Category: Tips

Ornaments Made from Your Bouquet

natasha Leave a comment

After the wedding, I was looking for a unique and fun way to preserve my wedding flowers. I did not really want to preserve the whole bouquet because I have no where to put it! Since my wedding took place in December I decided to go with an engraved Christmas ornament. What they do is they take one of the roses and one of the stephanotis from my bouquet. Then they freeze dry them and mount them in a Christmas ornament. I also got a little engraved disk on the ornament that says our names and the wedding date. I will post pictures when I get it, but I am super excited to see the finished project! However, it takes like two months to get it back!!!! Can I wait that long? I dunno… Well, to tie you over ’til I get the real pictures here is the sample picture from the site.

 ornament

My ornament will have only the two blooms instead of the potpourri and there will be no ribbon inside. If you want to see more options check out the Freeze Frame site. I will keep you posted on the quality.

Who and What to Tip at Your Wedding

natasha Leave a comment

 

tipping

When it comes to a wedding tipping can become quite confusing. The key is to read your contracts closely for gratuity and service fees. When these are applied to a bill, it is not necessary to include a tip. Traditionally, the best man handles all of the tipping on the day of the wedding. However, if the best man cannot do this then assign someone you trust. Envelopes with the recipients name on them will make this job easier for them. Also, remember that tips can add up quickly. It is a good idea to include them in your wedding day budget.

 

Wedding Planner

Wedding planners work for a set fee and do not typically expect a tip. If you feel your wedding planner did a wonderful job, you are more than welcome to tip them. Also, a letter of recommendation or professional photos from your photographers will go a long way!

Tip Expected: No
Standard Amount: 10-15% of the total fee
When to Tip: After the reception

Seamstress/Dress Fitter

It is not customary to tip your Seamstress/Dress Fitter, but if they did an extra special job you may want to.

Tip Expected: No
Standard Amount: $15-$30
When to Tip: After final fitting.

Hair Stylist and Make-Up Artist

This one is one were gratuity is definitely expected. Tip as you would at a normal visit to a salon but add a little extra if they did an extra special job or if there was a crisis.

Tip Expected: Yes
Standard Amount: 15-20% of total bill
When to Tip: At the end of your service

Delivery and Set-Up Staff

If the delivery or set-up fee is not included in your contract, then the staff will expect a tip. Check the fine print of your contract.

Tip Expected: Yes
Standard Amount: $10-$15
When to Tip: Drop off cash envelopes the day before the wedding to the catering manager so the person accepting deliveries can deliver the tip.

Officiant

If your officiant is affiliated with a church or synagogue, you’re often expected to make a donation to that institution. If you’re a member you’ll probably want to give a larger amount than if you’re not. However, if you’re getting married there and they’re charging you to use the space, feel free to give a smaller amount. If you’re using a nondenominational officiant, no tip is required because they will charge you for their time.

Tip Expected:Yes (depending on officiant)
Standard Amount: Donate $500+ to the church or synagogue, or, for a nondenominational officiant, an optional tip of $50 – $100
When to Tip: Before the ceremony

Ceremony Musicians

Typically there is a flat rate for the ceremony musicians, so you do not have to tip. However, if the musicians are volunteering their services or have done an exceptional job you should tip them.

Tip Expected: No (unless volunteering time)
Standard Amount: $20-$30 per person (more if volunteering)
When to Tip: After ceremony


Photographer/Videographer

These guys do not expect a tip. All of their services are included in the price. If you want to repay them for a job well done, then you are more than welcome to tip them. You may also reward them by placing a big print order!

Tip Expected: No
Standard Amount: $50 – $200 per vendor
When to Tip: After reception

Reception Staff

A tip is expected if it is not already included in the price on the contract.r. A service or gratuity charge is almost always built in to the food and drink fee, so check your contract. If the gratuity is not included, tip as follows.

Tip Expected:Yes
Standard Amount:15 – 20 percent of the food and drink fee (based on labor, not the cost), or $200 – $300 for the maitre d’
When to Tip: After reception.

WaiteStaff

It is not necessary to tip the servers if you have already paid a gratuity in your contracted price. Check to ensure whether a service charge is included in the caterer’s contract. If not tip as follows.

Tip Expected:Yes
Standard Amount:15-20%
When to Tip: After reception.

Valets and Parking Attendants

Tip Expected:Yes
Standard Amount: Tips should range from $1 – $2 per car
When to Tip: After reception


Coat Check and Restroom Attendants
Tip Expected: Yes
Standard Amount: Tips should range from $1 – $2 per guest.
When to Tip: After reception

Bartenders

Usually you will find that the bar manager will add a service charge to the bar bill. If this is not the case then you might want to tip the bartenders.

Tip Expected: Yes
Standard Amount:10-15%
When to Tip: After reception

Cake Bakers

Your cake decorator does not expect anything above the contracted price. However, if you would like to give them a little something extra you may.

Tip Expected: No
Standard Amount: 10-15%
When to Tip: Upon delivery

Florists

The same goes for the florists as for the the cake decorator. They do not expect anything above the contracted price. However, if you would like to give them a little something extra you may.

Tip Expected: No
Standard Amount: 10-15%
When to Tip: Upon delivery

Reception Musicians

Whether you hire 12-piece swing band or grooving to a DJ, tipping musicians is completely optional. (Depending on the quality of the job and how willing they were to follow your ideal playlist!) And don’t forget about any sound technicians they bring with them.

Tip Expected: No
Standard Amount:$20 – $25 per musician; $50 – $150 for DJs
When to Tip: After reception

Transportation

Do check to see if a gratuity has been included in their bill as this is often the case with transportation fees for weddings. If not or if you want to reward them for their service on your wedding day then tip as follows.

Tip Expected:Yes
Standard Amount: 15-20%
When to Tip: At the end of the last ride.

source1 and source2

Baby, It’s Cold Outside!

natasha Leave a comment

If you are having a winter wedding then it is probably going to be quite cold. My wedding was just last week and it was freezing! Not to mention the snow on the ground and in the air. This made for a pretty wedding but a cold walk to the car and for super cold pictures! Having your new hubby right beside you does not keep you as warm as you may think! To keep myself warm I opted for a fake fur wrap, but there are many options out there that would be great! I have the most classic designs pictured below. All of these designs are timeless and beautiful. Plus they will look great with a variety of dress styles.

winter warmth

Beginner’s Guide to Wedding Etiquette: 50+ Tips and Resources

bridalpartytees 3 Comments

After announcing your engagement, the kudos and the parties have subsided and you’re ready to get down to the business of planning your wedding. One thing you will have to think about as you order your invitations and choose your DJ is how certain traditions should guide your behavior and shape your special day. That’s because like all most rites of passage, weddings require certain etiquette. Read up for a quick Manners 101 crash course that will help you become a savvier bride.

Meeting and Introducing Family

Unless you and your intended already have a super tight-knit family and group of friends, you may be stressing over meeting your in-laws, introducing them to your parents, and how everyone will get along in the process. Here are a few tips to help make the introductions effortless.

  1. Groom’s Parents Responsibilities: According to this article, traditional etiquette decrees that it is customary for the groom’s parents to call on the bride’s parents after an engagement is announced. Stressing this point could help assure that your parents meet before the wedding and that the burden for introductions is off of you.
  2. Meeting the In-Laws with Comfort : If you haven’t met your husband-to-be’s parents, read this article with great tips on how to make it less awkward. This author suggests tips like learning about your in-laws interests before you meet to help conversation flow smoother.
  3. Emily Post : According to Emily Post, your parents should meet his parents in the spirit of friendship – no matter who initiates the conversation. She recommends that even if distance is prohibitive these introductions occur before the wedding and occur in a casual setting.
  4. Hundreds of Heads: A compilation of advice from married couples who have already gone through the initial parental introductions. One woman recommends preparing a list of topics for each set of parents to review as conversation pieces.

Invites

Yes, there are even rules about who to invite to your wedding and how to address the envelopes. Maybe not the most fun part of your wedding etiquette research, but definitely a must-know.

  1. Engagement Party Guests : Do you have to invite everyone from your engagement party to your wedding? According to this wedding expert, yes.
  2. Wording Your Invitation : Yes, we’ve already mentioned that there are even etiquette rules for wording your invitations. Find out where to use formal and informal language on all your Save the Dates and official invites.
  3. Invitations for Divorced Parents: If your parents are divorced, you may be wondering how to word your invitation to reflect all of your parents and stepparents. Crane & Co. has some tasteful suggestions on how to handle a difficult situation.
  4. Wedding Paper Divas: Wedding Paper Divas tell you everything you need to know about who to invite to your wedding and how to invite them.
  5. eInvite: Along with wording, there are certain rules to keep in mind when you are addressing the envelopes. This article covers that topic and also gives tips for creating a guest list.
  6. Wedaholic: Figuring out how to whittle your wedding list down to an acceptable number can be a difficult and stressful task. But following this advice will help you create your wedding list with ease.

Table Manners and Place Settings

Conducting yourself and your loved ones at the dinner table will be a major consideration when planning your wedding reception. Find out how to best seat your guests and how to correctly hold a knife in the process.

