J is for Jewelry

J

Selecting the ring:

Do your research. Look online and in magazines for the different settings, styles and shapes. Inform yourself about the different metals or combination of metals available for the band of the ring. Talk with jewelers to learn more about diamonds and what makes them such a valuable investment.

Set your budget before you begin shopping. It's always a good idea to know what you can afford and what limitations you may have in terms of cost.

The groom to be does not have to stick to old traditions of shopping for the ring alone. Modern couples increasingly work through the process of selecting the engagement ring together. However, if you prefer to surprise her with the ring of her dreams, here are a few tips on how to determine what she will like:

• Casually ask her about rings - look for opportunities like when walking past a jewelry store or after someone you know gets engaged. Subtlety is important, or else she will catch on quickly!
• Talk to her family and friends (as long as you're sure they won't spill the beans). They may already have an idea of what she wants, or you can enlist their help in talking to her and figuring it out.
• Look at the jewelry and clothes that she usually wears. This will give you a good sense of her style and taste.
• Is a traditional diamond ring what she wants? If not, explore alternative options or look into recycled metals/conflict-free diamonds.

Questions to ask the jeweler:

• Is there a warranty or guarantee?
• Can I have a Certificate of Authenticity?
• Can the ring be returned?
• How is the value determined for insurance purposes?
• Do you offer engraving?
• Ask about "The Four C's" - Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat

Make your final decision and purchase the ring! Don't get the ring too far in advance of the proposal - you don't want to have to worry about hiding it for long or keeping it safe. Have the ring appraised and insured before the proposal.

For more tips and information, check out these links:
Wikihow.com
Brideandgroomplanner.com 

I is for Iconic

I

A look back at some of the most striking wedding dresses. From real life princesses, Hollywood royalty, and Rock 'n' Roll legends, to the gowns featured in fantasy weddings on the screen, scroll through these timeless wedding fashions.

Queen Victoria 1840 - The look that started it all!

The Classics

Queen Elizabeth II 1946

Elizabeth Taylor 1950

Jacqueline Kennedy 1953

Audrey Hepburn 1954

Grace Kelly 1956

Princess Margaret 1960

Ava Gardner 1961

Raquel Welch 1967

Princess Anne 1973

Princess Diana 1981

Carolyn Bessette Kennedy 1996

Kate Middleton 2011

Rock 'N' Roll

Priscilla Beaulieu 1967

Yoko Ono 1969

Bianca Jagger 1971

Gwen Stefani 2002

On Screen

"The Razor's Edge" Featuring Gene Tierney 1946

"Father of the Bride" Featuring Elizabeth Taylor 1950

"The Sound of Music" Featuring Julie Andrews 1965

General Hospital - Luke and Laura's Wedding 1981

"Sex and The City" Featuring Sarah Jessica Parker 2008

The Disney Princesses

Find more Princess Dresses Here: Princess Dresses


*Sarah Jessica Parker (Real Life Wedding) 1997

For these iconic dresses and more visit Vogue UK or TLC.com



H is for Hair

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Practice makes perfect! Scheduling a trial appointment with your hairstylist is a great idea. You will know exactly how much time to allow for your hair stylist on the day of the wedding and you will be sure that the look you want is what you will get, before the big day.

Brides.com recommends scheduling your hair trial three months before the wedding. Wash and dry your hair before your appointment to save your stylist from having to waste time doing that for you. Wear makeup and bring along the accessories you plan to wear for your wedding. Bring visuals and example photos of what you would like to give your stylist a starting point. Be very clear about what you want - if the look isn't right at the trial, speak up!

Plan to go out the night of your trial. (Put that fancy hairdo to good use!) Pay attention to how long the hair style lasts. It is also a good idea to take note of the products that your stylist uses so that the same things are used when it comes time for the real thing.

Be aware that the appointment may cost as much as the day of styling and that if there are discounts, there may be a catch - some salons will require you to pay for your day of appointment, will not do a full styling or will not place the veil and accessories (Glamour.com). If possible, you could try to schedule a dress fitting after the trial as well, so that you can see what your hair will look like with your dress (Wiki.weddingbee.com).

