A Groom’s Ring Guide

From classic to the dramatic! Tastes in engagement rings span a wide spectrum of choices. So it’s easy to see why a groom can become slightly overwhelmed.

Some couples prefer to go ring shopping together. This is particularly so if the bride is very specific on her likes and dislikes. However, if this is a solo job for the groom-to-be, it means having to do some research on her preferences for diamond cut, gemstone colour, diamond size, ring settings and type of metal (gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum etc.)

Here are some tips when choosing an engagement ring:

1.  Setting your budget – The majority of grooms spend about 10-15% of their annual income on the engagement ring. Of course, this varies, but it is important to have a price range in mind before you venture out ring shopping.

2.   Use her existing ring styles as a starting point – This can clue you in on her style; for example, some brides feel it may be better to be demure and understated with their jewellery choices, others feel quite the opposite! Observe whether her rings are more simple or more ornate or whether they are more antique or more modern.

3.  Know her ring size– The last thing you would want to happen is to try to propose with a ring that just won’t fit her finger! It is much better to err on the side of the ring being a bit larger, since then, it is easier to re-size. A good tip is to place one of her rings on your pinky finger and make a mental note of where it stops or if you can manage it, without her seeing, trace the inside of one of her rings on paper.

4.  Research what diamond cut she prefers – Modern brides have many choices in terms of diamond cuts. The most popular one is the traditional round cut (circular diamond). However, others are also gaining in popularity such as the “emerald” cut (rectangular), the “princess” cut (square-shaped), the “marquise” (which looks like a teardrop that is pointy on both ends) and the “pear” (teardrop). |

5.  Colour – Clear diamonds are the favourite of the majority of women. However, some more unconventional ladies may not mind a coloured gemstone at all. Popular colours now are pink and yellow diamonds and even sapphires, after the fashion of the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton’s ring.

6.  Find out the store’s policy – Be sure to ask the jeweler about the policy on returns and refunds and also about repairs, adjustments and diamond upgrades.

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What’s hot in bridal shoes for 2012?

Based on a request from Disney Studios to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of Cinderella; renowned French shoe designer Christian Louboutin, was recently asked to create a modern “glass slipper.”

His stunning, final design was a lace shoe – to give the effect of transparency. The shoe was studded with crystals, two crystal butterflies and an entirely crystal encrusted heel.

The current collections of bridal shoes are now no less intricate and eye-catching. In terms of embellishments, brides are leaning towards shoes featuring: lace, bows, crystals, brooches, sequins, feathers, and ruffles.

Here are some of 2012’s top bridal shoe trends: 

Metallics – metallic shoes are “in” not only because of the glitz they bring but also because of their versatility. Pewter, bronze, silver and gold shoes can certainly be worn again after the wedding.

Prints – brides are foregoing the typical white or ivory bridal shoe for interesting prints in florals, geometric and even animal prints.

Pastels – pastel shoes are having a resurgence, perhaps because of the popularity of vintage-themed weddings. Favourite colours for shoes are: mint, lavender, blush pink, and baby blue.

Colour – the coloured bridal shoe trend has been around for the past two years. This year, a different take on colour comes from neon and with colour-blocked shoes (shoes with different bands of colour).

Cap toe shoes – these are shoes with a “cap” of metallic or a “cap” of colour or different fabric to the front of the shoe. They were first made popular by Coco Chanel.

Velvet – velvet shoes are currently the “it” shoes for bridal. Again, this type of lush fabric goes very well with weddings that have a vintage theme.  

Peep-toe platforms – these types of shoes are favoured by brides because of their comfort factor. The platforms to the front of the shoe are more comfortable than regular stilettos since feet don’t have to arch very high.

Bridal wedges – wedges are now being glamed up with crystals, pretty straps and other embellishments. They are perfect for garden weddings.

The “unconventional” – some brides are going the quirky route by choosing personalized Converse sneakers, ballet flats and custom-painted pumps. Some do-it-yourself brides are choosing to decorate their own shoes by doing hand-appliqués and applying their own crystals.  