  1. American Table Manners : A basic primer on the rules that govern table manners in America, including what foods are acceptable to eat with your fingers.
  2. Table Manners for Guys: Is your fiancé a little unruly at the dinner table? If so, give him this primer to make sure he’ll be on his best behavior at your reception.
  3. Wikipedia : Table manners are so important they have even earned a spot on Wikipedia. This entry covers the basics in table manners in pretty much every culture, helpful if you plan to wed in Peru.
  4. eHow: A resourceful article on how to create your very own seating chart. It states that when doing this your family should always be your number one consideration.
  5. Simple Seating: Simple Seating is a no frills, free service recommended by the people at Life Hacker for its usefulness.
  6. Expert Village: A short video that covers the proper way to hold a knife continental style.
  7. Perfect Table Plan : According to this site, 51 percent of wedding guests prefer having assigned seating. Follow these tips and create a seating chart that will make your guests happy and comfortable.
  8. Documents and Designs: Create a custom seating chart to match your theme by using this service.

Financial Concerns

“Who pays for what?” This might be the most common question you and your fiancé ask when going over your wedding budget. Here are some guides that will help you split up the costs without any bickering.

  1. Who Pays for What : Confused about what your family is responsible for payment-wise and what falls under your fiancé’s purview? Then you need this terrific checklist that tells you who pays for what. Not surprisingly, the bride’s family gets the majority of the bill.
  2. Who Pays for What II : Cross-reference your wedding etiquette facts on footing the bill with this simple list from Top Wedding Links.
  3. Who Pays for What III : Another handy resource for dictating the rules of check writing complete with suggestions on how split thing up if conventional rules about payment don’t mesh with your financial plan.
  4. Transportation Costs: Having an out of town wedding that requires your guests to incur some transportation costs? Find out whether you’re expected to pay for any of it.
  5. Bridesmaids Dresses: Feeling guilty about those pricy bridesmaids dresses you’re asking your girls to wear? Then compensate with a nice gift, because according to this source bridesmaids pay their own way.
  6. Honeymoon: Before you go demanding that your parents or your husband’s parents pay for the honeymoon, read this article, which states that there are actually no set rules for who pays for honeymoon expenses.
  7. Asking the In-Laws for Help: If you and your hubby-to-be need some extra help from his parents, but they haven’t offered to pay, what can you do?

Dancing

Dancing is the most fun part of your reception, so follow the simple advice below for a lively and enjoyable night.

  1. Wiki Answers: This source says every reception should begin with the wedding dance. Eventually the bride’s father will cut in with the groom then asking the bride’s mother to the floor.
  2. Buzzle: This article says that despite the traditional rules governing the first dance, the main point to remember is that dancing at a wedding is a time for everyone to let loose and have fun.
  3. Buffalo Bride: A thorough guide to wedding dance etiquette.
  4. Cape May Wedding Guide: Cape May has listed some terrific suggestions for how to pick your wedding songs, how to structure the dancing at your reception, as well as a long list of popular wedding songs for the dances that matter most.
  5. Most Popular Wedding Songs: An extensive list of song recommendations for not only your first dance, but for the processional, bouquet toss, and the cake cutting.
  6. Wedding Wire’s Picks: Wedding Wire is a fun site that provides you with a list of songs for each part of your reception and even lets you listen to the songs online. Maybe you already know what your first dance will be, but what about the last song? Wedding Wire has got you covered.

Toasts

We’ve all heard about the dreaded drunken best man toasts and the bridal attendants who just couldn’t get the wording right. These tips for you and your “toasters” will help iron out the awkward bumps in the road.

  1. Wedding Toast Etiquette: Who toasts who and when? Here’s a definitive guide for all your toasting etiquette, as well as tips on how to make the toasts one of a kind.
  2. Proper Toast Etiquette: This article covers the particular timing of each person’s toast – a definite boon to helping you plan your reception to a T.
  3. Free Wedding Toasts: If your “toasters” have a case of nerves, or if you just don’t trust them to give a non-awkward speech, refer them to this site for guidance and a list of already-written speeches. While they won’t want to copy one verbatim, they could definitely use the templates for inspiration.
  4. Toast Quotes: Another great resource for your toasters — a site with touching quotes suitable for romantic occasions.
  5. Worst Wedding Toasts: Learn what your family and friends should avoid with this humorous list of the worst wedding toasts ever.

Eloping

Want to skip all these rules and regulations and just get straight to the business of marriage? Then eloping might be the answer for you. But before you pack your bags, know there are even etiquette rules about running off to marry.

  1. Aisle Dash: If you want to skip the big ceremony and fancy details, you might be thinking of eloping. But still – do you have to tell anyone? Check out what this article has to say.
  2. Wedding Gazette: You may want to elope, but feel like it’s too much of a slight to the people in your life who love you most. This article will help you decide if eloping is right for you, and, if so, how to do it with grace.
  3. Utterly Fabulous Network: Being able to elope in a stress-free manner is the key to a happy wedding, according to this article. So read up on ways to handle the feelings of your loved ones who won’t be attending.
  4. Celebrating After Elopement : OK, so you’re bent and determined on eloping, but want to be able to celebrate with friends post-wedding. Find out all the etiquette rules for after parties and announcements.
  5. How to Elope : A helpful site for all your eloping needs and questions, including a detailed section on eloping etiquette.

General Tips on Wedding Etiquette

  1. Frugal Bride : If you are planning your wedding on a dime, Frugal Bride is a great resource to check in on frequently. And this handy article is a great, succinct list of the dos and don’ts to follow when planning your wedding.
  2. Top Wedding Questions: Find the answers to all of your wedding-related questions on this thorough site maintained by a wedding expert. The forums are packed with good information.
  3. Etiquette Checklist: Another resource to help clear up financial confusion and help you get stuff done on time, this article comes with a complete timeline and checklist of tasks.
  4. Pocket Idiot’s Guide: The Idiot’s Guide gives you all the wedding etiquette rules you can fit in your pocket in this compact and resourceful book.
  5. Wedding Coaches: If you feel too nervous to rely on conflicting advice and your inept instincts to navigate wedding etiquette, you can always seek the help of a professional and hire a wedding coach.
  6. Gift Etiquette: While the gift giving is not your responsibility, know what you should and shouldn’t expect out of your guests. Figuring out what people will be spending might help you create a diverse and reasonable registry.
  7. Cake Cutting: Surprisingly, even the cake cutting portion of your reception has rules and regulations. This article will tell you where to place the cake and when to cut it.
  8. Wedding Channel: The Wedding Channel is a great one-stop resource for all your wedding etiquette questions. From invites to whether or not you can ask your bridesmaids to not get a tattoo before your big day, the Wedding Channel has got you covered.
  9. Etiquette Hell: Etiquette Hell is a great, fun site that goes over all of the worst faux pas that can happen at a wedding. The site’s owner has even published a book called “Wedding Etiquette Hell: The Bride’s Bible to Avoiding Everlasting Damnation,” which focuses on the etiquette that means the most to those closest to you and not the traditional rules guiding ceremonies and receptions.

Vibrant Make-Up

natasha Leave a comment

I am posting this make-up tutorial because I think it gives some really detailed information on how to achieve this look. It also shows you how to achieve a bold eye, which could be altered for a wedding. The video also shows the viewer how to apply false lashes and all the products that are used to obtain this look. I think this look would be great for a really vibrant bride. Not all about the super couture eye? No problem! I think we could choose a different color pallet and achieve a toned down version of this look that would be absolutely stunning.

What Everyone Ought to Know about Starting an Online Business

bridalpartytees 3 Comments

Few people enjoy sitting in a drab cubicle for 8 hours a day, year after year. With telecommuting options becoming more popular in the workplace, many Americans have become accustomed to the perks of working from home. Thankfully, the developments in Web 2.0 have made online jobs and business opportunities plentiful. Kiss your cubicle goodbye and learn how you can make your living from the comfort of your living room.

Best Fields for Online Marketplace

Certain jobs lend themselves to the online marketplace and others do not. So the first hurdle you have to clear in determining whether moving online is right for you is to figure out whether or not the web is suitable for your field. The good news is that even if your business has a physical inventory, the web is still an extremely profitable place. Just look at Amazon. Below are some tried and true ideas for an online business start-up.

