballroom will host an unforgettable wedding. Featuring a 66-foot tilted bar and full service, the Cannery is sure to be privy to an exceptional wedding party.

5. Belmont Mansion

Another display of Tennessee’s rich history, the Belmont Mansion was originally built as part of a large country estate and summer getaway. Whether you’re looking for an intimate ceremony or a large, opulent event, the wedding venue at Belmont Mansion provides the sophisticated interior and sprawling greenery you’ve been searching for. Included in your reservation is wedding coordination, event staff and more to ensure a picture-perfect party, or you can enjoy an affordable elopement package for smaller parties.

The post Top 5 Wedding Venues near Nashville, Tennessee appeared first on The Loupe.

Did you know that if you went online today to compare the prices of a 1.00-carat round diamond to a sapphire of the same size, you’d end up spending nearly five times more for the diamond? Combined with the rising trend of colorful center stone engagement rings, it’s no wonder that brides-to-be are letting go of the age-old tradition of a diamond engagement ring, opting instead for budget-friendly alternatives.

“Our customers’ interest in colored stones is rapidly increasing,” says a Shane Co. jewelry expert. “Traditional blue, white and peach sapphires are three of our most requested-for engagement rings.”

A long journey to the perfect ring

According to popular wedding site The Knot, consumers are looking at 26 rings over a period of 3.5 months throughout their engagement ring shopping journey. And according to Shane Co. stores, at least part of the reason they’re doing so is because they’re on the search for the largest diamond they can afford within their budget.

“We can thank celebrities and royals like Princess Eugenie, Lady Gaga and Gwyneth Paltrow for starting this trend and giving women the confidence to consider colored center stones for their engagement rings,” says our expert. “But it’s the price and rarity of these stones that truly closes the deal.”

Durable and beautiful

Much like diamonds, sapphires make great options for engagement rings because of their hardness and ability to withstand daily wear. They also come in every fancy shape from oval to emerald, making them easily accessorized with a unique setting.

Alternatively, semiprecious gemstones, like aquamarine or emerald, don’t function as well in engagement rings because of their relative softness and low rating on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means they are more prone to damage and better suited to fashion jewelry like pendants.

Customer testimony

Don’t just take our word for it — our customers absolutely love the unique look that goes along with sapphire center stones.

Bonnie Olian, who was engaged in 2017 and married in 2018, recently traded in her diamond for a 2.00-carat colored sapphire.

“I loved my engagement ring — but I really envied the look of a larger center stone,” says Olian.

“Since Shane Co. opened over 40 years ago, diamonds have been and always will be our No. 1 seller for engagement rings,” Davis comments. “But we love how much fun these new brides are having with playing with color and sapphires as a modern twist for their rings.”

Celebrity inspiration

Here are some of our favorite engagement rings celebrities are rocking today:

• Princess Eugenie’s ring shows off a rare padparadscha sapphire, complete with a gorgeous halo of diamonds surrounding the oval stone.

• Lady Gaga favors a beautiful sapphire engagement ring in a fun floral-inspired halo design. Her 6.00-7.00-carat bright pink sapphire certainly turns heads!

• We’ve probably all fawned over Kate Middleton’s stunning blue sapphire ring. By wearing another popular halo, Kate stays on trend while evoking past traditions — the ring originally belonged to Princess Diana.

• Elizabeth Hurley’s 9.00-carat blue sapphire engagement ring is flanked by two triangular diamonds, creating an unforgettable look.

• Gwyneth Paltrow’s bling-tastic traditional blue sapphire engagement ring features a diamond-studded band that highlights her show-stopping stone.

• Penelope Cruz sports a vintage-inspired 3.00-carat blue sapphire ring framed by a flower-shaped halo of diamonds.

To find the perfect sapphire for your engagement ring, visit ShaneCo.com and start creating your dream ring when you shop by stone. You can also start by picking out your favorite setting and completing it with the sapphire, ruby or diamond of your choice. To learn more about diamond alternatives, you can read up on white sapphires and lab-created diamonds.

The post Sapphire Engagement Rings Are Trending appeared first on The Loupe.

If you’ve been paying attention to all the latest fashion trends, you’ve probably seen baguette stones pop up on a pretty regular basis. In engagement rings, they complement an emerald cut center stone beautifully. With a clean and modern look, these stones make an impact whether they’re set east-west or north-south. Because of their unique facets, the quality of baguette stones must be higher in order to create a cohesive style, giving baguette bands an incredibly sparkly and elegant appearance.

The history of baguettes

The baguette stone gained popularity during the early 1900s throughout the Art Deco period, largely because of its geometric, symmetrical shape, which was extremely fashionable at the time. In this era, fine jewelry largely disobeyed conventional norms, instead leaning toward diamond shapes and metals that weren’t just the more traditional round diamond set in platinum that was popular years earlier.

Two of the most famous baguette rings in history were worn by style icons Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe in the early 1950s. Not only did they break the convention of a traditional engagement ring, but their baguette rings began to shape a new culture of unique, personalized wedding jewelry.

