Forever After Wedding

March 2021

What to

consider when shopping for rings

Getting here to there on your wedding

FLIP THIS MAGAZINE The journey of love marriage family

How couples can benefit from hiring local

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ngagements precede wedding dresses, flower arrangements, limousines, and even a couple’s wedding vows. And no proposal is complete without a ring. Knowledge of rings and stones is essential for those who plan to propose in the near future.

A recent survey from the wedding resource The Knot in which 12,000 brides and 1,200 grooms in the United States were asked about their rings, found that people spend an average, of $5,978 on engagement rings. Recognizing the potential cost of engagement rings can help ring shoppers prepare for their purchases. In addition to considering costs, couples can employ the following tips to shop with confidence.

Know your settings. How the diamond is framed can affect how big it looks and even how much it sparkles.

Get the desired cut. A skilled jeweler knows how to properly cut a stone to bring out its best radiance. From round to princess to emerald to mar-

quise cut, cut styles can affect how the stone looks as well as the price.

Know ring metals.

Platinum and gold are some of the most popular ring setting metals. Platinum costs considerably more than gold or silver but is long-lasting.

Investigate personal style. Men should pay attention to the jewelry their girlfriends wear so the engagement rings complement their style. Some women love modern jewelry, while others gravitate toward vintage pieces. Jewelry stores are in the business of developing relationships with their customers.

When purchasing engagement rings, couples can discuss their desires in regard to a ring, as well as their budgets.

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ocal vendors are often a go-to choose when couples are planning their wedding ceremonies and receptions. As the shop local movement grows in popularity, weddings present a prime opportunity to embrace this movement. Couples may have different ideas regarding where to tie the knot, but local vendors can be hired regardless of geography. Hometowns might be the traditional choice regarding wedding location.

Savings: Couples who travel for their weddings and employ local vendors will not have to pack as much.

Familiarity: Local vendors will be familiar with the area and possibly even the location where the wedding will be held. That can help couples avoid having to give directions, discuss venue protocols, and handle other tasks that must be worked out with non-local vendors.

Environment: Individuals who take great strides to conserve resources by reducing their energy consumption and protecting the environment often find that shopping local is beneficial.

Local vendors are more likely to source their materials from other local businesses, reducing their carbon footprints along the way

Proximity: Local vendors can meet with brides and grooms more readily throughout the planning process, making things less stressful on the happy couple.

Customization: Working with local vendors often translates into getting more personalized service and attention than mass retailers or merchants can provide.

From precious stones to brilliant new creations, our exquisite jewelry collections are truly stunning.

JEWELRY

BartlettFineJewelry.com The Village Shopping Center 2002 Judson Road, Suite 101 Longview, Texas 75605 (903) 758 . 4367

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Getting here to there on your wedding YOUR FLOORING, LIGHTING, APPLIANCE AND MORE STORE

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ou have planned the date, met with the officiant, decided on what to wear, and booked the venue. But how are you going to arrive in style? Arranging wedding transportation can be tricky, even if it seems like it is a relatively minor detail. However, getting not only the bride and groom, as well as the rest of the bridal party and guests, from point A to point B and even point C is often a taller task than it seems.

If the wedding will be held during prom or graduation season, couples may want to reserve vehicles even earlier due to high demand. While rented transportation is not necessary, it is a luxury many couples prefer, as it allows them to leave the driving to someone else. Generally speaking, hired cars will pick up the bride and groom separately before the ceremony; otherwise, they will arrive to the ceremony by other means and then utilize a limo or other vehicle afterward. The transportation will then take the married couple and typically members of the bridal party and immediate family to the reception venue And since the limos will leave after the reception drop off, some other form of transportation will be necessary to take the couple and whomever else rode to the reception

back home (or to the airport).

Budget also will dictate if transportation is provided for other guests. The majority or guests will drive their own cars to the wedding.

However, if the ceremony and reception site are far apart or if the journey is arduous and out of the way, some well-meaning couples will arrange for transport Pricing out different options can yield the most cost-effective route, which very well may be a school or charter bus instead of several limousines. Couples can start the process by asking their reception venue for transportation recommendations. Or if there are hotel accommodations after the party, the hotel may have connections or offer shuttle services.

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