  1. eBay : Practically anyone can become a seller on eBay and make lots of money doing it. Create an account, fill up your store, and get started. It just takes a simple Google search to find documented examples of how so many people have made this business model work for them.
  2. Become a Blogger: Today it seems that one of the most hip and popular ways to become a self-sufficient, home-based employee is to put your writing talents out there and become a paid blogger. You can do this by writing for an already-established blog or setting one up yourself. If you have a niche expertise, consider the latter; if not, look into websites like Pay Per Post that encompass a variety of topics.
  3. Be a Reviewer: Believe it or not, you can make decent cash just by spouting your opinion on different products and services. Through sites like Review Me, bloggers are paid well to review advertised offers and products.
  4. Go Custom: Do you have an ability to customize basic products? Often times all it takes is a modest inventory of items like plain T-shirts, coffee mugs, and baseball caps and the tools to inscribe personalized messages on them to turn a profit. This may require more of an overhead investment, but being in a specialized market will allow you to increase sales.
  5. Amazon : The Amazon Affiliate Program lets you to set up your own online Amazon affiliate business through which you help drive customers to Amazon’s website and make a commission on the purchases.
  6. Web Design : If you have technical prowess and an eye for aesthetic design, then one of the more fruitful online businesses you could start is a web design boutique. Today people require websites for pretty much everything, whether it’s their own business or simply their resume. Web developers get paid well and need nothing more than their computer and creative mind to rake in the cash.
  7. Etsy: Budding fashion designers and jewelry artists can sell their goods and get lots of promotion by setting up online stores on Etsy. Etsy is that it’s a heavily trafficked site, and designers can use their Etsy store front to link customers back to their personal websites and a larger selection of goods.
  8. Event Planning: If an attention to detail and an ability to party are your strong suits you might consider starting your own event planning business. This requires little overhead aside from a computer and it’s a service that many businesses, nonprofits, and individuals need. Assemble an online portfolio of past events and services and start developing client contacts.
  9. Sell eBooks: eBooks are downloadable books available online, and there is a big industry around the buying and selling of these digital files. Sellers can access titles for a wholesale fee and then mark them up to sell to customers.
  10. Be an Author: If starting a blog is not exactly your cup of tea, or if you feel your expertise lends itself to a longer format, then become the author of your own eBook or series of eBooks. This course of action can be particularly profitable when linked with a blog that gives readers a taste and leaves them wanting more.
  11. Marketing Consultant: Many small businesses and other self-employed persons do not have the budget to afford an in-house marketing team, but still must market themselves if they want to stay relevant. That’s where you come in with a home-based consultancy business that promotes the businesses of your clients.
  12. Accounting: If working with numbers is your passion, an accounting consultancy business is easy to start online. Aside from the relevant software needed to manage multiple accounts, there is little overhead.
  13. Social Media Consultant : Social media is primarily found online and most of it is new and overwhelming to traditional “take an ad out in the paper” business leaders. If you live on Facebook and other social media sites, promoting yourself as an expert in maximizing the benefits of this arena for un-savvy business owners can be quite lucrative.
  14. Direct Mail Copywriter: Many nonprofits make a large portion of their revenue through direct mail campaigns. But with all the competition in the marketplace and the consumer backlash against junk mail, organizations really need to stand out in order to command attention and donations. If you know the tricks of this trade, you will find lots of consultant positions in the marketplace.
  15. Stylist: While stylists may not be considered necessary in the current economic crisis, their rise in popularity in recent years has undeniably been dramatic. And personal stylists and shoppers aren’t just for people like Britney Spears, women of even modest incomes have been known to pay for a little fashion advice. If you’re a trendsetter in your city, market your talents to the upper crust crowd.
  16. Garden Consultant: If you have a green thumb and the garden to prove it, consider becoming a garden consultant. Most people don’t have the time or patience to plant a garden, but will pay big bucks to have someone do it for them.
  17. IT: One of the best paid and most established consulting jobs can be found in the field of information technology. By setting yourself up as a roaming computer whiz you can solicit business from technophobes in your community and beyond.
  18. Grant Writer: Aside from individual donors, nonprofits and some government agencies get the bulk of their funding from larger corporate grants. If you are skilled at grant writing and have a decent number of nonprofit contacts this is a business easily conducted online.
  19. Publicist or PR Representative: Stars and athletes aren’t the only people in our society who need representation. In fact, many businesses want nothing more than to be covered favorably in newspapers and trade journals.
  20. Editorial Consultant: If it irks you every time a writer misplaces a semicolon, then your obsessive eye for grammar could help you bring in quite a bit of dough. Editorial consultants are used by both major magazines and independent writers alike to help them perfect their prose and polish their product.
  21. Lobbyist: Anyone with a strong expertise in a field affected by government is a good candidate to become a freelance lobbyist. You donÆt have to live in Washington D.C. to make your knowledge work for the good of your community.
  22. Business Advice: Do you have a strong track record of starting or managing successful businesses? If so, your know-how is in strong demand by the thousands of individuals who have great, profitable ideas but no idea how to put them in to action.
  23. Doggie Daycare: Animal lovers with some extra space at their homes might want to consider starting their very own doggie day care center. Set up a website detailing your facility and the services you offer and take it one step further by incorporating an online advice column for people who have questions about their pooches.
  24. Travel Agent: Becoming a home-based travel agent is pretty easy these days, provided that you have some background in the industry. Sell yourself as a travel expert by including interesting travel facts, articles, forums and a blog on your website.
  25. Teaching Green? : Environmental concerns reign in today’s business climate, not only because businesses and other institutions are concerned about being more responsible, but because they’re looking to cut energy costs. Use your green knowledge to help people achieve both of these goals.

Online Networking

Now that you’ve determined what business to go into, you’re going to need to find some customers! In the days of Web 2.0 that is best achieved by getting online and networking with consumers and with your business peers. Here are just some of the social networking sites on which all online business owners should have a presence.

  1. LinkedIn: If you haven’t heard of LinkedIn yet, you’ll want to get an account pronto. Designed to be a business and social networking site, LinkedIn connects you to others, sharing your personal and professional information, including your resume (if you choose).
  2. Facebook: Not to belabor the issue, but Facebook is the ?it? social networking website right now, and its not just for college students anymore. Most businesses these days have a Facebook profile and are reaping the rewards from the mass communicative capabilities it brings.
  3. Ning: While you should certainly be out networking on other people’s social networking sites, there’s no reason you can’t form one on your own site. Ning, a cheap and comprehensive service, allows you to create your own social networking site relevant to your businesses niche. The best way to inspire loyalty among your customers is by letting them feel like they are a part of your community.
  4. Care 2: Despite the name, this social networking site isn’t just for charities or big philanthropists. It’s for any person who is interested in making the world a better place. Does your business help improve the lives of others? Does it have a social mission? If so, Care 2 is a place where you’ll meet like-minded people who want the best for the planet.
  5. Plaxo: Plaxo is like an online rolodex, allowing you to organize your contacts and also communicate with them online. It’s the easiest way to keep tabs on all the movers and shakers in your industry.
  6. Ryze: Ryze prides itself as being “the site” for business networking. Set up explicitly to accommodate businesses, Ryze even allows user members to make deals through their platform. Sign up and connect with new and old contacts in seconds.
  7. Xing: Xing’s tagline is “Global networking for businesses,” and it means it. Xing will give you a crash course in networking and put you in contact with the “who’s who” crowd in your industry. Looking for investors or employees? Find them both on Xing.
  8. All Freelance: While not primarily a social networking site, All Freelance is the perfect site for small business owners or start-up online businesses to find employees that you can hire on contract basis. Post jobs, find employees, and get lots of information on self-promotion.
  9. Net Party: Like the idea of social networking, but want some face-to-face contact as well? Register with Net Party and get all the latest updates on business networking happy hour and party events in your city. The best way to establish a true connection with someone is to meet them in a casual setting.
  10. Squidoo: Squidoo bills itself as the forum for experts. By creating your profile page and posting entries on the things you know best, you’ll be able to spread your ideas, meet like-minded (or not) people, and connect with people who can help your business benefit the most.
  11. Digg: Digg is a social news site that lets you stay abreast of the most-read articles relating to your industry, as well as connect with others. Register for an account, start researching, and stay on top of trends.
  12. Reddit: Similar to Digg, Reddit is a social news site that lets readers vote on the value of content, giving you a sense of what people are most interested in relating to your industry.
  13. Delicious: A social bookmarking site that lets you store online articles in one place. You can also share your library of content with others in your network.
  14. Technorati : One of the best ways to drive traffic to your business website is to write a blog. Keep your blog fresh with relevant content and register it with Technorati, a round up of global blog posts, and increase the size of your audience.
  15. You Tube: Promote your business with videos and use You Tube’s wildly-popular platform to get it out to the people. In addition to blogs, video is generally seen as one of the most important marketing tools a business can use to set itself apart from the competition.
  16. Ecademy: Ecademy’s tagline is simple: “Connecting business people.” It boasts over a million users annually, bringing users from over 180 countries together to blog and compare ideas through focused forums.
  17. Mixx : Like Digg and Reddit, Mixx is a content round-up site that lets users rate content with even more customization. It’s a hip new platform that’s taking off in a big way.
  18. 43 Things: Want to be sure that you’ll reach those lofty goals you’re setting for your business and yourself? 43 Things is a social networking site where users set goals and then get advice and encouragement on meeting them from others in their network.
  19. Schmoozii : Perhaps the most important thing you can do for your business is promote it. Schmoozii is a social networking site aimed at marketers and start-ups where the ideas flow like wine.
  20. Wikipedia: Wikipedia is one of the most-used sites on the Internet, and no matter how many criticize it for it’s citizen-written content, establishing a presence on this site is a solid move for any business. Tell people who you really are in your own words.
  21. Flickr: Depending on what your business does, Flickr may or may not be extremely helpful. But this photo sharing site does let you connect with others in a more creative and visual way.

Advertising

While online networking and social media sites will be integral to the success of your business, good old-fashioned advertising is still a necessity and a useful tactic. Here are a few options and information resources that will help you take your ad campaigns to the masses.