Emerald + baguette = a match made in heaven

Since the introduction of these uniquely shaped stones, they tend to be seen alongside each other because of their similar appearances. From a distance, one can even mistake an emerald cut for a baguette — the main difference is that while emerald cut diamonds feature polished corners, baguettes feature more angular ones. Emerald diamonds also tend to come in larger sizes than baguettes.

These diamonds are popular with celebrities because of their exquisite shape, but they are also known for the way in which they show flaws — both in clarity and color. Because of their stepped faceting, emerald cut diamonds show inclusions and yellow coloring to the naked eye much more clearly than other cuts. In order to have a great-quality emerald cut diamond, it needs to be nearly flawless, meaning graded between a VVS1/2 and F-D, thus making it more expensive for a larger carat size.

Today’s glamour

The steadily maintained trend of classic, dainty engagement rings can absolutely be attributed to the rise in popularity of baguette wedding bands. They pair especially well with stones that are similarly faceted, such as asscher, radiant and emerald cut diamonds. Because alternative diamond shapes have been steadily rising in popularity, this style is especially relevant for a vintage-style look that fits into all the latest trends.

How are brides wearing their bands?

Rather than choosing an engagement ring that speaks to their personal style, on-trend brides have begun choosing simpler engagement rings and showing off with a unique wedding band. Historically, baguette bands were only shown in white gold, but with rose gold and yellow gold growing in popularity, customers are loving the new modern appeal of these combinations. Brides are wearing their baguette bands both as a single wedding band and styled with vintage and classic pavé bands in a stylish stack.

Get the look

Try this unique style for yourself with some of our favorite picks:

This unique Baguette & Diamond Wedding Band almost gives the appearance of a band stack, with a layer of baguette diamonds sitting gracefully on top of pavé-set round diamonds in 14k white gold.

For a chic and simple look, try this Pave-Set Baguette Diamond Wedding Band. This popular style looks great with any style of engagement ring by adding a hint of Hollywood glamour.

Made with timeless 14k yellow gold, this Baguette and Round Diamond Wedding Band provides the ultimate sparkle. With seven brilliant round and six baguette diamonds, it’s the ring you’ll love to wear.

This Baguette and Round Diamond Contour Wedding Band provides the perfect resting place for your engagement ring, combining two popular trends in one beautiful ring. The round and baguette diamonds complement the sleek yellow gold band perfectly.

The post Stay On-Trend With Baguette Wedding Bands appeared first on The Loupe.

Good luck charms

You’ve probably heard the traditional rhyme that talks about things a bride should wear on her wedding day. We looked into where this saying came from to find out why.

Something old: The idea of having something antique with you on your wedding day is meant to represent continuity and ties to the bride’s family and past. In days gone by, this good luck charm was also a way to ward off the evil eye and protect any future children of the couple.

Something new: This represents the couples’ new life together. It offers optimism for the future and allows the couple to bring something totally new into the ceremony as they embark on an exciting journey together.

Something borrowed: This item is meant to come from a happily married relative or friend, hopefully transferring some of those good vibes onto the married couple-to-be.

Something blue: The color blue stands for purity, faithfulness and love – some of the most important qualities we need for a successful marriage. Typically, brides wore a blue garter to ensure this tradition rang true, though in recent times brides have found many creative ways to incorporate their something blue into the big day.

A sixpence in your shoe: You may or may not have heard the traditional end to this rhyme, which includes keeping a coin in the bottom of the bride’s shoe as a way to bring future prosperity to the new couple.

The dress

Even today, we tend to think of a white dress as being the obvious go-to for brides. This tradition actually started following the marriage of Queen Victoria to Albert of Saxe-Coburg. The Queen wore a white lace gown, and illustrations of the infamous dress were published widely across the country. Since then, white has been a popular choice for weddings in most European countries.

The veil

Before marrying for love became the norm, marriages were typically used as a business arrangement. Families could join assets, make peace or seal agreements by planning an arranged marriage between the two. Often, the bride and groom met for the very first time at the alter. Brides wore a veil that was lifted only after the ceremony was complete, so the groom didn’t have a chance to back out if he wasn’t happy with his choice of bride.

The bridesmaids

While bridesmaids are now a traditional addition to many wedding parties, the idea of having a group of girl friends standing next to the bride originally began as a way to ward off evil spirits. Bridesmaids were generally handmaidens of the bride, who dressed similarly to her in order to confuse jealous suitors and vengeful supernatural creatures.

The best man

Did you know that the “best” part of “best man” originally referred to the groomsman’s swordsmanship? Back when marriages were still a business arrangement, it was important to have a good swordsman around to help find run-a-way brides or fend off disapproving family members.

The bouquet

This is another wedding tradition based in the desire to prevent evil spirits from interfering. Rather than using flowers, bouquets in ancient times were stocked with aromatic herbs, spices and garlic to drive bad luck away from the soon-to-be-wife. Some historians also believe that bouquets may have been used to prevent catching the plague, as herbs were known as a common deterrent to this deadly disease.

The ring bearer

The tradition of having a young child present the wedding rings to the bride and groom on a pillow most likely comes from superstitions about fertility and innocence. The little one acts as a good luck charm for future children the couple may have together. The pillow is also said to represent the promise of “dreams coming true.”

