Getting married guide
1. Introduction - Planning for the big day
Have you been planning your wedding since you were two years old? Did it never cross your mind until he popped the question? Even if you have seen Four Weddings and a Funeral seventeen times, you probably won't be prepared for the planning and preparation that goes into a full-on wedding.Make sure you show your wedding party how grateful you are for their help and support. Adya Diamonds offers engraving on a fabulous range of gifts which are perfect for bridesmaids and ushers, as well as page boys, and the best man. We can even gift package your personalised gift so that it's all ready for you to present on the big day.
Not everyone goes for a big white wedding in a chocolate-box-pretty church - your first step is deciding what your style is. It will be one of the most symbolic and memorable days of your life, so it pays to spend a bit of time thinking about what suits you and your partner. Would you like a traditional wedding breakfast, or do you really want an ultra-hip urban brunch? If you're not sure where to start, how about following in the footsteps of ever-glamorous celebrities' weddings?
Big white meringue, or sleek designer gown? Whatever your choice of dress, you will probably want to accessorize with the perfect pieces of jewellery. Make this bit fun - let us tell you what not to wear with your chosen style of dress, then browse our enormous selection of wedding day jewellery. Don't even think about wearing a pendant with that neckline.
Before all of this of course, comes the most important piece of jewellery you'll ever own. Whether your husband-to-be presents you with a stunner or you go and pick out a ring together, you need to be sure it's a piece of jewellery you'll love forever. Most rings are made of beautiful, durable metals like gold or platinum. The majority of brides these days already have a stunning engagement ring by the time they reach the altar, but why not express your individuality with something unconventional? Who says it has to be a ring? White gold and diamond jewellery is fantastically fashionable right now, and goes with everything, so it's a sure-fire winner in the gift stakes. When it comes to buying diamonds, the choice can be overwhelming, but we can advise you. It's worth bearing in mind, as you're choosing the engagement ring, that it will be sitting next to a wedding ring sooner or later. Once you have made your decision, make sure you know how to care for your diamond to keep it in tip-top condition.
When it comes to wedding rings, don't feel restricted to the simple classic bands. These are hugely popular and timeless, but if classic is just not your thing, why not use your wedding ring to make a statement about who you are? Antique wedding rings are perfect for combining a classic style with a funky, modern material, whereas gold wedding rings are the traditional choice. White gold rings are just right for people who prefer silver to gold jewellery, but want a hard-wearing wedding ring that will last a lifetime.
2. Choosing your engagement ring
You've decided to get married. Your next decision is choosing the engagement ring. Whether you're buying a ring together or choosing it for your bride to be, it can be exciting, yet a little scary.Did you know...
The tradition of giving a diamond engagement ring as a promise of marriage began in 1477 when Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy a gold ring set with a diamond as a token of love. This royal tradition has lived on over the centuries and the giving of a diamond ring has become as much of a milestone as the engagement itself. Today, almost 70% of brides receive a diamond engagement ring.
How much should I spend?
The rule of thumb is one to two months' salary but this is just a guideline.
What style should I choose?
If you're buying together, take your time and try on different styles. Remember that a wedding band will eventually sit next to the ring so the two must fit together.
If you want to surprise her with a ring, look out for styles she likes on friends, in advertisements and in jewellers' windows. Does she prefer traditional or modern jewellery? Does she wear yellow, white gold or platinum jewellery?
The most popular engagement rings are diamond solitaires, followed by clusters and the increasingly fashionable three stone ring. Emerald, sapphire and ruby also make beautiful engagement rings.
What size does she wear?
The easiest way to find out is to pinch a ring from her jewellery box and refer our ring seizer. Don't forget to replace it before she notices it's missing.
How do I choose a diamond?
Consider the 4 Cs - carat, clarity, colour and cut. The combination of these characteristics determines the value, rarity and beauty of a diamond.
Think about the shape of the diamond. The most traditional is round brilliant, but there are many others including pear, emerald, oval, heart, marquise and princess.
For full information about buying a diamond, take a look at our Diamond Buyers Guide. The experienced staff at Adya Diamonds will also be happy to provide you wit h expert advice.
At Adya Diamonds you'll find a beautiful range of engagement rings to suit all tastes and budgets. Visit our Engagement Ring pages or Wedding Ring pages.
3. Choosing your wedding ring
The most symbolic piece of jewellery you'll own is your wedding ring.Did you know...
The wearing of wedding rings on the third finger of the left hand dates back to the 17th Century BC. Ancient Egyptians believed that this finger contained the "vena amoris", the vein of love that runs directly to the heart. By placing a continuous band of precious metal on this finger, it was thought that you ensured your everlasting love.
There are many things to consider when choosing your wedding ring.
- It needs to match or sit comfortably with the engagement ring.
- If you intend buying an eternity ring in the future, make sure the wedding ring leaves enough room on the bride's finger.