  1. AdWords: Google’s AdWords is a great program if you want to promote your business and stay within a budget. Create online ads that will pop up when ever a user searches for terms that are related to your business. You pay only when people actually click on your ads, and you can cap the amount you spend monthly.
  2. Internet Advertising: If you are wary of the benefits of advertising online, check out this thorough and helpful article from The Economist that spells out how you can best take advantage of this new market to grow your business.
  3. Pop-Up Ads: One way to advertise online is by using pop-up ads, which actually pop up over web pages, forcing the user to close them out if they’re not interested in the content. While not well-loved by Internet surfers, their method of obstruction can be very effective in getting the message out.
  4. Marketing Sherpa: When determining an advertising plan, one resource you’ll want to check out is Marketing Sherpa. Sign up for their free newsletters and read through their scores of case studies to see what has and has not worked for others in your field.
  5. Stromcode: The founder of Glowfoto, a social networking and photo hosting site, gives sage advice on this blog based on his own experience building an Internet business from the ground up with advertising.
  6. Value Click: Value Click is one of the largest companies in the world to specialize in Internet marketing and advertising for businesses, so if you are really looking to do a comprehensive campaign it would be worth it to see if they fit in your budget. Customizable campaigns are the name of the game with Value Click and you’ll be sure that your ads are being placed prominently.
  7. Casale: Like Value Click, Casale offers online marketing programs for business leaders. They claim to have a vast reach in the U.S., Canada, and the UK, with a U.S. audience estimated at 129 million people.
  8. AdBrite: Buy customized text ads through AdBrite, which boasts an estimated 378 million ads per day on more than 70,000 different websites. Consider AdBrite the middle man who will get your ad on some of the most heavily-used sites.
  9. Double Click: Double Click is one of the most-used, most-popular internet advertising boutiques. It’s streamlined method does all the work for you and allows you to easily stay on top of all the campaigns you’re running.
  10. MySpace: Getting your ads out on social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook is a great way to promote you business, since each site boasts so many users.
  11. IAB: The Interactive Advertising Bureau is a good resource for a business owner looking for help with internet advertising. The trade organization for companies in the interactive advertising industry, it’s a good starting place for research since IAB members place over 86 percent of all online ads.
  12. O’Reilly Radar: Online advertising is an important to marketing your business, but there’s a lot to learn about the economics behind it. Take a look at this article posted by Tim O’Reilly for a better understanding of how it all works.
  13. Clicksor: Clicksor operates in a mode similar to AdWords, by tying your ads to relevant keywords, and claims it’s the most cost-effective online advertiser û it charges you on the relevance of your keyword.
  14. Web 2.0 Advertising: Jason Calacanis is the successful co-founder of Weblogs, Inc. and Mahalo.com, and according to this post on his blog, the future of online advertising is going to continue to grow, particularly in the arena of video ads.
  15. Banner Report: Thankfully, one obsessive guy had the foresight to spend thousands of hours collecting banner ads from tons of websites and storing them in a single repository for business owners and graphic designers to view. Review the examples, get some insight into your own banner-ad campaign, and joining the discussion boards.
  16. eMarketer: eMarketer is a great resource for any start-up company, because it’s laden with handy information. Check out the numerous analyst reports on different market conditions and get a daily email newsletter with useful tips.
  17. PromoTXT : Internet advertising, at the ripe age of 13, is, sadly, no longer considered cutting edge. While still very effective, some analysts say that text messaging ads is the wave of the future. Check into companies like PromoTXT to see if this tactic will work for you.
  18. Cell It: Like PromoTXT, CellIt will help you connect to customers via cell phone, whether that be by advertising promotions or simply alerting them to your latest blog post. Cellit has helped companies like Remax, Sotheby’s, and the City of Las Vegas increase their reach through texting.
  19. Message Buzz: Message Buzz is a hip company that works independently with customers to find their niche market and draw those customers in. Become a savvy marketer by targeting select consumer groups with different campaigns.
  20. Blast Companies : Another mass-texting marketing company with the capability to personalize texts.
  21. PR Web : Public Relations is the cheapest, and some argue the most credible, form of free advertising. Get your press releases out to millions of customers through PR Web’s services.

General Tips and Resources

Now that you’re on the road to being a business owner, you’ll need to start acting like one. Here are some general resources you can utilize to make sure you have your chips in order.

Magazines, Articles & Blogs

  1. Entrepreneur.com : A terrific resource for budding entrepreneurs, this website covers everything from profit potential to business loans with lots of great advice in between. Even connect with other entrepreneurs and ask the site’s experts questions.
  2. Business Week : This site is consistently updated with the most important information and news stories relevant to business owners.
  3. Online Business Advisor : Access tons of free articles on this popular website and get thorough advice from several experts û a great one-stop-shop for budding entrepreneurs.
  4. CNN Money : To be on top of your game, you’ll have to stay on top of the market. Check in with CNN Money throughout the day for the latest financial news.
  5. Inc.: A hip and popular magazine, Inc. keeps up with the most cutting edge trends in the business world, catering solely to entrepreneurs.
  6. Fast Company: The magazine covers everything an entrepreneur needs to know, and the website goes even further by serving as a catch-all for business-related blog posts, videos, and forums.
  7. Pro Blogging Advice: If you have chosen to go the blogging route for your business, you’ll want to check this resourceful guide with tips and pointers on how to make your blog profitable.
  8. Amazon Affiliate Advice : A great article that will help you significantly simplify the process of becoming an Amazon affiliate. Easy to follow instructions on how to set up your site and start making money.
  9. Small Business Network: The producers of this magazine target managers of fast-growing businesses with lots of advice and insight from industry experts and seasoned columnists.
  10. Entrpreneur’s Journey: Get advice straight from the source. This Australian blogger tells you how to finally get the online business of your dreams up and off the ground.
  11. Home Business IT : If you are still searching for the perfect business idea that will make you money from home, peruse on this company’s website, which lists several ideas and businesses looking for a few good men.
  12. Steps to Starting an Online Business : A helpful blog run by a woman who has had success with her own Internet business.
  13. On Call Geeks: On Call Geeks has put together a list of the 10 steps one must take to start their own online
    business.
  14. Approved Authors : A helpful article on ApprovedAuthors.com about starting a successful online business.

Business Plan Advice

  1. BPlans.com: Need help getting your business plan down on paper? Get inspiration from the sample plans on this site, many of which are free to view.
  2. BusinessPlans.org : A resource with sample business plans from real businesses.
  3. Planware: Planware’s software will help you write a business plan, create financial projections, and craft a marketing plan.
  4. Money Hunt : Download this easy-to-use template and plug in your information.
  5. Scribd : Another easily downloaded Word Document plan û all you need to do is fill in the blanks.

Legal Assistance

  1. Free Advice : Do the legal and bookkeeping issues associated with owning a small business have you confused? Check out Free Advice’s site for all the information you need on the legal implications involved in being a business owner.
  2. Nolo: Nolo provides cheap legal advice for small businesses and a directory of U.S. lawyers, as well.
  3. Law Info: Find both an attorney and free legal advice on Law Info.
  4. Find Law: Another terrific legal resource, Find Law will help you locate not only lawyers and free advice, but the actual text of the laws that will affect you most.

Insurance and Loans

  1. Business Finance: Search for loans from over 4,000 lenders and learn what each loan entails.
  2. Business.com : A round-up of small business loan resources from Business.com.
  3. eHealthInsurance.com : Compare health insurance plans for small businesses on this easy-to-use site.
  4. HealthInsurance.org : A nonprofit resource where you can get the skinny on finding affordable insurance.
  5. Small Business Insurance : Find out what you need to do to protect your assets by reading this great article.
  6. The Small Business Insurance Center : Find a variety of insurance quotes from this center.

Miscellaneous

  1. My Own Business: My Own Business is a nonprofit that helps prospective entrepreneurs form a rock solid plan through a 14-session crash course. While you’ll have to pay for the education, this is something true novices may want to look into.
  2. Small Business Administration: The U.S. Small Business Administration is your best source to learn about government programs and tax implications of owning your own small business.
  3. Volusion : If your business will include an online storefront, turn to a company like Volusion for an easy set up and professional finish.
  4. Circle Dog : Seven smart tips for small business owners from Circle Dog, software developers that specialize in solutions for people like you.

50 Resources for a Trendy Fall Wedding

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Crisp weather, turning leaves, and the harvesting of so many delicious crops. No season could be more ideal for a wedding than fall. Besides a more temperate climate, fall give brides the opportunity to take advantage of a deep color palette and wonderful seasonal and fragrant foods to spice up their wedding. Out go the daisies and watermelon coolers and in come Black Magic roses and hot cider. Autumn brides, count yourself lucky, because fall is one of the most magical seasons of all.

Fall Dresses

Several things are in style this fall, notably warm, bold tones, Greek-influenced cuts, and dark sashes. Check out some of these dresses from the top designersí latest collections.