The rice toss

Tossing rice at the end of a wedding ceremony is reminiscent of rain pouring over the couple, offering a symbol of prosperity, fertility, and overall good luck. Alternative tossing materials in ancient times included wheat, oats and other seeds that displayed the same message of growth.

The garter throw

Originating in England and France, it was common for guests to search for a piece of the bride’s dress to keep for good luck. The tradition of having the groom toss out the bride’s garter gave the guests an opportunity to be a part of the fun without the bride getting overrun by those looking to snatch up a piece of her wedding day outfit.

Making new memories

Whether you plan on adhering to all the old wedding traditions or would rather create new ones that are all your own, we hope to help make your special day even more special with the largest selection of high-quality bridal styles. Shop gifts for your bridesmaids today, or find the perfect something blue with our exclusive sapphire and gemstone styles. If you’re looking for groomsmen gifts or jewelry for the family of the bride and groom, we have options for every style and budget. Questions? Visit us online at ShaneCo.com or speak to a member of our no-pressure, noncommission staff at your nearest Shane Co. store. We’re here to help make your wedding perfect, every step of the way – because that’s what a friend would do.

The post Wedding Traditions appeared first on The Loupe.

Getting your dream engagement ring can seem daunting, especially when you can’t seem to find a design you truly love. While many people believe customizing their engagement ring will be expensive and time-consuming, the truth is that it can actually end up helping you stick to your budget, not to mention leaving you with a ring you’re wild about. Of course, you can also shop our most popular premounted rings or take our ring finder quiz if you’re feeling overwhelmed by options. Find out the advantages of building your dream ring at Shane Co. and decide for yourself how unique you want your engagement ring to be.

Buying loose vs. prebuilt rings

Shane Co. specializes in letting you build a customized engagement ring. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of having to put together a ring or are simply looking for beautiful designs that are ready to propose with, our rings already preset with center stones are the perfect option for you. Created by our world-class design team and crafted with exceptional care, our preset rings are made with high-quality metals and feature hand-picked stones in the most popular sizes and shapes. However, if you prefer to build your dream ring using our customization options, the possibilities are endless. Here are some of our favorite benefits to buying loose:

Made just for you

If you have the option to choose your setting, stone, metal type, prong setting options and more, you are actually collaborating with your jeweler in a shared vision. Knowing that your ring reflects your own personal preferences makes it all the more meaningful.

Quality you can see

By choosing your stone and setting separately, you are able to judge the quality of each component much more accurately. For example, a stone already set in a ring may have imperfections hidden by prongs you might otherwise notice if you’d been looking at it loose. When you have the ability to choose from a variety of settings and hand-picked stones, you can prioritize quality and find something you can feel good about.  

Tailored to your budget

When you design your own engagement ring, you’re not only skipping out on brand-name markups, but you can actually pick where you want to put your money. If you’d rather have a bigger, higher-graded stone, you can concentrate on that while choosing a less expensive setting, or vice versa. If you’re in love with a particular setting, you can shop many stone options within your budget to find the perfect one. This makes it easy to personalize without breaking the bank.

Skip the mass production

This is one purchase that you want to be unique. It’s one of the only things you’ll wear on a regular basis, and it should feel special every time you put it on. Mass-produced, prebuilt designs that you find at other jewelers can be trendy, but do they really show off your love story like a personalized ring?

Build an emotional connection

Because you have a part in the design process, you’ll probably end up feeling more connected to your ring if it’s customized for you. If you choose to, you can talk to your jeweler to find out exactly who is putting together your ring, making this experience as personal as can be. You also have the opportunity to engrave your ring, which can help make it even more sentimental.

Get what you really want

Whether your loved one is picking out your ring for you or you’re doing the shopping together, choosing a separate setting and stone gives you the opportunity to highlight the aspects of the engagement ring you love the most. With a prebuilt ring, you may appreciate the overall look but not love certain details and end up with a ring you’re not 100% happy with. With customized rings, we can guarantee you’ll be happy with your ring forever.

How does Shane Co. let you customize engagement rings?

With the advantages of building a personalized ring made clear, let’s talk about how you can create the ring of your dreams at Shane Co.

Start by picking a setting OR a loose stone

Choose from the largest selection of exclusive ring designs, from classic to vintage-inspired to modern. You can shop by price or style, or find settings that fit certain stone shapes. Whether you want to show off a sparkling diamond or something a little more nontraditional, our rubies, sapphires and diamonds come in a variety of shapes and sizes for you to choose from. We offer settings in high-quality 14k yellow, white or rose gold and platinum, so you can find the one that’s right for you.

Look through head/prong options

Did you know that virtually all Shane Co. engagement rings give you the option to change the prong setting to a different style? The prong setting (also sometimes called the head) is the part that holds the center stone. We offer a variety of prong setting designs to choose from to let you further personalize your ring. You can also choose how your stone sits in your ring. If there’s a ring you truly love but you’d rather have four prongs than six, no problem. Our Shane Co. jewelers can personalize the head of your engagement ring to fit your needs.

Add an engraving

After you’ve finished putting together your dream ring, you can add an engraving for an extra touch of customization. This is the perfect opportunity for your significant other to slip in a personal message, date, name or another engraving to make this ring truly yours.

