Choosing an engagement ring is not always an easy task – whether the groom is on his own or you pick it together. It is something you will wear for the rest of your life, so finding the perfect ring is very important. Some find ‘the one’ straight away, but for others, it takes more thought and time. Having so much choice probably makes it harder! You have the jewellery shops of course, but don’t forget to look online as there are so many great websites with a huge variety of rings (sites like http://www.77diamonds.com/engagement-rings.htm are good).
Before you spend the whole weekend trekking around town and all night on the internet it is probably a good idea to at least have an idea of what you are looking for. With that in mind, here are a few questions and concepts that can help you to decide.
Diamond Or Gemstone?
The first decision you make when choosing your engagement ring may be whether to opt for a traditional diamond or a coloured gemstone, or both? Most think of diamonds when it comes to engagement rings, but if you are looking for something a little different perhaps a coloured stone is the way to go? Although why choose – why not have both?! If it is good enough for Kate (I love her diamond and sapphire ring – once Princess Diana’s)!
Once you choose your stones, you need to think about the general style and shape too. The traditional image of an engagement ring tends to feature a metal band with a single, prominent diamond on top. However, multi-stone engagement rings have become more popular as alternative options.
If you are going for a diamond ring, it is so important to learn a bit about diamonds and what differentiates one from another. Often, you may have a choice between a larger diamond or a smaller but more perfect one. Learn about the four C’s of diamonds – cut, colour, clarity and carat – and you will be better able to decide which qualities you most value in a stone.
Diamond shapes vary greatly, and the shape will do a lot to define the ring’s style. Some of the most traditional options include round and oval stones, as well as asscher. However, there are also alternative options, ranging from emerald and pear, to heart or diamond shapes. I think you just need to try a few and see what shape you like on your hand – also think about how it will sit with your wedding ring.
If you are looking for a little inspiration, take a look at the current trends in engagement rings - coloured gemstones, vintage settings, and even fancy diamonds – those rare diamonds that display natural colour, rather than the sparkling clarity most of us associate with diamonds. There is so much choice… just enjoy it!
My brides and other clients are always asking for ideas to make their tables look special. One great way of doing this is by using fabulous table runners and I thought I would share some inspiration with you today.
What do you think of these table runner ideas? Which is your favourite? I love the faux fur table runner and the floral ones the most… but they are all pretty special! x
Just a little note to say Happy Easter from Temple Gregory. Have a good one and don’t eat too much chocolate! For those with weddings and events… enjoy
It is obviously very traditional to have your bridesmaids all in the same dress in the same colour. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this but with more and more people seeking something a little different for their big day, one fab idea is to have your bridesmaids all mismatched.
The same style but all different colours, or maybe the same colour but all different styles – or even different styles and different colours?
Here are a few of my favourites where the colours are mismatched – if it is good enough for Carrie Bradshaw and Sex in The City…
What do you think of this mismatched bridesmaid idea? Have you or would you go for this on your wedding day? I love the mismatched look – whether it be the dress style, colour or both x
Kitty & Dulcie are a vintage inspired bridal gown company with gorgeous dresses all under £400! You may remember me posting about Kitty & Dulcie last year? Well, they have a gorgeous new collection that I wanted to share with you – The Country Set Collection.
There are 7 beautiful gowns in the new collection, all paired with fab accessories from sister company Flo & Percy and photographed by Sarah Louise Johnson.
Baroness Pearl
This first 50′s inspired gown below, the Baroness Pearl (£345) is a tea length, ivory lace and tulle gown – seen with an optional red satin sash (£30) and the I Feel Pretty Birdcage Veil (£185) from Flo & Percy.
Countess Carmel
The Countess Carmel (£395) is a full-length, ivory organza and lace bridal gown – seen here with the Flower Child Forehead Band (£185) from Flo & Percy.
Dame Dulcie
This 50′s style Dame Dulcie (£350) bridal gown is knee length, ivory lace and satin. Seen here with the Hippy Chic Comb (£155) and Hippy Chic cuff (£165) from Flo & Percy.
The Lady Penelope bridal gown (£325) is a short 60′s inspired ivory gown in soft lace. Seen here with the Hippy Chic Forehead band (£175) from Flo & Percy.
Madame Minnie
The Madame Minnie (£350) is a tea-length, ivory satin and tulle bridal gown. Seen here with The Queen of Persia Headband (£220) from Flo & Percy.
Queen Kitty
The Queen Kitty (£395) is a full-length, ivory lace and tulle bridal gown. Seen here with the Rock Baroque Headband (£195), the Rock Baroque Sash (£195) & Cuff (£185) from Flo & Percy.
What do you think? Aren’t they fab – and at such amazing prices! Once ordered online, the gowns are posted within 5 working days – arriving wrapped in tissue, with a satin padded hanger, enclosed in a gorgeous pink box.
Harry Rocks is a London based jewellery brand that make it their mission to create individual, fabulously unique pieces by hand using sterling silver, gold plate and semi precious stones. They have a gorgeous bridal collection – perfect for a bride or bridesmaid.
I was very excited to receive my very own Harry Rocks gem last week – this Agnes Vintage Locket Bracelet shown below. I just love that each locket is a one off vintage find, hand sourced from antique markets on a pretty string of fresh water pearls and finished with their signature feather.
Isn’t it pretty… think I may have to invest in the matching necklace!
You can see the full Harry Rocks bridal collection on their website and they are also now stocked at Harvey Nichols x
Welcome to the Temple Gregory Wedding Blog. Myself and Svetlana write this blog to provide inspiration, publish articles and showcase our work.
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