  1. Vera Wang Taffeta & Tulle : This creamy dress with a bold and explosive forest green waist adornment follows many current fashion trends. But its deep, warm tones scream autumn. Wang has many dresses along this line of thought, so check out her full collection for more examples.
  2. Vera Wang Greek Sheath : Greek-inspired, toga-like dresses are definitely in this fall and no one does it more elegantly than Vera Wang. This sheath dress is elegant, simple and stylish.
  3. Claire Pettibone Sheath: Another gorgeous silk sheath, this one, from Claire Pettibone, is sexy, feminine and a terrific choice for fall. The cream-hue and beaded flowers and butterflies is very tastefully done and expertly made.
  4. Pnina Tornai Retro: A dress with a plentiful amount of fabric, this gown is both retro and edgy, as well as fall appropriate. If ever there were a season when a bride might want some protection from the elements, fall is one of them. This dress will leave you feeling cozy, comfortable and fashion-forward all at the same time.
  5. Monique Lhuillier Pearl Embellished: While this dress doesnít follow the cardinal rules of fall 2008 fashion, it is still a ringer for the season in our book. While strapless and stringy-strapped dresses are beautiful, being able to rock a dress with sleeves is an opportunity for a bride to cultivate a unique look.
  6. Oscar de la Renta Chiffon : Another signature style this fall is structured bodices on dresses, and no one has managed to pull off that trend, as well as the flowy Greek skirt, better than Oscar de la Renta. This gorgeous silk and chiffon gown is subtle and elegant and very hip.
  7. Priscilla of Boston : An excellent gown with detailed draping and a pleated bodice, this dress works well for fall with both a warm, ivory tone and a large — but not overdone — skirt. The handmade silk flowers that adorn the sash top it off, and the experts agree that a scalloped, structured bodice, also called a crumb catcher is all the rage this season.
  8. Vera Wang Sash: Not to focus too much on Vera Wang, but this designer has obviously mastered, if not personally set, the trends for this fallís bride. This strapless chiffon gown, complete with a moss-green sash tied toga-style across the bodice, embodies so many principles of fall style. Itís a a stunning and fresh look for the coming season.
  9. Monique Lhuillier Short Sleeves: This conservative gown from Monique Lhuillier manages to be both defiant and humble. The lacy cap sleeves, belted waist and mermaid skirt are very hip when put together, defying conventional ideas of sexiness and beauty while allowing a bride to keep a dignified front. This dress is a must-see for fall.
  10. Monique Lhuillier Strapless Sash: A warm, creamy lace dress with a golden sash and empire waist. Sophisticated and very feminine, Monique Lhuillier is a definite rival for Vera Wangís collection, and the cut of this dress is very in-line with fall fashion rules.
  11. Pumpkins!: If you are getting married in October or November then pumpkins are fair game for your wedding dÈcor. These vibrantly colored veggies are an excellent centerpiece for your tables and provide a rich color palette to complement with seasonal flowers deep in hue.
  12. Bold Patterns and Colors : Experts say to cross last year’s mossy greens and jalapeno tones off your list this season. Those colors are out, but bold, dark colors are definitely in, and that goes for bold patterns, as well. Think polka dots, stripes, chocolate browns, bright oranges and punchy reds.
  13. Candlelight : If you are planning an evening or night reception, consider forgoing traditional bulb lights and use only candles instead. Not only will this add to the ambiance of your fall wedding, creating a storybook setting, but it can be further used to your advantage by picking scented candles with traditional fall scents, like cranberry, pumpkin and cinnamon.
  14. Yellow and Brown: The experts agree that one of the hottest colors for this fallís weddings is a bold, golden yellow. Pairing this shade with a complementary, but contrasting color, such as chocolate brown, is a surefire way to strike a breathtaking and warm look while staying within the trends of the season.
  15. Yellow and Black: Want to stick to the seasonís ìitî color, but arenít feeling the cozy vibe of warm tones? Check out this great example of tasteful and hip wedding decor that combines a bright yellow with black and manages to completely avoid any bumblebee comparisons. This is a must-consider for chic, urban brides.
  16. Plum Wedding : Yellow isnít the only ìitî color this fall season, however. The folks at Pantone say plum, lavenders, and silvery grays are in style, and we agree. These cool-yet-warm tones are crisp and clean, deep and sophisticated. While a little contrasty with fallís natural colors, these tones would stand out well in even one of the most natural settings.
  17. Embrace Nature : While you don’t have to go and make your reception theme as colorful as a maple in full reds, you should take the opportunity to incorporate some of the seasonís more subtle features. This example of tying acorns into the place settings is pure genius and so in-line with the trends of minimalism and eco-consciousness.
  18. Subtle Colors : While bold colors are mostly on everyoneís mind this fall, letís face it, some brides just arenít down. For those of you looking to use subtle and minimal colors, look to color combinations like the one exhibited in this elegant bouquet. Using slightly tinted whites and accenting the base with a splash of dark colors, this arrangement fits with the feeling of fall while providing a more delicate mood.
  19. Orange Decor: Get your citrus on by making bright orangey tones the basis for your wedding decor. You could further expound on this treatment by spicing it up with some sassy yellows or else make your oranges more demure by pairing them with complementary pink and purple hues.
  20. Go Traditional: If you want to use the season’s trendy colors, but still stay within the traditional realm, check out this handy article for tips on how to incorporate autumn’s abundance into your dÈcor. Go ahead and scatter those fall leaves down your aisle, just be selective with colors and go as sparse as you can to achieve a more modern, tasteful look.
  21. Apple Orchard: Apple orchards are in prime season during the fall, with the trees brimming with ripe, delicious fruit, which also makes for a beautiful backdrop for both your guests and your photos. Make an event out of it and invite your guests to go apple picking the day before or morning of your wedding.
  22. Rustic Barn: According to this article, barn weddings are all the rage among celebrities this year. Ex-Bachelor star Andrew Firestone got hitched in the barn on his parentsí vineyard, demonstrating that this primitive structure can be made into a beautiful spot for a wedding. Most areas in the U.S. have some sort of agricultural industry, so find out where local foods are grown and investigate the properties!
  23. Aspen Forest: Found most prominently in Colorado, Aspen forests are an extremely striking setting for a fall wedding. With their stark white tree trunks and glittering leaves, which turn a bright yellow in the fall weather, Aspens provide a natural beauty unparalleled by many other trees. Aspens create a romantic setting and theyíll give you an enviable backdrop for your wedding photos.
  24. New England: No place on earth is more beautiful in the fall than New England. While foliage intensity changes from year to year, you can be sure to find a full array of colors in New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont during the first part of October. Check your foliage calendar and book a B&B.
  25. Pumpkin Patch : In the same vein as having your fall wedding at an apple orchard, a pumpkin patch is another great fall-themed locale that will lend lots of vibrant colors to your setting. If you choose to do something like this, think of ways you might incorporate the natural offerings of the pumpkin patch into the reception ñ perhaps each guest could be asked to sign or decorate a mini-pumpkin for the bride and groom.
  26. Albuquerque, New Mexico : Every fall, the Balloon Fiesta, one of the largest hot air balloon festivals in the world, is held in Albuquerque, where fields and fields of bright balloons are launched into the air. Timing a wedding ceremony with this launch at a spot that is within eyesight of the festival would make a great backdrop for a fall wedding. Your photos will feature a sky with bumper to bumper hot air balloons ñ what else could be better?
  27. Oktoberfest: You don’t have to travel to Munich to incorporate Oktoberfest into your fall wedding. Recreate the festival at a spot of your choosing by going for a German-themed dÈcor and having your waitstaff serve beer tastings at your reception. If youíre a hardcore aficionado and have the dough, however, we hear Munich is nice in the fall.
  28. Taos, New Mexico: Not to harp too much on New Mexico, but Taos is one of the most beautiful mountain settings in the state. And every fall the city hosts the Taos Film Festival, a popular attraction for film buffs looking to offer their wedding guests an activity beyond your nuptials. Scheduling your wedding in-line with this festival will turn it into a multi-day celebration and give your guests a reason for a mini-vacation.
  29. Lost Maples: Think Texas is devoid of autumn attractions? Think again. Lost Maples State Park is heralded as one of the stateís best, with huge maple trees that, believe it or not, exhibit traditional foliage colors. This state park will allow you to have the privacy of secluded nature with the scenery of a Vermont.
  30. Blue Ridge Mountains : The Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina are another terrific fall destination. While you wonít quite get the dramatic color variations you would find in New England, you will get a decent amount of foliage and excellent mountain vistas. This area of the country is crisp, clean and temperate this time of year, making perfect weather conditions for a fall wedding.
  31. Roasted Quail: While turkey remains the traditional meat of the fall season, throw your guests a delightful curveball by featuring roasted quail on your menu. This recipe for a roasted quail with a cranberry-orange-pecan stuffing is a yummy and fancy way to prepare the small bird.
  32. Bacon Wrapped Venison : Fall is hunting season, so what better time to serve fresh venison meat? Try this bacon-wrapped recipe for added flavor. Since gamey meat isnít a favorite for everyone, you’ll want to offer your guests a choice of entrees. But if this recipe intrigues you, know that there is no better time than autumn to serve it!
  33. Pumpkin Soup : In addition to a nice, light salad full of seasonal greens, a pumpkin soup makes a hearty and comforting second appetizer. There are many ways to prepare it, but stick to recipes for cream-based soups with nutmeg flavors. You could even serve it in a hollowed-out pumpkin if youíre going for the full effect.
  34. Roasted Spiced Sweet Potatoes : Sweet potatoes are the veggie of the fall season, if ever there was one. And there are so many ways to prepare them beyond the standard-issue coating of marshmallows so popular in American households around Thanksgiving. Try roasting them into delicious, gourmet-cut French fries for a side dish to die for or serve them mashed with vanilla.
  35. Wild Mushroom Risotto: Wild mushrooms are a wonderful and flavorful fall vegetable that will lend sensational aromas to your menu, as well as provide a more classy comfort-food recipe for your guests. Incorporating wild mushrooms into some sort of side dish or appetizer is a definite must for you fall wedding brides. Scour the internet for recipes.
  36. Butternut Squash Ravioli : For a delicious vegetarian entrÈe, check out this recipe for Butternut Squash Ravioli with brown butter, walnuts and dried cranberries. Itís scrumptious, colorful, and presents beautifully. You could even consider serving this as a side or a first course.
  37. Roasted Root Vegetables: Fall is all about root vegetables, such as carrots, beets, turnips, and garlic, just to name a few. This recipe from Wolfgang Puck is an excellent example of a beautiful way to prepare and serve root veggies ñ roast them up with some seasonal herbs and youíll get a side dish both plentiful in flavor and color.
  38. Spiced Wine or Apple Cider : Two of the classic drinks of fall, treat your guests to a lovely spiced wine or piping-hot apple cider in addition to whatever youíve got behind the bar. A nice, warming interlude for cocktail hour or a nightcap at the end of the festivities!
  39. Pumpkin Cheesecake: Forget your traditional flour-and-sugar wedding cake! Go smaller and richer by serving up a decorative pumpkin cheesecake. It’s a little fancier than a pumpkin pie and a lot more delicious! Plus the pumpkin and cinnamon flavors will be the perfect compliment to your fall menu.
  40. Apple Walnut Bundt Cake: Sound too much like something your grandma would make? Who cares?! Working some comfort foods into your menu is a perfect strategy for fall. Have little morsels like this apple bundt cake available at a buffet or consider serving slices with the entrÈe in lieu of a dinner roll or bread.
  41. Do It Yourself: The great thing about most of the resources and ideas presented in this guide is that they can all be made by your own two hands and the own two hands of your friends and family. While it may take a little more effort and energy, you can easily do your own fall wedding and save boo-koos of money on decorations and food. Seriously, do you really need an expert to place mini-pumpkins around the reception area or litter leaves down the aisle? Do the simple things on your own and save big.
  42. Go Public: Because of the seasonís natural beauty, you’ll want to aim for an outdoor wedding if at all possible. Pick a public spot or the backyard of a friendís or family member’s home and save on location rental fees, which can quickly eat up a small budget.
  43. Keep it Intimate: One surefire way to keep your costs down is to limit the number of people you have to pay for. Keep your guest list small and get excited for a small, intimate wedding. Truth be told, the more manageable the crowd, the more likely you are to enjoy yourself since you wonít feel like you have to constantly be moving from conversation to conversation.
  44. Be a Copycat : Like these designer dresses and styles, but donít want to trade your firstborn child? Find a good, reasonably-priced seamstress and have him or her recreate your favorite look. Thankfully, the styles of this fall are simple, with sheaths of flowing fabrics ñ looks that are relatively easy to make on your own.
  45. Get Married in the Morning: To take the most advantage of fall’s scenery, it will need to be light out during your ceremony and reception. So consider a morning wedding, where all you provide is a light brunch and a few inexpensive cocktails. This way, you take advantage of the best lighting and views of the foliage!
  46. Take Advantage of Nature : Avoid the expensive cost of flowers by using whatever the season and Mother Nature gives you for free! Decorate with pinecones, leaves collected from a forest floor, or acorns. Take your bridesmaids on a foraging trip and see who can find the best fall gems.
  47. Stick to (Apple) Cider: Cut out the open bar and opt for a cash bar instead, or else just eliminate alcohol all together. Stick to your guns and your theme and offer your guests complimentary fall beverages, like apple cider and spiced tea.
  48. Be Your Own Wedding Planner: How hard can it be? Don’t hire an expensive wedding planner to help you run a checklist if money is an issue. Instead use one of the many online wedding planning tools and be the boss of your own event.
  49. Ask for Money: If you’re strapped for cash, but donít need another kitchen accessory as long as you live then ask your guests to strictly give gifts of money. Then you can use the proceeds from the event to pay down the costs.
  50. Bridal Loans: In the end, it may simply be that if you want the wedding of your dreams, youíre going to have to seek some help. Check out you bank, credit union, or look to lenders like Bridal Loans, who specialize in small to moderate-sized loans specifically for the purposes of getting married.