Show off your new engagement ring

At Shane Co., we create jewelry that’s built to last a lifetime. The final step in our ring building process is always making sure you really love your ring. Let us know by snapping a picture and posting it on Pinterest, Instagram or Facebook, leaving a review on our website, or sharing your Shane Co. experience with friends and family. If you’re not totally happy with your purchase, we offer a 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee. You never have to worry about your ring losing its shine because of our Free Lifetime Warranty, which includes unlimited cleaning and polishing and any maintenance it may ever need.

You have your ring – what’s next?

After you’ve fallen in love with your engagement ring, you can get ready for the wedding by shopping our wide selection of women’s and men’s wedding bands. Whether you’re looking for a band that matches your ring or creates a striking contrast, we offer handcrafted designs for every style and budget. Virtually all of our wedding rings can also be personalized with an engraving. Feel confident in your choice when you shop Shane Co., your friend in the jewelry business®.

The post Build Your Dream Engagement Ring at Shane Co. appeared first on The Loupe.

Stainless Steel and Diamond Cuff Links & Money Clip

Give the best gift to your best man with these matching cuff links and money clip. Made of quality stainless steel, these pieces also feature a sparkling round diamond along with a dramatic line of black enamel. Cuff links will keep your man looking put-together, while a money clip takes the bulkiness out of wallets.

Sterling Silver Rope Necklace

Elevate your groomsmen’s style with this masculine rope necklace. Crafted from quality sterling silver, this piece will last a lifetime.

Diamond and Stainless Steel Tie Clip

Take his tie accessory to the next level with this clip design featuring one round diamond. Whether it’s used for his everyday office look or for his suit on your big day, he’s sure to love this special gift.

Find the perfect groomsmen gifts for your perfect wedding party here.

The post The Ultimate Gift Guide for Your Groomsmen appeared first on The Loupe.

1. Help the groom choose the ring. While many men may shop with their soon-to-be fiancée for the perfect ring, some still like to keep it traditional and make it a surprise. Help him scope out his fiancée’s Pinterest board and give him your opinion on styles.

2. Rent the tux. Tuxedo rental costs usually fall on the groomsmen, so make sure you factor that into your budget. You want to look sharp standing next to your best man, so take the tux fittings seriously.

3. Plan and help pay for the bachelor party. While most of this falls on the shoulders of the best man, it is your job to offer ideas and chip in some cash when necessary.

4. Attend pre-wedding events. We know life happens, but make sure to put the effort into attending all events, whether that is an engagement party or the rehearsal dinner. The groom chose you for a reason.

5. Buy a wedding gift. Proper wedding etiquette calls for the wedding party to still give gifts to the bride and groom. Don’t let this wait until the last minute. Check out the couple’s registry before everything is purchased.

6. Mix and mingle. The bride and groom don’t always arrive on time to the wedding reception. It’s your job to entertain the guests and make sure everything is going smoothly until the newlyweds make their grand entrance.

The post The Groomsman’s Guide: Duties and Responsibilities appeared first on The Loupe.

To be a bridesmaid means having duties and responsibilities that take place throughout the bride’s journey. From engagement parties to bridal showers, you have signed your name on the dotted line to be the bride’s go-to girl. Here’s what to expect in the months leading up to the wedding.

1. Be there for the bride. Whether this means lending a hand during planning or simply listening to a much-needed venting session, this is the most important responsibility to carry out during the whole wedding process.

2. Be there for the maid of honor. While the MOH takes the brunt of the event planning and responsibilities, it’s expected for you to check in from time to time to see what help she may need.

3. Buy a bridesmaid dress. And don’t complain about it. While some brides might offer to cover the cost of the dress, it’s not expected nor is it common.

4. Help plan and pay for the bridal shower and bachelorette party. While most of this falls on the MOH, it’s your job to offer ideas and chip in cash for these two big events.

5. Attend any pre–wedding events. Whether it’s an engagement party or the bachelorette party, it’s also your job to be there. Life happens, but make sure you put the effort into attending as many events as you can.

6. Buy a wedding AND shower gift. It’s proper wedding etiquette to buy the couple both a wedding and shower gift. Amidst all of the paying and planning, don’t let this fall off your radar.

7. Have an emergency kit for the big day. It’s best to be prepared. The wedding party is responsible for having save-the-day items such as stain remover, a sewing kit and Advil — just in case.

8. Dance like no one is watching at the reception. It’s your job to get the party started at the reception. Grab your girls and head out to the dance floor. As vodka once said, “Believe me, you can dance.”

The post Congratulations, You’re a Bridesmaid! Here’s What You Can Expect appeared first on The Loupe.

We have selected a few gorgeous pieces worthy of St. George’s Chapel that we could see Meghan wearing styles similar to when she walks down the aisle.

For many of her red carpet appearances, Meghan has sported a variety of bangles. We wouldn’t be surprised if she took her go-to style a step further with a sparkling overlapping diamond bangle bracelet. A style similar to this bracelet would elevate her love of bangles to a royal level.