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The proof is in the make-up!

It’s humid. The temperature is like a furnace inside your bridal gown. Then, the perspiration comes - even though you don’t want it to. Little by little, you feel the beads of foundation trickling down your face. The perspiration drops accelerate and roll into your eyes. You try to wink them away but all you get is a train track of black mascara, eyeliner and blush, all down your face.

Phew…then you wake up. It was only a wedding nightmare after all!

It may seem like a bad dream but the reality is that sometimes even the best makeup doesn’t stand a chance against our tropical climate’s humidity, wind, rain and heat. This is particularly true if you’re having an outdoor or beach wedding. Add bouts of emotion and tears to the humidity factor and you have a recipe for a streaky face and raccoon eyes.

One solution to keep that “blushing bride look,” is to use water-proof makeup - which is made with ingredients that repel water. The first step for face coverage is to ask your makeup artist for water-proof versions of: primer, concealer, foundation, setting powder and lipsticks or lip stains. Primer helps makeup go on evenly and prevents creasing and caking of your foundation.

Waterproof cream-based blushes tend to stay well-pigmented on the skin and last throughout the day. This is in contrast to powder blushes, which may need re-applications.

The eyes are the most critical area, since many brides tend to tear up or be prone to contact lens irritation. Waterproof eyeshadows, gel-based eyeliners and waterproof mascaras are good choices. Be aware though, that not all mascaras are created equal.

“Water-resistant” mascaras may not equal the staying power of water-proof mascaras. Water-resistant mascaras are good for standing up to light perspiration or minimal eye-watering. However, water-proof mascaras can go the distance of lasting throughout a shower or a swim!  If you’re wearing fake eyelash strips, it is also best to use water-proof eyelash glue.

Some make-up artists also recommend using makeup setting sprays. These are products designed to help your make-up become more water and sweat resistant. Liquid sealers are also available and are applied with a wand or brush. They work well to ensure makeup is long-wearing. However, they tend to leave a film or shine and so may not be suitable if you want to use shimmer eyeshadows and blush.

It’s important to note that rubbing can remove almost any type of waterproof makeup. Therefore, it’s best to avoid rubbing your eyes. Your makeup will last longer if you pat your face, especially with blotting papers.

After all, you need a dewy, fresh face and a pretty pucker for your “I do” kiss!

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Trinidad Weddings' Ultimate Guide To Writing Thank you Notes!

This week, on a visit to my daughter’s school, I happened to be waiting in the reception area for a short while. A bold sign displayed on the notice board caught my eye, “Be a CLASS act, have good manners!” 

It struck me how much this holds true not only in daily life but when it comes to events in general and weddings, in particular. It’s an area often overlooked after the flurry of the honeymoon is over and as newly-weds settle into married life and back into their working lives, post-wedding.

However, proper etiquette dictates that even if you have thanked guests in person, you are still expected to send out a formal note or card. Thank you cards should always be handwritten and should contain a personalised message to your guest.

Your thank you notes should be sent within 6-8 weeks of the date the gift was received. Although it does involve “work” – (sometimes writing hundreds of cards!) it is a gesture that guests will appreciate and remember for years to come.

If you have received a gift from a group, perhaps co-workers or another association, you are required to send a thank you card to each person in the group. Should the group’s members be in excess of 10 persons, you can do a general thank you card to the entire organisation.

Here’s a fool-proof guide to get you started:

1.    Keep a detailed list of gifts received and from whom.

2.    Direct the note to all of the gift-givers of the particular gift; with the names and titles that you are accustomed to addressing them by.

3.    Always mention the gift by name and try as much as possible to avoid referring to it as “the gift”

4.    Mention any special effort that the guest would have made for you e.g. helping you craft a speech, volunteering their time, giving a heartfelt toast or travelling from abroad.

5.    State how you plan to use the gift, particularly if it was a cash gift. You can say that perhaps you are putting the monies toward new appliances or using it for a one-year anniversary vacation.

6.    Only if it is realistic for you, you may also want to mention a future encounter with the gift-givers, for example having them over for dinner or going out for drinks, but this is totally optional and depends on how close you are, to the guests in question.