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Buyers Guide to Engagement Rings: 100 Tips and Resources

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If getting married is one of the biggest and most important things you will do in your life, then it’s safe to assume that picking out and purchasing the engagement ring falls in the top ten. But there’s no doubt that it can also be one of the most stressful and confounding experiences of your life – especially if you have no clue what constitutes a good diamond, cutting-edge ring design, or how all of these factors will affect your bottom line. But have no fear – a quick run through these resources and you’ll be a diamond-buying expert in no time.

Educational Articles

Before getting started, you need to educate yourself on the ins and outs associated with shopping for a diamond ring. Things you have never even heard of will invariably come up in your conversations with your diamond dealer, so you’ll want to be able to respond knowledgably. Here are some helpful articles that will get you prepared in no time. A great site to check out for more information is Weddingzone.net

  1. Engagement Ring Guru: The Engagement Ring Guru covers it all, leaving no stone unturned. Straight-from-the-heart advice on all subjects related to ring buying, including this “gem” – when shopping at a jewelry store, try to get help from a female salesperson. Statistics show women have a better understanding of how to help you.
  2. Love to Know: Love to Know’s website is the definitive novel about ring buying. The site contains hundreds of articles on diamond quality, the latest styles, and even how to buy a non-diamond engagement ring.
  3. The Knot: The Knot is like the Bible for all things wedding-related, and engagement rings are no exception. The site even has an online quiz to help you determine your bride’s ring style, which is a great idea for those men trying to surprise their sweetie with a ring. Also, use their online ring builder tool to design your own.
  4. Ultimate Engagement Ring Guide: A helpful resource that has daily updates, information on the latest trends, and also references on where and how to buy.
  5. A Diamond is Forever: You’ve seen the commercials, now check out the website. This informational website is sponsored by the Diamond Trading Company, the largest diamond sales company in the world. Realizing that most people go into the ring buying experience with little knowledge about what they’re looking for, the DTC set up this well-designed and helpful site, which even includes an article about how diamond prices are determined.
  6. About.com: This article, written by Gemologist Antoinette L. Matlins, is for those of you for whom price is one of the ultimate considerations. Matlins aims to help readers get the most diamond for their buck. Also, find some helpful links to continue your education.
  7. Pricescope: Pricescope is a technical, though easy to use, website that allows you to compare prices on your dream ring by simply entering the criteria you desire. But even if you’re not far along enough to know what you’re looking for, you can still take advantage of their online tutorials or join one of their forums.
  8. DiamondInfo.org: This is a website designed on the predication that ring buying inspires fear and anxiety in most men. A worthy hypothesis, DiamondInfo.org aims to end the stress of ring buying through education. Dispel your myths here.
  9. The Diamond Buying Guide: Simple and straightforward, start your education here with the site’s glossary of terms and then move on to figuring out the difference between a “certificate” and an “appraisal.” The site even has a handy checklist that you can use to make sure you’ve covered all your bases.
  10. Wedding Channel: The Wedding Channel is one of the foremost sites for information on wedding planning, wedding gowns, and wedding rings. Not only will this site teach you everything you need to know about selecting a diamond, but it also dispenses handy advice on how to propose. You can even search the site to find local, independent jewelers in your neighborhood.
  11. Diamond Review: Follow the easy four step process laid out at the Diamond Review and you’ll be pocketing a gleaming rock in no time. First start with a tutorial, and then move on to the message boards where you can quiz various diamond experts on all your questions, find a jeweler and research prices.
  12. About Buying Diamonds: This comprehensive guide doesn’t pull too many surprise punches, but it does have great information, including separate guides for buying both loose and wholesale diamonds.
  13. Diamond Chit Chat: If you are looking for a more interactive, educational experience, check out Diamond Chit Chat, which hosts message boards, forums, and articles on all topics related to picking out the perfect stone. Learn from the successes and mistakes of others on this great site.
  14. Jewelry Information Center: Whether you are buying a diamond or another type of rare stone, the Jewelry Information Center can help you navigate the ins and outs of the process. Take their Jewelry 101 course or learn about the hottest trends all in one spot.
  15. Costco: In addition to selling giant packages of paper towels and chewing gum, Costco is a great bargain diamond vendor. If you want to get all the information you need in the shortest time possible, download the store’s helpful one-pager, which will bring you up to speed in no time.
  16. Yahoo!: Yahoo!’s Diamond Buying Guide is a simple synopsis of diamond buying that features recommended articles on other sites. A great round-up of resources all in one spot.
  17. How to Buy a Diamond: If you really want to get down and dirty, a simple website resource may not be enough. Check out this book by author Fred Cuellar, the founder and president of Diamond Cutters International, who dishes all the inside secrets to help you get the best price on your ring.
  18. Diamond Education: Ever wonder how the diamond came to be the quintessential stone for engagement rings? Want to see some of the most famous diamonds to ever grace the earth? Diamond Education schools readers on the basics of purchasing this precious stone, while also giving a terrific history lesson.
  19. The Four C’s: Get a jump start on your diamond-quality knowledge with this brief primer on “The Four C’s” – the characteristics you look at to judge whether you’ve got a goof ring or not: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
  20. Buying a Loose Diamond: If you are in the market for a loose diamond, then the ring shopping experience might be a little more stressful. With so much riding on the stone itself, you’ll want to know exactly what you’re looking for. This guide helps out you loose stone shoppers with articles dedicated to every possible facet of diamonds possible.
  21. Diamond Tutorials: Another comprehensive, in-depth site with more information then you probably need. But at least you won’t be left feeling unfulfilled. Read countless articles about diamonds, the diamond industry, and then search the directory for an appraiser or dealer in your neighborhood.

Conflict Diamonds

Don’t ruin the most romantic moment of your life or taint the most expensive token of affection you’ll give your bride to be by presenting her with a diamond obtained from warfare and violence. Since the premier of the movie “Blood Diamond” the general public has become aware that the diamond industry is responsible for creating much violence in Africa. Thankfully, though, many diamond dealers and countries have pledged to make sure they are procuring and selling conflict-free diamonds. Here are a few articles that will help educate you on the issue, as well as assist you in purchasing a diamond that you can feel good about.