As per tradition, a bride needs her something blue, and a style similar to these stunning sky blue and London blue topaz earrings would be a beautiful choice. If Meghan were, in any way, a fan of a little play on words, we would hope that her something blue would involve a bit of London blue topaz. Since the future Duchess of Sussex’s style has proven to be simple and polished in the best kind of way, delicate dangle earrings like these would fit her perfectly.

Meghan is not one for wearing necklaces. Throughout her red carpet appearances, it was rare to see her dress up a neckline with a necklace or pendant of any sort. However, for a royal wedding, a necklace might be just what she needs. Take this sparkling diamond teardrop necklace as inspiration. Two hundred and one round diamonds would reign supreme on Meghan’s wedding day as she becomes a member of the royal family.

Just like with necklaces, Meghan has dazzled on the red carpet with or without earrings. When she does wear a pair, they are sure to sparkle. Meghan seems to be a fan of drop earrings and chandelier styles, making these teardrop diamond hoop earrings a sparkling possibility.

The post The Royal Wedding: Jewelry Predictions Fit for a Duchess appeared first on The Loupe.

When you think of classic wedding jewelry, you can’t help but think about pearls. A cultured freshwater pearl earring and necklace set is a stunning finishing touch for your bridal look. The bright white of the pearls is sure to pop off your warm skin tone and catch the eyes of your guests.

Chances are you spent a lot of time picking the colors and theme of your wedding. Why not pay homage to all that work? Wear a bracelet that complements one of your colors. In this case it’s okay if your jewelry matches the napkins. Clean and classic or vintage and whimsical, there’s always a jewelry style to match.

Nothing grabs attention like a shimmering statement piece. This is your big day, so don’t be shy—go big! Wear something that makes you feel like royalty. A diamond-encrusted necklace and earrings may not be everyday pieces, but they certainly will become heirloom pieces that you can hand down to future generations for their own wedding day.

Jewelry, like your wedding, should be a blend of you and your unique personality. Something that will be special to you and remind you of the day that two became one. Shop more beautiful styles for summer weddings at ShaneCo.com.

The post Must-Have Accessories for the Summer Bride appeared first on The Loupe.

Decide on format and tone

Decide how you want your vows to come across. Do you envision your vows being poetic and romantic or more humorous? Also decide how long you want your vows to be and whether you will write them together. Each couple is different—find what fits the both of you.

Reflect on your relationship, but leave out TMI details

Definitely mention some of the best parts of your relationship and why you are getting married. But remember, your audience will be a diverse crowd, so keep it PG and try not to embarrass each other. If there are more intimate details you would like to share with your fiancé, you can always write a letter they can read privately on the day of the wedding.

Don’t let quotes and poems overpower your words

Be yourself. Keep your vows personal and don’t pretend to be something you aren’t just because you have an audience. Quotes and poems may help get your point across, but don’t forget to use your own voice and words.

Don’t make promises you won’t keep

Really focus on promises that will keep your bond strong for years to come. It’s okay to add a few silly vows, but your vows should incorporate promises that you want to make to the love of your life. They should also demonstrate the sacrifices you are willing and want to make.

Embrace the emotion

You’re pouring your heart out for the world to hear; it is okay to get a little misty-eyed. This is a huge day, so don’t hold back!

Practice, practice, practice

There’s a reason people say “practice makes perfect.” Practicing will make you feel more comfortable when the big day arrives. Whether you rehearse your vows in the mirror or read them to your dog, just say them out loud so you can hear how they sound.

Write them down AND save a copy

Trust me, you will want to have your vows written down somewhere. Make two copies. One to take with you the day of and one to save as a keepsake.

No matter what you say in those few precious moments, the end result will be the same. You will have promised to love and cherish your partner forever.

The post Tips for Writing Your Wedding Vows appeared first on The Loupe.

1. Ask them in a thoughtful way

These are your best friends and family members, and asking them to be a part of this new chapter is an honor. Make them feel valued by asking in a genuine way. From personalized wine labels to gift boxes with special trinkets, an individual request will show just how much you appreciate each bridesmaid.

2. Let them know your expectations

For some, this may be their first time being in a wedding party—be courteous of their time and individual lives. Give timelines with as much advance notice as possible for any events like bridal showers or the rehearsal dinner.

3. Unite your bridal party

Your best friend from high school, college roommate and favorite colleague may not have had the chance to meet yet. Avoid any uncomfortable situations by acquainting your bridesmaids and helping them get to know one another.

4. Get their opinion on attire

Your bridesmaids want to look their best and be in something they feel confident in on your wedding day. Schedule a group outing to try on different dress styles and colors that every girl looks great in. Keeping an open mind to find a flattering, cost-friendly look will be a win for everyone!

5. Divvy up the duties

Be sure to equally divide any tasks among your bridal party to ensure everyone feels important. Utilize their talents and interests—for example, have your girlfriend who majored in graphic design help with invitations. Remember, your out-of-town bridesmaids may not be able to contribute in the same ways, but keep them involved too!

6. Keep track of their spending

Be mindful of what your bridesmaids pay out of pocket. From hotel and travel fare to dresses and shoes, try your best to keep costs affordable and upfront as possible so they can plan accordingly.