- If you do manual work, you'll need a heavier weight ring for extra durability.
- If you want your ring engraved, think about choosing a wider band.
- Patterned, Celtic or diamond set rings are increasingly fashionable but the traditional plain band remains popular.
At Adya Diamonds, you'll find a wide range of wedding rings. Take a look at our Wedding Ring pages where you'll also receive expert advice on choosing your ring.
4. Choosing your wedding jewellery
It's the small things that make the difference on your big day. This includes your wedding jewellery.Your jewellery should match the style of the wedding and complement your dress. Take into account how you'll wear your hair and whether you are wearing a veil. Look through magazines for ideas and take your time in trying on different styles. And, don't forget your bridesmaids will also want jewellery to suit their dresses.
Many brides choose classic pearls with a traditional dress. Others prefer contemporary jewellery for an elegant look. And don't be scared to go glitz overload with costume jewellery and glitter this season for something that's fashionable and fun.
At Adya Diamonds, you'll find a great range of jewellery that's perfect for your wedding day.
5. Thanking the wedding party
They've supported you throughout the months of preparation, they're by your side on the big day. Now it's time to say thank you to your bridesmaids, best man, and the rest of your supporting cast.The bridesmaids share the most memorable moments with you and deserve a beautiful gift. Show your appreciation with a piece of jewellery such as a gorgeous heart pendant or bracelet from our beautiful range.
The best man plays a key role on your wedding day so mark his contribution with a stylish keepsake. Choose from our extensive Classics collection of cufflinks or a smart accessories, especially designed with men in mind.
6. Adya Diamonds wedding offers
Adya Diamonds wedding offersWhen you buy your engagement ring at Adya Diamonds, you'll receive a voucher entitling you to 10% off the price of your wedding or signet ring, when bought from Adya Diamonds. To receive this wedding discount you will have to call us and one of our staff will provide you a special wedding voucher code which entitles you for further 10% discount.
7. Wedding planning calendar
Weddings take a huge amount of planning and you'll have plenty of things to remember along the way. There's no need to panic - the wedding experts at Brides magazine have created a comprehensive 12 month checklist. Simply follow the step-by-step guide and everything will run to plan.12 months to go
- Set a wedding date.
- Draw up a guest list
- Agree your budget.
- Book the ceremony and reception venue.
- Start trying on wedding dresses.
- Book a photographer or videographer. Check that photos can be taken during the ceremony.
- Order your wedding cake.
- Choose your bridesmaids, best man, pageboys and ushers.
- Choose your wedding dress - allow at least four months for a made-to-measure dress.
- Choose your bridesmaids' dresses.
- Confirm food and drink with the caterers.
- Organise flowers, including buttonholes, bouquets and flowers for the ceremony and reception.
- Organise a wedding gift list.
- Choose the wedding rings.
- Confirm food and drink with the caterers.
- Start looking at honeymoon brochures. Book early if you're going at peak season.
- Confirm arrangements for the ceremony and discuss the service, readings and music. If you're getting married in a church, talk to the minister about the music and see the organist. If you're getting married in a civil venue, decide if you want music for the ceremony. Discuss the form of service and choose your readings.
- Order invitations and envelopes - you'll only need one invitation per married couple or family - plus stationery for the reception, such as place cards, favours and a table plan.
- Order your order-of-service sheets for the ceremony.
- If you plan to send out wedding cake after the day, order boxes from a stationer.
- Order your wedding transport.
- Buy going-away and honeymoon clothes.
- Make sure outfits are organised for the groom, best man and ushers.
- Choose wedding jewellery for you and your bridesmaids.
- Choose thank-you gifts for your bridesmaids, best man, both sets of parents and other members of your wedding party.
- If you are changing your name, allow at least six weeks for a new passport. Notify your bank, building, doctor, dentist, etc.
- Book your first-night hotel.
- Choose your first dance.
- Let the caterers know of the final number of guests.
- Work out a seating plan.
- Visit the hairdresser with your headdress or veil.
- Practise your wedding make-up.
- Send out invitations at least six weeks before the day.
- Make a list of acceptances and refusals.
- As wedding presents arrive, send out thank you notes.
- Finalise guest numbers with caterers.
- Work out seating plan.
- Finalise your honeymoon plans.
- Start to plan your hen and stag parties.
- Make sure that your fiancé has organised the rings, his wedding clothes and accessories, the first night hotel and honeymoon. Check whether you need visas or inoculations and order foreign currency.
- Check your wedding clothes and try on the whole outfit, including headdress, shoes, underwear and jewellery.
- Hold a ceremony rehearsal.
- Check if traffic delays are expected on the day en route to your place of marriage.
- Send your honeymoon luggage to the reception or first-night hotel.
- Make sure your outfit is complete. Wear-in shoes at home.
- Have a final hair/make-up practice. Remind your groom to have a trim.
- Remind your fiancé to write his speech.
- Check the best man has the wedding rings.
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