  1. United Nations: This helpful article from the United Nations explains what a conflict diamond is and how the competitive diamond industry is creating warfare and violence in many African countries. A great primer to understand the issues.
  2. Amnesty International: An informative video that walks the viewer through the situation diamonds have created in some African countries. It also gives people a chance to join the fight against conflict diamonds by writing their congressman.
  3. About.com: This is an excellent article about how to avoid purchasing a conflict diamond. Understanding where conflict diamonds come from and how they create havoc in Africa is the first step, but making sure your diamond is conflict-free is the ultimate goal. This article will help you reach it.
  4. Stop Blood Diamonds.org: This informative and comprehensive site is run by the Stop Blood Diamonds organization, which works with both legislators and diamond dealers to improve the conditions of the diamond mining industry. Find conflict-free dealers and read up on different international laws guiding the industry here.
  5. Kimberley Process: The Kimberley Process is an international initiative to stop the conflict diamond industry, which has 74 country members. By adopting the requirements set forth by the process, dealers and countries alike can help ensure that the world has an abundant supply of conflict-free stones and that violence in Africa related to the diamond trade is diminished.

Blogs

The diamond and wedding industry is so big that it has spawned several professional bloggers who want to help make the process a little easier for those of you in the market for a bling-bling ring. These people want to be your resource – so let them!

  1. Team Sugar: Team Sugar is a girly blog where readers chat about all things girly – including engagement rings and wedding bands. Check out one or some of their many entries on the subject if you need some help figuring out what a girl wants.
  2. Our One Heart: This blog has several entries on shopping for an engagement ring. According to their experts, the shopping process should begin six months in advance.
  3. The Wedding Channel: The Wedding Channel.com is one of the premier wedding planning websites out there today. And the administrators of this site run chat boards and blogs on every wedding detail you can imagine. Check out the section on rings – you’lll know it’s coming from a secure source.
  4. Wedded Bits: Wedded Bits, a blog run by Brides.com, mixes up the content of their articles between celebrity wedding news and information on engagement rings and jewelry designers. Research some rings and find out whether Jamie Lynn Spears will actually tie the knot with her teenage beau all at the same time.
  5. My Diamond Buying Experiences: Pricescope is a great informational website for many reasons, but one is the blog they run, which chronicles a real-life experience of shopping for and buying a diamond engagement ring. Sometimes learning from others is the best way.
  6. Diamond Thoughts: James Allen is a huge online diamond dealer and the company even maintains its own blog, which is a fun compilation of diamond ring-related stories. Less resource than fun read, this blog will help you continue your research without the dry diamond-industry lingo.
  7. Precious Glow: A good blog run by Precious Glow, it’s a one-time-stop for some great articles about diamonds. But seeing as though it’s not updated too regularly, you probably shouldn’t feel obligated to check on it every day.
  8. The Diamond Blog: This blog posts about pretty much any diamond-related topic, and even accepts submissions from budding and established diamond writers.
  9. Glimmer Rocks: The bloggers at Glimmer Rocks love, love, love jewelry and while they like to write about how to best choose a ring, they also like to blog about their favorite new ring styles. Get education and inspiration all at once.
  10. Ring Envy: Despite a few glaring spelling errors, this is overall a great, informational blog that goes over topics like ring insurance, financing rings, and what shape rings look best on what size hands. Considering buying your ring on eBay? Check this blog first for some advice.
  11. Diamond Engagement Ring: This blog compiles resourceful articles from various websites all in one easy-to-find place.
  12. Keetsa: While not a blog dedicated to wedding rings, Keetsa does have one entry about eco-friendly, wooden wedding bands. For the environmentally conscious couple, choosing a wooden wedding band is both unique and in line with your principles.
  13. Just Ask Leslie: A blog affiliated with an online jewelry dealer, Just Ask Leslie is written by a blogger who really knows her stuff about jewelry. Get great advice not only on engagement rings, but other wedding jewelry, as well as gift ideas for your groomsmen and bridesmaids.
  14. Gilletts: This Australian jeweler’s now-defunct blog may not have up-to-the-minute news and advice about ring buying, but its past entries are no less useful. Learn the appropriate widths for men’s rings and rings made of newer materials like titanium and tungsten.
  15. Affordable Wedding Rings: A thorough and informative blog about finding an affordable wedding ring. This blog accepts submissions and has multiple authors.
  16. My Wedding Blog: This blog covers all topics related to weddings, but has a substantial number of entries dedicated solely to wedding jewelry and engagement rings.
  17. Groom Groove: This resourceful blog will help prospective grooms with many things aside from just getting the engagement ring. Many entries are devoted to this subject, including one that tackles whether or not spending two months of your salary on one ring is really necessary.

Where to Buy Online

Now it’s time for a little window shopping! Thankfully, many diamond dealers sell their wares online, displaying their impressive rings on their websites. Here are just a few popular and excellent online dealers to peruse.

  1. Overstock: Think Overstock.com is just for furniture and lawn tools? Think again. This website, which sells surplus goods, has an excellent assortment of engagement rings. Shoppers in any price range can find something here.
  2. Engagement Rings Direct: This company, run and operated by a former employee of the Gemological Institute of America, has been a staple in the wholesale diamond industry for 30 years. Buy loose diamonds, design your own, or browse the many collections available. The site even has a customizable search engine where you can enter your preference on everything from size to price to diamond clarity.
  3. Blue Nile: Blue Nile bills itself as the largest online dealer of certified diamonds, and it’s been written about in “The New York Times,” “Forbes” and “Money.” It consistently ranks high among diamond dealers, and it’s a great place to start for someone who knows nothing about diamonds. The education section of the site is excellent, as is the company’s “conflict free” policy, which means buyers can feel good about their purchases.
  4. Mondera: Like Blue Nile, Mondera is big, diverse and helpful. Learn all about the art of buying the perfect diamond from their expert advice, design your own ring with Mondera’s simple 3-step form, and get free Fed Ex shipping (insured, of course) with your purchase. Also, view thousands of ideal diamonds available in all shapes, sizes and price points – you can even download a lab report for each.
  5. Novori: Love your country? Then check out Novori, a comprehensive and impressive website that sells only rings made in the USA. Novori, like many like sites, is rated by the Better Business Bureau and promises to cater to those on a budget with prices 30 to 50 percent lower than jewelry stores and many online outlets, as well.
  6. Union Diamond: Union Diamond has won many accolades from the press, including being named “Best of the Web” by Forbes Magazine and receiving praise from Yahoo! Finance. Speak live with a diamond consultant who will educate you on your purchase during the process. Union Diamond prides itself on the quality of its wares and promises a lifetime workmanship guarantee.
  7. James Allen: James Allen Diamonds sells an average of 2,000 rings every year, and like its competitors offers shoppers a comprehensive education in diamonds, complete with a glossary of terms to remember. Get a 3D view of your stone online, and stay abreast of all the latest gem and diamond industry news with the company’s news feed.
  8. Adiamor: Unlike many diamond dealers, Adiamor is a manufacturer, as well as a retailer, and can custom make any stone or product you desire. They have over 60,000 diamonds to choose from and if you still can’t find something you like their sales staff will email you photos of additional styles and stones they aren’t able to post online.
  9. Millennium Diamond: Does the expense of the engagement ring have you stumped in figuring out how to afford the accompanying wedding band you’ll exchange with your vows? Well, fret no more, because for every diamond you purchase, Millennium Diamonds will throw in a free 18k platinum or gold ring, freeing up some cash. Plus, Millennium boasts a huge selection of entirely conflict-free stones.
  10. Diamond.com: One of the largest diamond dealers in the country, Diamond.com also offers some spectacular sales on their diamonds. Still having trouble footing the bill? Check out their monthly payment options and make this purchase a little easier on your checking account.
  11. Gem Nation: Gem Nation is a simple, no-frills diamond dealer website for the shopper who is really interested in the stone itself. Pick your top five favorites and then compare them easily with the online comparison tool. This company specializes in stones mainly, though, so you may have to go elsewhere to get the band.
  12. Precious Glow: This site is easy to use and has been praised by past customers for making their shopping process simpler and less stressful. Find lots of helpful articles about the ring buying process, as well as how to take care of your ring after it’s purchased.
  13. Harry Winston: Jeweler to the stars, Harry Winston jewelry is known around the world for being one of the most perfect and luxurious jewelers. You’ll pay for the quality, however, but even if you are on a budget, Winston’s website is worth checking out for inspiration. Since many dealers allow purchasers to design their own ring, you could easily mimic a HW design for less. Harry Winston does have a handful of brick-and-mortar shops, but unless you live in one of the more major urban areas, you’re better off looking online.
  14. DeBeers:One of the largest diamond companies in the world, if not the largest, DeBeers not only offers a wide selection of ready-made products, they also run their own diamond mines in several African countries. While they’ve come under scrutiny for selling conflict diamonds in the past, DeBeers adopted a strong anti-conflict policy in the late 1990s and are thought to be one of the highest-quality diamond companies in the world.
  15. Amazon: Believe it or not, you can buy rings of good quality at a great price on Amazon. Others who have done so report being very pleased with the deals and the rings they found. And while you’re shopping, you can pick up the latest John Grisham novel – kill two birds with one stone.
  16. Ice.com: An extremely popular site for engagement ring purchases, Ice.com offers shoppers cues to what’s hot and trendy today. But the best part is that the site sells diamond rings for almost half what they’re worth, while still maintaining high quality. Ice.com also allows customers to set up payment plans.
  17. Adylon: This online dealer, with one showroom in California, has a great selection and meets the same standards regarding free shipping and a 30-day return policy as most other online diamond merchants offer. But one unique thing about Adylon is their trade-up policy. If you’re dying to get your sweetie the ring she really loves, but can’t afford it now, Adylon will let you trade in your lesser ring for equal value for up to one year after your purchase.
  18. Brilliance: Brilliance claims to have the lowest prices on the web. While only you’ll be able to verify that through some savvy price comparisons, Brilliance is definitely worth checking out – it’s a site on-par with or better than many other online jewelry dealers.
  19. eBay: Like Amazon, you may not think wedding rings when thinking about eBay, but many a bride has been betrothed with a ring that was bought and bargained for on this auction site.
  20. Wedding Bands.com: Don’t forget that in addition to getting an engagement ring, your bride, and yourself, will need a wedding band to exchange on your wedding day. It might be a good idea to start thinking of what style wedding band you want before you get too far along in the engagement ring selection. Especially if you and your bride want your bands to match, you want to make sure the style you like fits with the engagement ring she desires.
  21. Smarter.com: Smarter.com, a price comparison shop, is akin to Overtock or Amazon in terms of having access to a gigantic selection of all kinds of goods. But this site is different because the company doesn’t actually have any goods to sell. You are able to compare rings and prices here from multiple merchants so you can be sure you’re getting the best deal.
  22. Szul: Szul has a great selection of all kinds of gems at terrific prices. That’s because they buy direct from the source, cutting out the middleman and the extra costs associated with that. You definitely won’t be disappointed with what is offered on their site.