For examples of wedding styles, tips for growing out your hair for your wedding day, advice for healthy, shiny hair and much, much more: Click Here!

G is for Guest Book

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We've gathered some fun and creative options for the guest book, as well as ways to make sure that your guests participate in the signing.

Traditional:

The basic book and pen set. You can have this placed on a table or podium so that those attending your reception may sign as they enter. This will provide you with a valuable keepsake to remind you of all of your loved ones who were able to share in the celebration. (It's also helpful when writing your Thank You's!)

Traditional With a Twist:

- Personalize the guest book by covering it with fabric that matches your wedding colors, or by stamping a monogram.
- Create a photo album or shutterfly book with engagement pictures or childhood pictures. You could also incorporate movie tickets or other memorabilia from past dates into the album. Guests can sign and write notes around the images.
- Have small books placed at your guest's tables. The books can have thought-provoking questions written on the front, which will give your guests something to talk about at the tables and give them some direction as to what to write!

- Create a coffee table book for guests to sign. Rather than storing your guest book somewhere out of sight, it can become an interesting piece in your living room.

Creative:

- Have your guests sign a large poster or mirror. Decorate the area so that guests are drawn toward the display and feel encouraged to sign.
- Have a picture matted and framed so that your guests can sign around the border.
- Typewriter guest book. Fun and interactive!

Alternative:

- Don't feel that you have to use a book. You can have guests write notes on small cards and place them in a decorative bowl, hang them on a decorative tree or clothesline!

- Guests can sign objects. For example, wishing stones, puzzle pieces, or decorative plates. You could also have guests sign wine bottles and designate an anniversary to drink each bottle.
- Incorporate your theme! Have guests sign seashells at a beach wedding or write on notecards which you collect in a suitcase after a destination wedding.
- Give your guests a script - have them fill out mad libs!
- Have guests place their fingerprints on a tree as the "leaves" and sign their names next to them.

- Collective art - Each guest can add a line in a poem or story. Or, supply coloring utensils to guests and have them create a masterpiece.
- Have guests sign a parchment scroll or a quilt!
- Use your photobooth as your guest book - have guests write messages on a chalk board and get their picture taken with it, or have guests place the printouts of their pictures in an album and sign their names.

Tips:

- Appoint someone to oversee the signing
- Have a few guests sign, fingerprint, or hang their note on a tree before the reception so that there are examples to follow, showing guests exactly what you would like for them to do.
- Leave a sign explaining what to do. This can be creative - a poem, written on a chalkboard, etc.
- Have your DJ or Band announce the guest book and remind those in attendance to sign it.

For these ideas, images and more, visit:
Blueskypapers.com, MarthaStewartWeddings.com, and Bridalguide.com

F is for Fascinator

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's a fascinator!

All the rage among the guests at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, the fascinator is a trendy wedding accessory. First popularized in the early 1900's, the imaginitive creations of mesh, feathers, and wiry bows are worn on the front or side of the forehead. (USmagazine.com)

Artist Spotlight: Robin Ewers

If you frequent the Downtown area you have probably seen the decorative pigs lining the streets. The pigs are part of the Big Pig Gig: Do Re Wee, a project produced by Artworks to bring awareness of the arts in Cincinnati.

We were able to ask Robin Ewers, an artist who participated in the project, a few questions about her involvement.

The Selection Process:
"At first, I had worked on a few other designs with a friend of mine. Neither design was selected right away, but the Cincinnati Development Fund saw one of the pigs I submitted. They liked my style and asked myself and a few other artists to come up with a design for their organization." Robin's design was selected from among her competition!

The Motivation:
"I've wanted to be involved with Artworks in some way, for quite some time. I just needed something that would fit my schedule a little better. They have teaching positions throughout the summer, which would be a dream for me to do, but I work a full tiem job, so it wasn't a fit, unfortunately. The Big Pig Gig seemed right up my alley. Besides, who wouldn't want to say that they painted a pig! Artworks brings attention to the arts, and that's my passion. If I'm going to spend my time and energy on something, I wanted it to be in an area that I could back and support 100%. Artworks is that for me."