7. Find the perfect thank-you gift

From pearl strands to gemstone pendants, Shane Co. has the widest selection of jewelry that represents a cherished gesture of gratitude. Find timeless gifts and perfect accessories for the big day at ShaneCo.com.

The post 7 Ways to Keep Your Bridesmaids Happy appeared first on The Loupe.

The two met when Jess joined Sam’s team at Sullivan University in Louisville, Kentucky. Sam swears he had nothing to do with the decision, but Jess’ desk ended up being right next to his. Eventually they developed a friendship and started taking daily walks together during their break. This friendship morphed into texting, then some long calls, a few double dates and eventually a full-fledged relationship.

For the last three and a half years, Sam and Jess have enjoyed plenty of adventures like weekend cabin getaways, international cruises and even moving in together! Sam says Jess has become the love of his life, and he was so excited to plan the perfect proposal. So, in October of 2016, Sam and Jess decided to make a little trip to Shane Co.

At the time, Sam said he was planning on proposing a year from this first visit to Shane Co., but Jess fell in love with her dream engagement ring: a beautiful rose gold infinity ring with a lovely halo. That December, Sam went ahead and bought Jess’ ring, and worked with our Louisville store until the end of January to find the perfect brilliant round diamond to set in the center. He said his decision about the center diamond was confirmed when two ladies next to him in the store went all aflutter over the combo!

With ring in hand, Sam just had to wait a month for the day of the proposal—Jess’ 30^th birthday on February 18. Sam says you’ve never met anyone as obsessed with birthdays as Jess. She tends to pull out all the stops for others, and she’s known for turning her big day into more of a “birth month” celebration. As Sam put it, “Your 30^th birthday is a moment in a time that you are guaranteed to visit only once,” so it was the perfect special time and place for Jess’ proposal.

On the day of the proposal, Jess and Sam went to brunch with close friends and family, then headed to their alma mater to watch a basketball victory. Afterwards, they went to dinner with Jess’ family at a gastropub with a menu tailored to include all of Jess’ favorites. Then they all traveled to a friend’s home where they met up with 30 more friends and family members. They had gone all out decorating with things like giant balloons, Jess bobble heads, a photo booth and a positively huge cupcake piñata!

Jess thought it’d be fun to do a cake smash for her birthday, but Sam planned for her to “smash” a giant cupcake instead. So, Sam grabbed the golden karaoke microphone and asked everyone to gather around the piñata, while handing Jess a custom baseball bat wrapped in a white ribbon. Jess was delighted and attacked the piñata until it spilled out 600 rose petals and 30 Ring Pops. She hadn’t noticed that the ribbon on her bat had become undone, until Sam pointed out that she should see what was under it. She ripped off the rest of the ribbon to find this message engraved in gold:

Happy 30^th Birthday!

Will you marry me, Jess?

February 18, 2017

Just as it sank in, “Single Ladies” began playing and Sam went down on one knee and presented Jess with her dream ring. Still doubled over in shock, Jess gave him a big “yes!” Sam says the best moments of his life have been the moments spent with Jess, and the proposal was the best of those.

Sam and Jess haven’t yet made many plans for their wedding, but they’re having tons of fun experiencing venue tours, cake tastings and all of the other exciting activities that come along with getting married. We wish these two lovebirds the best on their journey, and we can’t wait to see what comes next for them.

The post Jess & Sam’s Birthday Surprise Proposal appeared first on The Loupe.

Advice Coasters

Imagine getting out a bottle of wine and cuddling with your husband in front of a cozy fireplace five years from now. You don’t want to ruin your table, so you pull out some coasters and find handwritten notes with amazing advice from your friends and family. Having guests write on coasters is a unique guestbook idea that will give you an unexpected surprise down the road.

Date Night Jar

Life gets busy, and we all know that this can take a toll on romance. Plus, it is not always easy to come up with new ideas to WOW your partner. Why not let friends and family help out? Have wedding guests provide date ideas and put them in the jar for those nights where you can’t decide what to do! Go a step further and have two jars, his and hers, and a surprise date is always lurking.

Home Décor

What’s next after the big day? Decorating your home together! A fun way to decorate your entranceway is with a thumbprint family tree that your wedding guests helped create. Capture everyone at your wedding, one thumb at a time!

Puzzle Pieces

You and your significant other fit perfectly together, like puzzle pieces! A fun and interactive guestbook idea is to have guests sign puzzle pieces that you can later put together and frame.  You can custom order a puzzle to be the exact size and design you like, making it completely unique to you.

Digital Memories  

Let’s face it, we live in a world of technology, where everyone loves a great selfie. This idea may be the most entertaining of them all! Simply place an iPad with a nice decorated easel somewhere and ask your guests to leave a live video with their best wishes, advice and memories. Then after the big day, watch the magic happen!

The post Unique Guestbook Ideas appeared first on The Loupe.

If your neckline is sweetheart: For this neckline, try a necklace that mimics the center dip and higher sides of this style.

If your neckline is scoop or straight across: These necklines call for shorter, and in the case of scoop necks, bulkier necklaces.

If your neckline is square: Square necklines do best with necklaces that also have geometric shapes. Try pendants or bar necklaces that have similar strong lines!