Where to Buy in Person

If you’re more hands-on or perhaps someone who feels strange about dropping thousands of dollars on something you’ve never seen or touched before, then check out one of these nationwide jewelry shops for some personal attention.

  1. Tiffany’s: What woman wouldn’t love a diamond engagement ring from Tiffany’s, one of America’s premier jewelers? If you have it in your budget, Tiffany’s offers exquisite styles and high quality. And don’t fear – if you don’t have a branch of the store in your town, their website is also extremely useful.
  2. Crown Jewelers: Crown Jewelers, which also has many brick-and-mortar shops in malls across the country, has a great website with loads of selection. But perhaps one of the company’s shining features is the fact that it allows customers to purchase diamonds with no money down and on credit lines people can open with the store.
  3. Zales: Like Crown, Zales has many store front shops that shoppers can browse if they prefer to speak with their dealers in person. And because of their wide, national reach, Zales offers very competitive prices and an excellent assortment.
  4. Helzberg: Helzberg is another big-time chain store of diamonds who boasts some of their own signature trademarked diamond collections. Quality is the name of the game at Helzberg and they’ve even made a commitment to being environmentally sustainable through their mining policies and use of recycled papers and boxes.
  5. Find My Jeweler: If you consider yourself a person who likes to support local businesses, check out FindMyJeweler.com, a site that allows you to easily find local jewelry shops by entering just a few pieces of information. This is a great resource that might help you stumble on some hidden treasures in your hometown.
  6. Kay Jewelers: Last but not least, most every mall in America has a branch of Kay Jewelers, with ready-to-help salespeople. While they may not sing you the television jingle (“Every kiss begins with Kay”), they can direct you toward some fabulous pieces and some great sales.

Antique Wedding Rings

Do you have a funky bride with an appreciation for the way things used to be? Then you may just be after an antique ring. While some of the dealers mentioned above definitely offer antique options and designs, there are some diamond and jewelry merchants who specialize solely in this arena.

  1. Antique Engagement Rings: Again, if you are in the market for a unique engagement ring, check out this site. Or if you live in New York, head on down to their shop in the heart of the Diamond District. They carry a host of antique bands and stones that will make you nostalgic for days of yore in no time.
  2. Antique and Estate: Looking for a unique ring that will stand out in a crowd? Check out this solid website that features antique and vintage jewelry in excellent condition. The proprietors of this company won’t accept just anything. They hand inspect every piece they sell and guarantee authenticity. If your bride treasures individuality this is the place to shop.
  3. Antique Jewelry Mall: Want an antique look without the actual antiqueness? Antique Jewelry Mall will recreate vintage looks with modern materials, so you don’t have to worry about quality for a second.
  4. M. KhourdipourJewelry: This business has an exquisite selection of vintage engagement rings that would make any woman instantly feel like she was dining on the Titanic – in a good way.
  5. Topazery: This jewelry store located in Atlanta has a spectacular selection of antique engagement rings dating all the way back to the 1800s. You can feel good about dealing with a jewelry company who appreciates the timelessness of vintage jewelry. And you can shop online easily.

Diamond Quality

The one thing you’re going to need to pay the most attention to, of course, is the quality of the diamond you are buying. You not only want to make sure you get a pure stone, you want to make sure what you’re buying is going to be an investment – something that will hold its value for years to come. While many of the websites we’ve already listed can help you determine a diamond’s potential, here are a few extras for those who want to go above and beyond in their education.

  1. Diamond Helpers: This jewelry dealer also has a great article on its site about the “4 Cs” – Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight. These are the four characteristics of diamonds that are measured and evaluated when determining quality, so you need to get used to discussing these attributes now.
  2. Jewel Basket: Jewel Basket, also a diamond vendor, offers this helpful guide to understand diamond quality complete with a colored scale highlighting the different levels of clarity.
  3. American Gem Society: One of the most respected organizations to evaluate and rate rare and beautiful gems, the American Gem Society’s website has a wealth of knowledge on every gem possible. Their site even has a searchable list of jewelers across the nation that offer their trademarked Diamond Quality Certificate.
  4. AGS Quality Report: When you buy a diamond, typically you will get a Diamond Quality Report from the American Gemological Society. This can be a somewhat confusing document, unless you know how to read it. This handy article will explain what every number and line means so you can understand firsthand how great your ring is.
  5. Diamond Color: Diamonds come in five colors, ranging from colorless to light yellow. While completely colorless stones are considered the most perfect, stones with a yellow hue have come into popularity in recent times and no shade is considered taboo. Find out here how color will affect your choice and your price.
  6. Diamond Cut: Diamond cuts have been designed over years and years to best accentuate the overall appearance of a particular stone. When buying a diamond, its cut is one of the most important things you must consider. While the cut represents a certain style, it must also fit the stone, highlighting its perfections and downplaying its faults.
  7. Diamond Clarity: The measure of a diamond’s clarity takes into account all of its internal and external blemishes. The better a stone’s clarity, the better the shine. Clarity is one of the most important factors that will influence the price of the ring.
  8. Diamond Carat Weight: Another important factor influencing a stone’s price is its carat weight, which can also be related to size, but isn’t always. Figuring out the density of your stone is a very important step in the buyer’s process.
  9. Color Chart: This helpful chart will help you judge a stone’s color and fineness easily.
  10. Diamond Grading Chart Simplify: Decode the grade your diamond gets with this explanatory summary. It also includes some other characteristics that will affect your diamond’s quality beyond the 4 Cs, such as finish and proportion.

Proposing

OK – now you’ve got the ring and the knowledge and all you have left to do is ask her to marry you! Nervous? Read up on some of these tips and resources to ensure that the moment is as perfect as it can be.

  1. Proposing and Becoming Engaged: Keeping it simple and having fun is the best way to approach your proposal, according to this chock-full-of-information article about getting engaged.
  2. The Perfect Proposal: This article from AskMen.com has lots of ideas about unique and memorable ways to propose, including proposing by billboard.
  3. Top 10 Mistakes: An article covering some of the common mistakes men make when proposing. Try to avoid these if possible.
  4. Dos and Don’ts: Another article covering both good and bad things to do when proposing. Basics like speaking with her father before you propose are mentioned, as well as a warning against hiding the ring in her food.
  5. Top 10 Places to Propose: Lovetripper.com has put together this handy list of the most romantic places in the world to propose. Depending on your travel budget, some suggestions may br more feasible than others.
  6. Zagat: If you are thinking about popping the question over a romantic dinner, consider consulting the Zagat guide for some recommendations on food and ambiance. Or choose a place that has a special meaning to you both.
  7. Creative Proposals: Another great article from Lovetripper.com about a few men and women who actually won a competition with their creative proposals. Get inspiration from the pros!
  8. Leap Year: A fun article from the Sydney Morning Herald about the fact that in Scotland it is traditionally alright for a woman to propose to a man on February 29. If you’re a brave and liberal woman, following this tradition would be a fun and unique way to get engaged.
  9. How I Got Engaged: Share your proposal story and read about what others have done on this website, meant to be a forum for the newly engaged.
  10. Romantic Ideas: Another article listing some romantic ideas for how to pop the question.
  11. Sidestep: Want to propose to your sweetie out of town? If you are planning a romantic getaway for your engagement get a great price on your flight by using Sidestep.
  12. Hotels.com: Once you have a cheap flight booked, you’ll need a romantic place to stay. Hotels.com will help you find one without breaking the bank.
  13. Romantic Music: This list of some great romantic songs will really come in handy when you start to set the mood. Infusing some soft music through the room where you plan to propose is a great way to
  14. LovingYou.com: If your romance skills need a little help, check out LovingYou.com, a website dedicated to love and the art of romance. They have quotes, poems, and real-life stories to help give you the boost you need to sweep your loved one off of her feet.

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