7.    Thank you cards need not be limited to guests alone. They can also be sent to wedding suppliers who did exceptional jobs, your officiant, persons who organised the bridal shower and bachelor party and your parents!

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Bridal Hair & Makeup Trends for 2012

Last year the bridal beauty watchwords were “natural and luminous.”

The emphasis was on the bride showcasing healthy, glowing skin; and there was widespread use of highlighter, bronzer or face shimmer, as well as peachy, coral or pink shades of blush.

This year, the look in bridal makeup is “romantic, feminine and retro,” with a profusion of pink and orange blush tones, pretty pastel eyes and dramatic lips.

Some trends in bridal hair and makeup trends for this year are:

Eyes - The smoky eye with the nude lip combination remains popular, however, this year, pastel eyeshadows in colours such as: lavender, mint green, pink and peach, are in vogue. These demure eye colours are being juxtaposed with false eyelashes or heavy mascara application and/or liquid eyeliner.  Alternatively, the eyes can be kept very neutral with colour enhancing the bride’s face, from a brighter choice of blush and lipstick.

Lip Colour – Many brides are going for a more “retro glam” type of makeup, preferring a neutral eye, in exchange for a deeper lip colour. These vibrant colours are replacing the nude and sheer lips of previous years. Last year’s lip “it” colours were deep mauve, cranberry, red and rose. This year, red will stay but bright pink, coral and orange-toned lips will be popular. There will be a preference of lipsticks versus lip glosses.

Hair – The most popular hairstyle for this year’s modern bride will be the chignon or ballerina bun. An embellished headband or a veil worn away from the face is a perfect complement to this hairstyle. More and more brides are choosing to wear their hair up or away from the face.

Bridal hairstyles with loose waves and soft curls will also be seen. These natural and “easy” hairstyles are a stark contrast to the formal, up-do’s of years gone by.

Brides who still favour a more structured hairstyle can choose the very vintage-like pin curls or a modern take on the “bee hive” hairdo.   

Creative Cake Toppers

The tiny plastic, bride and groom figurines, which were popularized in the 1950’s are now a far cry from the cake toppers which are used today. Some people believe that the trend of cake toppers started with Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s wedding cake in 1840, upon which, there was a figurine of the goddess Brittania, blessing the newlyweds. Shortly after this, cake toppers began to be mass-produced in the 1890's.

Modern cake toppers now come in a selection of ethnicities and materials, such as: glass, wire, acrylic, resin and porcelain. Flowers, sculptures, and large monogrammed letters are replacing the traditional bride and groom cake toppers.



All embellishments, including the topper on this cake are made of sugar!
Photographed at Lenotre - Paris, France
Photo copyright: Trinidad weddings 2010

Here are some ideas:

Monogram or initial cake toppers in Swarovski crystals - not only do these appear in clear crystals but now can be customized with coloured crystals (for e.g. in pink, red etc.) for a co-ordinated look. Small wooden dowels are usually inserted into the bottom of each letter, to make it ready to be inserted into the cake

Cake jewellery – these typically hang off the top of the cake from wires and are usually in the shape of hearts, birds, stars and butterflies.

Figurines that represent your hobbies - e.g. a groom fishing for his bride or a groom golfing or playing football etc.

Fresh flowers - this option is much more affordable than having sugar or gum paste flowers made and you can personalize it by having some of the same flowers that appear in your bouquet, appear on the top of your cake, or you can have the flowers that appear on your invitations ( e.g. roses, calla lilies) , appear as “live” versions on your cake.

A walk on the wild side – Acrylic toppers in zebra and leopard print

Birds – This year, natural motifs are very popular on cakes. Birds, in particular, especially handmade ones made from wood, porcelain, burlap and polymer clay are being seen.

Fondant figurines – if you have a very skilled cake artist he/she can make customized figurines for you out of fondant icing.

Themed – if you are fan of a particular cartoon or show, you can select toppers to suit for e.g. Disney or Star Trek characters.