If your neckline is v-neck: Choose a pendant necklace, and try it on to make sure it naturally falls into a v shape that mirrors your neckline.

If your neckline is boat neck: Here is your chance to don a long, dramatic piece! Pick a necklace that is at least 30 inches long, if not longer, for the ultimate boat-neck dress accessory.

If your neckline is halter, illusion, jewel, cowl, high neck or asymmetric: In all of these cases, we would suggest eschewing a necklace for a pair of truly fantastic statement earrings. Make them your accessory focus by opting for major sparkle, larger size or even gorgeous colors.

Which neckline shape will you be accessorizing on your big day? COMMENT below, then head to ShaneCo.com to find the perfect accessories for your look!

The post What to Wear: Wedding Dress Necklines appeared first on The Loupe.

You will stare at your left hand constantly!

It’s time to make a trip to the nail salon. Taking ring selfies will become a favorite pastime.

You will know every venue within a 50-mile radius.

 From shabby chic barns and varying estates to the family church your mother-in-law casually suggests, you will likely be considering every possibility. The choices are endless!

You will start thinking about your wedding hashtag.

#HappilyEverAddison, #ToHaveAndToHolton, #JonesPartyOf2… Every pun you can think of (and then some) will pop into your mind before landing on the perfect hashtag for the big day.

Pinterest will become your go-to app.

Centerpieces, wedding colors, decorations and more… There is an answer for everything on Pinterest. You will find yourself using the site and app to plan your entire wedding!

You will sign up for a gym membership.

With all eyes on you, looking and feeling your best will be a huge priority. Having this outlet to de-stress will also be key! You’ll have a beautiful glow that will be captured on your big day.

You will go shopping for wedding bands.

Finding the perfect wedding band to complement your engagement ring and picking out a band for your fiancé can seem overwhelming. Luckily Shane Co. has a wide variety of styles and a knowledgeable staff ready to assist you. Stop in or shop online for your perfect token of love!

You will solidify your bridal party.

Choosing the right people to stand by your side is a big part of wedding planning. After you find the perfect bridesmaids, you will need to shop for the perfect gifts. Shane Co. has lots of stylish jewelry your girls will love wearing on the big day and beyond.

The post What to Expect After You Get Engaged appeared first on The Loupe.

1. Pick a Place That Is Meaningful

It could be a place you already love or a place you’ve always wanted to go, but make sure you’re both on board for the wedding adventure. The location and details should reflect you as a couple.

2. Take a Planning Trip

Take a little vacation to your wedding destination before the big day. You and your fiancé can look at venues, hotel options, florists and caterers while you are there.

3. Think about the Extra Costs

Having a wedding away from home usually has some extra costs. Since people are coming in from out of town, think about activities and a welcome bag to give them upon their arrival. Be sure to plan for this in your budget.

4. Hire a Wedding Planner

Planning a wedding is tough enough when you are close to home. With wedding venues in an unfamiliar place, it’s necessary to get outside help. A local wedding planner will know the area and make sure everything goes according to plan on your big day.

5. Choose the Right Attire

When picking outfits for your groomsmen and bridesmaids, think about the local climate. Make sure to choose something they won’t be roasting or freezing in. Also take climate into consideration for your wedding dress. It’s important to be comfortable on your big day!

6. Plan Ahead for Your Guests

Your guests will find it super helpful if you have already blocked off rooms with a group rate and if you share recommended flights. Most of them will likely be unfamiliar with the area and will also need some guidance during their time there. Consider their needs when you’re planning.

Are you planning a destination wedding? Start your venue search by finding a top-rated wedding venue near you. Then, let us know your plans in the comments below!

The post Planning a Destination Wedding appeared first on The Loupe.

Heartfelt Poem

The girls you select to be in your bridal party are the ones you are closest to. You grew up together, cried together and made lots of memories. Using a sweet poem that reflects your special friendship is a great way to ask.

Fun Gift Box                      

There are so many fun and creative ways to ask your closest friends to be in your bridal party. One of my personal favorites is a bridesmaid’s gift box full of hand-selected items. You can fill it with anything and everything you think your bridesmaid will enjoy—nail polish, perfume, lipstick, their favorite candy, the list goes on.

Homemade Card

Another great way to ask your bridesmaids to be in your wedding is with an adorable handmade card. Share a heartfelt message that shows her how much she means to you and how you could not imagine your big day without her by your side!

DIY Gift

If you love making things yourself, why not ask your bridesmaids with a DIY gift? Soap, a candle or a sugar scrub are all easy to make and are wonderful for gifting. Make sure to personalize the gift for whomever you are giving it to.

Beautiful Jewelry

Ask the girls in your bridal party to be by your side with a beautiful piece of jewelry! Here are some of my Shane Co. top picks.

You could also choose this beautiful heart pendant available in white, rose and yellow gold. It’s engravable, so you can even add a special personalized message.

The post Popping the Question…to Your Bridesmaids appeared first on The Loupe.

Treat Yourself – When planning a wedding, it‘s easy to fixate on looking “perfect” on your big day, but here’s my advice… Eat that triple chocolate fudge brownie! It will do more good than harm, I promise.