The Inspiration:
Robin's pig is called "Over the Swine." We asked where this idea originated.

"The Cincinnati Development Fund had given me great direction as far as what they wanted to see on the pig. They wanted to see a whimsical depiction of the Italianate style buildings throughout Over the Rhine (OTR). There's a special place in my heart for OTR and the history of Cincinnati, and the new development of the neighborhood gave me so much more to work with. It's important to know where we came from and where our roots are so I wanted to show a little of that, especially in the 'river to road' transition near the bottom of the pig. Central Parkway used to be a river, and it was known as the Rhine River. Anything over that river was referred to as "Over the Rhine."

 The Challenge:
"I really didn't face any challenges while painting. It was surprisingly more easy than I thought. However, getting the pig up the 40 - some stairs and into my 2nd story apartment was challenging. My only studio space is technically my dining room/livingroom, so having a six foot pig in my small one bedroom apartment for a month was a challenge in itself!"

"Over the Swine" AKA Herbert:
"The technical name for the pig is 'Over the Swine,' but I affectionately named him Herbert. I figured the pig was living with me for a while, so it was like having a roommate. I didn't want to keep referring to him as the pig; he deserved a name. Herbert sounded good for a pig!"

Other Involvement:
"I'm involved with Springboard Cincinnati and the Secret Artworks programs, but I'd like to get involved in more programs with Artworks as soon as I can. I'm always open to new things!"

Other Mediums:
"Paper and pencils will always be my first true love, but I have expanded to painting shoes, tile necklace pendants, making greeting cards and more recently, walls! I've been doing a couple of murals around the city... I just finished one in the pool area at Coney Island."

Where you can find more of Robin's art:
"My art hangs regularly at Dutch's Wine Bar on Erie Ave., in Hyde Park. I occasionally do art shows... most recently was the Mt. Adams Art Walk. I'm looking to expand to a few more places, so we'll see how that goes! As always, my artwork is on my website, www.rewersdesigns.com, etsy.com, and society6.com.

What's Next for the Pigs?
"Since most of the pigs are sponsored by a business or organization, they will either stay where they are placed or move to a more permanent location."

Thank you to Robin for letting us showcase her talent! For more information on the decorative pigs lining downtown Streets, you can visit Artworks.

E is for Entrance

E

We explore the elements of the entrance - pick and choose from these tips on how the newly married couple and their bridal party can make a great one!

Location -

It is time to appear before the guests at the reception. You already made a dramatic and beautiful entrance at the ceremony, and now it's your chance to wow them a second time. Check out the venue and pick the perfect spot. Can you remain hidden before you get there? Are there large dramatic doors or is there an impressive staircase? Maybe come in through a less obvious entrance and add in an element of surprise!

Attire -

Wear something fun and different - goofy glasses, hats, something that represents your alma mater or favorite sports team. Girls - kick off those painful heels and switch into your comfy, oversized reception slippers!

Announcement -

Having your entrance announced certainly gets everyone's attention and turns the focus to you as you step onto the scene. Work with your DJ, or the family member/friend who you would like to have do the introductions on making the announcement unique and memorable.

Music -

Select a song fitting for your entrance and have it played as you walk in. You can time your entrance to the perfect moment in the song, or come in dancing so that everyone can catch a glimpse of your sweet moves. (You can go big in the beginning or save your signature shuffle for later. You have plenty of time to dance the night away!)

The Knot suggests these for the Bride and Groom:

"Beautiful Day" by U2
"This Will Be (an Everlasting Love)" by Natalie Cole
"Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)" by Stevie Wonder
"Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina & the Waves
"Let it Rock" by Kevin Rudolf

And for the Bridal Party:

"Bring Em Out" by T.I.
"Battle Without Honor or Humanity" from the Kill Bill soundtrack
"The Way You Make Me Feel" by Michael Jackson
"I Got a Feeling" by Black Eyed Peas
"Sing, Sing, Sing" by Benny Goodman

Check out more great entrance songs: CLICK HERE

And for more information on how to make a great entrance: CLICK HERE