Talk to Your Fiancé – Remember that in this endeavor you’re not alone. Speak to your significant other about concerns you may have. When planning our wedding, my wife and I found that reading a pre-marital counseling book together at least once a week helped us communicate complicated feelings.

Take Advice with a Grain of Salt – I am not going to tell you to disregard all your family and friends’ advice, but perhaps be wary of it. If Aunt Alice thinks the decorations are the wrong color or if Cousin Joe thinks he is a better DJ than the person you hired, disregard it. This is YOUR day—don’t give them the power to change it.

Do Not Settle – This is a time in your life that only happens once. I am not encouraging you to make unsound financial decisions, but do not stress over spending a little too much here and there. Remaining true to the vision of your day will reduce stress.

Leave Each Other Notes – There was nothing quite as wonderful as reaching into my suit jacket on the wedding day and finding a note of encouragement from my wife. This is a tradition we started during some of our first dates, and one I feel is a cornerstone of our relationship. Hide messages for your significant other to remind them how much they mean to you. Yes, we all text constantly, but nothing truly conveys love as effectively as a surprise handwritten note.

Get Your Wedding Bands Early – I usually tell couples to shop for wedding bands at least two months before the ceremony. The timing of this purchase can make a big difference in your stress level. Putting it off until right before the wedding limits your selection, as well as your ability to have the rings sized or engraved. Just knowing that your bands are ready, sized and waiting for you will cross one more item off your mental checklist.

Write Your Own Vows – If you don’t use them in your ceremony, that’s okay, but still write a list of things you vow to your soon-to-be spouse. By writing, and verbally promising specific things to one another, it can reduce stress and strengthen the dedication to the union you are about to create.

Have a Girls’ Day – Take a day off from wedding planning and hang out with the girls. Go to brunch, visit a spa and enjoy the company of good friends. Pampering yourself can do wonders when you’re feeling stressed.

The post How to De-Stress before the Wedding appeared first on The Loupe.

Entertainment

Have your groom research DJs or bands and work together to create a list of your favorite songs (and the songs you don’t want at your wedding). This will help make your wedding reception extra special.

Groomsmen’s Attire

While you and your girls shop for dresses, your groom can take charge of picking out the attire for his groomsmen. Make sure to discuss budget and the theme before you each go out and shop for the wedding day wardrobe.

Rehearsal Dinner

The rehearsal dinner is an excellent way to get the groom and his family involved in the wedding planning. It is customary for the groom’s family to pitch in for the rehearsal dinner. They can help him choose a great venue and send the invites.

His Wedding Band

He’ll be wearing his wedding band for the rest of his life, so get him involved in picking it out. Before you two visit Shane Co. together, discuss if you want his ring to coordinate with yours or if he will have a completely unique design.

Thank-You Gifts

While you’re picking out gifts for your bridesmaids, the groom can shop for his groomsmen. He is the perfect person to choose a gift to say thank you. One of our favorite ideas is cuff links that match each groomsmen’s style.

Transportation

How are you getting to the big event? Whether you are renting transportation or taking your own, the groom can help figure out the logistics of getting to the wedding.

The post Wedding Tasks for the Groom appeared first on The Loupe.

Formal

For a formal wedding, we’d suggest going with a more structured—but still summery and colorful—knee-length dress. Pair it with a black pair of high-heeled shoes and a clutch, and then add a bit more gravitas with your most sparkly diamond jewelry.

Casual

Going to a wedding where the couple has specified a more casual vibe? Try a romper! Pick one with a slightly more refined print, like lace, and pair it with your favorite wedges, floppy hat and crossbody bag. Add in a dash of fashion-forward all metal jewelry and you’re set!

Destination

If you’re going to a destination wedding, lucky you! Play up the beach theme with a long, flowy maxi dress, leather sandals and a parasol to ward off the sun. Stack a few colorful rings, bracelets and flaunt earrings in yellow gold that will really catch the sunlight, and you’re good to go!

Which style would you love to wear? Whatever you choose, head to ShaneCo.com for the accessories to complete the look!

The post What to Wear: Summer Weddings appeared first on The Loupe.

Letter Pendant

A customized piece of jewelry such as a letter pendant is a very special addition to your collection! Choose white or yellow gold, the type of chain, your first initial or the letter of your new last name and a gemstone to set in the letter! I’ve seen women choose their own birthstone, their husband-to-be’s birthstone, or the birthstone that represents the month they got married.

Pearl Strand

Considered a timeless piece, a strand of pearls can easily make any bride feel classy, elegant and special on her wedding day. Pearls complement any wedding dress material because of their beautiful luster and ivory tones. After the big day, you will find yourself wearing this piece again and again, whether it be with a simple, everyday outfit or on special occasions!

Diamond Stud Earrings & Jackets

If you don’t already own a pair of diamond stud earrings, now is the perfect time to buy some! Studs are a jewelry staple that can be worn and enjoyed every day. Too simple for your wedding? Dress them up with earring jackets. You will find yourself wearing those jackets later down the road on date nights too!

The post Wedding Jewelry You’ll Wear after the Big Day appeared first on The Loupe.